Minnesota has one of the strongest NP education markets in the Midwest, combining major research universities, nationally recognized healthcare systems, private institutions, and practice-focused nursing schools. This guide explores Minnesota NP programs, specialty options, and key considerations to help prospective students identify the pathway that best aligns with their professional goals.
Featured NP Programs in Minnesota
The following featured programs highlight a range of educational models, from research-intensive doctoral pathways and specialty-focused clinical training to flexible online and hybrid options designed for working nurses. Comparing these schools can help prospective students better understand differences in specialty availability, clinical training opportunities, delivery formats, and long-term academic pathways. For those who want to explore their NP options further, a broader directory section follows.
| University of Minnesota | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Innovation and Leadership, Integrative Health and Healing, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Midwifery, Nursing Informatics, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner |
| Clinical Placement Support | The School of Nursing provides institution-arranged practicum placements through a dedicated team that secures clinical experiences with preceptors. |
| Program Length & Format | The post-baccalaureate DNP offers three-year and four-year completion plans. Students attend a required one-week on-campus session each semester, with additional requirements varying by specialty. |
| Facilities & Learning Environment | Students have access to the 11,000-square-foot Bentson Healthy Communities Innovation Center for simulation-based learning and the Health Sciences Education Center, which supports interprofessional education and collaboration. |
| Faculty & Research Resources | Students learn from faculty recognized for leadership in nursing practice and research while benefiting from the resources of a major research university and a national alumni network. |
| Accreditation | The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Overview | The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with 12 specialty options spanning nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, leadership, informatics, anesthesia, midwifery, and integrative health fields. The program emphasizes interprofessional education, institution-arranged clinical placements, leadership development, and evidence-based practice. Students can complete the post-baccalaureate DNP through three- or four-year plans while benefiting from simulation-based learning facilities, nationally recognized faculty, and the resources of a large research university. |
| About the School | Located in Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing is part of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a public research institution and Big Ten university. The school is recognized for its research activity, doctoral education opportunities, and longstanding leadership in advanced nursing education. |
| St. Catherine University | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care (DNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP), Post-Master’s DNP, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate |
| Simulation & Clinical Learning | The School of Nursing utilizes integrated state-of-the-art simulation training through its I-SAIL program and provides real-world clinical learning experiences designed to prepare students for collaborative healthcare practice. |
| Faculty Expertise | Nationally recognized nursing faculty on the I-SAIL team help create engaging and collaborative healthcare simulation experiences for students. |
| Educational Focus | The program emphasizes multicultural perspectives, social justice, health equity, and whole-person healthcare while preparing nurses to meet evolving healthcare needs. |
| Interprofessional Education | Nursing students participate in Interprofessional Education (IPE) experiences that foster teamwork and collaboration across healthcare disciplines. |
| Program Offerings | Graduate nursing options include multiple DNP nurse practitioner specialties, post-graduate certificates, and MSN programs in areas such as Nurse Educator, Data Analytics, and Nursing Business Management. |
| Overview | St. Catherine University’s School of Nursing prepares students for advanced nursing practice through a combination of simulation-based education, clinical experiences, and interprofessional learning. DNP and post-graduate certificate offerings include several nurse practitioner specialties, while the curriculum emphasizes health equity, social justice, and collaborative care. Students learn from nationally recognized faculty and gain hands-on experience through the university’s I-SAIL simulation program. |
| About the School | St. Catherine University is a private university located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1905, it is one of the largest institutions for women in the United States and offers undergraduate programs for women as well as graduate and associate programs for all genders. |
| The College of St. Scholastica | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing / Healthcare Programs |
| Selected Programs | BS to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, BS to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner, BS to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
| Learning Format | The BS to DNP program is delivered in a hybrid format with online coursework and minimal on-campus requirements of 1–3 days per semester for labs and simulation experiences. Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs are completed through a hybrid format that combines online and clinical courses with regular on-campus and synchronous online meetings. |
| Clinical & Simulation Experiences | Students gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art simulation labs designed to bridge classroom learning and clinical practice. APRN certificate tracks include substantial supervised direct patient care hours, ranging from 900 to 1,020 hours depending on specialty. |
| NP Specializations | BS to DNP students can pursue Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations. Post-Graduate APRN Certificate options are available in the same three specialties. |
| Program Length & Structure | The BS to DNP program can be completed in approximately three years of full-time study and includes 75–78 credits, depending on concentration. Certificate completion time and credit requirements vary based on specialty and an individualized gap analysis of prior APRN coursework. |
| Tuition | Tuition is listed at $991 per credit for the 2026–27 academic year. Additional fees and course material costs may apply. |
| Overview | The College of St. Scholastica offers advanced nursing education through BS to DNP and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate pathways focused on preparing nurse practitioners and nursing leaders. Programs emphasize quality improvement, patient safety, healthcare leadership, and social justice while combining online learning, simulation experiences, and extensive clinical training. Students can pursue AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP specializations through flexible hybrid formats designed for working nurses. |
| About the School | The College of St. Scholastica is a private Benedictine institution based in Duluth, Minnesota. Known for its healthcare and nursing education offerings, the college emphasizes service, respect, stewardship, hospitality, and lifelong learning across its academic programs. |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | BS-DNP/Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), MSN-DNP |
| Program Formats | The BS-DNP/FNP track is a full-time program completed in three years. The MSN-DNP track is a part-time, fully online program that can be completed in two years. The BS-DNP/FNP program utilizes a hybrid format with four seminars per semester held in Edina. |
| NP Focus | The DNP program prepares students for Family Nurse Practitioner certification and eligibility for APRN licensure. Graduates are prepared to diagnose and treat diverse patient populations across the lifespan in primary care settings. |
| Clinical Placement Support | The program provides support through a clinical placement coordinator and emphasizes access to practicing clinical faculty, low student-to-faculty ratios, and support for securing clinical placements. |
| Distinctive Features | Program highlights include a family-focused curriculum, commitment to rural and underserved communities, excellent certification exam pass rates, a diverse student body, and instruction from currently practicing nurse practitioner faculty. |
| Accreditation | The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Overview | Minnesota State University, Mankato offers Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways designed for nurses seeking advanced practice and leadership roles as Family Nurse Practitioners. The school’s family-focused curriculum emphasizes care of individuals, families, and communities while integrating evidence-based practice, advanced clinical skills, and nursing leadership. Students benefit from clinical placement support, practicing NP faculty, hybrid or fully online learning options, and a strong commitment to serving rural and underserved populations. |
| About the School | Minnesota State University, Mankato is a public university located in Mankato, Minnesota. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Allied Health and Nursing and is recognized for its emphasis on family-focused nursing education, simulation-based learning, and community engagement. |
| Winona State University | |
| Nursing School | College of Nursing and Health Sciences |
| Selected Programs | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP, Certificate), Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP, Certificate), Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP, Certificate), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP, Certificate), Nurse Educator (DNP, Master’s, Certificate) |
| Program Offerings | Graduate nursing options include Doctor of Nursing Practice, post-graduate APRN certificates, master’s programs, and nurse educator programs. DNP specialties include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator. |
| Hands-On Learning | Students gain practical experience through Bridges Health, a clinic that helps address healthcare access needs in the community while providing experiential learning opportunities. |
| Educational Focus | Programs are designed to prepare caring, ethical, competent, and progressive healthcare professionals who are sensitive to diversity and prepared to work with individuals across all stages of health and wellness. |
| Accreditation | The baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The nursing program is also approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. |
| Licensure Preparation | The nursing curriculum is designed to meet professional licensure educational requirements in Minnesota and numerous other states and jurisdictions. |
| Overview | Winona State University offers multiple graduate nursing pathways, including DNP and post-graduate APRN certificate options in several advanced practice specialties. The programs emphasize ethical, patient-centered care, diversity, and professional competence while incorporating hands-on community-based learning experiences. Students can pursue advanced practice preparation in nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse educator roles through accredited programs designed to support career advancement in healthcare. |
| About the School | Winona State University is a public university and member of the Minnesota State system with campuses in Winona and Rochester, Minnesota. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is known for its emphasis on practical learning experiences, community engagement, and healthcare workforce preparation. |
Minnesota NP Program Directory
| Institution | Pathway Options | Selected Specializations | NP Certificates |
| Augsburg University Minneapolis, MN | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| Capella University Minneapolis, MN | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University St. Joseph, MN | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| Metropolitan State University St. Paul, MN | Entry-Level Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| Minnesota State University Mankato Mankato, MN | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| Rasmussen University Bloomington, MN | Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Saint Catherine University Saint Paul, MN | Entry-Level Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerNeonatal Nurse PractitionerPediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary CarePsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN | Entry-Level Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary CarePsychiatric/Mental Health Nurse PractitionerWomen’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner | |
| Walden University Minneapolis, MN | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Winona State University Winona, MN | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
How to Choose an NP Program in Minnesota
Minnesota offers a deep bench of NP programs, but they don’t all look the same. Some schools focus on preparing primary care providers for rural communities, while others emphasize specialty practice, healthcare leadership, research, or interprofessional education. As you compare programs, focus on specialization availability, delivery format, clinical placement support, and how each pathway aligns with your long-term professional goals.
Match your specialization to your goals
Minnesota schools collectively offer one of the broadest specialty selections in the Midwest. The University of Minnesota’s DNP program alone includes options in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Pediatric Primary Care, Women’s Health/Gender-Related Health, and Nurse Midwifery, along with several non-NP specialties. St. Catherine University adds Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care pathways, while Winona State University and The College of St. Scholastica both offer Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health tracks. Students comparing Minnesota schools with other best NP programs should think beyond specialty titles and consider the patient populations, care settings, and career paths they hope to pursue after graduation.
Consider how the program is delivered
Many Minnesota programs are designed for working nurses and use hybrid or flexible learning models. The College of St. Scholastica combines online coursework with limited on-campus labs and simulation experiences, while Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a hybrid BS-DNP/FNP pathway and a fully online MSN-to-DNP option. The University of Minnesota incorporates required on-campus sessions each semester as part of its DNP curriculum, while UMass-style fully online models are less common among Minnesota’s flagship NP programs. Nurses still exploring how to become a nurse practitioner should compare campus requirements, scheduling flexibility, and clinical expectations before selecting a pathway.
Think about your geographic context
Location can shape both clinical opportunities and future employment options. Students in the Twin Cities benefit from proximity to some of the region’s largest healthcare systems, including Mayo Clinic’s statewide presence, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, and HealthPartners. Meanwhile, schools such as Minnesota State University, Mankato and Winona State University place significant emphasis on serving rural and underserved communities, reflecting the workforce needs found throughout greater Minnesota. Students interested in rural practice, community health, or primary care may find these settings particularly valuable.
Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility
Minnesota schools offer DNP, post-master’s DNP, post-graduate certificate, and bridge pathways for nurses at different stages of their careers. The University of Minnesota offers multiple completion plans and specialty options through its DNP curriculum, while St. Catherine University provides both DNP and post-graduate certificate pathways across several NP specialties. Winona State and St. Scholastica also offer certificate options for APRNs seeking additional certification. Before selecting a pathway, students should review the NP accreditation requirements and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Minnesota NP licensure requirements and national certification standards.
Evaluate clinical placement support
Clinical placement support can vary significantly from school to school. The University of Minnesota provides institution-arranged practicum placements through a dedicated clinical placement team, while Minnesota State University, Mankato offers support through a clinical placement coordinator. Regis-style self-placement models are less common among the schools highlighted here. St. Scholastica incorporates between 900 and 1,020 supervised clinical hours depending on specialty, and several Minnesota programs use extensive simulation experiences to complement direct patient care training. Before enrolling, students should ask whether placements are coordinated by the school, whether travel may be required, and how specialty-specific preceptors are secured.
Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Minnesota
Minnesota NP students benefit from access to one of the Midwest’s strongest healthcare infrastructures, including nationally recognized health systems, academic medical centers, regional hospitals, community clinics, and rural healthcare networks. Clinical experiences can vary significantly depending on specialty, location, and program structure, but students often have access to a broad range of patient populations and care settings.
Major Clinical Training Environments
Several Minnesota universities emphasize simulation training, interprofessional education, and strong clinical partnerships.
- University of Minnesota provides institution-arranged practicum placements through a dedicated clinical placement team and supports learning through the Bentson Healthy Communities Innovation Center and Health Sciences Education Center.
- St. Catherine University utilizes its I-SAIL simulation program and interprofessional education experiences to prepare students for collaborative healthcare practice.
- The College of St. Scholastica combines hybrid coursework with extensive supervised clinical experiences and simulation-based learning.
- Winona State University incorporates community-based experiential learning through Bridges Health, helping students gain practical experience while addressing healthcare access needs.
Students in Minnesota may encounter clinical opportunities connected to healthcare systems such as:
- Mayo Clinic
- M Health Fairview
- Allina Health
- HealthPartners
- Children’s Minnesota
- Essentia Health
- CentraCare
- Sanford Health
How Geography Can Affect Placements
Location can shape both access to specialty rotations and future career opportunities.
Students in:
- Minneapolis
- St. Paul
- Rochester
- Duluth
- St. Cloud
may have greater access to:
- academic medical centers
- specialty hospitals
- pediatric and behavioral health providers
- large integrated healthcare systems
Students in rural and northern Minnesota may encounter:
- fewer specialty preceptors nearby
- additional travel requirements for certain rotations
- stronger exposure to primary care, critical access hospitals, tribal health, and rural healthcare delivery
Many Minnesota programs intentionally prepare graduates to serve rural and underserved communities, reflecting workforce needs throughout the state.
Online and Hybrid Program Considerations
Many Minnesota NP programs use hybrid learning models that combine online coursework with periodic campus visits, labs, and simulation experiences.
Before enrolling, students should ask:
- whether the school coordinates placements
- if students must identify preceptors independently
- whether travel is required for specialty rotations
- how placements are handled for distance learners
- whether clinical hours can be completed near home communities
These questions can be particularly important for students living outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Program-Specific Placement Models
Clinical support varies considerably across Minnesota schools.
- University of Minnesota provides institution-arranged practicum placements through a dedicated placement team.
- Minnesota State University, Mankato offers support through a clinical placement coordinator and emphasizes access to practicing NP faculty.
- St. Catherine University integrates simulation, clinical experiences, and interprofessional learning throughout its programs.
- The College of St. Scholastica combines extensive supervised clinical hours with simulation-supported training.
Before enrolling, students should ask detailed questions about placement responsibilities, specialty-specific requirements, travel expectations, and preceptor availability.
Professional Networking Resources
Students looking for networking opportunities, continuing education, legislative updates, or potential preceptor connections may find the following organizations helpful:
NP Programs in Minnesota FAQ
Do NP programs in Minnesota require the GRE?
GRE requirements vary by school and pathway. Many Minnesota graduate nursing programs have reduced or eliminated standardized testing requirements for experienced nurses and doctoral applicants, but students should always confirm current admissions policies directly with the university.
Can I complete an NP program online in Minnesota?
Learning formats vary by school and pathway. For example, the College of St. Scholastica uses a hybrid model that combines online coursework with periodic campus labs and simulation experiences, while Minnesota State University, Mankato’s BS-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program incorporates regular in-person seminars alongside online learning.
How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Minnesota?
Preceptor availability varies by specialty and location. Students in the Twin Cities and Rochester may have access to larger healthcare systems and specialty providers, while students in rural areas may need to travel for some rotations. Several Minnesota schools provide placement support, and the University of Minnesota arranges practicum placements through a dedicated clinical placement team.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota is considered a full practice state, though newly licensed APRNs must complete a transition-to-practice period before practicing independently. After meeting state requirements, nurse practitioners may evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and manage treatment without physician oversight. Students should review current Minnesota regulations, certification requirements, and prescriptive authority rules before entering practice.