Nursing helping elderly person.

Nursing

With state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and partnerships with leading healthcare organizations, our nursing programs offer flexible pathways—undergraduate, graduate, online and degree-completion—that align with what today’s employers need most. Experience collaborative, hands-on learning in our accredited simulation center and gain real-world experience through diverse clinical placements with trusted partners.

Careers in Nursing

Graduates are well-prepared to enter traditional nursing roles in hospitals and clinics, or to pursue specialized paths in healthcare and nursing. The nursing program lays the groundwork for advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners, allowing graduates to continually grow and evolve in their careers.
  • Acute Care Nurse
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse
  • Flight Nurse
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Leader
  • Director of Nursing
  • Family Nurse Practitioner

Potential Salary

Median Salary $93,600

The median annual wage for Registered Nurses in May 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nursing Degrees at MSU

Nursing, Bachelor of Science

The Nursing Pre-Licensure Program is an on-campus program designed for students that wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing and eventual licensure as a Registered Nurse. The Nursing, Bachelor of Science program at Minnesota State Mankato is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

RN Baccalaureate Completion, Bachelor of Science (online)

Complete your RN to BS degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato! Our program is individualized, flexible and is 100% online. With rolling admission, affordable tuition, Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program and several different start times a year, you can take your degree to the next level when it’s convenient for you. The RN Baccalaureate Completion, Bachelor of Science program at Minnesota State Mankato is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

  • Five convenient start times (August, October, January, March, May)
  • Guaranteed admission for qualified candidates.
  • Choose between 8-week and 16-week course options or a combination of both.
  • Choose between part-time or full-time study-attend at your rate.
  • Attending full-time means you can get done in one year!

Advanced Professional Nurse, Master of Science–Nurse Educator (online)

Our Nurse Educator program equips BS-prepared nurses with the skills to teach in colleges and clinical settings. Graduates are prepared for inclusive, equitable education and can sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. 

Accreditation:

Effective October 25, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on October 25, 2026.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

MSU Status

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Advanced Professional Nurse, Master of Science–Nurse Leader (online)

Advance your nursing career with our MS in Nurse Leadership, perfect for BS-prepared nurses aiming for roles in quality improvement, union leadership, or nursing management and administration within health systems.

Accreditation:

Effective October 25, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on October 25, 2026.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

MSU Status

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Nursing Practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advance your nursing career with MSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—a practice-focused degree designed for nurses ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Since 1994, our graduate nursing programs have been recognized for exceptional instruction and strong clinical partnerships.

The DNP equips nurses to:

  • Apply research findings in clinic settings
  • Lead complex healthcare projects using evidence-based solutions  
  • Influence health policy and population health
  • Take on organizational leadership roles

We offer two accredited tracks:

BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track

  • For RNs with a bachelor’s degree seeking advanced practice certification.

Post-Master’s DNP Track

  • For certified APRNs with a master’s degree ready to expand their leadership and clinical impact.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Minnesota State Mankato is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Nursing Program Accreditations

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The Nursing, Bachelor of Science program, RN Baccalaureate Completion, Bachelor of Science program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Minnesota State Mankato are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

CCNE


Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Advanced Professional Nurse)

Effective October 25, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on October 25, 2026.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs?status=Candidate.

 

ACEN

Student Nurse in the nursing simulation lab with a mother and daughter

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing is a learning community dedicated to educating entry-level and advanced practice nurses, developing nursing knowledge, and serving diverse communities. Students gain real-world experience through cutting-edge resources like the Maverick Family Simulation Center, the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society, and community-focused initiatives like Health Commons at Pond.

three student nurses standing in front a nursing sign.

Nursing Student Organizations

Discover nursing-specific organizations you can join at MSU, including the Mu Lambda Chapter of Sigma – Honor Society and the Student Nursing Association. Get involved, build connections, and enhance your nursing journey!

Additional Information and Resources

CCNE Accredited

The Nursing, Bachelor of Science program, RN Baccalaureate Completion, Bachelor of Science program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Minnesota State Mankato are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Clinical Partnerships

Our Nursing Pre-Licensure Program gives you hands-on experience through clinical rotations and service learning projects in urban and rural settings, including the Twin Cities and South Central Minnesota. These opportunities bridge classroom knowledge with practical application, preparing you for a successful nursing career.

Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center

Discover the Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center, an accredited, cutting-edge facility where innovative technology bridges classroom learning with real-world clinical practice. Here, students safely hone their skills through realistic simulations of high-risk, low-frequency scenarios, preparing them for real-life challenges.

Nursing Advising

While academic advising models vary by nursing program, all students benefit from working with both professional and faculty advisors at different points throughout their academic journey.

Related Programs

School gym teacher holding clip board, on the field with students.

Applied Health Science

From undergraduate degrees in alcohol and drug studies to public health or public health education, school health education, pre-occupational therapy, pre-athletic training, or pre-health administration, you'll graduate prepared to make an immediate impact in the health science field through one of these rewarding careers.

Dental assistant working on patient.

Dental Education

By choosing the Dental Education program you're giving yourself the flexibility to grow and evolve in a career in your chosen field. With the Bachelor's degree and MS in Advanced Dental Therapy, you'll have the unique opportunity to provide oral health care services in our on-site clinic, schools, and community.

teacher helping a preschool student

Family Consumer Science Education

Family and Consumer Science (FCS) education programs provide essential skills to develop healthy people and to empower individuals and families. FCS is the field of study focused on the science and art of living and working well in our complex world.

student on technology

Health Informatics

The study of Health Informatics prepares students to use Information Systems and Health Information Technology to design, evaluate, adopt, and apply technology-based innovations in healthcare delivery, management, and research.

School of Nursing Department

College of

Allied Health and Nursing

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is a thriving community dedicated to preparing future leaders in nursing, communication sciences and health-related fields. With state-of-the-art learning centers, real-world experiences, clinical practicums and fieldwork and strong community connections, students gain the hands-on training needed for success. Committed to equity and inclusion, we create an environment where all learners can excel and make a meaningful impact in health and wellness.

Learn More About the College of Allied Health and Nursing