Nursing – Associate Degree Program (RN)

Nursing Information Sessions

Attending an information session for any of Ridgewater College’s Nursing programs is required for admission.  Explore options and set yourself up for success.

• Practical Nursing (LPN) program
• Associate of Science (AS) degree Nursing – Registered Nurse (RN)
• RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) alignment options with university programs
• Admissions criteria and application deadlines

Tuesdays  | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  |  Virtual on Zoom  |  January 7, January 28

Printable Flyer

Info Session RSVP – January 7
Info Session RSVP – January 28

Nursing combines compassion, science, and technology to care for people from all walks of life during some of their most trying times. As THE most trusted profession, according to a 2017 Gallup poll, nursing also offers great job placement, security, and satisfaction. Put your heart into a career you’ll be proud of with skills that open so many doors!

Program Requirements and Job Outlook

Nursing AS Practical Nursing Diploma

Program delivery

• Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
• Fall and spring starts

Skills you will learn

• Wellness and health promotion
• Chronic and palliative care and end-of-life care
• Acute and complex care illness
• Critical thinking and clinical reasoning
• Professionalism and leadership

Choose Ridgewater

The Ridgewater College Associate Degree Nursing Program has a long history of nursing education excellence that is affordable and close to home. With an innovative curriculum, Ridgewater’s nursing programs combine high-fidelity simulation with hands-on, real-world experiences resulting in a respected reputation. With a 94-100% job placement rate since 2014, students are glad they chose Ridgewater College.

Ridgewater’s graduating students have the opportunity to transfer to various universities to attain their baccalaureate degree. To provide a smooth transition from the associate degree option to the bachelor’s degree, we have purposeful partnerships with universities across the region.

Program Distinction

The Associate of Science in Nursing program at Ridgewater College at the Hutchinson and Willmar campuses that are located in Hutchinson, MN and 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 Associate of Science in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.

Program attributes that help students thrive

• Hands-on experiences with invested, clinical partners
• Concept-based curriculum spiraled to help students better learn and think critically
• Class sizes lead to personal attention and strong classmate relationships
• Active Nursing Club connections for volunteer and educational activities
• Experienced instructors are current with industry practices

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.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has resources that may be helpful.

• Link to Nursing Practice Act

Becoming a registered nurse is work. Deciding where to get your degree is simple when you seek the best and to be among the best.