Important Considerations When Comparing Schools:
Every school offers something unique and special, and that can make comparing schools incredibly difficult. Fortunately, as long as you attend an accredited school, your future nursing career will be off to a good start. So, the best thing to do is pick the accredited school that works best for you.
When comparing schools, consider things like:
- Annual tuition and total program cost
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
- Cost of living on-campus or in the area
- Distance from hospitals
If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation.
Associates In Nursing Programs
Madison Area Technical College Madison Area Technical Colleges Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing offers career-focused training for prospective registered nurses. Both full- and part-time study options are available. Students have access to modern laboratory equipment, including a fully functional trauma room, and digital classrooms select courses may even be completed online, depending on availability. Nursing courses include Nursing Health Promotion Clinical Care Across Lifespan and Nursing Management and Professional Concepts. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and, following licensure, are equipped to work in a variety of healthcare environments. Madison Area Technical Colleges nursing program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .
Schools Licensing Requirements And Resources
Students considering enrolling in online nursing programs in Wisconsin can review this guide to learn more about available opportunities in the state and determine which elements to consider when searching for their ideal programs. Readers can look to this guide to learn more about online nursing programs in Wisconsin, common coursework, licensing information in Wisconsin, nurse salary information and employment trends, and resources for nurses working in the state.
Read Also: How To Get Into Nursing School With A Criminal Record
Nursing Licensure In Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers many licensing and certification opportunities for nurses across disciplines and levels. In terms of nursing practice, the state follows reduced practice parameters, with license and state practice laws reducing the ability of nurse practitioners to participate in at least one sector of their professional practice compared to other states. Laws in the state require nurses to follow regulated, career-long, collaborative agreements with other healthcare providers to continue providing patient care.
Reduced practice can also restrict or limit the setting of one or more areas of practice for NPs in Wisconsin. Licensing requirements in the state vary depending on the type of nursing. For students interested in understanding the differences in requirements, the following section explores the specifics of each type of licensure.
How Do I Choose A Nursing School In Wisconsin

If you are a student or working learner who is actively researching the best Wisconsin nursing schools, be sure to confirm these two essential aspects-
The programs or schools are accredited by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing or the AACN or ACEN.That provide relevant statistics about the schools program options, with regard to
- Preparation programs to take the NCLEX Exam.
- NCLEXRN Exam Pass Rates.
- Graduation Rates.
- Post-graduation Employment Rates
Selecting the right program from one of the best nursing schools in Wisconsin will ensure you meet the states minimum requirements, plus it allows students to connect with some of the best nursing opportunities in Wisconsin and across the nation.
Also Check: Can You Become A Nurse Without A College Degree
What Are The Most Affordable Nursing Degrees In Wisconsin
According to data from the NCES , 20 nursing schools in Wisconsin were offering BSN programs in the past academic year. Weve taken that list and removed programs/ schools that are inactive or defunct. The final result is the most affordable BSN programs in Wisconsin, sorted by in-state tuition.
Our data and information comes from college and university websites, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System , the U.S. Department of Educations College Scorecard, and U.S. News and World Report. Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Read on!
Getting A Wisconsin Nursing License
Wisconsin State Board of Nursing regulations for obtaining licensure are as follows:
Obtaining licensure through the examination process:
- Completed application – with fees paid
- Verification of education – Graduation or Completion form or official transcripts, sent directly to the Board via the institution attended
- NCLEX Registration – passing score upon completion
Obtaining licensure through the endorsement process you must include the above information, as well as the following:
- Verification of licensure from originating state
Learn more about WI RN license requirements at the State of Wisconsin – Department of Safety and Professional Services.
You May Like: New Jersey Nurse Practitioner License
Best 15 Nursing Schools In Milwaukee Wi With Reviews
Hotwww.yellowpages.com
157 People Used
Endorsement Of An Applicant From Another Us Sate Or Territory
Recommended Reading: Luther Oaks Nursing Home Bloomington Il
University Of Wisconsin Madison
Students looking for the best nursing programs in Wisconsin often turned to the University of Wisconsin Madison. The school has a competitive Bachelor of Science in Nursing program students can complete in two years. Prior to applying to the school, students must complete pre-nursing requirements and general education courses. The school also accepts transfer credits for students who have completed nursing prerequisites at another college. Graduates are ready to sit for their state licensing exam and attend grad school, if they so choose.
UW Madison has over 30,000 students at the undergraduate level. This popular school has its pick of students and the acceptance rate is just 54%. Prospective students should prepare their applications with care to improve their chance of getting accepted. Popular majors include economics, biology, and information science. The school has an excellent graduation rate of 88%. UW Madison received an A+ ranking in diversity, academics and value for money.
Programs: BSN
Wisconsin Nurse Salaries And Employment Trends
Students interested in pursuing nursing careers can review the following section to understand employment trends and salary information across nursing careers. It includes data specific to Wisconsin, the United States as a whole, and nearby states. Readers should keep in mind that salary and job growth information depends on several factors, and holding a certain degree or educational background does not guarantee a specific wage amount or employment opportunity.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment opportunities for nurses to remain consistent in Wisconsin, with 20% or more of the population projected to be over the age of 60 by 2030, which means a higher demand for geratric nurses.
Read Also: Steps To Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner
Overview Of Nursing Schools In Wisconsin
- There are 45 nursing schools in Wisconsin. The CCNE accredits 21 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 28 schools in Wisconsin.
- On average, attending an RN program in Wisconsin will cost you between $5,252.00 and $31,413.00 per year.
- In Wisconsin, the average undergraduate student borrows between $4,725.00 and $14,000.00 per year.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average, the NCLEX passing rate range for Wisconsin ADN students is between 79.53% and 96.50%.
- On average, the NCLEX passing rate range for Wisconsin BSN students is between 78.38% and 96.40%.
- The average annual salary for a registered nurse in Wisconsin is between $63,750 to $82,330 a year. For Nurse Practitioners it is between $99,010 and $124,940.
- Registered Nurses throughout the country and in Wisconsin can expect a favorable job growth of 7.8% through 2028 which faster than the average for all occupations. For Nurse Practitioners the need is 23% through 2028.
Best Private Nursing Schools In Wisconsin

Private colleges are operated independently and do not receive their primary funding from the state government. They usually operate as non-profit organizations and invest heavily in the education of students. Due to their small class size, these colleges allow close interactions between professors and students. Outstanding students are often attracted to private colleges due to their generous financial assistance to those in need. Most importantly, many private colleges carry a significant level of historical prestige that opens doors during the job search.Wisconsins private colleges Wisconsin boasts over 20 private nursing colleges that offer a wide variety of nursing programs. These run the gamut from certificate programs for licensed practical nurses to masters degree programs for advanced practice registered nurses . Several of the states prestigious private schools, including Columbia College of Nursing and Marquette University, have a rich history providing stellar nursing education.
Career prospects
Also Check: Bella Vita Nursing Home Phoenix Az
Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure
In addition to RNs and LPNS, the Wisconsin Board of Nursing oversees the certification process for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers . APNPs must acquire an RN license as well as complete the following:
- Graduate from an approved advanced nursing education program
- Complete and submit an application for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber and all other required forms and paperwork
- Verify current national board certification in specialized role
- Request and submit verification of licensure from any state where the applicant has held or his holding prescriptive authority
- Take and pass an online jurisprudence examination for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers
- Individuals with prescribing authority must hold and present verification of malpractice insurance coverage
- Complete at least 45 contact hours in approved clinical pharmacology/therapeutics courses at within three years prior to submitting the application
Find more information and forms for RNs and APNPs at the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Lpn To Adn/bsn Programs
LPN students who wish to advance have the option of earning an ADN or a BSN degree through their transition program. The LPN to ADN is the basic option, leading to an RN degree in less than a year. Appleton’s Fox Valley Technical College offers a full-time LPN to RN program that allows up to 19 credits of prior coursework. For those wanting a higher-level RN degree, the LPN to BSN option culminates in the ever-popular bachelor’s degree. Herzing University offers an LPN to BSN program that can be completed in just 28 months.
LPN to RN programs in the state will typically require one or more of the following to be eligible for admission:
- Transcripts from high school/colleges attended
- Proof of current LPN licensure
- TEAS exam scores
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
Read Also: Nursing Homes In Chester County Pa
Best 24 Nursing Schools In Wisconsin In 2022
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development projected even before the pandemic that Wisconsin will have at least 5,327 new nursing positions between 2021 and 2023.
Thats 5,000 openings for nurses who dont have to wait for another nurse to move out of the job. And thats on top of the states 52,000 positions for nurses that have to be filled as nurses are promoted or otherwise leave the job.
What To Look For In A Bsn Program In Wisconsin
Because so many schools offer a BSN program in the area, there are many choices to consider. This makes it especially important to do the research and choose the right school and program for you. You’ll want to assure that your school of choice has proper accreditation, is equipped to prepare you for your licensure exams, and has positive program outcomes. If you are already a registered nurse, you’ll want to see if the school offers an RN to BSN program.
A great example of a school that offers an accredited BSN program in the state is Edgewood College located in Madison, Wisconsin.
Also Check: Sanders Nursing Home Gloucester Va
Msn Programs In Wisconsin
With close to 15 schools in the state that offer a Master’s of Science in Nursing , the opportunity to earn a post-graduate degree in nursing is practically at your fingertips. This advanced degree can lead to nursing jobs including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Practitioner, among other specialties. You must already hold a BSN if you want to move on and earn an MSN.
Our List Of The 25 Best Nursing Programs In Wisconsin
In these listings:
- Net price refers to annual tuition plus fees.
- SAT and ACT scores are intended to give you an idea of whats acceptable at this college. Sometimes other exceptional qualifications will overcome low test scores, and sometimes having a very high test score doesnt make you a good match for the program.
- The NCLEX pass rate is included to give you an idea of how well the program prepares nurses for the exams that are critical for getting a license.
We are listing programs that train nurses to be RNs unless otherwise noted.
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Graduation Rate: 85%
At any given time there are about 1,000 RN, BSN, MSN, and doctoral students of nursing enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, making it the largest nursing program in the state. There are four certificate programs for graduate nurses:
School nurse,Psychiatric/mental health nurse, andNurse educator.
The School of Nursings new facility at Signe Skott Cooper Hall has the latest simulation labs and research facilities.
School Overview
Read Also: Azusa Pacific University Family Nurse Practitioner
Rankings: The 30 Best Nursing Schools In Wisconsin
For our 2021 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on over 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
- The institutions academic prestige and perceived value
- The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered
- Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination
We then combined these assessments into an overall score and ranked the schools accordingly. For a detailed description of our assessment methodology and dimension weights, please see here.
#1:University of Wisconsin – Madison
Established in 1924, the UW Madison School of Nursing enrolls more than 1,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The school graduates approximately 150 prelicensure BSN students annually, who consistently achieve solid NCLEX pass rates of 85-93% each year. Graduate students can pursue either type of doctoral degree as well as four certificate programs . The schools new Signe Skott Cooper Hall has state-of-the-art simulation labs and research facilities. Adjacent is the Health Sciences Learning Center that brings students together across the disciplines of nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. Nursing students also have access to leading facilities in Madison for their clinical practice and research.
#11:Maranatha Baptist University
#16:Marian University
Nursing Schools In Wisconsin

Goodbest-nursing-colleges.com
nursing programsWisconsinWisconsinnursing schoolnursing colleges in WisconsinWisconsin
414PeopleLearned
WisconsinNursing
439PeopleLearned
334PeopleLearned
Recommended Reading: How To Get Through Nursing School While Working Full Time
Nursing Colleges In Wisconsin
On this website, you can carefully examine the factors such as tuition rates, school rankings, graduation rates, etc. before making a decision as to what university you want to attend.
Here you will find a description of the nursing colleges in wisconsin. Check out this article for more information about best nursing colleges in wisconsin, good nursing colleges in wisconsin, nursing colleges in milwaukee wisconsin, direct entry nursing programs wisconsin, online nursing programs wisconsin. You will also find related posts on the nursing colleges in wisconsin on collegelearners.
The initiative to raise the education level of professional RNs comes from the Institute of Medicine . Their recommendation is that, by 2020, 80% of American RNs have at least a BSN degree, a doubling from the starting point of 40 percent. Nursing programs in Wisconsin have taken heed to this effort. Programs across Americans Dairyland have stepped up to the plate to bring only the best of the best to future nursing students.
Bachelors In Nursing Programs
Bellin College Bellin Colleges four-year, 128 credit nursing program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Students will complete 64 general education credits and 64 nursing credits. Nursing coursework encompasses gerontological nursing, pediatric nursing theory, adult health and illness, nursing research, and community and public health nursing. Several practicums in such areas as leadership, community, and adult health are also necessary to fulfill degree requirements. Students, who have already completed the general college requirements, may opt for an accelerated path to the BSN through the nursing departments 15-month option. The 15-month option begins in January and June and allows students to complete their degree in a little over a year.
University of Wisconsin at Madison The University of Wisconsin at Madison confers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to students who successfully complete the four-year, 124 credit program. The first two years of the program are dedicated to completing general college coursework in math, science, and communication with nursing majors focusing predominately on the nursing curriculum, including participating in mandatory practicums, in the junior and senior years. Nursing coursework consists of between 52 and 59 credits and focuses on human responses to health and illness, community health nursing, legal and social forces in nursing, essentials of gerontological nursing, and advanced concepts in nursing practice.
Read Also: University Of South Dakota Nurse Practitioner Program