If you want to join the healthcare industry, there has never been a more important time. The nursing shortage is plaguing hospitals across the country. According to a recent study, over 2,400 nurses in Minnesota left their nursing jobs in 2022. Due to staffing concerns, the issue is prevalent throughout the country. While the circumstances are dire, it also opens up opportunities for newer professionals to enter the fray.
If you want to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Minnesota this is a great time for you to pursue an opportunity. Becoming a nurse is a great way to become a healthcare professional. However, you must understand the nursing board requirements in Minnesota to become a registered or licensed practical nurse in the state.
Fast CE for Less helps nurses renew their credentials through affordable online nursing CEUs. We also create informative guides to help prospective nurses understand nursing board requirements in their respective states. With the help of this guide, you can pursue a career as a RN or LPN in Minnesota with more confidence.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
The nursing board requirements in Minnesota to become a registered nurse include completing specialized education and training. After that, a candidate must apply for state licensure to become a registered nurse in Minnesota via examination. After obtaining the license, RNs in Minnesota must complete continuing education courses periodically to renew their licenses.
Earn a Pre-Licensure Nursing Degree
The first requirement to become an RN in Minnesota is to earn a pre-licensure nursing degree. To become an RN, you can pursue a two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Granted, you can apply for a state license after earning a two-year ADN, many suggest completing a BSN degree. By offering more in-depth training and education, a BSN can improve your chances of better positions when you begin your nursing career.
Whether you do a BSN or ADN, you must ensure you complete your pre-licensure nursing education through a program approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The board has published a complete list of nursing education programs approved on its official website here.
Apply for a Nursing License via Examination
Once you earn your degree, you can begin the process of applying for a state license. In order to get your initial license, you will need to take an examination. To become a registered nurse in Minnesota, you must take and pass the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a nationally-recognized licensure exam for registered nurses.
Visit the Minnesota Board of Nursing’s official website through this link to find online application forms to become an RN. When applying for a state license, you must also register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN.
Obtain Your License
After completing registration, you must take the NCLEX-RN. Once you pass the exam, the Minnesota Board of Nursing will review all your documents. upon approval of your application, the board will issue your license to become a registered nurse in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Nursing typically takes ten days to mail your license after passing the NCLEX-RN.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
The nursing board requirements in Minnesota to become a licensed practical nurse are different than for RNs. You must complete a practical nursing program and apply for a state license via exam. After obtaining your license, you must renew it periodically to continue practicing as an LPN in Minnesota.
Complete Your Pre-Licensure Nursing Education
If you have a high school diploma, you can complete an approved practical nursing program to become an LPN in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Nursing has published a complete list of approved practical nursing programs on its official website here.
Apply for a State License via Examination
Once you obtain your practical nursing certification, you can apply for state licensure to become a licensed practical nurse in Minnesota. You can find the forms to apply for an LPN license on the Minnesota Board of Nursing’s official website here. When applying for the license, you must also register with Pearson VUE for the National Council of Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This NCLEX-PN is a nationally-recognized exam for LPNs. Follow all the instructions to complete the registration process.
Obtain Your License
After completing registration, you must take the NCLEX-PN. After you pass the exam, the Minnesota Board of Nursing will review all your information. If you pass the NCLEX-PN and your application is approved, you can expect to receive your credentials to become a licensed practical nurse in Minnesota in 10 business days. However, the process can take slightly longer, based on an individual basis.
Nursing Continuing Education Courses to Renew Your RN or LPN License in Minnesota
Whether you become a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, your educational requirements do not end once you begin practicing as a nurse. Nursing boards nationwide require RNs and LPNs to renew their licenses every two to three years. Completing a required number of contact hours through nursing continuing education courses is essential for license renewal. Each state’s nursing board has its own requirements for continuing education for RNs and LPNs.
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, RNs and LPNs must renew their licenses every two years. For registered nurses in Minnesota, the continuing education requirements include a minimum of 24 contact hours of nursing CEUs every two years. Licensed practical nurses in Minnesota must complete 12 contact hours through nursing continuing education courses every two years. You can learn more about the details for continuing education requirements in Minnesota by visiting www.fastceforless.com/nursing-ce-minnesota/.
If you are an RN or LPN looking to renew your credentials, online nursing CEUs like those available at www.fastceforless.com can be the best solution.
