Key Takeaways
- St. Paul offers nationally accredited ADN and BSN nursing programs with strong 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rates.
- Top options include public and private institutions with clinical placements across the Twin Cities’ leading health systems.
- Programs vary significantly in cost, format, and admissions selectivity.
- The average RN salary in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro exceeds $88,000 annually, with strong projected job growth.
- Choosing a program should involve comparing accreditation, clinical hours, bridge pathways, and graduate outcomes.
Why St. Paul Is a Strong Choice for Registered Nursing Education
St. Paul, Minnesota sits within one of the Midwest’s strongest healthcare markets. The Twin Cities region includes major employers such as M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, and Children’s Minnesota. This concentration of hospitals and specialty clinics provides robust clinical placement opportunities for nursing students.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median salary above $86,000 nationally. In the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington region, wages typically exceed the national average due to demand and cost of living. The Minnesota Board of Nursing reports consistently high employment placement rates for newly licensed RNs.
For students seeking quality education, strong job prospects, and respected institutions, St. Paul offers a competitive advantage.
Top Registered Nursing Programs in St. Paul, Minnesota
University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Degree Options: BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN pathways
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of St. Thomas offers a traditional four-year BSN and accelerated second-degree options. The program emphasizes holistic care, leadership development, and evidence-based practice.
Highlights:
- Clinical partnerships across leading Twin Cities hospitals
- Simulation labs with advanced patient care technology
- Strong graduate outcomes and competitive NCLEX pass rates
Tuition is higher than public institutions, but students benefit from smaller class sizes and individualized faculty mentorship.
Saint Paul College
Degree Option: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accreditation: ACEN
Saint Paul College offers one of the most affordable accredited ADN pathways in the metro. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and transition quickly into employment.
Program strengths:
- Competitive tuition rates for Minnesota residents
- Strong partnerships with local hospitals
- Daytime program format with structured clinical rotations
Many graduates later pursue RN-to-BSN completion programs at regional universities.
Metropolitan State University
Degree Options: RN-to-BSN, Pre-licensure BSN
Accreditation: CCNE
Located in St. Paul, Metropolitan State serves working adults and transfer students. The RN-to-BSN pathway is particularly popular among associate degree graduates seeking career advancement.
Advantages:
- Flexible scheduling options
- Designed for working nurses
- Public university tuition structure
Century College (Nearby White Bear Lake)
Though slightly outside downtown St. Paul, Century College is a major contributor to the local nursing workforce.
Program: ADN
Accreditation: ACEN
The college consistently reports solid NCLEX pass rates and affordable tuition, making it a cost-effective entry point into nursing.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Leading Programs
SchoolDegreeProgram LengthFormatApprox. Tuition (In-State)University of St. ThomasBSN / Accelerated BSN16–48 monthsIn-personHigher private tuitionSaint Paul CollegeADN2 yearsDaytimeLower public tuitionMetropolitan State UniversityBSN / RN-BSN2–4 yearsHybrid optionsModerate public tuitionCentury CollegeADN2 yearsIn-personAffordable public rates
2024 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates and Outcomes
Pass rates are one of the most important indicators of program quality. Prospective students should verify updated reports directly through the Minnesota Board of Nursing education page.
Well-performing St. Paul area schools typically report first-time pass rates that meet or exceed both state and national benchmarks. National averages generally hover around 85 to 90 percent for BSN programs.
Graduation and employment rates are also strong due to the Twin Cities’ healthcare demand. Many graduates secure positions within months of licensure.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
While standards vary, most St. Paul RN programs require:
- Completion of prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
- Minimum GPA ranging from 2.75 to 3.0 or higher
- TEAS or similar entrance exam
- Background check and immunization documentation
Accelerated BSN programs typically require a completed bachelor’s degree in another field and a higher GPA threshold.
Application deadlines are often once or twice per year. Competitive programs recommend early submission.
Clinical Training in the Twin Cities
Quality clinical placement is critical. St. Paul programs partner with:
- Regions Hospital
- M Health Fairview facilities
- HealthPartners clinics
- Long-term care and community health organizations
Students gain hands-on experience in medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental health, obstetrics, and community health settings.
Career Outlook for Registered Nurses in St. Paul
Minnesota continues to experience demand for skilled RNs, particularly in acute care, geriatrics, and community clinics. According to state labor data and national projections, registered nursing remains among the most stable healthcare careers.
In the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro:
- Average RN salary often exceeds $88,000 annually
- Specialty nurses can earn significantly more
- BSN-prepared nurses qualify for leadership and hospital-preferred roles
Many employers encourage continued education through tuition reimbursement programs.
ADN vs. BSN: Which Path Is Right for You?
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Shorter completion time
- Lower tuition cost
- Faster workforce entry
Ideal for career changers seeking a cost-effective path to licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Expanded coursework in leadership and public health
- Preferred by many major hospitals
- Stronger foundation for graduate study
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing notes that BSN-prepared nurses are increasingly favored in modern healthcare systems.
How to Choose the Best RN Program in St. Paul
Use the following checklist before applying:
- Confirm CCNE or ACEN accreditation
- Review latest NCLEX pass rates
- Compare total program cost, not just tuition
- Evaluate clinical placement variety
- Consider class size and faculty support
- Assess scheduling flexibility
St. Paul’s registered nursing programs provide diverse options for traditional students, working professionals, and career changers. By carefully comparing accreditation, outcomes, and clinical opportunities, aspiring nurses can confidently select a program aligned with their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about RN Programs in St. Paul
Is St. Paul a good place to study nursing?
Yes. St. Paul sits in the Twin Cities healthcare market, with major systems like M Health Fairview and HealthPartners. This gives you access to many clinical sites, strong RN job demand, and salaries that often exceed the national median reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do ADN and BSN nursing programs in St. Paul differ?
ADN programs, such as those at Saint Paul College and Century College, usually take about two years and cost less, helping you become an RN sooner. BSN programs, like those at the University of St. Thomas and Metropolitan State University, take longer and include more leadership and public health coursework. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing notes that hospitals increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses for many roles.
What are typical admission requirements for St. Paul RN programs?
You usually need prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry; a minimum GPA around 2.75–3.0; an entrance exam such as the TEAS; and a background check with immunization records. Accelerated BSN tracks often require a prior bachelor’s degree and a higher GPA. Each school lists current criteria on its website and on the Minnesota Board of Nursing education page.
How strong are NCLEX-RN pass rates for St. Paul area schools?
Many St. Paul and nearby programs report first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates at or above state and national averages, which often range from about 85% to 90% for BSN graduates according to national data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). You can review the latest school-specific results on the Minnesota Board of Nursing site.
What salary can you expect as an RN in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro?
Registered nurses in the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington area often earn average salaries above $88,000 per year, which is higher than the national RN median the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Wages vary by employer, specialty, experience, and education level, with BSN-prepared and specialty nurses often earning more.
.svg)
