Start your nursing career as a practical nurse in Minnesota
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Format | Online general education classes + core on-campus courses at our Minneapolis Campus (located in St. Louis Park) |
| Transfer credit | Transfer up to 27 approved credits |
| Pathways | Degree pathways to further your nursing education; you can advance into a BSN Bridge option for LPNs in the future |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
Learn More Today!
Begin a new path in nursing in Minneapolis in as little as 1 year
The Diploma in Practical Nursing is a 37-credit career diploma program which prepares you to begin your nursing career as a practical nurse.
The Minneapolis campus program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in pharmacology for nurses, growth and development, medical-surgical nursing, introductory specialties, and practical hands-on experience.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Experienced faculty
Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Courses & curriculum details
Herzing University’s Practical Nursing program in Minneapolis offers theoretical, academic, and clinical instruction across many areas of nursing and patient care. Coursework covers care across the lifespan, including surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health nursing.
Throughout the program, you will learn foundational nursing procedures, how to measure vital signs, administer medication, and build the communication skills needed to collaborate with other healthcare providers.
Most courses are delivered on campus in Minneapolis. General education courses may be completed online.
| Program | Months i | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Practical Nursing | 12 | 37 |
Average number of months for students to complete program
Required Courses in Nursing
A minimum of 29.00 semester credit hours is required.
Required Courses in General Education
A minimum of 7.00 semester credit hours is required.
*This nursing support course must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program.
Personal and Professional Development Courses
1.00 semester credit hours are required.
Resuming students should refer to the section on re-entering for additional requirements.
Distribution of Contact Hours by Course
Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Clinical Hours Total Contact Hours Credits EN 104 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NP 101 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 NP 121 45.00 60.00 0.00 105.00 5.00 NP 200 30.00 30.00 180.00 240.00 7.00 NP 226 30.00 0.00 135.00 165.00 5.00 NP 276 15.00 0.00 180.00 195.00 5.00 NP 280 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PD 202 15.00 0.00 0.00 15.00 1.00 SC 144 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 Totals 315.00 150.00 495.00 960.00 37.00
Enrollment requirements
To be considered for admission into the Practical Nursing program at Herzing University - Minneapolis, you must meet the following requirements:
- Completed high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA
- Meet a minimum composite score of 48 on the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
Help meet Minnesota’s growing need for nursing care
Practical nurses play an important role in supporting patients across the lifespan. It’s a meaningful path for those in Minnesota looking to start a nursing career with focused, career-ready training.
Recent evidence suggests a combined pending departure of many LPNs with increased demand for overall employment.
Projections Central’s long-term projection for employment of LPNs in Minnesota is a 3.6% increase from 2022-2032.** Employment of RNs in Minnesota over the same timeline is expected to increase 5.3%. The Minnesota Board of Nursing, citing data from the 2024 NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Survey, notes 43.1% of LPNs in Minnesota are planning to retire or leave nursing in the next five years.
You can get a fast start in the field of nursing as an LPN in Minnesota and begin making an immediate impact.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average salary of $64,150 per year ($30.84 per hour).* Discover the average salary for a licensed practical nurse broken down by state.
No, there are no accredited PN programs that are 100% online. LPN programs describing themselves as “online” will offer a hybrid option where you can take some classes online to supplement your primary classroom coursework.
Students enrolled in the Herzing PN program may complete general education courses online—but the bulk of the coursework must be completed on campus.
Ultimately there is no replacement for real hands-on clinical experience, practice in simulation labs and direct in-person support from nursing instructors with real healthcare experience. Learning the skills required to become an LPN requires the live educational experience to become an excellent Licensed Practical Nurse.
PN program coursework is meant to be challenging, but not impossible. As a Herzing student you’ll find support every step of the way, from faculty, staff, instructors and other students enrolled in the program. You’re never alone—and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
Learn more about how hard nursing school is at Herzing University, and read some testimonials from former students describing their experience.
While Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) often work together in collaboration in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, their roles and responsibilities are very different. Learn more about the biggest differences between practical nurses (LPN/LVN) and registered nurses (RN).
Potential employers may prefer a candidate with experience as a CNA, but it’s not necessarily a requirement for getting a job as an LPN (same goes for going from CNA to RN).
You aren't required to go from CNA to LPN and there is no prerequisite to be a CNA before enrolling in the Herzing University PN program.
Because many hospitals are upping their educational requirements for nurses in general, the demand for LPNs in hospitals is falling relative to registered nurses with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
However, any claim they are being “phased out” isn’t accurate. LPNs remain in demand in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care and many other environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job opportunities for LPNs will rise approximately 3% from 2024-2034.*
The landscape is changing, but LPNs remain a vital contributor in the nursing community.
Considering a career as an LPN?
Your first step is to get a hands-on education to learn the fundamentals of nursing in a career-focused program. Herzing University's practical nursing program combines classwork with clinical experiences to help you earn your diploma and prepare you to become an LPN in as few as 12 months. Our program is available at several of our ground campuses:
You may find some programs offering 6 month or 9 month paths to a PN diploma to become an LPN. Be mindful that accelerated diploma/degree programs aren’t for everyone and such a fast track can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a few months’ difference in time as a tipping point in your decision, remember the quality of your education is most important!
Herzing University’s 1-year PN diploma program gets you an excellent hands-on education in a short amount of time. You’ll learn the foundational concepts and skills in nursing needed to excel in your new career as an LPN.
While practical nurses (LPN) and medical assistants often perform similar tasks, there are a few key differences to be aware of, including:
- Educational requirements
- Average salary
- Scope of practice
- Ongoing career opportunities
- Future outlook for jobs
Learn more about the difference between practical nursing and medical assisting and how to go from MA to LPN.
Quite simply, yes! A PN diploma and a job as a LPN is a great way to quickly get involved in the nursing profession and get a better feel for what it means to be a nurse. Earning your diploma helps get you into a career with above average pay, and can springboard you into the next level of nursing education should you choose to continue advancing your education and career.
We can help you come to a better determination. Send us a request for more information and we can answer any questions you have about the PN program, and discuss how beneficial it can be for you to become a LPN.
Although the majority of LPNs work in nursing homes, retirement communities or assisted living facilities, many LPNs work in:
- Physician's offices
- Hospitals
- Colleges
- Insurance carriers
- Home care
- Community food and housing
You can see a full industry profile for Licensed Practical Nurses from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Related Programs
The Student Experience at Herzing
I chose to enroll at Herzing University because I have a passion for nursing and I knew that it was the right career for me.
LaTasha Carr
Nursing Student | Birmingham CampusWhat I liked most about my experience at Herzing University were the faculty members. They made it feel like it was family here.
Wanda Colon
Nursing Student | Orlando CampusOpting for the LPN program was an easy decision since it offered a quicker route into the nursing profession!
Evelyn Iyeh
Nursing StudentThe support I received from the staff at Herzing University during my toughest moments reinforced my determination to succeed, not just for myself, but to set an example of resilience for my children.
Rayisha Moore
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusI aspired to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, knowing it would be challenging to balance work, family, and school.
Kristina Thomas
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusDisclosures
The Diploma in Practical Nursing program at the Minneapolis location is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Nursing (2829 University Avenue SE, #200, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414-3253, 612-317-3000, (http://www.mn.gov/health-licensing-boards/nursing). Consequently, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-PN) licensing exam upon successful completion of the program. Passing this exam allows graduates to apply to the State Board of Nursing for licensure as a licensed practical nurse.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals
| Program | 2025 Completion Ratei | 2025 NCLEX-RN/NCLEX-PN Pass Rateii |
|---|---|---|
| Akron Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 26.76% | 84.91% |
| Birmingham Campus: Practical Nursing | 23.57% | 97.96% |
| Birmingham Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 40.63% | 89.87% |
| Brookfield Campus: Practical Nursing | 29.63% | 80.39% |
| Kenosha Campus: Practical Nursing | 23.08% | 92.86% |
| Madison Campus: Practical Nursing | 14.58% | 100% |
| Madison Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 58.70% | 75% |
| Nashville Campus: Practical Nursing | 25.32% | 100% |
| Nashville Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 33.33% | 64.29% |
| Orlando Campus: Practical Nursing | 38.53% | 82.29% |
| Orlando Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 31.82% | 76.47% |
| Tampa Campus: Practical Nursing | 21.70% | 93.75% |
| Tampa Campus: Associate of Science in Nursing | 27.87% | 83.87% |
iIn accordance with ACEN requirements, program completion rate is the calculation of the percentage of students who enter the program of study and complete the program of study in the advertised program length (i.e., on-time). Calculation of the program complete rate begins with a student’s enrollment in the first nursing course and at the time when a student can no longer receive a 100% tuition refund for the first nursing course, regardless of the source of funds used to pay the students’ tuition. The calculation ends with students’ completion of all requirements for conferral of a certificate, diploma, or degree, as appropriate.
iiRates reflect the performance of graduates who took the NCLEX® for the first time between January 1 and December 31. This excludes the Birmingham Campus programs, which report NCLEX® pass rates based on all test attempts for graduates testing between January 1 and December 31, in accordance with Alabama Board of Nursing requirements.
The Clarksville Campus is a satellite location of the Nashville Campus. Therefore, completion and NCLEX® pass rates are aggregated for these two campus locations.
* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
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Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.