New to the area and looking to get the inside scoop on the Rasmussen University – St. Cloud campus? You’ve come to the right place! We asked faculty and staff to help us highlight the important information every newcomer needs to know before their first day here at the Rasmussen University – St. Cloud campus.
What is the history of Rasmussen University and the St. Cloud campus?
Rasmussen University has been building community through education for over 118 years. Since first opening its doors as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota in 1900, Rasmussen University has since grown to 23 campuses and has graduated thousands of students across its many programs of study. The University now offers dozens of programs across the Schools of Business, Design, Education, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, Nursing and Technology.
As Rasmussen University has continued to grow over the years, the St. Cloud campus was first opened in 1997 to provide an additional point of access for students across central Minnesota looking to attend college.
Where is the St. Cloud campus located?
The St. Cloud campus is easy to find, conveniently located right on the corner of Highway 15 and 23.
Whether you’re looking to stop by for a quick campus visit or are headed to class, the St. Cloud campus offers free, open parking and is less than a block away from the bus route stop.
St. Cloud is an excellent small city that offers fun for all ages. There are plenty of parks, such as River Bluffs Regional Park, Riverside Park and Sauk River Regional Park that offer up trails perfect for hiking, biking and ATV riding as well as places for water recreational activities, disc golf, and picnics. If you are big into history, there’s the Stearns History Museum located in Heritage Park right across Highway 15. St. Cloud also has options for music lovers. Summertime by George is a St. Cloud favorite music festival put on every Wednesday in the summer.
What programs are offered at the St. Cloud campus?
The St. Cloud campus offers the following on-campus programs in the School of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing:
School of Health Sciences
- Medical Assisting Diploma: The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the St. Cloud campus in Minnesota is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).1
School of Nursing
- Practical Nursing Diploma program (LPN): The Rasmussen University Practical Nursing Diploma program in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).2
- Professional Nursing Associate’s degree (ADN): The Rasmussen University Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).3
- Professional Nursing Mobility Bridge Entrance Option (post-licensure LPN to ADN program)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE).4
- RN to BSN Entrance Option: the Rasmussen University online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Entrance Option is offered fully online.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE).4
Students can also enroll in any of Rasmussen University’s online programs through the St. Cloud campus. This gives students an option for college in Minnesota that provides the best of both worlds—online course flexibility with residential campus support.
What resources and support services are offered at the St. Cloud campus?
The St. Cloud campus is committed to providing the level of support students need to achieve their academic and career goals. The campus has multiple computer labs and open lab spaces students can utilize as well as additional smaller rooms for student-led study groups. Faculty and staff have an open-door policy to make sure support is available for students needing additional assistance. Tutoring, Career Services and the Library and Learning Services are offered online and available for all students. The St. Cloud campus also offers on-campus tutors for students in health career fields.
From the minute students first step onto campus to graduation and beyond, Rasmussen University’s network of student support services is always available to help students earn the degree they dreamed of and prepare to start a rewarding career.
How is the St. Cloud campus involved in the local community?
The St. Cloud campus makes it their mission to get involved. They take part in numerous volunteer activities from emergency food shelters and youth homes to handing out ice water to the homeless on hot days. One of the campus’ all-time favorite acts of service is participating in “Share the Spirit” around the holidays, where the University adopts families in need and does what they can to make it a joyful time for everyone in the community.
In addition to the St. Cloud campus’ heavy community involvement, they also have a variety of community partnerships. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is one of their strongest connections for volunteer work in the community. On top of that, the campus works closely with the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System as a big site for their students’ clinical experience component. For healthcare students, CentraCare Health is an important connection in the area as they have strong ties with many faculty and staff on campus and often help students network and find jobs upon graduation.
Quick facts about the St. Cloud campus:
- Need a quick bite? Check out some of these spots:
- Within walking distance: Old Chicago is a common spot for study groups to meet and The Boulder Tap House are only a few minutes away.
- Looking for more? Five Guys, Val’s Rapid Service, Granite City, Bravo Burritos, Noodles and Company and PepperJax Grill are just a few of the restaurants a short drive away from campus.
- Looking for fresh air? Check out some of these fun spots:
- Beaver Island Trail offers plenty of trails right along the Mississippi River for biking or walking.
- Heritage Park has over 90 acres packed full with picnic spots, nature trails, a playground and a skate park.
- Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is a great place to do some hiking, swimming, fishing and rock climbing.
Picture yourself at the Rasmussen University – St. Cloud campus
Students are the first priority of the faculty and staff at the Rasmussen University – St. Cloud campus. The campus’ staff takes the time to get to know their students and works to make their time on campus as helpful for them as possible. We want to see our students be successful wherever they go beyond college. That’s what makes this community so special.
If you want to learn more about how you might find your fit in our community of learners, check out the Rasmussen University – St. Cloud campus Facebook page.
1 The Medical Assisting Diploma program at the St. Cloud, Minnesota campus is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-291-7550
2 The practical nursing program at Rasmussen University at the St. Cloud campus, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this practical nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for these practical nursing programs is Initial Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
3 The associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the St. Cloud campus, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, is accredited by the ACEN. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for this associate nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding these programs at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs/.
4 The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degree programs at Rasmussen University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791