WSU Nursing Practitioner Program Ranked #1 in Minnesota

The No. 1 Top Nurse Practitioner Program in Minnesota is right here at Winona State University.

That’s according to RegisteredNursing.org, a leading nursing advocacy organization that published the 2025 Guide to Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minnesota based on quality, accreditation, affordability, and student success.

“Winona State faculty are highly dedicated to student success,” said Family Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator Mieca Valen. “The student to faculty ratio in the NP programs allows the ability to get to know each student. And all NP faculty have current clinical practice and bring this knowledge and experience to the classroom.”

Winona State’s Nurse Practitioner program features six Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs and Post-Graduate Certificate options designed for Registered Nurses to expand their practice as practitioners, specialists, and leaders.

The guide also praised Winona State’s hands-on clinical experiences, which allow students to practice the skills necessary to excel in the field.

“Providing this bridge between classroom learning and clinical practice has helped me feel confident in my ability to provide high-quality care,” said Max Harrison, a Nursing Practitioner student in the DNP graduate program at Winona State.

In addition, the Winona State Nurse Practitioner program was recognized as providing a strong emphasis on cultural competence and social responsibility, preparing students to care for diverse populations and health conditions.

“Students have substantial clinical rotations to learn the nuances of patients and families that often don’t ‘match’ the textbook definitions of health and disease,” said Amy Hilleran, a student in Winona State’s Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program.

The ranking also considered the quality of instruction and care extended to each student within the program. With a limit of 20 students in core foundational courses and an 8:1 faculty-student ratio at clinical sites, the program offers students unique one-on-one support from instructors.

“They go above and beyond to ensure that students are prepared academically and feel confident transitioning into practice,” said Harrison.