Nursing (RN Track)

Nursing (RN Track) Associate Degree

Nursing is one of the most in-demand and meaningful careers you can choose — and Riverland can get you there in two years. Graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and be eligible to sit for your NCLEX-RN, the exam that makes you a Registered Nurse.

Riverland's ADN program combines expert clinical faculty, real-world hospital and clinic placements close to home, and one of the most affordable paths to an RN license in Minnesota.

Why choose Riverland's RN program

• Expert faculty: Instructors with active clinical backgrounds who know what it takes to succeed in today's healthcare settings.
• Real-world clinical experience: Rotations take place at local healthcare facilities — giving you hands-on experience close to home without long commutes.
• Accredited program: Riverland's ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), a nationally recognized standard of quality. See the full accreditation disclosure below.
• Transfer-ready: Your ADN can transfer directly to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Winona State University or Minnesota State Mankato.
• State licensure: Meets RN licensure requirements in Minnesota and several other states.

What will I study?

The program builds your clinical and critical thinking skills from the ground up, preparing you to care for patients confidently across a variety of settings.

• Core nursing skills: Patient care, medical treatments, and emergency response.
• Advanced patient care: Medication administration and specialized care techniques.
• Licensure preparation: Structured preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Two tracks available — choose the one that fits your background:

• Traditional ADN track — for students without an LPN license. Full two-year program.
• LPN to ADN track — designed for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to become RNs. LPNs with an active license may qualify for advanced standing, potentially reducing total program length.

Career outlook

Registered Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and highest-demand healthcare careers in the country. In Minnesota, RNs work across hospitals, clinics, long-term care, schools, and community health settings — with strong local demand from employers like Mayo Clinic Health System and Olmsted Medical Center.

• High demand: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing to remain among the fastest-growing occupations through 2032.
• Diverse settings: Hospitals, clinics, long-term care, home health, public health, and more.

How to apply — next steps

1. Review admission requirements. The ADN program has specific prerequisites. Check the full requirements before applying to make sure you're on track.
2. Complete the HSRT entrance exam. All applicants must take the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT). Learn about the HSRT and how to register.
3. Submit your application. Applications are accepted on a competitive basis. Cohort sizes are limited — apply early.