Part-time Practical Nursing (LPN)

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Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic patient care in various health care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care. Responsibilities typically include individualized patient care, documentation, collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, and focused patient assessments.

The part-time Practical Nursing Diploma is a four-semester/ two-year option for current Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). This program prepares graduates to test for the NCLEX-PN to become LPNs.

Applicant prerequisites include a C or better grade in Human Biology, Intro to Psychology, English Composition, and Medical Terminology. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and be on the MN Nursing Assistant Registry. Attending an information session for any of Ridgewater College’s Nursing programs is required for admission.

Accreditation

The Practical Nursing program at Ridgewater College at the Hutchinson Campus located in Hutchinson, MN and the Willmar Campus located in Willmar, MN is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program – https://www.acenursing.org/acen-programs-05202024/ridgewater-college-p.

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.

40 credit diploma
Hutchinson or Willmar campus
Off-site clinical experiences
Start in fall

Program Delivery

Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
In person
Two or 2 ½ days per week (specific days of the week will vary per campus)
Off-site clinical experiences
Fall start only

Program Cost^*

Tuition/Fees

Diploma: $9,269

Additional Costs

Books: $1,893
Uniforms: $251
Special course fee: $1,462

Program Highlights

Program Application will be available April 1 – June 1 to be considered for a Fall Start. Prerequisites must be completed upon application. Students with prerequisites in progress may be considered if space allows.

Faculty