Program Details

Program Requirements

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General Education/MnTC Requirements
The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is the general education curriculum for the Minnesota State system. Choose MnTC courses according to the requirements listed on your Program Requirements Guide. Refer to the MnTC course list for each Goal Area:

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)
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Application Process

The Fall 2025 Application to Practical Nursing Major will open on January 13, 2025! Priority will be given to students who have completed all pre-requisite courses. Applicants will be ranked based on their Prerequisite GPA and TEAS results.

Applications that are complete and include any required documentation will reviewed. Including a complete, accurate email and address on the application will help ensure delivery of the admission status letter.

The next available Practical Nursing Application program start date is Fall Semester 2025. The online application has two parts.  Both will need to be completed before your application is reviewed.  Interested students should submit a completed PART 1 when it opens on January 13, 2025. Once Part 1 is completed and received the student will be sent a PART 2.  Applications that are complete and include any required documentation will reviewed. Inclusion of a complete, accurate email and address on the application will help ensure delivery of the admission status letter.

Before submitting the Application to Practical Nursing Major form, an applicant must:

  • Complete the ACCUPLACER assessment and meet Minimum Program Entry Requirements.
  • Complete all prerequisites before PRNS courses with an overall cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and a minimum of C in each of the courses.
  • Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VI)  with an overall score of 53 or higher and 45% on Reading and English.
  • Nursing Assistant certification, obtained within the last five years, or active Minnesota Nursing Registry.
  • Students who are accepted will be required to attend a Practical Nursing Orientation before the start of the program.
  • Submit a record of the required several immunizations, including COVID vaccines, American Heart BLS or Red Cross BLS certification, and Background Study before the semester the student registers for clinical courses.

The practical nursing admissions committee will review each application and determine admission based on overall academic performance, including all previous college coursework, GPA, and ACCUPLACER assessment. 

Career Information

Career Settings

  • Transitional Care
  • Long-Term Care Facilities
  • Clinics/Urgent Care
  • In-home Care
  • Rehabilitation Units/Centers
  • Hospice

Accreditations

The practical nursing program at Saint Paul College – A Community and Technical College located in St. Paul, MN, is accredited by the following:

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 continuing accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/

USDE Professional Licensure

NCLEX-PN, Continuing Education & Employment Placement Information

NCLEX Pass Rates For First Time Test Takers

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Program at Saint Paul College are eligible to sit for the Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) exam. After passing the NCLEX_PN, graduates may apply for licensure with the State Board of Nursing.

YearFirst-Time Pass Rate
202190.77%
202252.94%
202370.37%
2024First two quarters: 90/75 – 81.25%
Year to Date: 71.15%

Continuing Education and Employment Placement Rates

Hospitals, long-term care facilities, transitional care facilities, assisted living facilities, clinics, and home health agencies are eager to employ LPN graduates. Graduates are invited to complete a survey regarding their employment or education status. The following table represents the information reported by the graduates.

YearGraduate Survey Response RatesContinuing EducationEmployment Placement Rate
2019/202041/82 – 50%41%86.2%
2020/202168/74 – 91%27%64.7%
2021/2022Data Not AvailableData Not AvailableData Not Available
2022/2023Data Not Available8/35 – 22.2%17/35 – 70.5%