Rasmussen University Expands Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program to St. Cloud Campus

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American Public Education's (NASDAQ:APEI) Rasmussen University announced the expansion of its CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to its St. Cloud campus in Minnesota, with classes starting January 2026. This marks the third expansion of Rasmussen's Bloomington BSN program in two years, following additions to Eagan and Hennepin/Anoka campuses.

The expansion aims to address critical nursing shortages in rural areas, where projected shortages are expected to reach 24% by 2027, compared to 7% in metro areas. The program offers multiple entry tracks including Standard BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN pathways. Notably, Rasmussen's Minnesota BSN program achieved a 90.7% NCLEX-RN® pass rate in 2024, with 88 out of 97 graduates passing on their first attempt.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• 18-month program completion timeline depends on transfer credits and course load
• Rural location may present challenges in attracting faculty and clinical partners

News Market Reaction

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New offering expands access to BSN education for students in St. Cloud and rural communities

ST. CLOUD, Minn., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University today announced the expansion of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to the University's St. Cloud campus, with enrollment now open and classes beginning in January 2026.

The addition of the CCNE-accredited¹ BSN program in St. Cloud expands access to aspiring nurses across Central Minnesota and more rural communities outside the Twin Cities metro. The program is designed to help meet the growing demand for bachelor's-prepared registered nurses (RNs) in Minnesota, where healthcare systems in both urban and rural areas are facing workforce shortages.

"Expanding our BSN program to St. Cloud reflects Rasmussen University's commitment to serving Minnesota communities—both large and small," said Mark Arnold, president of Rasmussen University. "This new offering helps us reach students who may not otherwise have access to a BSN program close to home, and it supports rural hospitals and clinics that are urgently seeking more registered nurses."

According to the Bureau of Health Workforce's document Nurse Workforce Projections, 2022-2037, nonmetro areas are expected to outpace metro areas in shortages of RNs in the next three interval years of 2027 (24% vs. 7%), 2032 (19% vs. 6%), and 2037 (13% vs. 5%). Rural communities across the country, including Minnesota also continue to face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals.

"Many Rasmussen University Nursing graduates choose to remain and practice in the communities where they are educated, helping to address local workforce needs and strengthen healthcare access in rural areas," said Arnold. "This expansion to St. Cloud is designed to build on that tradition and prepare the next generation of nurses to serve the region."

This is the third expansion of Rasmussen's Bloomington BSN program over the past two years. The University added the program to its Eagan, Minn. campus in Fall 2023 and to its Hennepin/Anoka campus located in Brooklyn Park, Minn. in Spring 2024.

Rasmussen University offers multiple entry tracks into its BSN program to meet students at various points in their academic and professional journey:

• BSN Standard Degree: For students who wish to earn a college degree and become a bachelor's-prepared nurse.
  
  
• Accelerated BSN Second Degree: For students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to transition into nursing. Students can finish in as few as 18 months².
  
  
• RN to BSN: For currently licensed RNs with an Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) who are ready to advance their education.

Rasmussen's Minnesota BSN students continue to experience strong outcomes, with a 90.7 percent NCLEX-RN® pass rate in 2024³.

"Our BSN program emphasizes hands-on learning and evidence-based practices to prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare," said Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, provost, Rasmussen University. "Students gain real-world clinical experience that equips them with the skills, confidence, and professional judgment needed to succeed as nurses, whether in urban hospitals or rural clinics."

Rasmussen University has been serving Minnesota communities for 125 years, including nearly 30 years in the St. Cloud community. The expansion of the Bloomington BSN program to St. Cloud is a timely milestone as the University celebrates this month its 125th anniversary of transforming lives through education and strengthening communities.

To learn more about the Rasmussen University St. Cloud campus, please visit: https://www.rasmussen.edu/locations/minnesota/st-cloud/

To learn more about the Rasmussen University Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program, please visit: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/bachelor-science-nursing-bsn/. 

¹The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791

²Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.

³88 of the 97 Rasmussen University BSN graduates in Minnesota (90.7%) who attempted the NCLEX-RN exam in 2024 passed on their first attempt. Source: https://mn.gov/boards/assets/2021-2024_RN_NCLEX_tcm21-280648.pdf

ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:
Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org)—is committed to enriching our communities by providing innovative, career-ready higher learning and outstanding healthcare education. The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses across the country across eight areas of study. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through person-centered career-focused education. In 2025, the University proudly celebrates 125 years of empowering students to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact. Rasmussen University is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). Learn more at www.rasmussen.edu.

ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.:
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing provides education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu

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SOURCE Rasmussen University

FAQ

When will Rasmussen University's BSN program start at the St. Cloud campus?

The BSN program at Rasmussen University's St. Cloud campus will begin classes in January 2026, with enrollment currently open.

What is the NCLEX pass rate for Rasmussen University's BSN program in Minnesota?

Rasmussen University's Minnesota BSN program achieved a 90.7% NCLEX-RN® pass rate in 2024, with 88 out of 97 graduates passing on their first attempt.

How many BSN program tracks does Rasmussen University (APEI) offer?

Rasmussen offers three BSN tracks: Standard BSN Degree, Accelerated BSN Second Degree (completable in 18 months), and RN to BSN for licensed RNs with an Associate's degree.

What are the projected nursing shortages in rural vs. metro areas by 2027?

According to the Bureau of Health Workforce, nonmetro areas are projected to face a 24% nursing shortage by 2027, compared to 7% in metro areas.

Is Rasmussen University's BSN program accredited?

Yes, Rasmussen University's BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).