Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Minnesota
| Detail | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Minnesota
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Minnesota is $60,870 per year, which is 2.4% below the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,130 |
| 25th | $55,600 |
| 50th (median) | $60,870 |
| 75th | $64,340 |
| 90th (experienced) | $72,960 |
Minnesota employs approximately 12,740 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota Worth It?
Factors to consider: Minnesota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.