Nursing
Associate of Science (A.S.)
Diploma
Join the high-demand career of nursing! Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). With top of the state NCLEX pass rates, we are confident that we can provide you with the knowledge and understanding to excel in your career as a nurse! Start your journey caring for others.
Accredited program
High demand career
Above state average NCLEX state pass rate
Choose your path
Nursing, A.S.
The Nursing A.S. degree is for Licensed Practical Nurses who wish to obtain their Associate of Science Nursing Degree. It is an entrance point for mobility students who have graduated from another nursing program or have completed Minnesota West's Practical Nursing Program. After successful completion, you will receive the A.S. Nursing Degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
Length
- 4 Semesters for Full-Time Students
- 64 Credits
Course List
Practical Nursing, Diploma
The Practical Nursing degree opens doors to advancement in nursing education. After successfully completing the program, you will receive a Practical Nursing Diploma and can take the NCLEX-PN exam. The program is designed to ladder into the Associate Nursing Degree. You can further your education in the RN program or start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Length
- 3 Semester for Full-Time Students
- 39 Credits
Course List
Application Dates
You can begin general education courses any semester on a part-time or full-time basis. You must begin nursing courses in the fall semester on a full-time basis to complete the diploma or associate in a science degree program in one year.
Deadline to apply is February 15.
Online learning students: Clinical experiences are a part of the program and are done in healthcare facilities
located in southwest Minnesota. On-campus and online learning students need to be
prepared to travel to assigned clinical sites as part of the program.
Apply to the Program
Start here. Go there.
The Minnesota West/SMSU Nursing pathway allows students to complete Year 1 with a
Practical Nursing (PN) degree, Year 2 with a Registered Nursing (RN) degree at Minnesota
West, and continue to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Years 3-4 at
Southwest Minnesota State University.
Nursing Pathway
Begin your nursing journey at Minnesota West and transfer seamlessly to Southwest
Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall. Benefit from decreased tuition costs,
accredited programs offering high-quality education, and easily transferable credits.
Whether you're looking for part-time or full-time options, Minnesota West provides
a flexible pathway to achieving your nursing goals.
The heart of our nursing programs at Minnesota West is the relationship between our students and our faculty. Our faculty actively encourages you, the student, to take responsibility for your education.
Discussion-based classes and active learning practices are led by our experienced, well-prepared faculty. That translates into a solid foundation for our nursing graduates.
Our nursing programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
You can begin general education coursework any semester on a part-time or full-time basis. You must begin nursing coursework in the fall semester on a full-time basis to complete the diploma or associate in science degree program in one year.
External scholarships offer numerous opportunities to secure funding from outside sources. Nursing students have additional resources to consider for financial support.
Licensed practical nurses work under the direction of a doctor or a registered nurse and provide basic bedside care to patients. While duties differ from one work setting to another, typical duties include taking vital signs, applying dressings, feeding patients, recording food and liquid intake and output, assisting with bathing and dressing, and performing routine lab work. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care centers and home health care services.
Registered nurses work to promote health and to help patients cope with illness. Registered nurses work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, public health facilities, government agencies, schools and private homes. Daily duties are determined by the work setting, and may include computerized monitoring of patients’ vital signs, writing and managing care plans, drawing blood and giving injections, performing routine lab tests, and performing administrative and supervisory duties.
The Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs at Minnesota West Community and Technical College at the Worthington, Pipestone, and Granite Falls Campuses located in Worthington, Pipestone, and Granite Falls, Minnesota are accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org/
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing Program is Initial Accreditation.
Tuition and fees are posted on our website and are subject to change. Additional costs include:
- Supplies, books, uniforms, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
- Licensure preparation testing (ATI) at end of program (included in tuition).
What drew me to Minnesota West was a grant opportunity I found out about through
work. Making the first step was hard, but knowing it was for a short time made it
an easier decision.
Marsha F.
Career Opportunities
Licensed practical nurses work under the direction of a provider or a registered nurse and provide basic bedside care to patients. While duties differ from one work setting to another, typical duties include taking vital signs, applying dressings, feeding patients, recording food and liquid intake and output, assisting with bathing and dressing, and performing routine lab work. Licensed practical nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care centers and home health care services.
Registered nurses work to promote health and to help patients cope with illness. Registered nurses work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, public health facilities, government agencies, schools and private homes. Daily duties are determined by the work setting, and may include computerized monitoring of patients’ vital signs, writing and managing care plans, drawing blood and giving injections, performing routine lab tests, and performing administrative and supervisory duties.
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