Rasmussen University is expanding access to nursing education in Minnesota with the addition of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the St. Cloud campus. The new offering is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and reflects continued demand for registered nurses across central and rural parts of the state.
The St. Cloud campus has been part of Rasmussen University's Minnesota footprint since 1997, serving students from the surrounding region with career-focused degree programs. The addition of a BSN option builds on the campus's existing nursing education offerings and provides a new pathway for students seeking a bachelor's-level nursing degree without relocating to larger metropolitan areas.
According to the university, the BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is designed to prepare graduates for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Rasmussen University reports strong licensure outcomes for its BSN graduates in Minnesota, with recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates exceeding 90 percent, based on state-reported data.
University leaders say the expansion is intended to support both students and healthcare employers facing ongoing workforce pressures. Healthcare providers across Minnesota have cited persistent challenges in recruiting and retaining registered nurses, particularly in smaller cities and rural communities.
Rasmussen University President Mark Arnold said the expansion reflects the institution's mission to support regional workforce needs. Expanding our BSN program to St. Cloud reflects Rasmussen University's commitment to serving Minnesota communities, both large and small
, Arnold said.
Program Options and Pathways
The BSN program at the Rasmussen University St. Cloud campus offers multiple pathways designed to accommodate different educational backgrounds:
- BSN Standard Degree
- Accelerated Second-Degree BSN
- RN to BSN
In addition to its BSN offerings, the St. Cloud campus also provides the following nursing programs:
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Professional Nursing (ADN/RN)
Together, these programs allow students to pursue nursing education at multiple entry points and progress through different credential levels within a single institution, from practical nursing through bachelor's-level preparation.
The BSN curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences, including skills labs and supervised clinical placements. Clinical experiences are coordinated with healthcare partners in the region, allowing students to gain practical training while remaining in their home communities. As with most nursing programs, enrollment capacity is influenced by faculty availability and clinical placement resources.
What Prospective Students Should Know
For students considering a nursing school in Minnesota, the St. Cloud BSN expansion provides an additional option for earning a bachelor's degree in nursing without relocating to a larger metropolitan area. Admission to BSN programs is typically competitive, and students should expect a rigorous academic schedule that includes coursework, laboratory training, and clinical rotations.
To learn more about the Rasmussen University St. Cloud campus, including admissions information and available programs, visit:
https://www.rasmussen.edu/locations/minnesota/st-cloud/
To learn more about the Rasmussen University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, including prerequisites and application details, visit:
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/bachelor-science-nursing-bsn/
Source: Rasmussen University News Center — BSN Expansion at St. Cloud Campus