New to Rasmussen University? It’s only natural to want to get the inside scoop on what to expect from your local campus. We spoke with campus director Kathy Sanger and asked her to highlight the important information every newcomer needs to know before stepping foot on the Rasmussen University – Mankato campus.
What is the history of Rasmussen University and the Mankato campus?
Since 1900, Rasmussen University has been committed to academic innovation and providing the highest standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college degree. Rasmussen University offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs online and across its 23 Midwest and Florida campuses. A pioneer in online education, the University is helping lead advancements in innovations such as competency-based education and comprehensive student support services that help working adults advance their careers.
Rasmussen University first came to Blue Earth County and the greater Mankato area in 1983 and has recently moved to a new facility. Now the University rests in the Madison East Center, nestled alongside local healthcare facilities—a perfect fit for a campus that is well-known locally for student nursing training.
Mankato has long been a community close to Sanger’s heart. “It’s small town living in a big city. Mankato is big enough to offer anything that you need, but its small enough that you still see familiar faces and feel safe.”
Where is the Mankato campus located?
The campus is located right inside the historic Madison East Center on the corner of Madison Avenue and North Victory Drive—just a short drive from Highways 14 and 169 with easy access to North Mankato and the surrounding community. The campus is directly on the city bus route, but also offers free parking for students.
What programs are offered at the Mankato campus?
The Mankato campus offers the following on-campus programs in the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing:
School of Health Sciences
- Medical Assisting Diploma; The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the Mankato campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).1
- Health Information Technician Associate's Degree; The Health Information Technician Associate’s degree program offered at the Mankato campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).2
School of Nursing
- Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN); The Rasmussen University Practical Nursing Diploma program in Mankato, Minnesota is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).3
- Professional Nursing (ADN); The Rasmussen University Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program in Mankato, Minnesota is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).4
- Professional Nursing Mobility Bridge Entrance Option (post-licensure LPN to ADN program)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing; The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).5
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).5
Students can also enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s online programs through the Mankato campus. This gives students an option for college in Minnesota that provides the best of both worlds—online course flexibility with residential campus support.
What resources and support services are offered at the Mankato campus?
Students at the Rasmussen University Mankato campus can expect to find a wide range of support throughout their time in school—you’ll see everything from assistance with financial aid questions and concerns to receiving individual birthday greetings. As a whole, the University is passionate about connecting with students to help keep them on track and make sure their experience at Rasmussen University is a good one. Sanger, a Rasmussen University employee for over 20 years, takes that goal to heart.
“I love the people I work with and the students. I want them to feel valued,” Sanger says. “It’s that mission that motivates me each and every day.”
Upon enrollment, each student is assigned an academic advisor who helps keep them on track to graduate. This is done by keeping tabs on student performance and attendance and addressing any questions or concerns they may have along the way. Stuck on a specific academic question? Tutors are available to help on-campus as well as online. Additionally, students can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge provided by Library and Learning Services professionals. Students also have access to computer labs and study lounges all throughout campus.
How is the Mankato campus involved in the local community?
Whether our nursing students are serving the community by performing free blood pressure checks or our faculty is working with Adopt a Highway to pick up trash off of local roads, the Mankato campus is dedicated to the community.
The Mankato campus’ close proximity to regional healthcare organizations like the Mayo Clinic Health Systems and the Mankato Clinic provides an excellent opportunity for nursing students to gain experience and develop their skills during their clinical training period.
Quick facts about the Mankato campus:
- Nearby places to grab a bite to eat:
- The Tav on the Ave.
- Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
- El Mazatlan Authentic Mexican Restaurant
- Several fast-food options along Madison Avenue
- Recreation activities in the area:
- Explore the beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails at Minneopa State Park.
- Check out the family-friendly exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota.
- Ski the slopes at Mt. Kato Ski Lodge.
- Kayak, canoe or paddle board down the Blue Earth River.
Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – Mankato campus
Here at Rasmussen University – Mankato campus, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment to help our students grow and further pursue their passions. If you would like to learn more about our campus and community of learners, check out the Rasmussen University Mankato campus Facebook page.
1 The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the Mankato campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-291-7550
2 The Health Information Technician Associate's degree program offered at the Mankato campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601, 312-235-3255
3 The practical nursing program at Rasmussen University at the Mankato campus located in Mankato, Minnesota is accredited by the 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 the practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
4 The associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the Mankato campus located in Mankato, Minnesota is accredited by the 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 the practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
5 The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs at Rasmussen University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (CCNE) 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
