Minnesota LPN School

By Mat Lindenberb, allied health world contributing writer
Published:  January 26th, 2010

LPN Schools in Minnesota

There are currently several online and campus based Minnesota LPN schools that are recognized by the state’s Board of Nursing. These include community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some smaller programs administered in partnership with some hospitals and clinics.

Because there are so many programs in Minnesota, you’ll want to spend some time and really make sure you pick the one right for you. Some cater to those who are intending to become a Registered Nurse, or RN, or perhaps another allied health professional and see the LPN program as a stepping stone. Others are better suited for those who can only go to school at night, or can only attend some days and need a more flexible program. Regardless, you’ll want to pick one that has a robust educational program.

Most standard practical nursing programs take about eight or nine months to complete. The usual setup is about half of the time in class, learning about general medical and first aids subjects like anatomy and nutrition, and about half the time in a hospital or clinic, learning and working under the direction of an experienced LPN or other allied health professional.

LPN Continuing Education in Minnesota

In order to renew your license, and remain a member in good standing with Minnesota's Board of Nursing, you'll need to complete 12 'contact hours' of continuing education every two years. A contact hour is 50 minutes of study, or in some cases time spent teaching, volunteering, or interning.

Minnesota does not actively approve or accredit continuing education providers, instead relying on the LPN's to engage in worthwhile activities that meet the guidelines they have set down. Generally, you will be able to count any continuing education conducted by a nationally recognized, state wide or governmental body, for credit.

Minnesota has a policy of randomly auditing LPN's to see if they are meeting their continuing education. For this reason, you'll want to keep detailed records of all of your hours, including instructor’s names and contact information. For more information when you reach this stage of your employment, refer to the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester, Minnesota may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the United Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Children’s of Minnesota and St. Mary’s Hospital.