The process of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) in Minnesota is a structured path designed to ensure all practitioners meet high standards of competence and ethical conduct. The journey begins with educational prerequisites and culminates with a formal application to the Minnesota Board of Nursing (BON), the governing body responsible for regulating the nursing profession. This guide outlines the requirements for initial licensure by examination and the separate process for nurses already licensed in other states.
Education and Program Requirements
Licensure requires applicants to complete a nursing program formally approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing (BON). The educational pathway can be met through three options: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs must adhere to the standards outlined in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148. The ADN program is typically a two-year course of study, while the BSN program generally requires four years of full-time study at a university. An MSN can serve as an accelerated pre-licensure degree, usually taking two to three years of post-baccalaureate study. All approved programs incorporate supervised clinical experience where students apply classroom knowledge in healthcare settings.
Passing the NCLEX Examination
Once educational requirements are fulfilled, the next mandatory step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized examination assesses whether a candidate possesses the minimum competencies required to safely begin practice as an entry-level nurse. Candidates must apply for licensure by examination with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and register separately with the testing vendor, Pearson VUE. The BON verifies the applicant’s eligibility to test after receiving the Confirmation of Program Completion from the nursing school. Pearson VUE then issues an Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT is a time-limited document, usually valid for 90 days, during which the candidate must schedule and take the exam. The NCLEX-RN is administered using Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT).
Applying for Licensure with the Minnesota Board of Nursing
The formal, state-specific application process follows the successful passing of the NCLEX-RN. This administrative step requires submitting a formal application for licensure by examination, along with the required non-refundable fees. The application fee is $105, and a separate Criminal Background Check (CBC) fee of $32 is mandated. A mandatory state requirement is the completion of a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. After submitting the application, the applicant receives a fingerprint packet and instructions from the CBC office. The BON will investigate if an applicant answers yes to any questions in the Grounds for Denial section of the application, which may delay the issuance of a license. The Board issues a license only once all requirements, including a satisfactory CBC, are met. Applicants can track the progress of their application through the BON’s online services account.
Licensure by Endorsement for Out-of-State Nurses
Registered Nurses who hold an active license in another U.S. state or territory may apply for a Minnesota RN license through licensure by endorsement. This path allows experienced nurses to obtain a Minnesota license without retaking the NCLEX-RN. The process begins with submitting the Licensure by Endorsement application and the appropriate fees to the Minnesota Board of Nursing. A central requirement is the verification of the nurse’s initial license obtained by examination and their current license. This verification is often facilitated through the Nursys national verification system. If a state does not participate in Nursys, the nurse must request that the state’s board of nursing send verification directly to the Minnesota Board. The applicant may also need to submit a Confirmation of Nursing Employment form completed by their most recent employer. All endorsement applicants must complete the mandatory Minnesota criminal background check and fingerprinting. If all requirements are met, a temporary permit to practice may be issued for up to 60 days while the application and background check are under review.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Minnesota RN License
Maintaining the legal authority to practice requires the Registered Nurse to renew the Minnesota license biennially. The expiration date aligns with the last day of the nurse’s birth month. RNs must complete a minimum of 24 contact hours of board-approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal period. These hours must be obtained through courses approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing or a recognized accrediting organization. The renewal application process is primarily conducted online through the BON’s website. The number of required CE hours is adjusted proportionally if the initial licensure period is shorter or longer than 24 months. Nurses must retain documentation of their completed CE activities for at least two years following the renewal, as the Board conducts random audits. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have additional requirements, often satisfied by maintaining national certification.
Minnesota and the Nurse Licensure Compact
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement that allows a Registered Nurse to hold one multistate license, granting the privilege to practice in all participating NLC states. Minnesota is currently not a member of the NLC. A Minnesota-licensed nurse holds a single-state license, valid only within the state’s borders. Consequently, any nurse licensed in a compact state who wishes to practice in Minnesota must obtain a single-state Minnesota license through the endorsement process. Similarly, Minnesota nurses who want to work in an NLC state must apply for licensure by endorsement in that state. While legislative efforts have been made to join the NLC, the compact has not yet been enacted.