Practical Nursing (LPN)
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 Practical Nursing Diploma is a one-year program that prepares graduates to test for the NCLEX-PN to become LPNs.
High-tech, hands-on simulation centers prepare students to work in a variety of settings and with a variety of patients or clients. Clinical experiences with qualified Nursing faculty are part of the Practical Nursing program.
Admission into the program is a competitive process.
Application Process
Section titled “Application Process”- Apply to Ridgewater College, be admitted, and have “Pre-Nursing” as one of your majors.
- Attend a Nursing Information Session.
- Complete prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher & earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0+ between
those courses:
- ENGL 1210 – College Composition 1
- PSYC 1310 – Intro to Psychology
- BIOL 1080 – Human Biology (or both BIOL 2100 – Human Anatomy & BIOL 2110 – Human Physiology)
- HLTH 1130 – Medical Terminology
- Be current on the MN Nursing Assistant Registry. If you’re not on the registry, complete the Nursing Assistant course or complete the test out if you were previously on the registry. Nursing Assistant courses are available at Ridgewater through Customized Training and Continuing Education.
- Apply to the Nursing program
Program Timeline
Section titled “Program Timeline”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.
* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.
- 41 credit diploma
- Hutchinson or Willmar campus
- Start in fall
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.
Program Delivery
Section titled “Program Delivery”- Hutchinson and Willmar campuses
- In person
- M–F (days)
- Off-site clinical experiences
- Full time only
- Fall start only
Program Cost*
Section titled “Program Cost*”Tuition/Fees
Section titled “Tuition/Fees”- Diploma – $10,352
Additional Costs
Section titled “Additional Costs”- Book costs vary
- Uniforms: $251
- Special course fee: $1,462
Careers & Jobs
Section titled “Careers & Jobs”- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)