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Practical Nursing

Are you ready to start your journey towards a career in nursing? Our Practical Nursing Program at Hennepin Technical College might be the perfect fit for you!

In Hennepin Technical College’s Practical Nursing program, you’ll take your certified nursing assistant and basic life saving skills to the next level. As a student, you will gain the skills to become an important part of the healthcare team in a variety of clinical settings.

To prepare you for success, your education includes courses ranging from basic nursing skills to psychosocial nursing, from pharmacology to actual patient care. It’s a blend of theory and hands-on experience that builds your nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

The program is designed to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Board of Nursing for qualifying to take the practical nursing state board licensing examination (NCLEX-PN). Upon successful completio

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Smiling nurse in scrubs with a stethoscope, standing confidently with arms crossed.
Overview
Class Time Day
Semester Fall | Spring
Campus Brooklyn Park | Eden Prairie
Awards

Practical Nursing Diploma

Practical Nursing Associate of Applied Science

Tuition & Learning

Planning your investment is easy. Our program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for immediate entry into your chosen field. Below you'll find detailed information about program costs and required materials.

Tuition Estimates by Award

Costs below apply to each specific award option:

Diplomas

Practical Nursing
$8,809
Diploma

Associates Degrees

Practical Nursing
$12,584
Associate of Applied Science

Additional Costs

  • Books & Materials: $500
  • Lab Fees: $0
The tuition rate for 2025-2026 academic year is
$209.73 per credit

Required Tools & Equipment

  • Stethoscope = $100 - 200
  • Watch with second hand = $10
  • Nursing Lab Supply Kit = $38
  • Voucher for Nursing Scrub Uniform = $48

Scholarships & Savings

Ready to turn your dreams into reality? At Hennepin Tech, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your education. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of paying for college, so you can focus on what really matters – your future.

FAFSA

Your key to financial aid. The first step to unlocking financial assistance for college is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, you’ll qualify for a variety of federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Don’t worry, our financial aid advisors are here to help, even if you have unique circumstances or are an undocumented individual.

Check out your first step to funding college

North Star Promise

If you’re a Minnesota resident who meets certain income criteria, you may also qualify for the North Star Promise, which provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It’s another way we’re making college more accessible and affordable for students like you.

See if you qualify for free tuition

Foundation Scholarships

The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your college expenses!

Explore scholarships just for our students

PSEO & Concurrent Enrollment

High school students can jumpstart their college education by participating in our Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or Concurrent Enrollment programs. Earn college credits while still in high school and save on future tuition costs!

Discover how you can earn college credit in high school

VA Benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. Contact our veterans services office for assistance in accessing and maximizing your VA benefits.

Maximize your military education benefits

Third-Party Payments

Did you know that some employers, organizations, or government agencies offer tuition assistance programs? If you’re eligible, you can use these funds to help cover your college expenses. Be sure to check with your employer or inquire about any available benefits.

Let a sponsor help fund your education

Transfer Credits

Transfer the credits you’ve already earned from previous colleges or programs to reduce the classes you need, helping you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.

Make your hard work count twice

To maximize your savings, apply for FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and review your potential for credit through prior learning and transfer evaluations.

Accreditation & Recognition

The Practical nursing program at Hennepin Technical College at the Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie campuses located in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: 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 on the ACEN website.

Articulation

Graduates of the practical nursing program may attend a mobility program leading to an ADN or BSN in professional nursing and the opportunity to take the RN licensure exam. Students are encouraged to contact their RN program of choice for specific details on admission requirements.

USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Hennepin Tech Practical Nursing curriculum is designed to help prepare students to sit for the professional licensure exam for Minnesota. At this time, Hennepin Tech is unable to make a determination if the Practical Nursing program meets the licensing requirement for any state or US protectorate besides Minnesota. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements: below we provide a link to a list of each states licensing board. If you have further questions about licensure for Practical Nurses, please feel free to reach out to the Director of Nursing.

For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Practical Nursing visit the NursingLicensure.org website.

Last reviewed 03/28/2025

How to Apply

Ready to start your journey at Hennepin Tech? Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed and follow our simple application process to take the first step toward your career goals.

Program Requirements

Due to accreditation requirements, all students will need to obtain the diploma. There is an option to obtain a degree, either at the same time or after graduating with the diploma. The diploma is required to take the licensure exam and for entry into practice; therefore the degree is an option in addition to the diploma. The AAS Degree option in Practical Nursing is designed for those who would like to fulfill some of the general education requirements to pursue a professional nursing degree. Students are encouraged to contact the program to which they wish to transfer for specific information about their requirements to ensure the student selects the appropriate courses.

Students must complete the "pre-nursing" coursework before being accepted into the program. This requires a separate Nursing Application which is obtained at an application session. The dates of the application sessions can be found under the "Entry Requirements" below. If you are interested in starting the Practical Nursing program, please apply using the regular college application.

National Council Licensure Examination - Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN)

  • Student Learner Program Outcomes (Award Outcomes)
    • Participates in quality improvement by using innovative thinking founded upon a spirit of lifelong learning

    • Contributes to the goals of the healthcare team using legal and ethical nursing frameworks within the scope of practice of the LPN

    • Utilizes the nursing process, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice to promote safe, quality care across the lifespan

    • Demonstrates client specific care inclusive of socioeconomic, cultural, and developmental criteria through use of focused assessments, therapeutic communication, and holistic nursing theory

Application Process

Faculty & Staff

Gayle Godfrey Practical Nursing Faculty - Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Gayle.Godfrey@HennepinTech.edu
Cathy Meadows Practical Nursing Faculty - Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Cathy.Meadows@HennepinTech.edu
Tamyka Carr Practical Nursing Faculty Phone: 763-488-2404 E-mail: Tamyka.Carr@HennepinTech.edu
Juanisha Wright Practical Nursing Faculty-Adjunct Phone: 763-488-2498 E-mail: Juanisha.Wright@HennepinTech.edu
Amy VanderLeest Practical Nursing Adjunct Faculty Phone: 763-488-2498 E-mail: Amy.VanderLeest@HennepinTech.edu
Cassandra Goldschmidt Practical Nursing Faculty-Adjunct Phone: 952-995-1355 E-mail: Cassandra.Goldschmidt@HennepinTech.edu
Rebecca Pohlman Nursing Instructor Phone: 763-488-2513 E-mail: Rebecca.Pohlman@HennepinTech.edu
Daniel Pryor Practical Nursing Faculty - Adjunct Phone: 763-488-2463 E-mail: Daniel.Pryor@HennepinTech.edu
Caitlyn Schumaker Nursing Instructor Phone: 763-488-2463 E-mail: Caitlyn.Schumaker@HennepinTech.edu
Wesley Turner Nursing Instructor Phone: 763-488-2463 E-mail: Wesley.Turner@HennepinTech.edu
Cheryl Lassen Associate Dean of Nursing Phone: 763-488-2463 E-mail: Cheryl.Lassen@HennepinTech.edu
Megan Leach Practical Nursing Faculty-Adjunct Phone: 763-488-2459 E-mail: Megan.Leach@HennepinTech.edu
Martha Melin Practical Nursing Faculty Adjunct Phone: 763-488-2455 E-mail: Martha.Melin@HennepinTech.edu

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