Minnesota Degree Programs for Nurse Practitioners
As a registered nurse in Minnesota, you’re well aware of statewide and national changes in healthcare. If you’re inspired to take on a bigger role in patient care, becoming a nurse practitioner could be a great step for you. On this page, discover what it takes to become a nurse practitioner, how this degree could change your job outlook and where you may work with a graduate degree. Use our list of schools to reach out to programs and explore different areas of concentration in this field.
Changes in healthcare legislation have completely turned the world of nursing upside down. While many residents once went without insurance or regular healthcare, it is now possible for all Minnesota residents to get access to preventative care and treatment. As a result, the need for primary and acute care providers has increased significantly in this state. Read on to learn how to fill this gap as a nurse practitioner in the state of Minnesota.
How Can I Become a Nurse Practitioner in Minnesota?
If you’re looking for a way to advance your nursing career, consider earning a Master’s degree or doctorate to become a nurse practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements for Master’s Programs
- Credit hours required: 50 credits
- Average cost: $600 per credit
- Clinical hours required: 500 or more clinical hours
- Timeframe: Three years
Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements for Doctoral Programs
- Credit hours required: 90 credits
- Clinical hours required: 1,000 or more clinical hours
- Timeframe: Five years
Thanks to changes in healthcare law, this is a great time to learn more about FNP programs and other nurse practitioner degrees.
What Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Are Available in Minnesota?
Minnesota colleges and universities offer a wide variety of nurse practitioner degrees. Those who want to focus on general care often choose family nurse practitioner programs, since this offers experience with patients of all ages and backgrounds. However, some of the other choices you may have as a Minnesota student include women’s health, pediatric care, adult-gerontology care, and psychiatric care.
By comparing curricular requirements, you can find a degree option that fits your career goals and experience.
Courses Offered in FNP Programs
- Nursing Science Theory
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Nursing Actions
- Health Promotion
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Practice for APRNs
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Diagnostics and Procedures for APRNs
- Adult Health
- Pediatric Health
- Family Health
How Can I Pay for Nurse Practitioner School in Minnesota?
- BestNursingDegree.com Back to School Scholarship: At BestNursingDegree.com, there are four application cycles per year. During each cycle, selected applicants are awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship: If you’re willing to spend two years in a Health Professional Shortage Area after graduation, this may be an alternative to student loans.
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: If you have student loans after graduation, you may consider applying for this program to pay them off quickly. The fund pays up to $50,000 in student loans in exchange for two years at an NHSC-approved site.
- Minnesota Nurse Practitioners Scholarship: As a nurse practitioner student, you can benefit from membership in Minnesota Nurse Practitioners. Each year, this group awards one $1,000 scholarship to a nurse practitioner student.
Licensure for NPs in Minnesota
Before you start working as a nurse practitioner, you have to get your license through the Minnesota Board of Nursing. They verify that you have been nationally certified in your area of practice. You must have a valid registered nursing license to apply for an advanced practice nursing license. Minnesota is one of many states that permits nurse practitioners to work within their full scope of practice (AANP, 2016).
Nurse Practitioner Careers in Minnesota
As new graduate, you may want to start over in a new healthcare institution or you may want to continue working with your current employer. In fact, some registered nursing employers help with educational expenses if you agree to stay with them for a certain amount of time after graduation. You may also look into opening your own clinic and getting established as an entrepreneur.
From 2014 to 2024, O*Net expects job openings for nurse practitioners to swell 26% in Minnesota (2016). The average salary for a nurse practitioner in Minnesota is $104,390 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
By taking your education to the next level and becoming a nurse practitioner, you can do a lot for the patients in your community. Continually advancing your education and learning more about the field of nursing strengthens this field as a whole and encourages other nurses to strive for excellence.
NP Programs for Minnesota Nurses
- Metropolitan State University. Metropolitan State is in the process of converting its family and adult/gerontology nurse practitioner programs to DNP-level programs. An MSN program is available to Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioners (WHCNPs) who are certified through Planned Parenthood of Minnesota/South Dakota.
- St. Catherine University. St. Catherine’s, casually referred to as St. Kate’s, offers NP programs in adult-gerontology, neonatal and pediatrics. Adult-gerontology NP grads choose to become certified as both an adult and a gerontology nurse practitioner.
- Winona State University. Winona State offers a family nurse practitioner program and an adult nurse practitioner program. Clinical experiences include a strong focus on rural and underserved populations.
Rural Minnesota nurses may appreciate the convenience of Georgetown University’s online NP program.
