“We expect demand to continue. We know there is a shortage of nurses out there, and that’s expected to continue for another 20 years at least,” Pratt said.

Rasmussen has or is adding nursing programs at several of its Minnesota campuses, including in Brooklyn Park, St. Cloud, Moorhead and Eagan.

Rasmussen partners with Immanuel St. Joseph’s Mayo Health, local long-term care facilities and the hospitals in Waseca and St. Peter to allow students to do their clinical work.

SCC and MSU likewise partner with a variety of health-care facilities in the area. Swan said the area is fortunate to have a large health-care industry, but said it is still difficult for those hospitals, clinics and long-term facilities to find the resources and staff time to accommodate more students in their clinicals.

Swan said colleges are trying more creative ways to accommodate more students.

SCC started an intensive summer program that allows practicing LPNs to come back to school to get training to take the RN boards.

And SCC next spring is starting its first Web-based nursing courses. Students will still take some classroom classes and meet with advisers, but their education will be enhanced with Web classes.

“I would see that continuing to grow for us,” Swan said.