Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin in 2024

Known as “The Badger State,” Wisconsin is home to over 62,860 registered nurses earning an average annual salary of $76,850. To fill the growing need for nurses, Wisconsin will require 67,120 new registered nurses by the year 2030, making nursing one of the most reliable and promising careers in the state. Identifying the 10 best nursing schools in Wisconsin can help prospective students find the right program to launch their nursing career.

With over 3,670 needed RNs per year, many are looking for the best nursing schools in the state to gain the necessary training and education. With this, we developed criteria to rank the top 10 nursing programs offered based on cost, reputation, job placement, and more. This will help you compare schools in Wisconsin to find the right nursing program for your needs and goals. 

• There are 50 nursing schools in Wisconsin.
• The CCNE accredits 26 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 27 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Wisconsin is between 79.61% and 97.89%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Wisconsin is between 9.70% and 96.83%.
• RNs currently employed in Wisconsin are 62,860.
• RNs in Wisconsin earn an average of $76,850 per year or $36.95  per hour.
• Wisconsin needs 67,120 new RNs by 2030 or 3,670 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a wide variety of accredited nursing programs. This includes:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

There are over 20 nursing schools across the state, providing quality education options whether you want to study online or on campus.

When researching programs, key factors to consider include:

• Accreditation: Ensures the program meets strict educational standards. Look for schools accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• NCLEX Pass Rates: Performance on the national nursing licensing exam. High scores indicate effective teaching.
• Specializations Offered: Matches program offerings with your nursing career goals.
• Affordability: Compare tuition costs and availability of financial aid.

You’ll also need to understand Wisconsin nursing licensure requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Generally you must graduate an approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin?

Online Nursing Programs for Wisconsin Students

Wisconsin allows prospective nurses to complete their education 100% online. Accelerated BSN programs with condensed formats are also gaining popularity for earning a BSN efficiently.

When researching online nursing schools, look for options that accept students in Wisconsin and assist with clinical rotation placement near your location.

Completing pre-requisite general education credits online before transferring to finish nursing-specific courses at an in-state campus is another flexible option.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

ABSN programs provide a fast-track path to becoming a registered nurse in just 12-18 months for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. This intensive curriculum focuses exclusively on nursing topics and clinical training.

Learn more about accelerated BSN programs in Wisconsin:

Best ABSN Schools in Wisconsin

• Best ABSN Programs in Wisconsin

Typical pre-requisites include:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Non-nursing bachelor’s degree
• Completed general education courses
• TEAS test

You’ll need to arrange a flexible schedule for the challenging curriculum and required clinical hours working directly with patients. Expect 40+ classroom hours per week plus hospital/healthcare site shifts.

When researching programs, look for stellar first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. For example, Edgewood College reports 100% of graduates passing the exam in recent years.

RN to BSN Programs

For nurses holding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma, RN to BSN programs build upon prior knowledge to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This pathway expands leadership, communication, and health assessment skills.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Wisconsin

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin

Many RN to BSN options now offer total online flexibility while working. When researching schools, look for generous transfer credit policies accepting prior nursing coursework as well as availability of dedicated nursing advisors.

Be sure to evaluate both affordability and time commitments. Certain schools offer discounted tuition rates around $250 per credit for RNs. Most programs take 1-2 years to complete.

Specialized RN to BSN pathways also exist, like RN to BSN in Oncology. This trains nurses to provide quality care specifically for cancer patients.

However, some BSN students pursue a more traditional BSN program for their initial degree. This lays a comprehensive foundation for general nursing practice, and training alongside students new to healthcare can provide valuable perspective. For many, the increased clinical instruction, breadth of a traditional program, and earning potential of the higher nurse salary make the investment worth it.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those with an aspiring leadership career ahead should consider advancing to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) over the basic RN or BSN credentials. These graduate level programs delve into healthcare models, evidence-based practice, and specialized knowledge to excel.

There are numerous MSN specializations offered in Wisconsin to align with specific nursing passions, such as:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Nursing and Health Care Leadership

MSN programs are often delivered in flexible online formats taking 2-3 years to complete. Identify faculty research specialties when applying to ensure alignment with your ambitions.

Some universities enable students to complete either an MSN with two separate NP certifications or dual MSN/MBA track.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Nurse practitioners serve as advanced clinicians able to take medical histories, diagnose health issues, order tests, and prescribe medications. This autonomous scope expands treatment access throughout Wisconsin.

Best NP Schools in Wisconsin

• Best NP Programs in Wisconsin

Nurse practitioner specialties include primary care fields like family practice, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, or women’s health. There are also acute care and mental health NP designations.

Most NP programs blend rigorous academics with over 500 supervised clinical hours concentrated in your specialty. This hands-on training develops clinical confidence and comfort handling various patient cases before certification testing.

Program formats include full and part-time options taking roughly 2-3 years post-baccalaureate, if coming in with just an BSN. Expect small class sizes for very individualized instruction.

After graduating, nurse practitioners must pass national certification exams through organizations like the ANCC before being eligible for state licensure permitting clinical work. This investment of effort pays off with expanded career possibilities.

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For those seeking the highest level of nursing practice authority and expertise, both Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) options exist in Wisconsin graduate schools.

Key Differences:

• DNP: Equips nurses for administrative leadership and clinical specialization. Culminates with an evidence-based practice “capstone” project solving a healthcare issue.
• PhD: Focuses exclusively on nursing research and academia. Requires a dissertation advancing original scientific insights. Includes far more research coursework than a DNP curriculum centered on expanding practical wisdom.

For example, some university offers both terminal degree options depending on interests. Their doctor of nursing practice degree program can be completed in just 28 months with specializations like pediatric primary care available. Meanwhile, the PhD in Nursing program takes 48 months for those interested in teaching future nurses through cutting-edge, grant-funded projects.

When researching doctoral programs, look for established research centers and generous funding or scholarships.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Wisconsin

Demand for nurses is rapidly growing nationwide with over 3.3 million registered nurses now practicing. Wisconsin mirrors this trend with its RN workforce expected to expand 15% between 2020-2030 per state projections.

Nurses benefit from:

• High Demand: Hospitals, clinics, schools and other healthcare settings urgently need qualified nurses.
• Competitive Salaries: Wisconsin nurses earn over $71,000 on average, with experienced nurses making $80-90k+. Specialized nurse practitioners can make $115,000+.
• Variety: Choose between fast-paced hospital units, small clinics, telehealth roles etc. There’s something for every interest.

If interested in serving rural communities, check Wisconsin’s Center for Nursing for student loan reimbursement and sign-on bonus programs.

How to Earn Your Wisconsin Nursing License

To legally work as an RN within the State of Wisconsin, candidates must:

1. Graduate from a state approved Registered Nurse education program. Nursing options include a traditional BSN program, RN-BSN, and accelerated BSN.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
3. Submit fingerprint cards for background checks
4. Apply for RN licensure with the DSPS

Newly licensed RNs must then renew their Wisconsin nursing license every two years. Continuing education credits are required to maintain an active registration status in good standing with the State Board of Nursing.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Wisconsin

With many quality nursing programs now available, it can be challenging selecting the best one for your needs and goals.

Beyond basics like location or degree types offered, focus on:

Accreditation

Carefully verify that any program under consideration holds valid professional accreditations from either ACEN or CCNE. This review by impartial national agencies ensures rigorous teaching standards are met. Unaccredited schools should raise red flags. Moreover, the program should also be approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

NCLEX Pass Rates

The NCLEX-RN exam leadings to licensure must be passed to begin practicing. Thus a school’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates offer critical insight on preparation quality. Programs consistently achieving 80-90%+ passing scores have tools to set you up for success.

Tuition and Scholarships

Evaluate if total costs fit within your budget, factoring living expenses. If programs are too expensive, research availability of merit scholarships through the school or general external nursing awards like those from the National Student Nurses Association. Loan repayment assistance programs also exist.

Clinical Rotation Opportunities

Consider variety and quality of patient care exposure offered. Noted teaching hospitals affiliated with schools generally provide richer experiences. Wisconsin has renowned healthcare institutions like UW Health and Froedtert, allowing students to train across specialties.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Wisconsin

Once completing your nursing education journey in Wisconsin, you’ll be prepared to pass the pivotal NCLEX-RN exam and get licensed to begin making a difference in diverse healthcare roles.

In-demand specializations right now statewide include:

• ICU/Critical Care
• Emergency Room
• Labor & Delivery / OB-GYN
• Oncology & Infusion Services

Expect a hearty job market. With over 2.6 million residents across urban and rural regions to care for, newly licensed nurses are welcomed with open arms!

Salaries also continue trending upwards. While Wisconsin’s average RN pay lags national levels slightly, at $71,000, regular union-negotiated wage and benefits increases help nurses earn what they deserve.

Building fluency in both English and Spanish also proves an employable asset when serving diverse communities. Overall, the State offers dynamic, expanding nursing career prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Wisconsin

How much do nurses earn working in Wisconsin hospitals and clinics?

According to the Wisconsin Center for Nursing, nurses in the state earn competitive salaries – registered nurses make an average of $71,000 annually while specialized nurse practitioners can earn over $115,000 per year. Salaries vary based on your credentials, experience level, certifications held, and precise nursing role.

What nursing assistant programs exist for entry-level caregivers?

Several technical colleges along with certain universities offer accredited nursing assistant or CNA programs teaching basic clinical skills. For example, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has a 160-hour training program to become qualified as a certified nursing assistant. CNA positions often serve as stepping stones into nursing degree programs.

How do I enter the nursing profession through schools in Wisconsin?

You can enter the nursing field in Wisconsin through several paths – completing an ADN program or traditional BSN degree, entering an Accelerated BSN program if you have a prior bachelor’s degree, advancing from RN to BSN if you are already a registered nurse, or pursuing a Master’s in Nursing or DNP graduate degree. Top schools offer flexible online and campus-based nursing program options.

What do entry-level nursing courses cover in Wisconsin nursing school programs?

Nursing students in Wisconsin complete rigorous science prerequisites and introductory nursing courses as the foundation before patient care. Early classes provide medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry knowledge applicable to the human body. Initial nursing curriculum also covers foundational skills like taking vitals, administering medications properly, documentation, ethics, and use of medical equipment before clinical rotations begin.

Should I earn an ADN or a BSN degree to qualify for most nursing positions?

While an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies you for entry-level registered nursing positions, many healthcare settings now prefer or require newly hired nurses a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A traditional, accelerated, or RN-to-BSN program that leads to a BSN can open up more advanced nursing positions and career growth opportunities. When evaluating ADN vs BSN programs, consider time, cost, and your goals for nursing practice. Many schools structure their undergraduate and graduate nursing programs to facilitate ladder training from an ADN to MSN or higher.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Wisconsin State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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