Minnesota Nursing License Guide: Getting Licensed for Travel Nursing

By:
Nomad Health
July 31, 2025
Reading time:
5 min
Image featuring a blue background with a white silhouette of the state of Minnesota on the left and bold text on the right that reads “Minnesota Nurse License Guide,” visually introducing a guide to getting licensed as a travel nurse in Minnesota.

If you’re considering travel nursing jobs in the Midwest, Minnesota offers a strong healthcare network, competitive pay, and excellent quality of life. But before you can begin your assignment, you'll need to navigate the Minnesota nurse licensing process.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about how to get a Minnesota nurse license, including requirements, application steps, fees, renewal, and how Nomad Health supports nurses throughout the licensing process.

How to Get Licensed as a Nurse in Minnesota

Minnesota is not a compact state, meaning it does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you're licensed in another state, you’ll need to apply for a Minnesota license by endorsement before practicing in the state.

Here’s a high-level overview of the licensing process:

  1. Determine your eligibility (education, licensure)
  2. Apply online via the Minnesota Board of Nursing
    • Register, create username and password
  3. Submit supporting documentation (license verification, transcripts, etc.)
    • Complete Licensure by Endorsement Application form
    • Complete Verification of Licensure Form
    • Complete Confirmation of Nurse Employment form.
      • Completed by most recent employer
  4. Complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check*
  5. Pay application and processing fees
  6. Wait for approval and license issuance**
  7. Continuing Education form
  8. Checking endorsement status

When you submit your application for endorsement, the Criminal Background check office will send you a fingerprint packet by email. The fingerprinting and criminal background check requirement for licensure with the Minnesota Board of Nursing is independent of any other fingerprinting or background check you may have done in the past or will have done in the future.

** The Board encourages you to confirm successful submission of your application forms and to check the status of processing your application by visiting your online services account.

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Minnesota Nursing Licensure Basics

  • Minnesota is not part of the eNLC (Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact)
  • Both RNs and LPNs must apply directly to the Minnesota Board of Nursing
  • Nurses from compact or non-compact states must obtain a separate license to practice here
  • Minnesota offers licensure by endorsement (for out-of-state nurses) and licensure by examination (for new grads and Minnesota residents)

Why Become a Travel Nurse in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers a blend of career advancement and high quality of life for travel nurses. Here's why RNs choose this destination:

  • Access to renowned hospital systems including Mayo Clinic and M Health Fairview
  • Competitive pay and demand for experienced nurses across specialties
  • Outdoor lifestyle, with access to lakes, parks, and year-round activities
  • Nurse-friendly legislation and a strong professional network

Whether you’re in long-term care, the emergency department, labor and delivery, med-surg, ICU, or the operating room, Minnesota offers travel contracts that align with both clinical growth and work-life balance.

Minnesota RN License Requirements

Educational and Examination Requirements

To qualify for licensure in Minnesota, nurses must:

  • Hold a degree from an accredited nursing program
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN (for initial licensure by exam)
  • Hold an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. state (for endorsement)

Background Checks and Verification

Applicants must also:

  • Complete fingerprinting for a criminal background check
  • Submit license verification via Nursys (if your state participates) or paper verification
  • Provide official transcripts if applying by examination

Online Resources and Communities

Helpful Forums and Support Groups

Official Licensing Resources

These resources are ideal for confirming timelines, requirements, and rule updates.

The Cost to Obtaining a Minnesota Nursing License

The total initial cost to obtain a Minnesota nursing license includes a $105 endorsement application fee, approximately $33.25 for a criminal background check, and an optional $30 temporary permit. Additionally, nurses must pay a $85 renewal fee every two years.

Licensing Fees

Fee Type

Cost

Endorsement Application

$105

Criminal Background Check

~$33.25

Temporary Permit (optional)

$30

Renewal Fee

$85 every 2 years

Tip: These costs are typically tax-deductible or reimbursed by travel nurse employers.

Budgeting for Travel Nursing in Minnesota

Factor in:

  • Cost of living (varies by city: lower in Duluth, higher in Minneapolis)
  • Temporary housing or stipend use
  • Travel costs to and from the assignment

Ongoing Education and License Renewal in Minnesota

Continuing Education Requirements

  • Minnesota does not mandate specific CE hours for renewal
    RNs must attest to maintaining competence in their field
  • Employers may require CEU documentation for facility compliance

Renewal Process

  • Licenses must be renewed every 2 years
  • Submit renewal via the MN Board of Nursing portal
  • Pay $85 renewal fee
  • Renewal opens 3 months prior to license expiration

How Nomad Health Helps Nurses Obtain Their Minnesota License

Nomad Health simplifies the process of getting licensed in Minnesota with:

  • Personalized licensing support for RNs
  • Endorsement support for clinicians that have completed an assignment with Nomad
  • License reimbursement when going on assignment with Nomad
  • Guidance on application tracking, documentation, and timelines
  • Transparent access to Minnesota travel nurse jobs
  • Easy-to-navigate listings with real pay and flexibility
  • Educational resources for nurses pursuing licensure and certification

Our team works closely with travel nurses to ensure they're fully credentialed and ready to start assignments on time.

Get Started with Nomad Health

Ready to take your nursing career to Minnesota? Join Nomad Health and explore roles in top hospitals across the state—with guidance every step of the way.

FAQs: Minnesota Nurse License

Apply through the Minnesota Board of Nursing, submit verification and background check, and pay the required fees.
No. Minnesota is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you must obtain a separate license.
You need an active Minnesota RN license, clinical experience, and any specialty certifications required by the assignment.
Expect to pay about $140 total for the application, background check, and optional temporary permit.
Renew every two years and confirm continued competence; 24 CE hours are required to renew RN license in the state of Minnesota.
I am with Nomad and LOVE them...they really love feedback and are open to hearing what nurses need and want.
Terri N.
ICU RN
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License and Certifications

Certifications

Certified Lacatation Counselor (CLC)

Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)

Emergency Nursing Pediatric Certification (ENPC)

Inpatient Obstetrics Nursing Certification (RNC-OB)

Wound Care Certification (WCC)

State Certifications

Minnesota Nurse License

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Nomad Health
Nomad Health is transforming the way clinicians discover rewarding career opportunities through an easy-to-use platform with personalized job matches, industry-leading pay, and on-the-job support. Offering healthcare staffing technology backed by human support for the entire journey – from profile creation to assignment completion – Nomad Health removes every obstacle between clinicians and the patients they care for.

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Published: Jul. 30, 2025
Modified: Jul. 31, 2025