Thinking about becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Minneapolis area? You’ve got strong options—each offering a different route based on your timeline, budget, and learning preferences.
- Rasmussen University offers a fast, flexible 12-month program with online coursework and in-person clinicals at its Brooklyn Park and Eagan campuses—great for those who want to start quickly with no prerequisites.
- Anoka Technical College provides a highly affordable, two-semester, on-campus program ideal for students with CNA or MA backgrounds looking for a straightforward path to licensure.
- Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) delivers a three-semester, full-time program with strong clinical training and a standout NCLEX pass rate—perfect for focused students planning to enter or advance in nursing.
- Hennepin Technical College offers one of the most cost-effective, accelerated options after prerequisites, with hands-on learning at campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie.
Each school offers a different mix of speed, cost, and structure—giving you plenty of ways to start your nursing career in Minnesota.
Rasmussen University
12-month flexible program
Rasmussen University’s Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma program is a 12-month, fast-track option that combines in-person clinicals with online coursework. With no prerequisite classes and eight start dates per year, it’s designed for students who want to jump into nursing quickly. Campuses are located in Brooklyn Park and Eagan, both equipped with modern labs and strong student support services.
Program Highlights
This hybrid program includes 15 courses (66 credits) focused on patient care, pharmacology, mental health, and maternal-child nursing. Students train in real healthcare environments, gaining hands-on experience in settings like clinics, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN® exam to become licensed practical nurses.
Rasmussen’s admissions process is more accessible than many nursing programs—no waitlists or prerequisite college courses are required. Applicants only need a high school diploma or a qualifying entrance exam or bachelor’s degree.
The total estimated cost is $25,339, but students can reduce this by up to $2,000 through the LPN Care Grant. Additional savings may come from military benefits, transfer credits, or employer partnerships.
Rasmussen also offers clear pathways to advance—students can easily transition into LPN-to-RN or BSN programs if they choose to continue their education.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | ~$25,339; or ~$23,339 with LPN Care Grant |
| Duration | 12 months (full-time) |
| Schedule | 8 start dates/year; hybrid format with online + campus-based classes |
| Online Classes? | Partially; includes online components |
| Requirements | High school diploma, entrance exam or bachelor’s (2.75 GPA), background check, immunizations |
| Locations | Brooklyn Park & Eagan, MN |
Anoka Technical College
Fast paced and affordable
Anoka Technical College offers a fast, affordable, and focused Practical Nursing diploma designed to prepare students for LPN licensure in just two full-time semesters. With 38 total credits and a cost of approximately $8,846.40 (tuition and fees only), it’s one of the more economical options in Minnesota for students looking to start a nursing career quickly.
Courses are offered on campus only with daytime classes starting in Fall (August) or Spring (January). Clinical experiences take place at local facilities like Guardian Angels and The Homestead at Anoka. The curriculum includes foundational nursing courses, lab skills, clinicals, behavioral health, and pediatrics. Students must follow a set course sequence and maintain a minimum grade of C, with an A required in Dosage Calculations (MATH 1010).
Admissions Requirements
To apply, students must:
- Be admitted to Anoka Tech
- Complete TEAS and Accuplacer
- Hold CPR certification
- Complete a CNA or MA program
- Submit immunization and health documents
- Finish prerequisites in English Composition and Anatomy & Physiology
- Pass a state criminal background check
Outcomes and Accreditation
The program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and accredited by ACEN. It reports NCLEX-PN pass rates over 91% and job placement rates of 75–94% within six months post-graduation.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for students ready to commit to a full-time, on-campus schedule with a goal of entering the workforce in under a year. If you have a CNA or MA background and want a straightforward, cost-effective route into practical nursing, Anoka Tech delivers strong results without unnecessary extras.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost: | ~$8,846.40 (tuition + fees; excludes books/supplies) |
| Duration: | Two semesters (full-time, 38 credits) |
| Class Schedules: | Daytime, in-person; starts Fall or Spring |
| Online Classes?: | No |
| Requirements: | Apply to college, TEAS & Accuplacer, CPR, CNA/MA, immunizations, A&P & English prereqs, background check |
| Address: | 1355 West Highway 10, Anoka, MN 55303 |
| Phone: | (763) 576-4700 |
Dakota County Technical College
3 semester program with great NCLEX-PN pass rate
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) in Rosemount, Minnesota, offers a 43-credit Practical Nursing diploma designed to be completed in three semesters of full-time, on-campus study. The program is structured for students ready to enter the nursing workforce quickly and confidently, with classes starting in summer, fall, or spring.
The curriculum includes foundational health courses and a rigorous sequence of nursing-focused classes, ranging from pharmacology and adult health nursing to maternal/child care and behavioral health. Clinical rotations are integrated throughout, providing students with hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
At a total cost of $14,749.88, which includes tuition, fees, and books, the program is competitively priced—especially when you consider its standout outcomes. The 2024 NCLEX-PN pass rate hit 100%, and the average over the past three years is 82%. Job placement within 6–12 months of graduation stands at 80%, and nearly 40% of students continue on to further their nursing education.
Admission is selective, and applicants must meet several requirements. These include minimum scores on placement exams, completion of prerequisite courses (with a C or better), certification as a nursing assistant, and a clean background check. Students must also apply twice—once to begin pre-nursing, and again to move into the core nursing portion of the program.
DCTC is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and is working toward national accreditation through the NLN CNEA. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study jobs are available, and students benefit from academic advising, tutoring, and access to student leadership organizations.
Overall, DCTC’s Practical Nursing program is a solid choice for focused students who want an affordable, structured path to LPN licensure with strong support and career outcomes.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost: | $14,749.88 total (tuition, fees, textbooks, course-specific charges) |
| Duration: | 3 semesters (full-time) |
| Class Schedules: | Daytime classes; start in summer, fall, or spring |
| Online Classes?: | No – all courses are in-person with required clinicals |
| Requirements: | – Accuplacer reading score: 240+ – TEAS score: 60%+ – 2.5 GPA minimum – CNA certification and registry – Completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, health math, med terminology, and lifespan development with C or better – Background check |
| Address: | 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068 |
| Phone: | (651) 423-8000 |
Hennepin Technical College
Affordable program offered in two locations
Hennepin Technical College offers one of the most affordable, accelerated LPN programs in the Minneapolis area. With a total program cost of just over $12,000 and a fast two-semester format (after prerequisites), this program is ideal for students ready to move quickly into a practical nursing role. Students attend in-person classes and complete clinicals in real healthcare environments, gaining direct experience and preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam. The program is ACEN-accredited and offered at two locations: Brooklyn Park (fall entry) and Eden Prairie (spring entry).
The curriculum includes a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinicals, covering everything from basic nursing skills to psychosocial and pharmacological care. For those planning to continue their education, Hennepin Tech offers a diploma and an AAS degree track, making credit transfer to RN or BSN programs more accessible.
Students must meet specific prerequisites, including CNA certification, TEAS exam scores, and completion of general education courses. Clinicals may be held during mornings, evenings, or weekends, so flexibility is important.
This program is best suited for motivated students with some prior healthcare training who are looking for a structured, cost-effective path into nursing and plan to stay and work in Minnesota after licensure.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Approx. $12,049.80 total ($200.83/credit x 60 credits) |
| Duration | 2 semesters full-time (after prerequisite completion) |
| Class Schedules | Daytime classes; clinicals may be held on mornings, evenings, or weekends |
| Online Classes? | No – in-person with hands-on clinicals in community settings |
| Requirements | – CPR/BLS certification – CNA training or state registry placement – TEAS score: 60% overall, 70% reading – English, biology, and nursing intro courses – Immunizations & background check |
| Address | Brooklyn Park: 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 Eden Prairie: 13100 College View Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 |
| Phone | (952) 995-1300 |
| [email protected] |
Choosing the Right LPN Program
Our Recommendations
When comparing LPN programs in the Minneapolis area, your decision will largely depend on your personal timeline, budget, and how much structure or flexibility you need.
Bottom line:
- Choose Rasmussen if you want flexibility and speed.
- Go with Anoka Tech if you need to keep costs low and can commit to on-campus learning.
- Consider DCTC for a structured, well-respected program with strong outcomes.
- Pick Hennepin Tech if you’re already planning to ladder up into RN or BSN programs later.
If you need flexibility and want to start right away, Rasmussen University stands out. With eight start dates per year, online coursework, and no prerequisite classes required, it’s ideal for students who want a quicker entry point into nursing. However, it’s the most expensive option, so consider this if cost is a factor.
Looking for the most affordable route? Anoka Technical College offers a solid education at under $9,000, making it one of the cheapest LPN programs in the state. It’s a good fit if you’re organized, have a CNA or MA background, and can handle a structured, full-time, in-person schedule.
Want a balance of affordability and strong outcomes? Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is a great middle-ground. With competitive pricing, excellent NCLEX pass rates, and solid job placement, it’s ideal for students looking for a well-rounded, clinical-heavy program with year-round start options.
For those planning to continue to RN or BSN programs later, Hennepin Technical College may be the best bet. It offers credit transfer options, two campus locations, and a cost-effective program after prerequisites. Just be aware that clinical schedules can vary, including evenings and weekends.