Rasmussen University’s Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma program offers a fast, hands-on path to becoming an LPN in as little as 12 months. With no prerequisite courses, eight start dates per year, and campuses in both Brooklyn Park (Hennepin/Anoka) and Eagan, this program is built for flexibility. It combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, making it a practical choice for students looking to start a nursing career quickly and efficiently.
A Fast Track into Nursing
The Practical Nursing diploma at Rasmussen is designed to get students career-ready in just one year. Students complete 15 courses totaling 66 credits, focusing on clinical skills, patient care, pharmacology, anatomy, and specialty areas like mental health and maternal/child nursing. This diploma prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN® exam, which is required to become a licensed practical nurse.
Courses are a mix of on-campus classes and online learning, with extensive hands-on clinicals built into the program. You’ll train in real healthcare environments like long-term care facilities, clinics, and hospitals, developing the skills and confidence needed to step into an LPN role upon graduation.
Locations and Facilities
The program is offered at two convenient Minneapolis-area campuses:
- Brooklyn Park (Hennepin/Anoka) – Rasmussen’s largest Twin Cities campus, featuring high-tech nursing labs and simulation centers.
- Eagan – A modern campus with advanced nursing facilities and virtual reality classrooms, easily accessible from major highways.
There are other campus locations spread out across Minnesota:
- Mankato: 1400 Madison Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001
- Moorhead: 1250 29th Avenue S, Moorhead, MN 56560
- St. Cloud: 226 Park Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Each campus provides on-site support services, including tutoring, academic advising, and 24/7 tech help.
Admissions Requirements
Compared to other nursing programs, Rasmussen has a more accessible admissions process. There’s no need for prior college coursework or waitlists at most locations. Students only need to apply once.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must:
- Have a high school diploma
- Score at an acceptable level on the School of Nursing Entrance Exam
or
Provide proof of a Bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum 2.75 GPA - Submit to a criminal background check
- Provide proof of immunizations and health physical
- Hold CPR/BLS certification by Week 11
- Provide valid government-issued ID
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Rasmussen’s LPN program is priced competitively for a private institution. The estimated total program cost is $25,339, which includes tuition and fees. However, eligible students can reduce this by up to $2,000 with the LPN Care Grant, bringing the total closer to $23,339.
Additional savings may be available through:
- Transfer credits
- Military tuition benefits
- Corporate partner grants
- Financial aid (for those who qualify)
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The curriculum blends foundational knowledge with practical skills:
- Core classes include topics like pharmacology, gerontological nursing, maternal-child health, and mental health nursing.
- General education requirements include courses in English, anatomy, and algebra.
- Students wrap up their training with a capstone course, which ties together their learning through comprehensive, real-world applications.
Hands-on experience is a priority. Students complete clinicals across a variety of settings, gaining exposure to different patient populations and healthcare environments.
Outcomes and Career Mobility
Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN®, and Rasmussen supports students with resources to help them prepare for the exam. For example, the Hennepin/Anoka campus posted a 77.11% pass rate in 2024, which is solid but leaves some room for improvement compared to higher-performing programs.
Career support doesn’t end at graduation. Rasmussen offers a “ladder” structure, allowing students to continue their nursing education. LPNs can transition into Rasmussen’s LPN to RN Bridge, ADN, or BSN programs, with credit transfers that shorten the time and cost of further schooling.
Why Rasmussen University?
Rasmussen University’s LPN program is a good fit for students who want a quick, structured path into nursing without jumping through a long list of academic hoops. If you need flexible start dates, have no prior college experience, and want a campus-based experience with online components, this could be the right choice. The support services, clear progression paths, and accelerated timeline make it especially appealing for adult learners or career changers looking for stability and growth in healthcare.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Estimated $25,339 total, or $23,339 with LPN Care Grant (includes tuition and fees). |
| Duration | 12 months with full-time study. |
| Class Schedules | Full-time schedule with both on-campus and online components; start dates offered 8 times per year. |
| Online Classes? | Partially; includes some online coursework and self-directed assessments. |
| Requirements | – High school diploma or GED – Entrance exam or bachelor’s degree (2.75+ GPA) – Health physical and immunizations – Background check – CPR/BLS certification by Week 11 |
| Address | Brooklyn Park: 5555 96th Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Eagan: 1305 Corporate Center Drive, Eagan, MN 55121 Mankato: 1400 Madison Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001 Moorhead: 1250 29th Avenue S, Moorhead, MN 56560 St. Cloud: 226 Park Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
| Phone | Brooklyn Park: (763) 795-4720 Eagan: (651) 687-9000 |
| Website | https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/practical-nursing/ |
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