Best RN Programs in Wisconsin for 2024

Mid-State Technical College is a regional college in the Wisconsin Technical College System with multiple campuses. Associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates are offered in various career fields, including nursing. The goal is to provide a supportive and caring learning environment with state-of-the-art technology taught a professional faculty. Graduates are ready to enter the workforce with real-world skills, technical training, and extensive experience. Mid-State Technical College offers the two-year program of courses on the Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids campuses beginning in the fall or spring. Students can transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Mid-State prides itself on customized training and the technical assistance designed to meet the unique goals of the workplace. The school seeks to help central Wisconsin businesses recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce with on- or off-site employee training programs. Working closely with business, industry, nonprofits, and community partners, the schools intends to meet the workforce challenges in the district. Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) grants are available to established businesses to upgrade the skills and productivity of their employees. Administered by WTCS, the objective of the grants is to support regional workforce and economic development efforts.

The nursing program is a standout and takes place within a variety of settings. students are well versed in decision making and go on to provide compassionate skilled care to individuals, families, and communities. They are trained to collaborate with a variety of healthcare professionals and interpret important patient information. Confidence is gained in the school’s state-of-the art Healthcare Simulation Center where patient care is practiced in a realistic environment. Each patient presents a different situation and new decisions to make. Graduates pride themselves on being multi-tasking experts. In fact, they are the backbone of the industry.

Fox Valley Technical College® is a two-year public college in Appleton and Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Locals consider the college of choice for hands-on learning and high-tech occupational training to enter today’s workforce. The program integrates social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and pathophysiology in clinical decision making. Whether you’re preparing for a new career or sharpening your job skills, you are encouraged to attend and put your career on the fast track.

Nurses are in high demand, and our students find employment at the rate of 93% within six months. While covering the basic fundamentals to the latest procedures and technology, our RN Associate degree prepares you to work as a registered nurse. You’ll learn to provide care to people of all ages with common physical and mental health problems. There is plenty of hands-on experience with a wide range of clinical skills, health assessments and medication administration.

In addition to the significant emphasis on patient care, students will learn the drug classifications and their effect on the body. Another goal as to promote healthy lifestyles. Throughout their training, students practice critical thinking in a variety of clinical contexts along with leadership and team building. They develop accurate communication skills, preparing them to work effectively in a variety of environments, including diverse patient populations. Upon completion, graduates have earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS). Of note, the accredited courses are easily transferred.

The program has been historically successful. Graduates have the integrity and ethical standards to become responsible nurses committed to evidence-based practice, caring and advocacy with quality patient-centered care. The nurse graduates form part of or lead multi-disciplinary health care teams and participate in system effectiveness. They use the latest information and technology in the field to communicate, manage date, mitigate harm and error, and support general decision-making.

Waukesha County Technical College is located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.  They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN progression option.  Their progression option is reserved for Wisconsin LPNs - students most hold an LPN nursing license in order to enroll.  The LPN also must pass LPN Progression Transition Success Strategies course prior to entering the program.

As a leader in regional and global education, Waukesha County Technical College has been proficient in supplying a diverse workforce for a century. The College has over 150 areas of study, including the coveted Nursing Associate Degree, obtained after two years of coursework, with a start date of either August or January. The program is ideal for those with solid background in science who relish enjoy caring for others with empathy and compassion. Related programs are available for a surgical tech and nursing assistant along with cutting edge continuing education and a variety of certificates. The associate degree nursing program at the Pewaukee Campus is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

WCTC believes that nurses are key to the healthcare team. Thus, their diverse degree program yields caregivers, educators and patient advocates. Licensed nurses work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities or on the business side. Enrolled students meet the established technical standards required for employment. Graduates with comprehensive training exhibit high skills and are ready for a variety of roles: Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse/Supervisor Public Health or School Nurse, Forensic Nurse, Home Care Nurse, and Nurse Educator. Of note, WCTC offers numerous transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities. In addition, there are fast-track programs for paramedics and licensed practical nurses. A dual high school program and acceptance of former credits means great expediency in obtaining a degree.

The College prides itself on having business leaders as key partners. More than 700 business professionals serve on WCTC’s advisory committees, ensuring that the classroom reflects the latest industry needs. It also boasts of instructors with impressive credentials and work histories. The result is a comprehensive and personalized education. Students enjoy a realistic clinical practice in the high-tech Human Patient Simulator (HPS) Lab while developing a variety of hands-on skills in the Nursing Skills Lab.

Milwaukee Area Technical College is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They offer an RN program and an LPN-RN Educational Progression program.  Students opting to apply to the LPN-RN program should know that at least one year of LPN experience is required.  The program begins in August and January each year.

If you are enrolled in the registered nursing (RN) program at MATC, theory and lab courses at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, Mequon Campus will be the foundation of your clinical practice. Students can conveniently chose to take BSN courses concurrently with their two-year associate degree for faster advancement.  They will enjoy advanced simulation and guided practice in clinical settings that will prepare them to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) after receiving this Nursing Associate Degree.

There are several related programs such as the practical nursing technical diploma; plus the Associate in Applied Science program transfers to many four-year institution. Students have experienced success after learning the ethical components of the career and how to communicate effectively. They can make evidence-based clinical decisions while minimizing any risk of harm. They experience the use technology to manage data and support clinical decisions.

Given their exposure to a variety of classroom and clinical settings, graduates are prepared for employment in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Nursing Assistant training is required prior to petitioning for this program. If you are a licensed practical nurse interested in furthering your career as a registered nurse, this program has been designed for you. In addition, your work experience may earn you advanced-standing credits.

Lakeshore Technical College is the go to place for students seeking an Associate Degree. It is done over seven terms and 65 credits. This Wisconsin college is proud to make education accessible to everyone in all walks of life and at any age. LTC is a proud member of the community and serve it through classes, special events, or other services. Their mission is to provide a quality education for a variety of careers. The coursework is also designed to provide customized training for company employees as well as adult education and professional continuing education.

Nursing is one of the many options available on campus. The Associate degree Nursing Program at Lakeshore Technical College at the Cleveland campus is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Students are prepared for their future careers as registered nurses able to function skillfully in a wide variety of healthcare settings. The holistic program pertains as much to infants as the elderly. All populations need healthcare.

Students enjoy theory and lab courses in the school’s state-of-the art Clinical Skills lab, where the foundation for clinical practice is established and implemented. Students undertake extensive real-life training in providing care for patients throughout Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties. The College curriculum matches the requirements for the preparation and examination for state licensure.

NTC offers a wide variety of programs with associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificate options in many career fields. Students can choose agriculture, food, manufacturing, finance, natural resources, architecture and construction and health science. Also available are arts, AV technology and communication, hospitality and tourism, business management and administration, information technology, human services, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition, there are programs in law, public safety, corrections and security, transportation, distribution and logistics, or education and training.

Students can avail themselves of courses on the six campuses in north central Wisconsin or online. There is great flexibility in the NTC Connect Program. If a student chooses to attend a campus class, many are offered at Wausau, Antigo, Medford and Philips. The program understands that nursing is the dynamic interpersonal, goal-directed process with the aim of promoting optimal health for individuals, family, community and society. Thus, the Nursing-Associate degree prepares students for the goals central to the profession. In action and attitude, they demonstrate problem solving and communication skills along with the basic knowledge needed to succeed.

Students follow a holistic care program that enables a skilled assessment of a patient’s health. They learn to make clinical decisions and provide safe and effective nursing care in accordance with standard practice within prevailing legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks. After absorbing a vast body of knowledge, these future nurses of tomorrow will collaborate with other health care professionals, showing skill and compassion. The degree produces nurses responsive to the needs of the community across the vast health-illness continuum.

Nicolet Area Technical College is located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN bridge option.  Nicolet Area Technical College originated in 1967, with its first classes being offered in January of 1968.

Moraine Park Technical College is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  Their nursing program is an "associate degree with a practical nursing exit point."  The first two semesters prepare the student for a career as a practical nurse; at that point, the student may choose to exit the program and begin their career.  They can also continue for further education and earn their associate's degree.

Moraine Park Technical College in Wisconsin has several locations. Students seeking a full-time nursing program flock to the West Bend Campus. The Nursing-Associate degree is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Upon completing two semesters and passing the National Council Licensure Exam to become an LPN, graduates may become a staff or primary nurse or practice specialized nursing. Students can also complete the full four semesters, earn an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) and seek employment as RNs. All students find the hands-on classroom instruction, laboratory practice and clinical nursing experience to be fulfilling and productive. The MPTC Nursing program can be done on campus or off site. In each case, each student will undergo a clinical and practicum program.

Graduate nurses reflect the school’s focus on integrity, responsibility, ethical practices. Students develop a professional identity and exhibit training in evidence-based practice, caring advocacy and quality care. In addition, they demonstrate the required written, verbal, and nonverbal communication mandatory in the field. The coursework integrates the social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and pathophysiology in clinical decision making.

Graduates go on to provide patient centered care by utilizing the nursing process across diverse populations and healthcare settings. They are highly regarded staff members, promoting safety and minimal risk. With an eye on system effectiveness, they may lead a multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide effective patient care. Of note, they are able to use information and technology to communicate, manage data, mitigate error, and support decision-making.

Blackhawk Technical College is located in Janesville, Wisconsin.  They offer an ADN degree.  They also offer an LPN progression program, which allows the LPN to advance their degree.  The LPN must take a bridge course prior to enrollment, but then is able to join the other students in the third semester of the program.

Blackhawk Technical College is the place for a career pathway certificate. In fact, there are over 50 innovative programs, including nursing, with flexible learning options and real-world training. The facilities are first rate and the equipment high tech. New and returning students are encouraged to apply and begin their journey to a rewarding career.

The Wisconsin State Board of Nursing has deemed our program to be exceptional due to the world-class program and experienced faculty. Students learn how to deliver quality patient care in a variety of settings. The four-semester program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Students can choose to progress at a full-time pace or take classes on a part-time basis either on campus or online (including video conferencing) or a combination of both. For online students, in-person proctored testing or assessment may be required. Lab time is flexible.

Of note, students can mix and match options. If a class does not meet face-to-face weekly, online work may be required to be completed between class meetings. Upon graduation, graduate nurses find jobs in acute care, long-term care, or community health care. Following the first two semesters of courses, student nurses can take the examination to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Financial assistance is available to those who qualify through the Nancy B. Parker Scholars program for high-achieving students in the BTC nursing program. First-year students may be eligible for a $1,000 maximum award with an opportunity for an additional $1,500 in year two. The Blackhawk mission is to provide opportunities for busy students with hectic schedules. Whether you are searching for an online class, a flexible lab schedule, or face-to-face courses, we will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.

Founded in 1912, NWTC has over two hundred programs. It is a nationally-recognized, two-year public college, serving nearly 27,000 students each year and helping them attain degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Three main campuses populate the five state regional centers and most counties. Other specialty centers are throughout northeast Wisconsin. Student success is the hallmark of the college’s mission. It seeks to be a vital part of the community and inspire the diverse people of the area to enter the workforce. In short, the motto is “We believe that everyone can soar higher.”

NWTC is a sought-after educational institution for the nursing profession. Here students learn that they can make a difference in patients’ lives by planning, evaluating, and providing compassionate care. Many find a roles a supervisor of other healthcare staff. The ADN program provides sufficient preparation akin to that of four-year colleges and universities. Of note, graduates score high on their exams and gain job replacement quickly. T

They are exposed to classroom, lab and simulation instructive followed by extensive clinical experience at hospital, extended care facilities and clinics in the area. They may elect to pursue service opportunities for hands-on patient care such as working at the N.E.W. Clinic at NWTC. The program in the health sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and includes medical, dental, emergency, and business applications.