Nursing AS

Start your nursing career with a trusted, affordable program that prepares you for licensure and long‑term career growth.
Nursing student practicing clinical skills in a medical lab classroom

Program Overview

Anoka‑Ramsey’s Associate of Science in Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse through a rigorous, supportive and hands‑on learning experiences You'll build a strong foundation in nursing knowledge, clinical skills and patient‑centered care while learning from experienced faculty in real‑world healthcare settings. With affordable tuition, strong licensure outcomes and clear pathways for career advancement, Anoka‑Ramsey provides a trusted and accessible starting point for future nursing professionals.
AS
Associate of Science
Coon Rapids, Cambridge
64
Credits Course List

 

Why Anoka-Ramsey

Training Tomorrow's Nurses

  1. Proven Success in Nursing Education

    Anoka‑Ramsey’s Associate of Science in Nursing program is one of Minnesota’s largest and most respected. With a consistently strong NCLEX‑RN pass rate of 95% or higher, students graduate well‑prepared for licensure and confident in their clinical skills. The program is fully accredited and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, ensuring your education meets the highest professional standards.
    +95%
    NCLEX First-Time Pass Rates
  2. Flexible Pathways from RN to BSN

    Designed to support both new students and working healthcare professionals, the program offers multiple pathways, including a traditional RN track and an LPN‑to‑RN option. Graduates can continue their education through bachelor’s degree partnerships offering dual application options with Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University, Moorhead and transfer agreements with all seven universities in the Minnesota State system
  3. Modern Facilities with Emphasis on Simulation and Skills

    Our facilities are purpose-built to give you real-world practice. Advanced simulation suites offer dedicated control, observation and debrief spaces for flexible learning and timely feedback. Open and skills labs provide hands-on, real-world environments designed to mirror professional settings, helping you build confidence from day one.
    Nursing student practices infant care in Anoka‑Ramsey simulation lab
  4. A Smart Investment in Your Future

    At Anoka‑Ramsey students save an average of about 65% per credit compared to regional public and private universities. With scholarships, resources and clear pathways forward, Anoka‑Ramsey helps you start strong, build confidence and invest in your future with purpose.

    This program also qualifies for Workforce Development Scholarships.
    Graphic showing a 65% cost savings per credit with a bar graph showing a general comparison between Anoka-Ramsey and other MN Colleges.
Outcomes

Transfer & Career Outlook

Anoka‑Ramsey’s Nursing AS program is defined by strong licensure outcomes and career‑ready graduates. With consistently high NCLEX‑RN pass rates and full accreditation through ACEN, the program prepares students to succeed on day one as registered nurses and advance confidently in their careers.
Nursing student practices patient assessment on medical simulation mannequin
Hear Dylan's Story
My goal as a nurse is to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This has been the biggest motivator for me throughout my nursing journey! My experience here at Anoka-Ramsey has been outstanding. I am beyond thankful for all of the opportunities and experiences my educational journey here has provided.

Program Admissions

Nursing program applications open June 1 - July 1 for the fall semester and Jan. 1 - Feb. 1 for the spring semester.
smiling staff member handing folder to student across a desk

Nursing Program Information Sessions

Attend an information session to learn more about the Nursing program at Anoka-Ramsey, the application process and what being a nursing student at Anoka-Ramsey entails. Each Session includes a tour of the nursing area on the designated campus.
July
8
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Coon Rapids Campus
July
16
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge Campus
August
6
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Cambridge Campus

Program Accreditation & Outcomes

The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Nursing associate of science degree at the Cambridge and Coon Rapids Campuses are accredited by:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA, 30326
(404) 975-5000

By meeting the ACEN Standards and Criteria for accreditation, ACEN-accredited programs demonstrate that their graduates are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to positive outcomes in public health.

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for Anoka-Ramsey's nursing associate degree program is Continuing Accreditation with Conditions for two years to the associate nursing program and requested that a follow-up report be submitted by Feb. 2027.

If the Board grants continuing accreditation following the review of the follow-up report, the next evaluation visit will be scheduled for fall 2032.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.

  • End of Year 2023: 96.81%
  • End of Year 2024: 98.98%
  • End of Year 2025: 96.74%

Coon Rapids Cohort Completion Rates

Semester Admitted 100% 150%
Spring 2025 TBD TBD
Fall 2024 TBD  
Summer 2024 1/10=10% 7/10=70%
Spring 2024 24/52=48.1% 42/52=80.8%
Fall 2023 23/43=53.5% 29/43=67.4%
Spring 2023* 14/60 =23.3% 22/60=36.7%
Fall 2022* 19/54=35.2% 22/54 = 40.7%
Spring 2022* 21/80=26.3% 34/80=42.5%
Fall 2021* 16/70=22.9% 35/70=50%

Cambridge Cohort Completion Rates

Semester Admitted 100% 150%
Spring 2025 TBD TBD
Fall 2024 TBD TBD
Spring 2024 16/21=76.2% 19/21=90.5%
Fall 2023 11/13 =84.6% 13/13=100%
Spring 2023* 5/13=38.5% 9/13=69.2%
Fall 2022* 11/24 =45.8% 14/24=58.3%
Spring 2022* 16/31=51.6% 23/31=74.2%
Fall 2021* 8/26=30.8% 14/26 =53.8%

*Covid Impact

 Coon Rapids Cohort

Semester Admitted 100% 150%
Fall 2024 TBD TBD
Spring 2024 0 2/2=100%
Fall 2023 7/9=77.8% 8/9=88.9%
Fall 2022 3/8=37.5% 4/8=50%
Fall 2021 2/5=40% 4/5=80%
Year Response Rate Job Placement Rate Continuing Education Rate
2023-24 Graduates 78/91 (85.7%) 36/78 (46.2%) 27/78 (34.6%)
2022-23 Graduates 82/100 (82%) 44/82 (53.7%) 20/82 (24.4%)
2021-22 Graduates 121/147 (83%) 59/121 (48.8%) 47/121 (38.8%)

More Nursing Program Info

The Student Nursing Association (SNA) is a student run organization that is dedicated to promoting the success and health of all Anoka-Ramsey students and the community we serve. We strive to provide education and leadership opportunities to all students. We are a member school of the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) whose mission is: to mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, and to convey the standards, ethics and skills that students will need as responsible and accountable leaders and members of the profession.

Successful completion of the Nursing degree program at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College will meet the requirements for certification by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Certification is required by Minnesota as well as by some states to acquire a state license to practice the profession of Nursing or for employment as a certified/licensed Nurse. Anoka-Ramsey highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board in the state or locality in which you wish to practice or be employed.

State Board Licensing Contacts

For questions, please email Dr. Sandra Kohler or Dr. Gwen O'Brien.

*Disclaimer: The information above is valid as of July 31, 2022. The information is not a legal determination, but is based on non-legal interpretation of the information provided by the respective Boards of Nursing. Each nursing program should validate information for their particular program. This information was provided by the System Director for Nursing Initiatives.

Meet the Faculty & Staff

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