Nursing - LPN to Associate Degree (RN)

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Associate Degree (AD) Nursing is a two-semester Registered Nurse (RN) option for current LPNs who want to continue working while they pursue their RN degree. This option aims to reduce barriers and to provide more advanced standing credit for past education and working experience. This program prepares graduates to test for the NCLEX-RN to become RNs.

Admission into the program is a competitive process. Applicant prerequisites include C or better grades in Anatomy and Chemistry. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA with current licensure in good standing.

Admission into the program is a competitive process. Email nursingadmissions@ridgewater.edu for questions.

Program Prerequisites

Students must have a prerequisite minimum 2.5 GPA. Before applying, students must attain a minimum “C” grade or higher in the following courses:

• PSYC 1310 Introduction to Psychology
• CHEM 1010 Survey of Chemistry
• BIOL 2100 Human Anatomy

In addition, students accepted to the program must meet the same GPA and grade minimums before starting nursing courses in the following:

• ENGL 1210 College Composition I – Critical Reading & Writing
• PSYC 2630 Developmental Psychology
• BIOL 2110 Human Physiology
• BIOL 2150 Microbiology

Program Timeline – Spring 2026

Fall Application Period: December 1st – February 1st** Spring Application Period**: July 1st – September 1st

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.

• 64 credit degree
• Hutchinson or Willmar campus
• Off-site clinical experiences
• Start in fall or spring

The Associate Degree 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 Associate Degree 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-a.

Program Delivery

• Eleven credits of Advanced Standing
• Semester 1 – Part-time
  • 1 in-person class per week
  • Precepted clinicals
• Semester 2 – Full-time
  • 1 in-person class per week
  • Off-site clinical experiences
• Fall and spring start

Program Cost*

Tuition/Fees

• AS Degree – $16,543

Additional costs

• Book costs vary
• Scrubs, stethoscope: $300
• Special course fee: $1,468

Careers & Jobs

• Registered Nurse