This state is “The Land of 10,000 Lakes,” because literally thousands of lakes, big and small, are scattered throughout Minnesota. Metropolitan areas and small towns alike are nestled among these lakes, and people have discovered a great place to live and work when they visit this state. As Minnesota grows, so does the need for qualified nursing care. Top tier hospitals and clinics located throughout this state seek health care professionals, and the student can find numerous opportunities to study nursing here as well.

Becoming a Nurse in Minnesota

Nurses who seek quality education will find many possibilities in Minnesota. Some of the colleges that offer master’s degrees in nursing include Minnesota State University in Makato, Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, and College of Saint Catherine in St. Paul. Those colleges also offer a BSN in nursing with specialties such as adult care, clinical nursing, anatomy and more. If you prefer a smaller college and an associate’s degree in nursing, you might consider schools such as Lake Superior College in Duluth, Northwest Technical College in Bermidjii, and Central Lakes College in Brainerd.

Nursing Jobs in Minnesota

Nurses can find many health care career opportunities in this state. One large employer includes St. Mary’s/Duluth Clinic Health System (SMDC), a regional healthcare system that provides health care services for over 500,000 people in Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Other large employers include: Park Nicollet Health Services, which includes Methodist Hospital, Park Nicollet Clinic, Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Institute; North Cities Health Care, a 64-bed skilled nursing facility located in New Brighton; and, Fairview Health Services, with locations throughout the state of Minnesota. Nursing salaries in this state are competitive with other states. An LPN can earn, on average, $38,000 per year, and an RN in this state can earn, on average, $64,000 per year. Salary ranges depend upon experience, degree earned, license, job description and location.