Nursing – LPN to Associate Degree (RN)

Nursing Information Sessions

Ridgewater has several options for obtaining your nursing training. These sessions will help you explore Ridgewater’s many options. Attending an information session for any of Ridgewater College’s Nursing programs is required for admission.

• Practical Nursing Diploma program (part-time and full-time options)
• Nursing Associate of Science (AS) program
• LPN to Nursing AS program
• Admissions criteria and application deadlines

Tuesdays  |  10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  |  Virtual over Zoom | January 27, February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26

Info Session RSVP – January 27Info Session RSVP – February 24Info Session RSVP – March 24Info Session RSVP – April 28Info Session RSVP – May 26

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Associate Degree (AD) Nursing is a two-semester Registered Nurse (RN) option for current LPNs who want to continue working while they pursue their RN degree. This option aims to reduce barriers and to provide more advanced standing credit for past education and working experience. This program prepares graduates to test for the NCLEX-RN to become RNs.

Admission into the program is a competitive process.

Program Prerequisites

Students must have a prerequisite minimum 2.5 GPA. Before applying, students must attain a minimum “C” grade or higher in the following courses:

• PSYC 1310 Introduction to Psychology
• CHEM 1010 Survey of Chemistry
• BIOL 2100 Human Anatomy

In addition, students accepted to the program must meet the same GPA and grade minimums before starting nursing courses in the following:

• ENGL 1210 College Composition I – Critical Reading & Writing
• PSYC 2630 Developmental Psychology
• BIOL 2110 Human Physiology
• BIOL 2150 Microbiology

Program Timeline – Spring 2026

Fall Application Period: December 1^st – February 1^st
Spring Application Period: July 1^st – September 1^st

Program Delivery

• Eleven credits of Advanced Standing
• Semester 1 – Part-time, Wednesdays in-person (Hutchinson campus); Precepted clinicals
• Semester 2 – Full-time, in-person (Hutchinson or Willmar campus), off-site clinical experiences

Accreditation

The Practical Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The Ridgewater College Practical and Associate Degree Nursing Programs meet the state education requirements for a Practical or Professional nursing license in the state of Minnesota. Ridgewater College has not determined if the Practical and Associate Degree Nursing Programs at Ridgewater College meet the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia.

• Link to Nursing Practice Act
• Link to FAQs regarding the impact of 34 CFR 668.43 on nursing programs