Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN)
The Practical Nursing Diploma program is a 37 credit, one-year program held entirely on the Staples Campus of Central Lakes College.ÌýÌýThis program prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN Board exam and become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).ÌýÌýThis program begins once per year, each Fall semester.
Steps to Enroll.ÌýÌýTo be admitted into the Practical Nursing program, 91³Ô¹ÏÍø requires:
STEP 1.ÌýÌý.ÌýÌýYou must be admitted to 91³Ô¹ÏÍø prior to submitting a Nursing program application.ÌýÌýIf you are a current 91³Ô¹ÏÍø student, you have already completed this step!
STEP 2.ÌýÌý91³Ô¹ÏÍø Practical Nursing Diploma program application.ÌýÌýYou must submit a Practical Nursing Diploma application for each semester you would like to be considered for the program.ÌýÌýLog in with username: starid@go.minnstate.edu and your Star ID password.
STEP 3.ÌýÌýHealth Science Reasoning Test (HSRT).ÌýÌýA score of 65% or better is required for admission into the program.Ìý Click here to find out more information or to register for the Health Science Reasoning Test.
Please Note:Ìý Students seeking admission for the FALL 2025 start in the Practical Nursing program should still take the TEAS Exam online via the testing company ATI.Ìý To sign up for a test, go to .Ìý
NOTE: Applicants must be 18 years of age prior to beginning their clinical placement.ÌýÌýClinical placements begin halfway through the first semester of the program.
Nursing A.S. Degree (Traditional-Registered Nurse)
The Traditional Nursing Associate of Science (A.S.) program is a 64 credit, two-year program held on the Brainerd Campus of Central Lakes College.ÌýÌýThis program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN Board exam and become Registered Nurses (RNs).ÌýÌýThis program begins twice per year, each Fall and Spring semester.
Steps to Enroll.ÌýÌýTo be admitted into the Traditional Nursing program, 91³Ô¹ÏÍø requires:
STEP 1.ÌýÌý.ÌýÌýYou must be admitted to 91³Ô¹ÏÍø prior to submitting a Nursing program application.ÌýÌýIf you are a current 91³Ô¹ÏÍø student, you have already completed this step!
STEP 2.ÌýÌý91³Ô¹ÏÍø Nursing A.S. Degree (Traditional) program application.ÌýÌýYou must submit a Traditional Nursing AS application for each school year you would like to be considered for the program.ÌýÌýLog in with username: starid@go.minnstate.edu and your Star ID password.
STEP 3.ÌýÌýHealth Science Reasoning Test (HSRT).ÌýÌýA score of 70% or better is required for admission into the program.Ìý Click here to find out more information or to register for the Health Science Reasoning Test.
NOTE: Applicants must be 18 years of age prior to beginning their clinical placement.ÌýÌýClinical placements begin during the second semester of the program.
Traditional Nursing AS Admission and Progression Requirements
Nursing A.S. Degree (Advanced Standing) - Bridge Program for LPN to RN (must be LPN to apply)
The Advanced Standing Nursing Associate of Science (A.S.) program is a 64 credit (including pre-requisites), one-year (3 semester) program held on the Brainerd Campus of Central Lakes College.ÌýÌýThis program prepares Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to take the NCLEX-RN Board exam and become Registered Nurses (RNs).ÌýÌýThis program begins twice per year, each Fall and Spring semester.
Steps to Enroll.ÌýÌýTo be admitted into the Advanced Standing Nursing program, 91³Ô¹ÏÍø requires:
STEP 1.Ìý.ÌýÌýYou must be admitted to 91³Ô¹ÏÍø prior to submitting a Nursing program application.ÌýÌýIf you are a current 91³Ô¹ÏÍø student, you have already completed this step!
STEP 2.ÌýÌý91³Ô¹ÏÍø Nursing A.S. Degree (Advanced Standing) program application.ÌýÌýYou must submit an Advanced Standing Nursing AS application for each school year you would like to be considered for the program.ÌýÌýLog in with username: starid@go.minnstate.edu and your Star ID password.
STEP 3.ÌýÌýSelection Criteria for Advanced Standing Students
- Students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 in their completed general education courses for initial consideration.Ìý Not all 8 general courses need to be completed for consideration, but the GPAÌýMUSTbe at least a 2.75 or higher in the completed generals.ÌýÌý
- Students must have 5 of the 8 required general education courses completed for initial consideration.
- It will be the responsibility of the student to ensure all non-Minnesota State transcripts are on file for evaluation.Ìý Unofficial transcripts will not be used for evaluation.
- It will be the responsibility of the student to provide documentation of current Practical Nursing Licensure in the state of Minnesota.
- If we have more applicants that we can accommodate in the semester start, priority will be given to students with documented experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
NOTE: Applicants must be Licensed Practical Nurses prior to beginning the program.ÌýÌýThis means Practical Nursing Licensure in Minnesota by August 1 for Fall start or January 1 for Spring start.
Advanced Standing Nursing AS Admission and Progression Requirements
