First-Time Student

Welcome! As a first-time college student seeking a certificate, diploma, or degree we have outlined the steps below to get you started on the right track:
01
Submit a FREE Online Application

Start Your Application

Tips for applying: If you plan to attend our Luverne Center or online only:

  • Luverne applicants should apply via the Pipestone Campus.
  • Distance Delivery nursing applicants should apply via the Worthington Campus.
  • Online applicants should apply to "Online location" not a campus location.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24-hours after submitting your online application. Following the e-mail confirmation, a letter from Minnesota West will arrive within two weeks of your submission.

02
Send Minnesota West Your High School Transcript or GED

Hard copy official transcripts can be directly mailed to the admissions address below. Check with your High School for requirements.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Attn: Admissions Staff
1593 11th Avenue
Granite Falls, MN 56241

Electronic official transcripts can be issued directly to admissions@mnwest.edu from the High School.

03
Apply For Financial Aid, Scholarships and More...

Paying for College

Apply for financial aid grants, scholarships, loans or work-study to help pay for tuition, fees and books through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or MN Dream Act.

Foundation Scholarship applications are open twice a year.

04
Meet With An Academic Advisor

Schedule a Meeting

Your campus Academic Advisor will review your test scores and ensure correct course placement, assist in class registration and guide you to complete any additional paperwork.

05
Meet Placement Requirements

Testing & Course Placement

All new students are required to take the Accuplacer Assessment test before registering for classes. If you have previous college coursework or have taken an ACT, SAT, MCA or Accuplacer and have a qualifying high school GPA, you may not need to take the Accuplacer Assessment.

06
Complete Orientation

Online Orientation

All new students must complete online orientation. Orientation is crucial to your success and is an opportunity to learn about general college information, resources, policies, upcoming deadlines, and many other common questions.

Programs with Special Admissions Requirements

The following programs have additional admission requirements.
Students must complete the additional steps of the Nursing admissions process to be admitted.
Application Details: Practical Nursing (LPN)
Application Details: Associate Degree Nursing (RN)

Students must complete the additional steps of the OTA admissions process to be admitted.
Application Details: Occupational Therapy Assistant Program (OTA)
  • Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
  • Submit the separate OTA online e-Application
  • Complete the required prerequisite courses before starting the program
Students must complete the required POST-mandated list before being accepted into the program.
Application Details: Peace Officer Program
  • Submit the separate Peace Officer Program application.
  • Read and submit the Minimum Selection Standards Affirmation.
  • Read and submit the Physical Fitness Test.
  • Complete and submit the State Vehicle Use Agreement and Consent Form.
  • Schedule a physical exam with your physician. Have the physician complete this physical form.
Students must complete the additional steps of the Rad Tech admissions process to be admitted.
Application Details: Radiologic Technology Program
  • Submit the separate Radiologic online e-Application
  • Complete the required prerequisite courses before starting the program