Nursing helping elderly person.

Nursing

With state-of-the-art facilities, world-class educators, and a range of undergraduate, graduate, online, and degree-completion options, we have a variety of flexible and traditional nursing programs that meet what today's health care employers are looking for. Experience the power of collaborative learning in our state-of-the-art simulation center.

Careers in Nursing

Graduates are well-prepared to enter traditional nursing roles in hospitals and clinics, or to pursue specialized paths in healthcare and nursing. The nursing program lays the groundwork for advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners, allowing graduates to continually grow and evolve in their careers.
  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Care Manager
  • Flight Nurse
  • Informatics Nurse
  • Travel Nurse
  • Wound Care Nurse
  • Nurse Practitioner

Potential Salary

Median Salary $86,070

The median annual wage for Registered Nurses in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nursing Degrees at MSU

Nursing, Bachelor of Science

The Pre-Licensure Nursing Program is designed for students that wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing and eventual licensure as a Registered Nurse. The Bachelor of Science is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

RN Baccalaureate Completion, Bachelor of Science (online)

Complete your RN to BS degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato! Our program is individualized, flexible and is 100% online. With rolling admission, affordable tuition, and several different start times a year, you can take your degree to the next level when it’s convenient for you. The RN Baccalaureate is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Advanced Professional Nurse, Master of Science–Nurse Educator (online)

Graduates are prepared for a variety of advanced professional nursing roles and will possess skills for inclusive and equitable advanced nursing practice in diverse settings. Our Nurse Educator program equips BS-prepared nurses with the skills to teach in colleges and clinical settings. Graduates are prepared for inclusive, equitable education and can sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. 

Effective October 25, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on October 25, 2026.

Advanced Professional Nurse, Master of Science–Nurse Leader (online)

Graduates are prepared for a variety of advanced professional nursing roles and will possess skills for inclusive and equitable advanced nursing practice in diverse settings. Advance your nursing career with our MS in Nurse Leadership, perfect for BS-prepared nurses aiming for roles in quality improvement, union leadership, or nursing management and administration within health systems.

Effective October 25, 2024, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on October 25, 2026.

Nursing Practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Earning a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an excellent way to advance your nursing career and prepare for future opportunities! Since 1994, our graduate program has been recognized for its world-class instruction, helping nurses take the next step in their career.  With experienced clinical faculty, convenient classroom and practice facilities, and strong support for clinical placements, we provide the resources you need to succeed and achieve your personal and professional goals. The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  

Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

CCNE

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

ACEN

Student Nurse in the nursing simulation lab with a mother and daughter

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing is a learning community dedicated to educating entry-level and advanced practice nurses, developing nursing knowledge, and serving diverse communities. Students gain real-world experience through cutting-edge resources like the Maverick Family Simulation Center, the Glen Taylor Nursing Institute for Family and Society, and community-focused initiatives like Health Commons at Pond.

three student nurses standing in front a nursing sign.

Nursing Student Organizations

Discover nursing-specific organizations you can join at MSU, including the Mu Lambda Chapter of Sigma – Honor Society and the Student Nursing Association. Get involved, build connections, and enhance your nursing journey!

Additional Information and Resources

CCNE Accredited

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato are proudly accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)—ensuring excellence in nursing education.

Clinical Partnerships

Our Pre-Licensure Program gives you hands-on experience through clinical rotations and service learning projects in urban and rural settings, including the Twin Cities and South Central Minnesota. These opportunities bridge classroom knowledge with practical application, preparing you for a successful nursing career.

Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center

Discover the Maverick Family Nursing Simulation Center, an accredited, cutting-edge facility where innovative technology bridges classroom learning with real-world clinical practice. Here, students safely hone their skills through realistic simulations of high-risk, low-frequency scenarios, preparing them for real-life challenges.

Nursing Advising

Using three different advising models, nursing students have opportunities to work with both professional and faculty advisors throughout their academic journeys. 

Related Programs

School gym teacher holding clip board, on the field with students.

Applied Health Science

From undergraduate degrees in alcohol and drug studies to public health or public health education, school health education, pre-occupational therapy, pre-athletic training, or pre-health administration, you'll graduate prepared to make an immediate impact in the health science field through one of these rewarding careers.

Dental assistant working on patient.

Dental Education

By choosing the Dental Education program you're giving yourself the flexibility to grow and evolve in a career in your chosen field. With the Bachelor's degree and MS in Advanced Dental Therapy, you'll have the unique opportunity to provide oral health care services in our on-site clinic, schools, and community.

teacher helping a preschool student

Family Consumer Science

Family Consumer Science program trains future professionals to promote family health through degrees in Dietetics, Child Development and Family Studies, and Family Consumer Science Education.

student on technology

Health Informatics

The study of Health Informatics prepares students to use Information Systems and Health Information Technology to design, evaluate, adopt, and apply technology-based innovations in healthcare delivery, management, and research.

School of Nursing Department

College of

Allied Health and Nursing

The College of Allied Health and Nursing is a thriving community dedicated to preparing future leaders in nursing, communication sciences, and health-related fields. With state-of-the-art learning centers, real-world experiences clinical practicums and fieldwork, and strong community connections, students gain the hands-on training needed for success. Committed to equity and inclusion, we create an environment where all learners can excel and make a meaningful impact in health and wellness.

Learn More About the College of Allied Health and Nursing