Top LPN Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota LPN Schools, License Requirements, Job Outlook, and Salary
The health care industry is an important part of the society that is responsible for maintaining the health of the citizens. Licensed Practical Nurses play an essential role in the medical sector as they help the patients and their families to fight the ailments. Those students who are thinking of getting into an LPN profession can select a college depending on factors like accreditation and the NCLEX-PN pass rate. After analyzing all these factors and meeting the criteria as set by the board for enrollment in an LPN school in Minnesota, candidates can get the admission.
LPN programs last approximately for a year or less, and the curriculum focuses on incorporating the students with all the nursing skills, knowledge, and the right kind of attitude.
All those students, who have completed their high school, are above 18 years of age with no criminal history and come out clear in the drug test, are eligible to apply for the practical nursing course. Strong interpersonal skills prove to be a boon for those who are associated with this profession since the job requires frequent communication with the patients. LPNs must be able to convey their message properly and provide comfort to the patients at the same time. There is a total of 26 accredited nursing schools in Minnesota that train the students in the practical nursing program. LPN schools in Minnesota that are enlisted below consist of expert faculty with great laboratory experience who equip the students with the required knowledge and skills to excel in their career.
1
Rank
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
This college works with a mission to provide advance education and dynamic learning environment to the students. The college offers a variety of courses beneficial for students who wish to retrain for job progression, transfer to a university, or pursue a career. Nearby communities and business rely on the college for education and training. The main focus of the college is to deliver approachable education with vigor and integrity to the learners.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
96.51 %
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Address:
900 Highway 34 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
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Contact Number:
1-877-450-3322
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2
Rank
Ridgewater College
Type of Course:Diploma
Ridgewater College offers some of the programs that are unique and are not available in any other college. The college strives to maintain a standard of education and has been recognized as a leader in education that epitomizes excellence. It is committed to provide a supportive and affordable education system to the students. Moreover, it provides over 100 different programs covering all the areas.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.74 %
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Address:
2101 15th Avenue North West, Willmar, MN 56201
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Contact Number:
320-222-5200
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3
Rank
Rochester Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
Rochester Community and Technical College was established in 1905, and is renowned for delivering a meritorious education to the students for more than 100 years. The major attribute of the college is an enjoyable and learning environment. It provides a universal gateway to exceptional learning opportunities. The college aims at developing integrated skills in the students through many resources and practices.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
95.42 %
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Address:
851 30th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904-4999
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Contact Number:
1-800-247-1296
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4
Rank
Rasmussen College – Mankato
Type of Course:Diploma
The college dates back to 1900. The college was established by Walter Rasmussen to meet the demands of the growing business class. The main aim of the college is to train the youth such that they can hold accountable positions in the professional space. The staff strives to achieve a difference in the lives of the students along with honing their personal growth. It has 23 campuses and offers courses and degrees in various streams.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.80 %
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Address:
130 Saint Andrews Drive, Mankato, MN 56001
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Contact Number:
507-625-6556
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5
Rank
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
The college prepares the students for a life-long learning experience by inculcating technical, career and transferable education. St Cloud Technical and Community College puts efforts to achieve a team oriented environment, continuous improvement, innovation and creativity and student success through cooperation and collaboration. The college makes the education accessible by awarding scholarships. The success of college can be noted from the fact that it has doubled in size in the last ten years.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
94.55 %
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Address:
1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
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Contact Number:
1-800-222-1009
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6
Rank
Alexandria Technical and Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
Alexandria Technical and Community College is a premier institute of comprehensive learning and career planning. The college has been providing quality education since 1961. It was started with 3 students and has evolved tremendously. Through the years, the college has maintained its integrity and leadership. The high quality of technical and transfer programs meet the demands and needs of the community and students. It empowers each of its students with skills and knowledge to make a change in the society.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
91.82 %
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Address:
1601 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, MN 56308
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Contact Number:
1-888-234-1222
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7
Rank
Riverland Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
The main motive of the college is to develop an environment that is directed towards excellence in teaching and learning of the students. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Academic Quality Improvement Program. The college is dedicated to build strategies that enhance the growth and expand various opportunities for the students. Riverland Community College has been recognized across the state for a world-class educational experience and achievement of measurable outcomes.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.64 %
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Address:
2200 Riverland Drive, Albert Lea, MN 56007
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Contact Number:
507-379-3300
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8
Rank
Anoka Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
Anoka Technical College eases the burden of the students by providing scholarships and financial aid worth $500 to $2000 to the deserving candidates. The college offers one of the best practical nursing programs in Minnesota along with other courses like information technology, medical assistant, and welding. The college is committed to the welfare of the students.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.55 %
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Address:
1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303
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Contact Number:
763-433-1100
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9
Rank
Minnesota West Community and Technical College – Worthington
Type of Course:Diploma
The Minnesota West Community and Technical College has an 80-year old history. The strong areas of the college include personalized attention, emphasis on hands-on training, and small class size. The college works with a mission of updating the students with the changes in the job market so that they can stand in the highly competitive arena. Apart from this, it aims to focus on the academic and personal growth of the students.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
89.24 %
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Address:
1450 Collegeway, Worthington, MN 56187
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Contact Number:
800-658-2330
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10
Rank
Pine Technical and Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.58 %
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Address:
900 Fourth Street South East, Pine City, MN 55063
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Contact Number:
320-629-5100
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11
Rank
Lake Superior College
Type of Course:Diploma
There are more than 90 diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs in technical and other fields. Instead of spacious lecture halls, the college has small classrooms where the students are the main focus, and individual attention is promised. The campus environment of Lake Superior College is motivated yet playful. The college provides a variety of online classes. In addition to all this, it strives to provide affordable higher education, gainful for the community and the students.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.31 %
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Address:
2101 Trinity Road, Duluth, MN 55811
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Contact Number:
218-733-7600
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12
Rank
Central Lakes College
Type of Course:Diploma
The college came into existence in 1995 by merging Brainerd Community College and Brainerd Staples Technical College. Central Lake College offers approximately 70 programs and works in association with the instructors to maintain a good standard of education. Recent developments in the college include a nursing lab, videography classroom, and medical assistant classroom. It is dedicated to provide a supportive environment for the progress and advancement of the students coming from diverse cultures.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
88.22 %
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Address:
501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401
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Contact Number:
800-933-0346
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13
Rank
Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical, Winona
Type of Course:Diploma
The college provides more than 30 programs and courses covering areas like musical instrument repair and building, business and management, liberal arts and sciences, human services, health and medicine. The atmosphere of the college is friendly with supportive staff and encourages one to excel in education. The school arranges for good placement opportunities. MSC-Southeast is devoted to follow a strategy of non-discrimination in education and employment opportunities.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
87.56 %
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Address:
P.O. Box 409, 1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987
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Contact Number:
507-453-2700
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14
Rank
Dakota County Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
Dakota County Technical College opened its door for the students in early 1969. The college is situated in an area of 107.13 acres at 1.5 miles east of Rosemount. It has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Dacota College delivers quality education to the students through innovative and latest methods. The college tries to equip the students with an education that empowers them to enhance their ability and grab the opportunities.
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
85.61 %
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Address:
1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068
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Contact Number:
651-423-8301
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15
Rank
Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
83.94 %
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Address:
2101 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720
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Contact Number:
1-800-657-3712
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16
Rank
St. Paul Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
82.54 %
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Address:
235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102
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Contact Number:
1-800-227-6029
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17
Rank
Itasca Community College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
82.43 %
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Address:
1851 East Highway 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3397
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Contact Number:
1-800-996-6422
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18
Rank
Northland Community and Technical College – East Grand Forks
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
82.07 %
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Address:
2022 Central Avenue NE East, Grand Forks, MN 56721
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Contact Number:
1-800-959-6282
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19
Rank
Hennepin Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
80.66 %
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Address:
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
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Contact Number:
952-995-1300
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20
Rank
Mesabi Range Community and Technical College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
78.26 %
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Address:
1001 Chestnut Street, West Virginia, MN 55792
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Contact Number:
800-657-3860
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21
Rank
Northland Community and Technical College – Thief River Falls
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
78.17 %
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Address:
1101 Highway One East, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
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Contact Number:
1-800-959-6282
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22
Rank
Northwest Technical College – Bemidji
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
77.08 %
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Address:
905 Grant Avenue South East, Bemidji, MN 56601-4907
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Contact Number:
800-942-8324
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23
Rank
South Central College
Type of Course:Diploma
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NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:
64.34 %
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Address:
1225 Third Street South West, Faribault, MN 55021
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Contact Number:
800-422-0391
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Licensure Requirements
All the graduate practical nurses need to acquire a license if they want to work as an LPN. They can get a license by passing the examination or by endorsement. Other than that, the license is required to be renewed after a certain time period. You can also request the board to issue a duplicate license if you need.
License by Examination
The candidates who have completed the LPN training program must pass a licensure test in order to continue practical nursing as a career. The NCLEX-PN test checks the knowledge of the aspirants that they have assimilated during the course.
The candidate must submit the following documents to the board in order to take the test.
- Show a proof that you have never been involved in any offensive disciplinary action and have a clear criminal history.
- The submission of proof by your school that you have completed the LPN course is essential.
- Next step is to register with the Pearson Vue (the organization that conducts the test) by filling the online application, or by making a call at 1-866-496-2539.
The organization would reply you by sending ATT through mail. Once you receive the ATT, you can get the exam scheduled at any of the centers. The ATT is valid for a duration of 90 days. So, the test must be arranged within that time period; otherwise, the registration with the Pearson Vue would not remain valid.
The board will issue the license within 10 business days if you clear the examination. The exam results can be checked on the board's website. In case, the candidate does not pass the test, s/he would be mailed an EXAMINATION RETAKE REQUEST with a report indicating the mistakes that were committed in the test.
You can check the progress of your application at the following link:
https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/licensure/
The application can be completed online by visiting the following link.
https://lmbn.hlb.state.mn.us/DesktopModules/ServiceForm.aspx?svid=6&mid=78
Additional Requirements for Licensure by Examination for Canadian Applicants
- The candidates must submit verification of licensure from the Canadian state where they were issued their license originally and from the jurisdiction of the United States where they are recently licensed as a practical nurse.
- Submission of an official transcript is also necessary if you have never been licensed in the Canadian district. The official transcript can be obtained from the nursing school.
The application can be downloaded from the following link.
http://mn.gov/boards/assets/Exam_LPN_Pckt_Can_4-25-16_tcm21-37446.pdf
Additional Requirements for Licensure by Examination for Applicants Educated in a Foreign Country
License reinstatement is done when the candidate fails to get the license renewed before expiration, or the license is suspended. Reinstatement of LPN license can be done by sending the appropriate application with requisite fees and documents to the board. At least two affidavits should be accompanied with the application. The board also requires you to fulfill the following conditions.
- Submit a "credentials evaluation report."
- The applicant must request the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing School (CGFNS) to send a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) report to the board. Download the form from the official website of the CGFNS.
- The applicant must request the International Education Research Foundation (IERF) to provide the Nursing Licensure Evaluation Report to the board. The forms can be downloaded from the website of IERF.
- If the candidate completes his/her nursing program from a country where English is not the principal language, s/he must pass a state approved English proficiency test.
- The minimum scores for passing the English speaking test is 84, with a minimum score of 26 on the TOEFL iBT, or 560 marks on the written TOEFL, or a score of 220 on the Computerized TOEFL. Next, the applicant must request the Education Testing Service to send the TOEFL report to the board using the Minnesota TOEFL code of 9416.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the overall score of 6.5 and at least 6.0 in all modules.
- Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (the total score should be 81 with minimum English speaking score of 3). The candidate should then request the Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments (CaMLA) to send the MELAB score report to the Board by mentioning the Minnesota Board of Nursing at the end of the MELAB official identification form, before appearing for the test. The application can be downloaded by visiting the following link.
http://mn.gov/boards/assets/Exam_LPN_Pckt_Can_4-25-16_tcm21-37446.pdf
If the board is unable to receive the Credential Evaluation Services report from the CGFNS and a report of passing score on the TOEFL from ETS within one year of the application, the application would be considered invalid, and you will have to apply for the licensure again.
Licensure by Endorsement
If the nurses have attained a license in any other state of the US, they can get the license in Minnesota through endorsement. To get the license, they must fulfill the following conditions:
- Submit the licensure by endorsement application and the fees associated with it.
- The candidate must deposit at least one verification:
- Submit the verification from the state where you were licensed.
- Submit the verification from the state that authenticated the license you are presently using.
If the state from where the license was issued and the state where you are working is same, then submission of only one verification is required. Moreover, if the state that issued your first license is different from the state you are working in, then two verifications would be required.
In order to verify the license, candidates can visit www.nursys.com if the state performs the license verification through Nursys.com. The list of the states where license is verified by Nursys and paper verification form is enclosed with the Licensure by Endorsement packet.
- Next, the candidate is required to submit a confirmation regarding nursing employment through an endorsement form.
- The board would intimate through a letter that whether they require you to submit the proof of continuing education or a refresher course. If you have not practiced nursing for more than five years, then the applicant should complete the refresher course meeting the board's standards. The continuing education may differ depending on the date of most recent licensure and nursing practice.
Paper application can be downloaded from:
http://mn.gov/boards/assets/IE_LPN_Pckt_12_31_15_tcm21-37263.pdf
The form for licensure by endorsement can also be filled online by visiting the following link.
https://lmbn.hlb.state.mn.us/DesktopModules/ServiceForm.aspx?svid=20&mid=78
Nursing License Verification in Minnesota
Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry maintains the records of all the nurses who hold a valid license. At any point of time, nursing license verification can be performed through the nurse aide registry. If the licensed practical nurses move out of the state and want to attain an LPN license over there, the state's board would verify the genuinity of the license by contacting the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.
For online verification,
- Visit https://lmbn.hlb.state.mn.us/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=41
- Login by providing the requisite information.
- Then, click on "Verification Services".
- Next, click the link to "Search License Records".
- The license can be searched by entering the license number or name of the licensee.
Minnesota Nursing License Renewal
The LPN license remains valid for a time period of two years, after which, it has to be renewed in order to continue working as an LPN. The board has made the renewal process quite easy that can be carried out offline or online.
The board requires the LPNs to complete a minimum of 12 contact hours of CE during 2 years of registration.
For online license renewal, follow the below-given steps:
- Visit https://lmbn.hlb.state.mn.us/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=41
- Login by entering your details if you are an existing user. New users can register by clicking on "New Users Register Here."
- Next, click on "Renew License-LPN" and follow the directions.
- After making the payment, you will receive a confirmation number. The number confirms the completion of your application.
- The candidates can not renew online if they have a disciplinary action against them, want to change the name, or wish to postpone the CE hours.
For paper application, you will have to make a request to the board by making a call at 612-317-3000.
Reregistration of the LPN License
If you fail to renew your license on time, it gets inactive. In this case, it can be reactivated via reregistration.
Requirements to be fulfilled for reregistration:
- Submit an application along with confirmation of nursing employment form and requisite fee.
- Provide a proof of continuing education.
- Take a refresher course in nursing or equivalent if you have not practiced nursing for the past 5 or more years.
The board will intimate you whether you are supposed to take a nurse refresher course or submit the proof of continuing education, once it receives the confirmation of nursing employment form and completed education.
For online reregistration, click here.
For downloading application, visit the following link:
https://mn.gov/boards/assets/Rereg_Pcket_4-26-16_tcm21-37420.pdf
Duplicate License
If your license has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, then you can request the board to issue a duplicate license. For this, you will have to submit a fee of $20 along with the completely filled application form.
Download the form from here.
Name and Address Change
If you want to change your name and address on the form, you will have to submit a completed form to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. For the name change, the applicants are supposed to show legal proof like a court order or marriage certificate.
The form can be downloaded from the below-given link:
https://mn.gov/boards/assets/Name_Address_Phone_Number_Change_request.pdf_tcm21-37129.pdf
Salary of the Licensed Practical Nurses in Minnesota
According to indeed.com, the average salary of LPNs in the state of Minnesota was $45,000 (as of Oct 26, 2016). As per the information provided by The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage of licensed practical nurses was $20.51 and the mean annual salary was $42,440 (as of May 2015). A detailed report is provided below stating the amount received by LPNs in the different cities of Minnesota.
Salaries of LPN/LVN in Different Cities of Minnesota
| Name of the City |
Salary |
| Burnsville |
$34,000 |
| Eden Prairie |
$33,000 |
| Minnetonka |
$23,000 |
| Saint Paul |
$29,000 |
| Duluth |
$27,000 |
| Lakeville |
$17,000 |
| Minneapolis |
$25,000 |
| Rochester |
$47,000 |
| Saint Cloud |
$38,000 |
Information Source: salary.com
These professionals earned the highest salary (i.e., $46,906) in the cities of Eden Prairie, Burnsville, Saint Paul, Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Minneapolis. They earned the lowest salary (i.e., $41,704) in Rochester.
Various Job Titles for LPN/LVN With Average Annual Salaries
| Job Title |
Salary |
| Long Term Care LPN |
$23,000 |
| Renal Dialysis Nurse |
$46,000 |
| LPN Ambulatory |
$30,000 |
| Nurse RN LPN |
$43,000 |
| CNA Medical Surgical |
$24,000 |
| Nar Nursing Assistant Hope |
$22,000 |
| Clinical Nurse LPN |
$33,000 |
| LPN Primary Care |
$41,000 |
| Patient Care Technician Student |
$15,000 |
| Medical Assistant Family Practice |
$25,000 |
| Correctional Prison Facility LPN |
$20,000 |
| LPN Cma Rma |
$27,000 |
| LPN Long Term Care |
$29,000 |
| LPN LVN |
$36,000 |
| Psychiatric Nurse |
$50,000 |
Information Source: indeed.com (as of Oct 26, 2016)
The above table reveals that Psychiatric Nurses earned the maximum salary, i.e., $50,000, while the Patient Care Technician Student got the least (i.e., $15,000) in Minnesota.
Job Outlook for LPNs in Minnesota
LPNs have a shining future ahead as the job opportunities are expected to increase in the upcoming years. The primary reasons being aging population and reforms in the health care industry. The work area of an LPN has broadened to health care clinics, hospitals, old age homes, schools, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, giving way to more opportunities. As per the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6.395 LPNs are employed per 1000 jobs. More and more people are getting attracted to the field as the course duration is relatively short, and it offers promising job prospects.
