Practical Nursing (LPN)
Diploma
- Next Start Dates
- October 03, 2022
- November 09, 2022
#1 educator of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Minnesota in 20212
15 courses to complete the Practical Nursing program
Practical Nursing Program
You may be eligible to save up to $2,000 on your Practical Nursing tuition if you start in August or October 2022 with our LPN Care Grant.11 Contact an admissions advisor to learn more.
In our fast-track Practical Nursing program, you'll prepare to become an LPN in as few as 12 months.1 You’ll learn from compassionate experts who have centered their working lives around helping nurses grow and succeed—from faculty members and academic advisors to tutors, financial aid experts and 24/7 tech support.
Our job is to support you from your very first step in our Practical Nursing program, including:
- Eight start dates per year
- No prerequisite coursework
- No waiting list at many campuses for qualified applicants
- No need to apply twice
Your courses will be online and on campus and will prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN®3 licensure exam and become a safe, practicing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The Practical Nursing Diploma program is a great way to get into a nursing role. Many LPNs are satisfied with their careers as a hands-on care provider. However, if you decide to advance your education to increase your scope of practice, we offer the bridge to becoming a Registered Nurse through our Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) or our Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree options.
Learn More at a Nursing Information Session
On this page
LPN Care Grant for up to $2,000
Now is the perfect time to enroll for your Practical Nursing Diploma because eligible new students can save up to $2,000 with the LPN Care Grant.11 This grant is available right now for new students starting in August and October 2022. Your goal to become a nurse is within reach—our LPN Care Grant can help you get started toward becoming an LPN.
What Types of LPN Classes Will I Take?
In the Practical Nursing Program, you will take online and on-campus courses, plus hands-on experience in a clinical setting, which will prepare you to provide safe, ethical, holistic and compassionate client-centered care for diverse individuals.
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Practical Nursing Skills 1
- Establish the skills required for basic care and patient interaction
- Examine techniques for data collection, standard precautions and handling medications
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Principles of Gerontological Nursing
- Focus on a holistic approach to older patients, including nutritional, pharmacological, psychosocial, ethical and legal factors
- Apply theoretical knowledge by working with geriatric patients in a clinical setting
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Principles of Mental Health Nursing
- Explore the foundations of emotional, behavioral and substance abuse disorders
- Practice the application of theoretical knowledge in mental healthcare settings
"It is an amazing college. For single moms or people who have barriers, it is not just catered to one group. I believe anyone could come in and fit at Rasmussen."
Nikita M.
Graduate, Practical Nursing Diploma
What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I'm Done?
Take the NCLEX-PN Exam
If you're looking for LPN certification near you, our fast track LPN program, taught by experienced faculty, will prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-PN®3 national certification exam and become a confident LPN.
Pursue a Career as an LPN
Our practical nursing grads are prepared to start their careers in a wide range of environments, including assisted living and long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals and more.
Pursue a Growing Career
The projected job growth for licensed practical nurses between 2020 and 2030 is 13% in Minnesota and 12% in Florida, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s much faster than the national average!4
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
Your Nursing Career Path
With the many nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can easily transfer credits from one level to the next, making this an affordable Practical Nursing program. Start by earning a Practical Nursing Diploma and taking the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN®3) to become a licensed practical nurse. Then, you could enroll in the LPN to RN Bridge and become a registered nurse. Whether you go all the way to the top or demonstrate excellence in nursing right where you are, there are lots of LPN courses and options available to you. And by laddering at Rasmussen University, you can save time and money in the process.
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Diploma: Practical Nursing (PN/LPN)
Start here if:
You’re interested in patient care and want a quick entry into the field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with opportunities for career advancement.
Finish in as few as:
12 months1
Licensed Practical Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)5
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $49,620
- Government: $52,210
- Home healthcare services: $48,350
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $47,000
- Offices of physicians: $46,870
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Associate’s Degree: Nursing (ADN/RN)
Next step if:
You want to become a registered nurse (RN) and leverage your practical nursing diploma through the LPN to RN Bridge.
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a registered nurse by earning your ADN.
Finish in as few as:
12 months (LPN to RN Bridge)
Or 18 months (ADN/RN)1Registered Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)6
- Government: $85,970
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $78,070
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $76,700
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $72,420
- Educational services; state, local and private: $61,780
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Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)
Next step if:
You’re ready to earn your BSN, want to become a Bachelor-prepared registered nurse and are looking for opportunities to advance your career.
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard and second degree.
Finish in as few as:
12 to 18 months (RN to BSN)1
33 months (BSN Standard Degree)*
18 months (BSN Second Degree)*Already an LPN? Our LPN to RN Bridge helps LPNs become RNs faster, further decreasing your time to program completion.
Registered Nurse
(median annual wage by industry)6
- Government: $84,490
- Hospitals; state, local and private: $76,840
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $72,340
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $68,450
- Educational services; state, local and private: $64,630
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Graduate Degrees: Nursing (MSN & DNP)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
You want to influence present and future healthcare as a nursing leader. You have the choice of three MSN specializations that allow you to define your career course:
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics
We also offer an online MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) program if you're interested in making a positive impact as a nurse practitioner with the choice of four specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Family NP
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A program for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.
Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:
- Executive Leadership
- Public Health and Policy
Sample job titles:
MSN:
- Director of Nursing
- Director of Education
- Clinical Nursing Informatics Officer
- Chief Nursing Officer
DNP:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Administrator
- Director of Public Health and Policy
- Government or Policy Activist
Tuition & Savings
Do the Math
With eight start dates a year and a total of 15 courses—each 11 weeks in length—full-time students can finish in as few as 12 months for as low as $23,555. You could also save up to $2,000 with the LPN Care Grant.11
$335 cost per credit
x 56 total credits
_______________________
$18,760 total tuition
+ $4,795 total fees
_______________________
$23,555 estimated total program cost
– $2,000 LPN Care Grant
_______________________
$21,555 estimated total program cost with grant
This reflects pricing for Florida students. Please speak with an admissions advisor or use the tuition estimator tool to calculate your costs.
Other Ways to Save
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how our hybrid on-campus and online LPN program is designed to be more affordable with transfer credits, self-directed assessments, loans and grants like the LPN Care Grant, scholarship opportunities, and corporate and military discounts for those who qualify.
Find out more about:
You’ve always known that you like to care for people, and becoming an LPN is one way you can utilize your natural abilities. But what exactly does an LPN do? Let's a take a look at some of the common responsibilities of this role along with places they might work.
Read moreEntrance Requirements
Unlike many other nursing schools, there are no prerequisites and there are no wait lists at many campuses. You only need to apply once and you can begin your LPN classes when it’s convenient for you with our eight start dates a year.
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Nursing Information Sessions
To learn about Rasmussen nursing programs and entrance requirements and to receive help planning, attend an online Nursing Information Session where you’ll learn about TEAS scores, background checks, immunizations and more.
Help Paying for College
You’re not alone figuring out how to pay for college. Our admissions advisors can help you find ways to save through self-directed assessments, loans for those who qualify, scholarships and more.
Support at Every Turn
You’ll find the support you need to grow as a nurse from mentors and faculty in this program. Our library services, academic support and career planning teams are ready to help.
Where Can I Find an LPN Program Near Me?
Our Diploma in Practical Nursing program is a hybrid on-campus and online LPN program experience offered in Florida and Minnesota. Click below to find an LPN program near you.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The practical nursing program at Rasmussen University at the:
- Central Pasco campus, located in Odessa, Florida, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
- Eagan campus (with an off-campus instructional site in Hennepin/Anoka) located in Eagan, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
- Mankato campus, located in Mankato, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
- Moorhead campus, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
- St. Cloud campus, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for these practical nursing programs is Initial Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at
http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm
- Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
- 111 successful NCLEX-PN attempts in MN in 2021 were from Rasmussen University graduates.
- NCLEX-PN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
- Labor Market Employment Outlook Statistics reported through CareerOneStop, [employment information accessed August 10, 2020] Florida: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/StateAndLocal/ProjectedEmployment.aspx?soccode= 292061&location=fl. Minnesota: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/StateAndLocal/ProjectedEmployment.aspx?soccode= 292061&location=mn. Projected Annual Job Openings for the occupation listed refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed March 31, 2022] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm#tab-5. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed March 31, 2022] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-5. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed July 2022] www.bls.gov/oes/. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed July 2022] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed March 31, 2022] https://www.bls.gov/oes/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed March 31, 2022] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed July 2022] https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm. BLS salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions may vary.
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Students who enroll in the Rasmussen University Practical Nursing Diploma program and begin their program in August or October 2022 may be eligible for the following toward their degree at Rasmussen University:
- A grant worth up to $2,000 to be equally divided across an eligible student’s first four (4) quarters in the Practical Nursing Diploma program.
- Students will be billed at the standard tuition rate plus applicable fees before the grant is applied. Student is responsible for all applicable book fees.
- Eligibility will be verified by the Admissions/Financial Aid Office before the grant is awarded.
For additional terms and conditions, visit the LPN Care Grant page.
- A grant worth up to $2,000 to be equally divided across an eligible student’s first four (4) quarters in the Practical Nursing Diploma program.