A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Minnesota

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Minnesota

Minnesota is home to some of the world’s top healthcare facilities, and nurses who work in the state enjoy high salaries and an excellent quality of life. To establish yourself as a nurse in Minnesota, your first step is to get your registered nurse license.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Minnesota nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Minnesota nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing

How to get your Minnesota nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

Your nursing degree was your first investment in your professional career. Whether you pursued a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing, a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, or an accelerated BSN program, your degree is the key to qualifying for a Minnesota nursing license.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

The information contained here applies to nurses educated in the U.S. However, Minnesota also provides a licensure application for graduates of Canadian nursing programs.

Step 2: Apply

The state of Minnesota offers nurse licensure candidates the option of applying for licensure by examination online or by downloading the application packet and submitting it directly to the Board of Nursing.

The online application can be accessed here. The $138.25 application fee ($105 for the application and $33.25 for the Criminal Background Check) can be paid via credit card.

The paper application can be downloaded here and mailed with the $138.25 application fee ($105 for the application and $33.25 for the Criminal Background Check) in the form of a cashier’s check or money order to:

Minnesota Board of Nursing
1210 Northland Drive #120
Mendota Heights, MN 551250

You should also register to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). Registration will cost $200. You can also register by phone by calling 1-866-496-2539.

Step 3: Submit Transcripts

The Board of Nursing requires a Confirmation of Program Completion from your nursing program. If you graduated from a Minnesota nursing program, a school official can provide this information online. Applicants applying by mail must download and complete the top portion of the Confirmation of Program Completion for Licensure by Examination form that is at the bottom of your application. This should be sent to your nursing program for verification and then submitted to the Board directly from the Nursing Program to:

Minnesota Board of Nursing
1210 Northland Drive #120
Mendota Heights, MN

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

Upon receipt of your application, the Board of Nursing will send you a fingerprint packet by email. Follow the instructions within the packet and submit your fingerprints to the Criminal Background Check Program as soon as possible, at this address:

Criminal Background Check Program
335 Randolph Ave
Suite 180
St Paul, MN 55102

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Following receipt of all your application materials, you will receive email notification of your authorization to test from Pearson VUE. The NCLEX-RN exam measures your knowledge of foundational nursing, and covers the following topics:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation

Once you pass the NCLEX you will be issued a Minnesota nursing license. If you fail the test, you must submit an examination retake request within eight months of the last failed examination. You must retake the test within one year of your last attempt or you will need to reapply.

Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

If you have a valid registered nursing license in another state and want to practice nursing in Minnesota, you must apply for and be issued a license by endorsement. The process begins with registering for an online account with the Minnesota Board of Nursing. From there, the process is as follows: 

• Print the application from the Board of Nursing website or apply online for Licensure by Endorsement. Paper applications must be completed, signed, and submitted with the fee to the Board by mail to:
  
  Minnesota Board of Nursing
  1210 Northland Drive #120
  Mendota Heights, MN 55120
  
• Provide verification of your licensure from the state where you were first licensed as well as from the state where you are currently licensed (if it is different). Verification can be requested through the NURSYS site, or if your licensing state processes verification requests by paper, print the Verification of Licensure form and submit it to the state. This form is found at the bottom of the application packet.
•  The state requires that registered nurses who have ever been employed ask their current or most recent employer to complete and submit a Confirmation of Nursing Employment for Licensure by Endorsement form. This form is found at the bottom of the application packet. Upon completion the form must be submitted to the Board of Nursing.
• Upon receipt of your application, the Board of Nursing will send you a fingerprint packet by email. Follow the instructions within the packet and submit your fingerprints as soon as possible.
• Depending upon how long it has been since you last practiced the board may ask for information on continuing education or request that you complete a refresher course.

How to renew your Minnesota nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application

Minnesota’s registered nurses must renew their license every two years, though the licensure period may be shorter or longer as it relates to the month and year of your birth. After this initial period, the license will be in effect for two years. The state will send a reminder postcard approximately three calendar months before your registration expires. An email notice will also be sent if the Board of Nursing has your current email address.

Renewals are completed online. If you prefer to renew your license by mail you can either call 612-317-3000 and ask for a paper application, or you can request one  by checking the box on the back of the reminder postcard and return it to the Board of Nursing.

Step 2: Fulfill continuing competency requirements

Minnesota requires that registered nurses complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during the 24-month period of registration. If your initial licensure period is shorter or longer, you are required to complete a contact hour for each month of licensure. 

You are not required to submit any evidence of continuing education completion, but you should keep your documents for two years in case you are audited.

Minnesota nurses can fulfill some of their competency requirements at no cost on Incredible Health’s website.  The courses are available here and a certificate of completion will be available immediately.

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

You can renew your Minnesota registered nurse license at this link.

Minnesota nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Minnesota whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Minnesota from another state. For more information visit the Minnesota licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $105 (RN/LPN)
• Criminal background check fee: $33.25

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $105 (RN/LPN/APRN initial licensure fee)
• Criminal background check fee: $33.25

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $88 (RN/LPN/APRN)

*Fees are subject to change.

Continuing education requirements

RN: 24 hours every 2 years

LPN: 12 hours every 2 years

APRN: 24 hours every 2 years

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online.  The Minnesota Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

How to contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing

Minnesota Board of Nursing
The offices are open but please conduct business through the mail, email, or fax.
[email protected]

Phone: (612) 317-3000
Fax: (651) 688-1841

Website: https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/

1210 Northland Drive, Suite 120
Mendota Heights, MN 55120

More Minnesota Resources

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• Average salary for RNs in the state