Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.
Jobs (MN)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Minnesota
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Minnesota, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Minnesota Board of Nursing. A criminal background check with fingerprinting is required as part of the application process. While Minnesota does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact for LPNs, it does have reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Minnesota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Minnesota requirements
| Licensing body | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Application fee includes a criminal background check fee. A criminal background check involving fingerprinting is required. Minnesota allows border state reciprocity for nurses with licenses from Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota. Minnesota is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state for LPNs, so licensure by endorsement is required for those licensed in other states. |
Source: Minnesota Board of Nursing
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMinnesota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk