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Top 10 Nursing Schools In Wisconsin
Studying online has enabled international students to gain valuable knowledge about their fields of study. The following information describes the courses available at top 10 nursing schools in wisconsin.
Collegelearners is a great place to find out more about best nursing schools in minnesota, top nursing schools in minnesota and wisconsin, accredited nursing schools in wisconsin, university of wisconsin nursing and best nursing schools in milwaukee.
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4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
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Important considerations when comparing schools:
Getting a License in Wisconsin
EDUCATIONSeptember 18, 2019
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
Jump to section… Find Nursing Programs Top 10 Nursing Schools in Wisconsin4 Key Factors That Affect Nursing School TuitionNurse Salary and Job OutlookNext Steps:Important considerations when comparing schools: Getting a License in WisconsinConclusion Find Nursing Programs
Anyone who wants to become a nurse knows they need to attend nursing school. However, they may not know that the nursing school they choose will have a huge impact on their future.
For example, if you want to find a position as a nurse in Wisconsin, the best thing to do is to earn a bachelor of nursing science (BSN) in Wisconsin.
Not only will a BSN satisfy Wisconsin's requirements for a nursing license, but many hospitals and states are starting to require nurses to have a minimum of a BSN. Also, the right BSN program can connect you to potential nursing careers.
Current Degree Current Degree No Degree/License ADN (RN) BSN (RN) MSN (RN) Other Desired Degree Desired Degree Show Me Programs
This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,
NCLEX pass rate
Acceptance rate, when available
Only ACEN or CCNE accredited schools are eligible
Nurse Panel
Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.
Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
Kathleen Gaines, BSN, RN, BA, CBC
Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN
Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Wisconsin nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.
Show Me Wisconsin Nursing Programs
1. University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,812 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%
Traditional: Yes
Online: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
As one of the top public schools in the region, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire provides an excellent education for the in-state tuition cost. Students pursuing a BSN have two options of study: on-campus in Eau Claire or at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Both locations are staffed by UW – Eau Claire professors, so you can pick whichever site works best for you. UW – Eau Claire also has a high NCLEX pass rate, so any Wisconsin residents should consider applying.
2. Viterbo University
Annual Tuition: $26,150 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
Bridge: Yes
Viterbo University is a small, private school with just 2,610 students. However, with over 100 years of educating students, Viterbo is also one of the top schools in Wisconsin. The School of Nursing has a BSN and BSN completion program, and the traditional BSN has an impressive 100% job placement rate upon graduation. Nursing students also have the option to study abroad and still complete the degree in four years. Also, for a private school, Viterbo's tuition is relatively low.
3. Edgewood College
Annual Tuition: $27,530 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
Accelerated: Yes
A liberal arts school founded in the Catholic Dominican tradition, Edgewood College has an incredibly low 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 13. The small class sizes are likely part of the reason why Edgewood consistently sees every nursing student pass the NCLEX on their first try. For high school students worried about nursing school admissions, high school applicants with a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 24 can gain guaranteed admission to the School of Nursing.
4. University of Wisconsin – Madison
Annual In-State Tuition: $10,488 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%
Online: No
Perhaps the best-known school in the state, the University of Wisconsin – Madison has been educating students since 1848. Located on a 936-acre campus, any nursing students that attend Wisconsin are going to enjoy a large school. You can earn a BSN in nearly any way at Wisconsin, though the traditional BSN is the most popular program. The traditional BSN is a 2+2 program, meaning two years of nursing prerequisite courses before entering the two-year nursing program. Admission is highly competitive, but those accepted will study at an excellent school.
5. Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University is a private, Lutheran college located in Mequon and on the shores of Lake Michigan. Along with a beautiful campus-based a short drive from Milwaukee, Concordia also offers students a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and is ranked as the safest campus in Wisconsin. While the tuition is high, nursing students earn an average financial aid award of $16,603, cutting into the total cost of the program. BSN students also get access to a simulation lab and enjoy a high NCLEX pass rate.
6. Marquette University
Among the top private schools in the region, Marquette University's tuition rate is well worth the education. Founded in the Jesuit tradition, Marquette has a prime location in downtown Milwaukee, so students get to enjoy a city experience. The undergraduate nursing program gives nursing students the chance to study abroad or get an internship in Washington DC. Marquette also has an honors nursing program and receive a BSN with Honors upon completing the degree.
7. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Home to 27,000 students, the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is one of the larger schools in the state. Roughly ¾ of graduates end up working in Wisconsin, which means UWM has an extensive alumni network for nursing school grads to tap into. Nursing options include a traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and an RN to MSN. The traditional program connects nursing students with more than 160 clinical agencies, and students have the option to study abroad in areas including Mexico, Kenya, South Korea, and China.
8. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh nationally-recognized research school in Fox Valley. Part of the larger UW system, Oshkosh offers quality education with a low in-state tuition rate. The traditional undergraduate nursing program, the top nursing program at UW Oshkosh, has two options: a five-semester program or a year-round program with a hybrid of on-campus and online courses. From start to finish, students can earn their BSN in 3.5-4.5 years, depending on which option they choose.
9. Carroll University
Founded in 1846, Carroll University is the oldest institution of higher education in Wisconsin. Carroll is known for its Pioneer Core, a general education requirement that ensures all students receive a well-rounded education. After completing the Pioneer Core, nursing students can begin work on their BSN core courses. Along with 160 hours of clinical experience, Carroll University connects nursing students with internships at local healthcare facilities. Recent graduates enjoyed a 100% NCLEX pass rate, too, showing the quality of the program.
10. Milwaukee School of Engineering
While it may not sound like it, Milwaukee School of Engineering is home to an excellent nursing program. The traditional BSN program began in 1995, and the program uses some of the newest technologies in laboratories and classrooms. An accelerated second degree for current BS or BA holders is also available. Upon graduation, 95% of MSOE students find a job in their field or continue on to graduate school. The cost is high compared to other schools, but the outcome of the nursing program may be worth it to some.
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each student depending on various factors including,
Completed competency exams
Amount of credits taken per year
Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
Wisconsin nurses earn an annual mean wage of $72,610.
Wisconsin employs 61,930 nurses and employs more nurses per capita than the national average.
Compared to the national mean wage of $77,460 for nurses, Wisconsin pays slightly lower than the national average. However, the cost of living in Wisconsin is slightly lower than the national average.
Also, urban areas in Wisconsin have higher mean wages. For example, nurses in the Madison area earn an annual mean wage of $80,490, well above the national average.
Areas with higher pay are also higher-employers for nurses. So, if you find a job in a larger Wisconsin city, you may earn a higher-than-average salary.
After spending some time researching schools you're interested in, the next step is to move forward with applications. It's important to send in your application before the deadline — late applications could mean you have to wait another year to begin college!
Here are the steps to applying for college:
Contact each school's admissions offices. Schools sometimes have specific requirements you need to follow when applying. Admissions offices will tell you everything you need to know about the school's application process, and they will be your point of contact if you have any questions during your application.
Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. Nursing schools often have additional, stricter requirements for admission than colleges, and admission into a college does not guarantee admission into nursing school. Some requirements can be completed while you're in college, though, so ask each admissions office what you need to complete before starting college.
Submit your application(s). After you've prepared your application materials, the final step is to send in applications! Remember, always apply to more than one school – who knows what scholarships might be made available after you've been accepted!
Materials to send include:
High school transcript (GPA)
ACT and/or SAT scores
College entrance essay(s)
Letter(s) of recommendation
Additional materials may also be required by a school or nursing program. Always keep track of everything you need so you don't submit an incomplete application.
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
School and nursing program acceptance rate
Length of the program (accelerated or traditional)
Type of program (traditional or online)
Accreditation (regional and national)
Why you should care about the nursing program's accreditation
Accrediting bodies are government-recognized organizations that evaluate the academic quality of programs. When a school and/or program is accredited, it guarantees that the curriculum meets a minimum standard of quality.
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
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.
Wisconsin is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) which means that nursing license in Wisconsin works in most other states (and vice versa). To be part of the eNLC, Wisconsin is required to meet certain standards for licensing nurses.
To get a license in Wisconsin, you'll need to:
Study at a nursing school
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
Pass a criminal background check, submit your fingerprints, and pay an application fee
Apply through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Every accredited BSN program satisfies the requirements to sit for the NCLEX, so completing your BSN puts you on track to become a licensed nurse.
Wisconsin is home to some of the top nursing programs in the nation, and state residents can take advantage of low tuition rates. After earning a BSN, nurses are prepared to become licensed, and that license is valid in most states. A nursing position in a metropolitan Wisconsin area pays above the national average, so nurses can enjoy a well-paying career in a high employment state.
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ADN Programs in Wisconsin
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Selecting the best nursing school in Wisconsin can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Wisconsin by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 42 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
Get information on nursing programs by entering your zip code and requesting enrollment information. Sponsored Ad
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/). 42 20
See Our list of the Best Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is supporting the upward trend of further learning by offering flexible learning schedules and supplying many jobs for aspiring registered nurses. Approximately 1,900 job opportunities per year are projected over the next 5 years, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the median salary for a nurse in Wisconsin is approximately $71,470 annually. With Wisconsin area schools graduating roughly 3,000 nurses a year (according to the Wisconsin Center for Nursing), becoming a registered nurse in the state is more convenient than ever.
For RN bridge programs visit:
RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin
RN to MSN Programs in Wisconsin
There are over 20 schools in the state that offer an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). At just 2 years in length, an ADN is a great way to become a registered nurse without having to go through too much schooling.
Wisconsin has many different types of schools that can provide your ADN, including community colleges and technical colleges of all different sizes.
What to Look For in an ADN Program in Wisconsin
With the variety of ADN programs in the area, you'll want to choose wisely. Focusing on a school that is committed to preparing you for your licensure exam should be a top priority. Other important items to consider when choosing a school include:
There are a few main entities that can provide legitimate accreditation to an ADN program. Some of these include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), but you will also want to look for schools that hold accreditation from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.
You will want to ensure that upon completing the ADN program at your preferred school that you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX). Of the nearly 3,520 people who took the NCLEX exam in Wisconsin for the first time in 2015, 87.3% received licenses.
It is wise to inquire about the statistics regarding your school's ADN program. The following are all good indications of the school's reputation:
Licensure exam pass rate
Graduate satisfaction
The Milwaukee Area Technical College, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a great example of a school that offers an accredited ADN program in the state.
ADN Program Admission Requirements in Wisconsin
While different schools may have their own set of specific requirements, here is a sampling of requirements to enter an ADN program:
Completed Academic Skills Assessment test (Accuplacer or ACT) with mandatory benchmark scores
Completed pre-requisite classes (including Chemistry and Biology) with grades of C or higher
Submit required immunization documentation
Completed caregiver background check
Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Wisconsin
Tuition fees tend to vary from program to program. It's important to remember that tuition is just one portion of what you'll be paying for. Textbooks, fees, and uniforms are all examples of costs you may incur, and these may or may not be included in the price of your school's tuition. As an example, the estimated program cost for the 2-year ADN program at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is $13,307 including tuition, fees, and books.
Advantages of ADN Programs
The advantage of going through an ADN program is the sheer amount of schools in the state that offer it, in addition to the shorter length of the program at just 2 years. These perks make it a snap to find a great program and get started with a rewarding nursing career very quickly.
For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Wisconsin, there are specialized programs designed to bridge the gap to registered nursing. Known as LPN to RN programs, they credit students for certain nursing courses that have already been completed in their prior coursework. This means that students can earn an RN degree in a fraction of the time.
LPN to ADN/BSN Programs
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LPNs earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. All applicants must be either an LPN or LVN to apply.Are You an LPN/LVN?: Yes No
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
Whether you are already a registered nurse looking to further your career or are just interested in a more advanced nursing degree from the get-go, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a great choice. A bit lengthier than an ADN program, a 4-year BSN program offers increased nursing career choices and earning potential. Larger universities tend to offer BSN programs. Roughly 20 schools all around the state offer BSN programs.
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.
BSN Program Length in Wisconsin
A traditional BSN program is 4 years in length. However, it tends to be shorter if you are doing an RN to BSN program or an accelerated program. Inquire with your school of choice about the program options available.
BSN Program Admission Requirements in Wisconsin
While each BSN program in will have its own unique set of requirements, here are a few requirements for admission that you might encounter when checking out schools in the area:
Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and a minimum 2.75 GPA for all science and math courses
Must complete a faculty interview
Curricular, extracurricular, community service and personal activities are also strongly encouraged to be a good candidate for the program
Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Wisconsin
The state boasts a wide variety of BSN programs, all with their own tuition fees. As with ADN and other nursing programs, you may also have to pay additional fees for textbooks, uniforms, CPR certification, health records, and more. At Columbia College of Nursing, located in Glendale, Wisconsin, full-time tuition costs roughly $27,016 annually, not including the $50 application fee, a $200 tuition deposit, and a $114 graduation fee, among other fees.
Advantages of BSN Programs
Earning your BSN is an excellent way to further your career if you are already a registered nurse, and is a great career opportunity if you are looking to start working in the nursing field. Whether you choose the RN to BSN route or start out with a traditional BSN, you cast a wide net of advancement options and earning potential.
With close to 15 schools in the state that offer a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), 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.
Get information on nursing programs by entering your zip code and requesting enrollment information. Sponsored AdFeatured MSN ProgramsMaryville University
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These Programs Accept Wisconsin Residents Applicants: U.S. Nationwide except LA, NY, WA Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)Select ProgramOnline BSN to MSN – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Family Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerRequest InformationGeorgetown University
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These Programs Accept Wisconsin Residents1 Applicants: BSN Required, U.S. Nationwide except NY, TN2 Applicants: BSN Required, U.S. Nationwide except NY, TN, UT, WA Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) & Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)Select ProgramOnline BSN to MSN – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Family Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Nurse Midwifery / Women's Health Nurse PractitionerOnline BSN to MSN – Women's Health Nurse PractitionerRequest InformationDuquesne University
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MSN Program Length in Wisconsin
An RN to MSN program can last roughly 3 years, depending on the school and the previous coursework the student has taken. This program usually tries to accommodate the busy schedule of a working registered nurse. Some programs offer options to take full-time classes, part-time classes, or even online coursework.
MSN Admission Requirements in Wisconsin
Depending on your school of choice, requirements may vary slightly. Here is an example of some of the requirements you might face in a typical MSN program:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing program
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Must submit official transcripts and a copy of current Wisconsin nursing license
Must provide resume/CV and write a reflective essay
Complete a personal interview with a graduate nursing faculty member
Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in Wisconsin
MSN program costs can vary from school to school. The MSN program at Rasmussen College, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is approximately $21,915 including tuition and fees.
For NP programs visit:
Wisconsin DNP Programs
Wisconsin FNP Programs
Wisconsin Nurse Practitioner Programs
Wisconsin Post-Graduate Certificate Nursing Programs
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.
Accelerated Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
Working toward your degree, while working in your career can be a difficult task, but there is a bridging program offered by a couple of Wisconsin colleges that could help in obtaining your career goals. This program gives candidates the opportunity to pursue the program while working and gives candidates up to 5 years to complete the requirements. Accelerated BSN programs are also offered as an option and can be completed in 12 to 15 months. All prerequisite courses will add to the overall time frame and total cost of completing the programs. Tuition is based on the rate charged per credit hour required.
Wisconsin Accelerated BSN Programs
Wisconsin Accelerated MSN Programs
Compare Nursing Programs
Get information on nursing programs by entering your zip code and requesting enrollment information. Sponsored Ad#1
100 N East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 524-7373
The nursing program at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin is based on knowledge, theory, and research. Students enrolled in the school's BSN pathway are given the tools to explore interdisciplinary options to further their success in nursing.Score: 98.66| Programs: BSN#2
Maranatha Baptist University
745 W Main St, Watertown, WI 53094 (800) 622-2947
Maranatha Baptist University's BSN program seeks to prepare compassionate Christian nurses. The curriculum aims to give students the knowledge and skills to care for patients in a variety of settings and fosters both spiritual and professional growth.Score: 98.33| Programs: BSN#3
1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton, WI 54912 (920) 735-5645
The ADN program at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, hands-on experience, and a supportive environment for the success of their graduates. Students are prepared to become leaders in the nursing field by providing excellent patient-centered care.Score: 98.18| Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN#4
700 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 297-6282
Simulations, practical situations, clinical experiences, and theoretical components are all aspects of Milwaukee Area Technical College's comprehensive nursing curriculum. MATC's ADN pathway prepares graduates to become sought-after nursing professionals.Score: 98.00| Programs: Associate in Nursing#5
Blackhawk Technical College
6004 S County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546 (608) 757-7710
Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin is home to an acclaimed associate degree nursing program. With principles including evidence-based practice, patient advocacy, and quality of care, BTC's nursing program deftly prepares students for the rigors of registered nursing.Score: 97.90| Programs: Associate in Nursing#6
800 Main St, Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 691-5400
Evidence-based practice and patient-centered care are the core values of the 65-credit associate degree nursing program at Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee. Students learn to become leaders in the holistic well-being of patients.Score: 97.82| Programs: Associate in Nursing#7
2600 W 5th St, Marshfield, WI 54449 (715) 387-2538
Mid-State Technical College's Marshfield campus offers a quality two-year associate degree program in nursing. Enrolled students utilize classroom learning, projects, labs, and clinical experiences to become exemplary registered nurses.Score: 97.77| Programs: Associate in Nursing#8
Bellin College
3201 Eaton Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 433-6699
Performance, employability rates, and reputation all speak to the excellence of the nursing programs offered at Bellin College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. BSN program graduates are welcomed into the nursing profession in a variety of medical settings.Score: 97.74| Programs: BSN#9
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
800 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 424-1234
Newly renovated space at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh – College of Nursing brings about state-of-the art simulation labs, practice labs, and nursing tech suites. BSN graduates are given all the tools and faculty support needed to be at the top of the field.Score: 97.57| Programs: BSN#10
1000 W Campus Dr, Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 675-3331
Students enrolled in Northcentral Technical College's 70-credit associate degree in nursing program are taught through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership, and effective communication. NTC's program offers maximum flexibility with full-time and part-time options as well as night and weekend classes.Score: 96.43| Programs: Associate in Nursing#11
235 North National Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54936 (800) 472-4554
Moraine Park Technical College is located in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, which is situated at the base of Lake Winnebago. Nurses graduating from MPTC are confident in the values of evidence-based practice, caring advocacy, and quality of care. Graduates enter the field as respected professionals.Score: 96.28| Programs: Associate in Nursing#12
Holy Family College
2406 S Alverno Rd, Manitowoc, WI 54220 (920) 686-6175
Manitowoc's Holy Family College (formerly Silver Lake College) offers a BSN program that prepares students for immediate nursing practice or for further nursing studies. This traditional 4-year program challenges students to swiftly and effectively respond to patient care needs in a variety of medical settings. NOTE: This school has closed as of Fall 2020.Score: 96.10#13
1000 Edgewood College Dr, Madison, WI 53711 (800) 444-4861
Edgewood College's Henry Predolin School of Nursing offers BSN pathways that include unmatched faculty support; in fact, the clinical faculty-to-student ratio is just 7 to 1. With a robust student nurses association, international travel opportunities to experience medically underserved areas, and high-tech clinical simulations, Edgewood College attracts top nursing students.Score: 95.91| Programs: BSN#14
701 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53706 (608) 263-5200
The University of Wisconsin – Madison prepares exceptional RNs through its traditional BSN program. Students complete nursing prerequisites in the first 2 years of the program, followed by 2 years of nursing core. This selective program gives students the skills needed to excel in fast-paced medical environments that range in niche and scope.Score: 95.35| Programs: BSN#15
2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307 (920) 498-5444
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College of Green Bay provides an associate degree in nursing pathway with flexible formats available. As of Fall 2020, the program will be delivered in 8-week courses, which include Nursing Pharmacology, Nursing Health Promotion, and much more.The school boasts a 96% graduate employment rate.Score: 95.28| Programs: Associate in Nursing#16
105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 836-5287
The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire focuses not just on academic excellence in the classroom, but also on providing the support needed to prepare nurses to become outstanding, compassionate, and skilled nursing professionals. BSN graduates learn to solve real-life problems confidently and accurately.Score: 94.97| Programs: BSN#17
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 277-7300
MSOE University offers two distinctive BSN program pathways – the traditional option as well as the accelerated second-degree option. Both programs utilize classroom and laboratory learning to give students a well-rounded foundation in the art and science of nursing. MSOE is proud to report that 98% of their 2018-19 nursing grads are employed, enrolled in a master's program, or enlisted in the military upon graduation.Score: 94.70| Programs: BSN#18
Nicolet College
5364 College Dr, Rhinelander, WI 54501 (715) 365-4410
Rhinelander's Nicolet College offers a flexible ADN program that can be completed online or on-campus. The curriculum focuses on responsibility, integrity, ethics, and evidence-based practice to train students to deliver safe and competent nursing care with a patient-centered approach.Score: 93.38| Programs: Associate in Nursing#19
1250 W. Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233 (414) 288-3800
Marquette University of Milwaukee offers innovative nursing program pathways. Their undergraduate offerings include a traditional BSN, BSN-ROTC programs, and multiple honors options. In addition to classroom, lab, clinical and simulated experiences, Marquette students can also participate in study abroad experiences and/or government internship programs.Score: 92.98| Programs: BSN#20
3400 S 43rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53234 (414) 382-6381
Earning a BSN through Alverno College's JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions can set students on a course of lifetime nursing success. As one of the largest nursing departments in the state, Alverno has the ability to offer students expert faculty, clinical placements, and other state-of-the-art resources.Score: 92.75| Programs: BSN
Continued List of All RN Programs in Wisconsin
#21 Viterbo University900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601 (888) 526-2626Programs: BSN 92.73 viterbo.edu
#22 Lakeshore Technical College1290 North Ave, Cleveland, WI 53015 (920) 693-1000Programs: Associate in Nursing 92.65 gotoltc.edu
#23 Chippewa Valley Technical College620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 833-6200 92.42 cvtc.edu
#24 Madison Area Tech College1705 Hoffman Street, Madison, WI 53704 (608) 246-6100Programs: Associate in Nursing 92.14 madisoncollege.edu
#25 Western Technical College400 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9200Programs: Associate in Nursing 91.51 westerntc.edu
#26 Concordia University Wisconsin12800 N Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, WI 53097 (262) 243-5700Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN 91.35 cuw.edu
#27 Southwest Tech1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809 (608) 822-3262Programs: Associate in Nursing 90.59 swtc.edu
#28 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College505 Pine Ridge Drive, Shell Lake, WI 54871 (715) 394-6677Programs: Associate in Nursing 90.50 witc.edu
#29 Bryant and Stratton College10950 W Potter Rd , Wauwatosa, WI 53226 (414) 302-7000Programs: Associate in Nursing 90.47 bryantstratton.edu
#30 Gateway Tech College3520 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144 (800) 247-7122 89.83 gtc.edu
#31 Alverno College4425 N. Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53212 (414) 326-2330Programs: BSN 89.81 ccon.edu
#32 Rasmussen – Wausau1101 Westwood Dr, Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 841-8000Programs: Associate in Nursing 88.00 rasmussen.edu
#33 Marian University45 S. National Ave., Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (800) 262-7426Programs: BSN 87.26 marianuniversity.edu
#34 Cardinal Stritch University6801 N Yates Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53217 (414) 410-4000Programs: BSN 85.85 stritch.edu
#35 Herzing University – Brookfield555 S Executive Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005 (262) 457-7624Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN 85.05 herzing.edu
#36 University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee1921 E. Hartford Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211 (608) 263-5200Programs: BSN 84.24 uwm.edu
#37 Rasmussen – Green Bay904 South Taylor Street, Green Bay, WI 54303 (920) 593-8400Programs: Associate in Nursing 81.79 rasmussen.edu
#38 Herzing University – Madison5218 E Terrace Dr, Madison, WI 53718 (608) 249-6611Programs: Associate in Nursing 69.55 herzing.edu
#39 Wisconsin Lutheran College8800 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 443-8800Programs: BSN – wlc.edu
#40 Herzing University – KenoshaW140N8917 Lilly Road , Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (180) 059-6072 x4 – herzing.edu
#41 George Williams College of Aurora350 Constance Blvd, Williams Bay, WI 53191 (262) 245-5531 – gwc.aurora.edu
#42 Carthage College of Nursing2001 Alford Park Drive , Kenosha, WI 53140 (262) 551-8500 – carthage.edu
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2021 Best Colleges for Nursing in Wisconsin
Nursing is a popular major and Wisconsin is the 24th most popular state for students studying this major. 4,909 of the 296,913 Nursing diplomas awarded last year were given by colleges in Wisconsin. With so many choices it can be difficult finding the best fit for you. This year's Best Colleges for Nursing in Wisconsin ranking analyzed 18 colleges and universities that offer a bachelor's degree in nursing. We look at over 20 factors to determine the top 15% of schools for Nursing students in Wisconsin.
Choosing a Great Nursing School
The nursing program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality nursing program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
Quality Overall is Important
A school that excels in educating for a particular major must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
Graduates Earn More After College
Nursing graduates from schools on this list tend to earn more after college than those from other schools. Recent nursing graduates from Wisconsin colleges with a bachelors degree earned an average of $60,933 in 2017-2018.
Other Factors We Consider
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Major Focus – How much a school focuses on Nursing students vs. other majors.
Major Popularity – How many other nursing students choose this school.
Accreditation – Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or a recognized nursing related accrediting body.
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for Nursing students in Wisconsin.
Rankings by LocationCHECK OUT OTHER LOCALESMore Nursing RankingsOTHER RANKING CATEGORIES
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Nursing Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you.
To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. When you have some time, check it out – you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.
Best Schools to Study Nursing in Wisconsin
Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for nursing majors.
Top 10 Best Nursing Colleges Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WIDoctor's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE12.0%GROWTH IN GRADUATES$61,800MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Marquette University is a great choice for students pursuing a Nursing degree. Located in the large city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population.
For those interested in something more advanced, Marquette also offers 2 different higher degree levels in nursing, the most popular of which is a Master's Degree. Students who graduate from this program report average early career earnings of $61,800.More…Request Information
Madison, WIDoctor's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE13.1%GROWTH IN GRADUATES$63,300MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
It's hard to beat University of Wisconsin – Madison if you want to pursue nursing as a major. UW – Madison is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Madison.
For those interested in something more advanced, UW – Madison also offers 2 different higher degree levels in nursing, the most popular of which is a Doctor's Degree. University of Wisconsin – Madison nursing majors earn $2,728 more than the standard nursing grad.More…Request Information
La Crosse, WIDoctor's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE$62,900MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Viterbo University is among your top options if you're planning on studying nursing. Viterbo is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of La Crosse.
In addition to its bachelor's programs, Viterbo offers a Doctor's Degrees in nursing. Nursing graduates from Viterbo University get an earnings boost of about $2,328 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.More…Request Information
Madison, WIDoctor's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE$64,200MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Every student pursuing a degree in nursing has to take a look at Edgewood College. Edgewood is a small private not-for-profit college located in the large city of Madison.
For those interested in something more advanced, Edgewood also offers 2 different higher degree levels in nursing, the most popular of which is a Master's Degree. Students from the nursing degree program at Edgewood College get $3,628 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.More…Request Information
Green Bay, WIMaster's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE$55,800MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the rural area of Green Bay, Bellin College is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population.
In addition to its bachelor's programs, Bellin College offers a Master's Degrees in nursing. After getting their bachelor's degree, nursing students typically earn about $55,800 at the beginning of their careers.More…Request Information
Milwaukee, WIMaster's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE$59,200MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
MSOE is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Milwaukee.
In addition to its bachelor's programs, MSOE offers a Master's Degrees in nursing. Soon after graduating, nursing students generally make about $59,200 in the first five years of their career.More…Request Information
Oshkosh, WIDoctor's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE9.9%GROWTH IN GRADUATES$59,100MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
UW Oshkosh is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Oshkosh.
For those interested in something more advanced, UW Oshkosh also offers 2 different higher degree levels in nursing, the most popular of which is a Doctor's Degree. Soon after getting their bachelor's degree, nursing students generally make about $59,100 in their early careers.More…Request Information
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WIDoctor's DegreeHIGHEST DEGREE TYPE$59,700MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
UW – Eau Claire is a fairly large public university located in the city of Eau Claire.
For those interested in something more advanced, UW – Eau Claire also offers 2 different higher degree levels in nursing, the most popular of which is a Doctor's Degree. Graduates of the nursing program make about $59,700 in the first couple years of working.More…Request Information
Waukesha, WI17.6%GROWTH IN GRADUATES$59,900MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the city of Waukesha, Carroll U is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.
After getting their bachelor's degree, nursing students generally earn an average of $59,900 in their early careers.More…Request Information
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Milwaukee, WI$61,800MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the large city of Milwaukee, WLC is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.
Graduates of the nursing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $61,800.More…Request Information
Best Nursing Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
Explore all the Best Nursing Colleges in the Great Lakes Area or other specific states within that region.
Michigan 305 6,936
Ohio 303 13,619
Illinois 299 20,554
Indiana 283 8,279
More Nursing Rankings in Wisconsin
NURSINGMost Focused Colleges
NURSINGMost Popular Online Schools
NURSINGBest Online Schools
NURSINGHighest Paid Graduates
NURSINGMost Popular Colleges
NURSINGBest for Non-Traditional Students
NURSINGBest for Veterans
Nursing Related Rankings by Major
Nursing is one of 34 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.
Most Popular Majors Related to Nursing
Related Major
Annual Graduates
Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Professions 959
Allied Health Professions 813
Health & Medical Administrative Services 610
Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services 536
Communication Sciences 528
View All Nursing Related Majors >report this ad
The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education's (College Scorecard).
Credit for the banner image above goes to Aleksahgabrielle. More about our data sources and methodologies.
Request Info Southern New Hampshire UniversityYou have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs … Learn More >
Request Info Purdue UniversityBuilding on Purdue's mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalized online experience that's tailored to working adults. By opening the doors to adults who need flexibility to fit learning into their busy lives, we make it possible to achieve a high-quality education from the prestigious Purdue University system—completely online … Learn More >
Request Info Grand Canyon University (GCU)With a spotlight on intellectual creativity and innovation for the 21stcentury, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU provides a job focused education. It blends the study of traditional humanities in a modern context. Through academic inquiry and beyond the box thinking, the college advances our society and its accomplishments … Learn More >
Request Info Northcentral UniversityNorthcentral University (NCU) was founded to provide accessible, high-quality, online graduate degrees to working professionals. As a regionally accredited, online university, NCU serves students worldwide, focusing on Doctoral and Master's degree programs in the Schools of Business and Technology Management, Education, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Sciences … Learn More >
Request Info Colorado Technical University (CTU)CTU could help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional community, aculty who are real-world professionals, and innovative technology … Learn More >
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Nursing Schools in Your State
NURSING SCHOOL FINDER Select a Degree Associate's Bachelor's Master's Doctorate Certificate / Diploma Graduate Certificates Select a Category Art & Design Business & Management Computers & Technology Criminal Justice & Legal Education & Teaching Liberal Arts & Humanities Nursing & Healthcare Psychology & Counseling Science & Engineering Trades & Careers Select a Subject Emergency Management Health Education Health Informatics Health Science Health Services Healthcare Administration Healthcare Management Human Services Nutritional Sciences Occupational Therapy Public Health RN to BSN (RN required) Respiratory Therapy FIND YOUR SCHOOL NOW ❯❯AD
Nursing Schools in Wisconsin – 2021 Rankings
As Wisconsin's population ages and its incidence of chronic diseases increases, the "Badger State" is going to experience a tremendous nursing shortage. By 2040, the number of individuals in the Badger State who are 65 or older is going to increase by 72 percent; these people are going to need more medical services, which means more nurses. By 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development anticipates the need for more than 5,000 nurses, which is good news for graduates of accredited nursing schools in Wisconsin. The highest needs will be in specialty areas like critical care and operating rooms, according to experts.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSING SCHOOLS
London School of Economics and Political SciencePROGRAM: BSC BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENTDesigned by LSE, earn an online BSc Business and Management from the University of London, without relocating. Ranked #2 in the world for social sciences and management, analyse international and local managment issues through the lens of various social science disciplines.VISIT SITE
FOLLOWING ARE THE 10 BEST ACCREDITED NURSING SCHOOLS IN WISCONSIN FOR 2021
1. Marquette University, Milwaukee
About the Marquette University College of Nursing: Value Colleges, a respected higher education rating service, ranks Marquette University's College of Nursing as one of the top nursing programs in Wisconsin and the nation. This nursing college has a solid reputation for nursing innovation, so if you want an education that will help prepare you to take a leadership role in a rapidly evolving health care system, this is a program you'll want to learn more about.
The college got its start around the turn of the 20th century as the Trinity Hospital Training School. Marquette University acquired Trinity in 1912 and began offering four-year baccalaureate nursing degrees in 1936. Marquette's nursing school occupies the 46,000-square-foot Emory T. Clark Hall on the west side of campus. Clark Hall contains classrooms, clinical laboratories and a state-of-the-art simulation facility called the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Center for Clinical Simulation where nursing students can perfect clinical competencies in a safe environment. Clinical rotations take place at hospitals, clinics and community agencies throughout the greater metropolitan Milwaukee area. Marquette also partners with international nursing programs to provide nursing students with opportunities to study in Ireland, Peru, South Africa, and Brazil.
Financial Aid: Marquette University sponsors the four-year Nancy Long Pesiri Scholarship for outstanding students who are entering its nursing school. The university also maintains a comprehensive list of private nursing scholarships. Nursing students may also qualify for federal and state aid upon submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
2. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison
About the UW–Madison School of Nursing: If you want to be a leader in the nursing field, the Madison School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin will give you the tools you need. After all, Madison was one of the first college-based schools of nursing when it was founded in 1924. As a student here, you'll share learning experiences with aspiring professionals at the School of Medicine and Public Health, and the School of Pharmacy, which are both located near Signe Skott Copper Hall, the nursing school building. This nursing school in WI is also a leading nursing research center that's received funding from the National Institute of Health, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the National Institute on Aging among other agencies.
Nursing students learn the basics of patient care by practicing taking vitals, drawing blood and inserting IVs into realistic-looking manikins in the Center for Technology-Enhanced Nursing. This state-of-the-art facility, which is located in Copper Hall, is equipped with a four-bed hospital suite, a nursing station, a medical room and an apartment area for simulated home visits. Students go on to complete their skills in hospitals, ambulatory care clinics and community clinics throughout the greater Madison metropolitan area where they have the chance to work with medical, surgical and critical care patient populations.
Financial Aid: The Madison School of Nursing supports its students by awarding scholarships that total more than $400,000 every year. Candidates must fill out and submit a scholarship application between mid-January and late March for scholarships awarded the following fall. Needs-based federal and state aid may also be awarded to eligible students upon completion and submission of a FAFSA form.
3. Viterbo University, Lacrosse
About the Viterbo University School of Nursing: Viterbo University is a Roman Catholic institution of higher learning though it's open to students of all faiths. The university was founded in 1890 to prepare Franciscan nuns for careers as elementary school teachers, and its nursing school still has deep roots in the Franciscan tradition of service to others. The nursing school is part of the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Behavior. The very first Ph.D. the university offered in 2013 was a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Students learn how to provide high-quality patient care in a high-tech clinical simulation learning lab that occupies the third floor of the School of Nursing building. Clinical rotations take place at long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community agencies throughout western Wisconsin. The school maintains close relationships with community clinics in Belize, and students can elect to perform clinical rotations at those clinics, too. Viterbo participates in the Nursing for Underserved Rural Students Seeking Educational Success (NURSES) program funded by the federal government, which aims to tackle the nursing shortage in the Badger State's more rural areas.
Financial Aid: This nursing school in Wisconsin offers 15 scholarships specifically for nursing students. Each has its own set of criteria and requires a separate application. Depending upon your family's income, you may also be eligible for state and federal grants and loans; to qualify for these, you'll have to submit a FAFSA form.
4. Edgewood College, Madison
About the Henry Predolin School of Nursing: Are you looking at nursing schools in Wisconsin that maintain small classes so that students can develop personalized relationships with instructors and classmates? If yes, then Henry Predolin School of Nursing at Edgewood College with a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 can be the answer. Predolin is another one of the nursing colleges in the state of Wisconsin that was founded by Catholic nuns; it got its start in 1881 as the St. Regina Academy, a private boarding school for girls and is still committed to the Dominican tradition of truth and service. Though Edgewood admits students of all denominations, Catholic teachings are incorporated into the college's policies and procedures.
Students benefit from hands-on training at the Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation, which is furnished with hospital equipment, high-tech manikins, and 3D Anatomage table. Clinical placements utilize more than 70 hospitals, community agencies, and school sites throughout south-central Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin system of hospitals and clinics, American Family Children's Hospital, UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospitals, and Clinics, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, and Agrace Hospice.
Financial Aid: Edgewood College offers the Predolin Scholarship to high-achieving nursing students who demonstrate financial need. Entering students are also automatically considered for awards based upon academic excellence. Students may receive state and federal support if their FAFSA forms indicate eligibility.
5. University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Eau Claire
About the College of Nursing and Health Sciences @ UW-Eau Claire: If providing health services, interventions and preventative care to communities is your inspiration for becoming a nurse, you should definitely learn more about the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin's Eau Claire campus. Of all the nursing colleges in Wisconsin, this is probably the one that emphasizes public health the most. Social justice, accountability, and sustainability are important values at this school. In addition to the Eau Claire site, the nursing college also maintains a site in Marshfield in conjunction with the Marshfield Clinic Health System; this site is used for distance learners.
The nursing college maintains clinical learning centers at each of its two sites: The Eau Claire site has a facility with four simulated hospital rooms that contain 20-bed spaces while the Marshfield site has three clinical rooms and six-bed spaces. Once you've perfected your bedside skills, you'll go on to participate in clinical rotations at hospitals, schools, nursing homes, public health agencies, child day-care centers, and other community health agencies throughout the Chippewa Valley and nearby parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Financial Aid: Nursing students may be eligible for scholarships awarded through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. To qualify, you'll need to submit an application by the March before the fall semester you plan to start taking classes. Since many of these scholarships also have a needs component, you'll also need to submit a FAFSA form as well as letters of recommendation. Your FAFSA form may also make you eligible for state and local grants and loans.
6. Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee
About the MSOE School of Nursing: The MSOE School of Nursing understands that health care is a complex and continuously evolving system and that the best way to prepare aspiring nurses to give excellent, patient-centered care is through providing those students with experiential learning opportunities. MSOE was founded in 1903 as an engineering school. Apart from nursing, the university's emphasis is on business and technical degrees. The nursing curriculum here integrates a strong technology base with a wide variety of clinical field experiences so that new graduates can hit the ground running when they enter the nursing profession.
Classrooms and clinical labs are located in the Ruehlow Nursing Complex, which is a $3-million, 25,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2013. The Ruehlow Nursing Complex contains a simulation hospital complete with adult and pediatric patient wards and a mock intensive care unit. Students learn critical thinking skills by participating in scenario-based training that substitutes high-tech manikins for patients. Once they develop aptitude with clinical skills, students go on to clinical rotations throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Since MSOE uses a trimester system, aspiring nurses actually perform clinical rotations at a greater number of health care facilities than they might if they were pursuing a nursing degree in WI at a school on the semester system.
Financial Aid: In addition to academic and diversity scholarships that all entering students are eligible to apply for, MSOE also offers a Certified Nursing Assistant scholarship to incoming nursing students who are CNAs. State and local grants and loans may also be available to students who demonstrate need on their FAFSA forms.
7. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh
About the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing: In 2018, UW Oshkosh's College of Nursing was awarded a prestigious Jonas Scholars grant in recognition of its efforts to target Wisconsin's ongoing nursing shortage. If you think Wisconsin is where you want to spend your professional career, this could be the nursing program for you. The college supports evidence-based investigations through its innovative Center for Nursing Research. Students also have the opportunity to learn more about how different communities tackle critical health care challenges by participating in study abroad programs in Ireland, India, and South America.
The College's Nursing Simulation Center offers realistic scenario-based training in every situation nurses are likely to encounter on the job from birth to trauma. Students also learn hands-on skills like suctioning, IV insertion and medication administration at the Elmer Leach Learning Laboratory, which is located in the Clow Social Sciences Building. Students complete clinical rotations at hospitals, clinics and community agencies that are located throughout Oshkosh and nearby communities.
Financial Aid: UW's Oshkosh campus reserves 55 scholarships for nurses. Your eligibility will be determined after you fill out a conditional application, which must be submitted between September 12 and February 1. Some students may also qualify for funding through state and local sources depending upon the information submitted with their FAFSA forms.
8. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee
About the College of Nursing @ UWM: The College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is home to the largest group of aspiring nurses in the Badger State. The college's main campus is in Milwaukee, but the college also maintains satellite campuses at UW-Parkside and UW-Washington County. Education at this school focuses not only upon preparing students to be excellent clinicians but also upon training students to be first-rate researchers and community health advocates. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the UWM as one of the top nursing programs in the nation.
The Nursing Learning Resource Center gives students the opportunity to experience patient care without the risk of liability issues by practicing real-life scenarios using computerized manikins. The college partners with more than 160 hospitals, clinics, and community health agencies throughout the area to provide students with high-quality clinical rotations. UWM's College of Nursing is also known for its research into areas like geriatric health, health care delivery and self-management and is affiliated with a number of cutting-edge initiatives like the Center for Global Health Equity, the Center for Nursing History and the Institute for Urban Health Partnerships.
Financial Aid:Twenty-three nursing-specific scholarships are offered through the UWM College of Nursing. To qualify, you will need to fill out an online application through the UWM Panther Scholarship Portal. You may also be a candidate for state and local loans and grants if the information you submit on your FAFSA form indicates sufficient financial need.
9. Alverno College, Milwaukee
About the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions: Alverno College is a Roman Catholic institution, and most of its students are female. The college is a proponent of an ability-based curriculum in which there are no grades as such, so learning is demonstrated through experiential metrics rather than by testing. Nursing students at the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions learn side by side with aspiring physician assistants. The student-to-faculty ratio is kept at 10:1 to ensure that instructors will have the opportunity to develop mentoring relationships with their students.
The school is headquartered in Alexia Hall; in addition to classrooms and lecture halls, this building also contains a clinical learning center and five nursing simulation suites where students master the fundamentals of the profession they're about to enter. Clinical rotations take place at more than 25 hospitals, clinics, home healthcare, long-term care, mental health facilities and other community health organizations throughout Milwaukee.
Financial Aid: While Alverno doesn't designate any of its institutional scholarships solely for the support of nursing students, the college is committed to making sure that students get the financial support they need. More than 90 percent of incoming students receive scholarships or grants from Alverno. Students may also receive state and local support depending upon the information contained in their FAFSA forms.
10. Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon
About the CUW School of Nursing: Concordia University in Mequon is part of a system of eight schools that are run by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Mequon is the largest Lutheran university in the U.S. It is one of the few nursing schools in Wisconsin that offers a Christ-centered education, emphasizing service, caring, and vocation. Interprofessional education is one of the touchstones of this program: Nursing students have the opportunity to work closely with students in other health and human services fields with whom they'll be interacting in the future such as aspiring physical therapists, social workers, and pharmacists. In addition to traditional courses, the school also offers an evening track for students whose busy lives make attending daytime classes untenable.
A sophisticated nursing simulation lab lets students experience realistic settings that are very similar to the ones they'll be encountering once they enter the nursing profession. Students participate in clinical rotations at health care facilities throughout Milwaukee and Ozaukee County. CUW also sponsors a number of study abroad opportunities that will permit you to tour hospitals and clinics in places like Costa Rica, Mexico, Kenya, and Nicaragua.
Financial Aid: Concordia University in Mequon designates four scholarship opportunities expressly for nursing students. Nursing students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the information they submit on their FAFSA forms may also qualify for state and local grants and loans through Title IV funding.
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Wisconsin Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide to nursing programs in Wisconsin provides important information, including several profiles, of the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered in the state. Wisconsin's colleges and universities often allow students to tailor their degrees to their specific interests such as family nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nursing administration. Students may also benefit from the convenience and flexibility of earning a bachelor's or a master's degree in nursing entirely online.
44 schools with nursing programs in Wisconsin are in our database (see below).
21 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees or certificates in nursing.1
25 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in nursing.1
18 colleges and universities offer master's or advanced degrees in nursing.1
1 school ranked in Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
No schools ranked in the Princeton Review's Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
5 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master's programs.4
5 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*
University of Wisconsin-Madison (#13 in-state, #19 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master's
Marquette University (#82 tie)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (#91 tie)
Concordia University (#146 tie)
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (#146 tie)
Alverno College (#201 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
University of Wisconsin-Madison (#28 tie)
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (#97 tie)
Following are profiles and additional information about the many nursing programs available at Wisconsin's colleges and universities.FIND SCHOOLS
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Wisconsin nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it's advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate's level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master's degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing (https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx).
ADN or LVN Program
BSN Program
Graduate Nursing Program
ACEN/CCNE Accred.*
NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate**
# Taking
NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^
Net Price^^
Alverno College No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 92.38% 105 $15,553
Bellin College No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 93.75% 96 $28,058
Blackhawk Technical College Yes No No ACEN 100% 21 95.74% 47 $8,602
Cardinal Stritch University No Yes Yes ACEN/CCNE N/A N/A 82% 50 $18,417
Carroll University No Yes No CCNE N/A N/A 93.75% 64 $23,744
Chippewa Valley Technical College Yes No No ACEN 95.59% 68 82.78% 180 $8,888
College of Menominee Nation Yes No No ACEN N/A N/A 83.33% 6 $5,233
Columbia College of Nursing-Mount Mary College Consortium No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 77.19% 57 $16,741
Concordia University Wisconsin No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 95% 40 $24,148
Fox Valley Technical College (PN) Yes No No ACEN 95.91% 49 N/A N/A $9,125
Fox Valley Technical College (ADN) Yes No No ACEN 98.41% 106 95.40% 87 $9,125
Gateway Technical College Yes No No ACEN N/A N/A 95.28% 106 $8,660
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College Yes No No No N/A N/A N/A N/A $12,545
Lakeshore Technical College Yes No No ACEN 97.50% 40 66.67% 42 $7,975
Madison Area Technical College (ADN) Yes No No ACEN 100% 44 80.10% 186 $13,152
Maranatha Baptist University No Yes No CCNE N/A N/A 83.33% 6 $18,767
Marian University No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 76.25% 80 $20,310
Marquette University No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 82.25% 169 $33,678
Mid-State Technical College Yes No No ACEN N/A N/A 93.85% 65 $8,893
Milwaukee Area Technical College (PN) Yes No No ACEN 100% 2 N/A N/A $8,934
Milwaukee Area Technical College (ADN) Yes No No ACEN 100% 46 95.15% 103 $8,934
Milwaukee School of Engineering No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 85.71% 63 $23,178
Moraine Park Technical College Yes No No ACEN 100% 47 88.30% 94 $9,480
Nicolet Area Technical College Yes No No ACEN 100% 15 92.86% 14 $7,788
Northcentral Technical College Yes No No ACEN 100% 38 88.16% 76 $9,919
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (PN) Yes No No No 93.33% 15 N/A N/A $9,282
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (ADN) Yes No No ACEN 94.08% 152 88.73% 204 $9,282
Silver Lake College No Yes No CCNE N/A N/A N/A N/A $20,215
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Yes No No ACEN 88.64% 44 82.93% 41 $8,121
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 85.05% 107 $13,281
University of Wisconsin-Madison No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 89.26% 149 $16,060
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 81.33% 255 $13,808
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 94.68% 188 $12,117
Viterbo University No Yes Yes CCNE N/A N/A 90.91% 110 $18,829
Waukesha County Technical College Yes No No ACEN 100% 23 93.51% 77 $9,746
Western Technical College Yes No No ACEN 93.55% 31 81.44% 97 $8,896
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Yes No No ACEN 96.92% 65 78.31% 83 $9,353
Wisconsin Lutheran College No Yes No CCNE 90% 20 N/A N/A $19,748
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).FIND SCHOOLS
Schools in Wisconsin with Nursing Degrees
Associate's in Nursing Programs
Madison Area Technical College's 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 College's nursing program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) offers an associate degree nursing program that can be completed on the Green Bay, Marinette, or Sturgeon Bay campuses. The curriculum combines academic, lab and simulation, and on-site clinical experience to professionally prepare students for registered nursing careers. Core courses in the nursing program include Nursing Pharmacology, Nursing Health Alterations, and Nursing Advanced Skills. NWTC also offers nursing assistant certificate and technical diploma programs, as well as a technical diploma program in practical nursing. All students at NWTC can receive one-on-one support through the school's academic and career advising and coaching departments.
Bachelor's in Nursing Programs
Bellin College's four-year, 128 credit nursing program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 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 department's 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 (BSN) 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.
Master's in Nursing Programs
Graduate students in Marquette University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program choose from such concentrations as adult-older adult acute care, adult-older adult primary care, adult-older adult clinical nurse specialist, pediatrics primary care, pediatrics acute care, nurse midwifery, clinical nurse leader, or systems leadership and healthcare quality. Courses are offered on a rotational basis with classes scheduled in the late afternoons and evenings. All graduate students must complete clinical practicums, which are arranged by the nursing department, and must take such core courses as theoretical foundations of nursing, ethics in healthcare, creating nursing care systems, and nursing research design and methodology.
Concordia University Wisconsin's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program permits graduate students to study on a full-time or on a part-time basis. Concentrations are offered in family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and nurse educator. All MSN courses are available online and on campus, although students must be present on campus to complete the health assessment course. All graduate students must complete 19 credits of core courses in bioethics, health care in context, nursing research, and advanced health assessment. A thesis or a scholarly project is mandatory. The program generally takes between two and four years to complete.FIND SCHOOLS
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the "Data, Student Reviews and Other Information" section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
235 N National Ave
https://www.morainepark.edu/
Student Review: "I attended the Moraine Park Technical College Nursing program full-time from the summer of 2010 through the fall semester of 2012. It was a very challenging and rewarding program that set me on my way to becoming the nurse that I am today. However, I think that it should be noted immediately, that there is no possible way to complete the program in 2 years as advertised. I completed the program going full-time the entire way, graduated at the top of my nursing class, had upwards of 25 credits that were accepted from a previous university (8 classes), and still went for 3 years including summers. The program will definitely give you your money's worth, and prepare you for your career, just be prepared for it to take a little longer than advertised." – Student at Moraine Park Technical College
https://www.wisc.edu/
Student Review: "My experience at the UW-Madison nursing school was mixed. I was, unfortunately, attending at a transition time where the school was shifting from traditional (lecture) education to active learning. This involved lots of self-learning activities and not as much direct instruction. This made it more difficult to learn and retain important information. However, clinical experiences were very well planned. Being at an academic medical center allowed enriching clinical experiences with nurses who knew how to best teach. Professors were also approachable and willing to meet outside of office hours. Also, the career center in the school had multiple occasions to network and expand job horizons. I feel like the school somewhat helped to prepare me for my career, but also made me rely on my own a lot as well." – Student at University of Wisconsin-Madison
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Wisconsin Board of Nursing: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/NursingSchools.aspx
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2020 Rankings: The 30 Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
For our 2020 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 institution's 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 – MadisonEstablished 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 (DNP, PhD) as well as four certificate programs (clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, psychiatric mental health, school nursing). The school's 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.
#2: Marquette UniversityFounded in 1936, the College of Nursing at Marquette University has more than 7,000 alumni and educates approximately 350 nursing students annually. The college offers BSN, MSN, post-master's certificate, DNP, and PhD nursing programs, with a low 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio across all clinical settings. Graduates of the school's flagship BSN program have passed the NCLEX exam at an 85% first-time rate since 2011, including an excellent 92% first-time pass rate in 2017. The College of Nursing is housed in 46,000-square-foot Emory T. Clark Hall, where students benefit from new facilities like the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Center for Clinical Simulation.
#3: University of Wisconsin – OshkoshGraduating its first class of 22 in 1970, the UW Oshkosh College of Nursing has since graduated approximately 6,000 nurses. It offers students a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including an innovative, predominantly online accelerated bachelor of science in nursing. Each year, approximately 200 prelicensure BSN students pass the NCLEX exam at a consistently high rate of 92-97%. UW Oshkosh's clinical nurse leader graduate program has also maintained a stellar 100% pass rate on the Commission on Nurse Certification CNL certification exam since 2009. The school provides students evidence-based hands-on clinical training, with opportunities for international study in South America and India.
#4: Edgewood CollegeEdgewood College has awarded nursing degrees since 1983. The Henry Predolin School of Nursing recently launched a DNP program and now offers the full gamut of baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral nursing degrees. The traditional BSN program graduates about 100 students each year. These individuals have passed the NCLEX exam at a 90% first-time rate since 2011, including a stellar 97% first-time pass rate in 2017. Nursing students take advantage of the college's clinical partnerships with over 70 facilities in southcentral Wisconsin, including University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, American Family Children's Hospital, and UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital.
#5: University of Wisconsin – Eau ClaireUW Eau Claire graduated its first nursing class in 1968. Today, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a range of nursing degrees including traditional BSN, BSN completion, MSN, and DNP programs. In total, the college educates 800 undergraduate and graduate students and offers 300+ clinical affiliations. Approximately 100-130 students complete the traditional BSN program annually, with a stellar 92% first-time NCLEX pass rate since 2012. Nearly 100% of students are either employed or enrolled in further nursing education within six months of graduation.
#6: Viterbo UniversityViterbo University's School of Nursing is a fully accredited institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Over 600 nursing students are currently enrolled across the school's four nursing programs: traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, BSN-to-DNP, and MSN-to-DNP. The traditional BSN program graduates 100-130 new nurses annually, and these students have passed the NCLEX exam at a strong 91% first-try rate over the past seven years. Nursing students have access to 35 fulltime and part-time faculty, a well-equipped clinical simulation learning center, and global education opportunities in Belize, Guatemala, Japan, and Korea.
#7: Bellin CollegeBellin College specializes in nursing and medical imaging education. Undergraduates can pursue several BSN pathways including traditional prelicensure, sophomore and junior transfer, an accelerated 15-month option, and RN-to-BSN completion. The college graduates approximately 100 prelicensure BSN students each year. Since 2011, these students have averaged an impressive 92% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure examination. At the graduate level, Bellin College offers an MSN degree with family nurse practitioner and nurse educator specialties. The nurse educator curriculum is available online. Bellin's nursing programs are noted for their extensive clinical experiences and numerous service learning opportunities.
#8: Concordia University WisconsinThe School of Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs at the undergraduate level, with a strong foundation in the liberal arts. The prelicensure BSN tracks graduate 40-50 students annually, with an impressive 92% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past eight years. CUW undergraduates benefit from global study trips and clinical experiences that start during their sophomore year. The university's MSN program has specialty tracks in four areas: adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, healthcare informatics, and nurse educator. The school also offers an accelerated RN-to-BSN-to-MSN bridge program, several graduate certificates, a DNP degree with post-baccalaureate and post-master's pathways, and a unique parish nursing certificate.
#9: University of Wisconsin – MilwaukeeOperational since 1965, the UW Milwaukee College of Nursing conducts the largest nursing program in the state. The college boasts over 7,000 alumni and currently enrolls 1,200 undergraduates and 300 graduate students. UW Milwaukee offers excellent nursing facilities, 95 dedicated faculty, and 200+ clinical affiliations. Each year, approximately 200-225 students complete the traditional BSN program. These students pass the NCLEX licensure exam at a solid rate; for example, 89% of students (including repeat test-takers) passed in 2019. UW Milwaukee was the first university to offer an asynchronous online nursing PhD in 2003. Today, most campus-based undergraduate and graduate courses are available online as well.
#10: Carroll UniversityThe College of Health Sciences at Carroll University offers a traditional prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing. Students develop entry-level nursing skills through a combination of coursework, laboratory simulations, and clinical experiences. Nursing courses and laboratory simulations begin during freshman year. As students move through the program, they have the opportunity to focus their training on specific domains like medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, palliative care, psychiatric nursing, or intensive care. Since 2011, Carroll's BSN graduates have achieved a phenomenal 97% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.FIND A SCHOOL
#11: Maranatha Baptist UniversityMaranatha Baptist University is the only regionally accredited university of the Independent Fundamental Baptist faith to offer a BSN degree. The school has access to grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration for facilities improvements, scholarships, loans, and student loan repayment programs. Maranatha has a small and tight-knit class of nursing students, with fewer than 20 BSN candidates typically graduating each spring. Since 2011, these graduates have passed the NCLEX exam on their first attempt at a stellar 95% rate. Undergraduates have multiple opportunities to apply their nursing skills on international mission trips.
#12: Alverno CollegeAlverno College's JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions has trained skilled caregivers since 1932. The school offers a plethora of nursing pathways and specializations. Undergraduates can pursue a traditional BSN degree, an accelerated 2+2 program, or an RN-to-BSN completion option. The two prelicensure programs collectively graduate 150-200 students annually, with a solid 87% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past seven years. Students benefit from guaranteed clinical placements, as well as extensive technical practice in the college's clinical learning and simulation centers. Graduate nursing students can pursue five advanced practice specializations through either an MSN degree or a post-master's certificate. In 2017, Alverno College unveiled its first doctoral program: a post-master's DNP conducted in a flexible hybrid format with leadership and direct care tracks. In January 2020, the college launched a direct-entry MSN program that enables students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to enter the nursing profession after 18 months of intensive, fulltime study.
#13: University of Wisconsin – Green BayThe University of Wisconsin – Green Bay offers several nursing pathways through the College of Health, Education, and Social Welfare. Existing registered nurses can pursue a bachelor of science in nursing through the school's RN-to-BSN completion program. This option is offered not only on campus, but also online through the University of Wisconsin System's [email protected] collaborative. Prelicensure students can enroll in the Nurse 1-2-1 program. This innovative partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College enables high school graduates to earn an ADN from NWTC and a BSN from UW-Green Bay, all while living on campus and enjoying a traditional undergraduate experience. In the fall of 2020, the university also launched its own four-year prelicensure BSN program. This new offering will help the state to meet the growing demand for baccalaureate-prepared healthcare providers. Finally, graduate nursing students can pursue an online MSN degree with a leadership and management focus at UW-Green Bay. With flexible course scheduling, enrollees can complete the degree in two, three, or four years.
#14: Milwaukee School of EngineeringMilwaukee School of Engineering, also known as MSOE, is a private non-profit university that specializes in engineering, business, and nursing education. The School of Nursing leads two baccalaureate programs: a traditional prelicensure pathway and an accelerated second degree. Both BSN programs offer students direct admission and guaranteed placement in the clinical sequence. The university offers rolling admission for the traditional BSN program. Admission to the accelerated program happens twice annually, and each cohort is limited to just 32 students. The accelerated second degree program requires just 18 months of fulltime study. MSOE graduates 50-80 students annually across these two programs. Since 2017, these students have enjoyed a 96% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX national licensure examination. Nearly 100% of students are either employed or enrolled in further nursing education within six months of graduation.
#15: Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeWisconsin Lutheran College is a nationally ranked Christian college that serves approximately 1,200 traditional undergraduate, adult, and graduate students through both on-campus and online programs. The school offers a prelicensure bachelor of science degree in nursing that combines a liberal arts education with a strong science foundation. Nursing students participate in a wide variety of classroom discussions, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences, with a particular emphasis on serving diverse and vulnerable populations. Since the program's founding approximately a decade ago, BSN graduates have averaged a 90% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure examination. The classes of 2017 and 2019 each reported a 100% NCLEX pass rate on the first attempt. All twenty-one of Wisconsin Lutheran College's 2019 nursing graduates were employed within one month of graduation.
#16: Marian UniversityMarian University's School of Nursing and Health Professions has been educating and training some of the area's best nurses for more than a century. The school's BSN program integrates Marian's liberal arts core with an innovative curriculum centered around professional preparation. Nursing coursework covers critical topics like health promotion, psychological integrity, and the legal aspects of practice. Approximately 80-100 BSN students graduate each year, and they have posted an 81% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam since 2011. Marian University also offers an RN-to-MSN bridge program, two MSN specialty areas (nurse educator, family nurse practitioner), and a post-baccalaureate nurse educator certificate.
#17: University of Wisconsin – Stevens PointUW-Stevens Point offers undergraduate programs in 48 majors and 78 minors. The university's nursing curriculum is led by the School of Health Care Professions, which is itself part of the College of Professional Studies. ADN- or diploma-prepared nurses can enroll in an RN-to-BSN degree completion program. In addition, the school offers a 1+2+1 nursing partnership program in conjunction with Mid-State Technical College, Northcentral Technical College, and Nicolet College. This innovative curriculum enables students to earn both an associate's degree from their local technical college and a BSN degree from UW-Stevens Point.
#18: Cardinal Stritch UniversityCardinal Stritch University is one of the largest Franciscan institutions of higher education in North America. The Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers nursing pathways at both the baccalaureate and master's degree levels. Undergraduates have three options. Traditional college students can enter the prelicensure BSN program, which offers direct admission to freshmen. This new offering just graduated its first cohort in 2017. Registered nurses can enroll in Stritch's RN-to-BSN pathway, which conducts coursework online to cater towards working professionals. Finally, ADN students in the Wisconsin Technical College System can take advantage of Stritch's concurrent enrollment collaborative, which may enable them to complete their ADN with the majority of their BSN credits already earned. At the graduate level, Cardinal Stritch University offers an MSN degree with educator and leader concentrations. The MSN program also accommodates busy RN schedules by meeting face-to-face one night per week, conducting coursework online, or a blend of the two.
#19: George Williams College of Aurora UniversityThe curriculum at George Williams College is focused on educating students in a handful of majors including nursing, social work, and applied psychology. In 2017, the college launched a new four-year prelicensure BSN program to help address Wisconsin's acute nursing workforce shortage. Students learn in GWC's state-of-the-art nursing skills and simulation laboratories, where high-fidelity medical simulation manikins respond in real-time to the care administered. Students also receive extensive clinical experience at area hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. George Williams College is a branch campus of Aurora University, whose graduates have a high rate of success on the NCLEX licensure examination. Over the past decade, 93% of graduates from Aurora University's main campus have passed the NCLEX exam on their first attempt.
#20: Carthage CollegeCarthage College has been a leading producer of Fulbright scholars for several years. Six recent graduates won Fulbright awards for 2018-19, the highest of all baccalaureate institutions in Wisconsin. The college launched its undergraduate nursing program in 2015 and recently graduated the first cohort of thirteen seniors. Grounded in the liberal arts, humanities, and sciences, the BSN program introduces students to patient care situations within the first few weeks of the program. Students begin clinical work during sophomore year. Carthage College has partnerships with many local clinical sites including Ascension Health System, Kenosha Brookside Care Center, and Milwaukee VA Medical Center. Nursing graduates will have nearly 1,200 hours of clinical experience on their resumes. The Carthage nursing program has grown quickly, with approximately 200 students now enrolled across the four-year curriculum.FIND A SCHOOL
#21: Mount Mary UniversityMount Mary University was Wisconsin's first four-year, degree-granting Catholic college for women. Today the university serves women in its traditional undergraduate programs, and both women and men in its graduate and adult programs. Mount Mary offers a unique nursing program called the Nursing 1-2-1 Partnership in conjunction with Milwaukee Area Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, and Waukesha County Technical College. This innovative curriculum enables prelicensure students to complete an associate's degree at their local technical college, earn licensure as a registered nurse, and complete a BSN degree at Mount Mary University – all in just four years. The university also offers an online RN-to-BSN completion program conducted in accelerated eight-week class sessions. Students can complete the curriculum in as little as two years, or in even less time with summer classes. The RN-to-BSN program is open to both women and men.
#22: Moraine Park Technical CollegeMoraine Park Technical College offers nursing education at its Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and West Bend campuses. The school's rigorous associate of applied science (AAS) degree program accommodates fulltime enrollment only. After completing the first two semesters, students may sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. This provides a practical nursing exit point for aspiring LPNs who seek immediate employment. Those who remain and complete the program's final two semesters may take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as a registered nurse. MPTC's graduates have a stellar track record on both tests: since 2011, they have passed the NCLEX-RN exam at a 94% first-try rate and the NCLEX-PN exam at a phenomenal 99% first-try rate.
#23: Southwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeSouthwest Wisconsin Technical College provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate's degree programs across a range of vocational fields. The college offers a brief one-course nursing assistant technical diploma and a prelicensure associate's degree in nursing. The ADN program has both a traditional four-semester pathway and an LPN-to-RN bridge option for licensed practical nurses who are district residents. Across these two pathways, Southwest Tech typically graduates 40-60 ADN students annually. These students have averaged a 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination over the past eight years. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, physicians' offices, and wellness centers.
#24: Lakeshore Technical CollegeLakeshore Technical College offers three distinct pathways into the nursing profession. Aspiring RNs can pursue an associate's degree on either a fulltime (two-year) or part-time (three-year) schedule. Theory and lab courses are supplemented by real-life patient care experiences throughout Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties. This rigorous 70-credit program educates approximately fifty new students each year, who have scored a strong 86% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate since 2011. LTC also offers a part-time technical diploma program for aspiring practical nurses, which requires approximately two years of evening study. LTC students have posted a stellar 97% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate since 2011. Finally, the college offers a brief one-course program for aspiring nursing assistants. Scheduling is flexible, with evening classes and two start dates annually.
#25: Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeLike many of Wisconsin's public technical colleges, Chippewa Valley Technical College offers a two-year career ladder program in nursing. CVTC enrolls new nursing cohorts at its Eau Claire and River Falls campuses each August and January. At the conclusion of the first academic year, a student may sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. With a passing score, he/she has an exit option to practice as an LPN. Most students matriculate immediately to the second year of study, which prepares them to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and practice as registered nurses. The school has a track record of strong performance on both tests, with an 86% NCLEX-RN pass rate and a 97% NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past eight years. Recent classes have also achieved a 75-80% graduation rate and a phenomenal 99% job placement rate in the industry.
#26: Rasmussen CollegeRasmussen College opened in 1900 as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Stillwater, Minnesota. Today the college serves more than 15,000 students across six states and an online division, with degree and certificate programs in business, design, education, health sciences, justice studies, nursing, and technology. Rasmussen operates campuses in the Wisconsin cities of Green Bay and Wausau. Both campuses offer two options for aspiring nurses: an associate's degree in nursing and a bachelor of science in nursing. The ADN program has a traditional prelicensure pathway as well as an LPN-to-RN bridge option. According to data from the federal government, Rasmussen College was the country's largest educator of ADN graduates during 2016 and 2017. The prelicensure BSN program offers two accelerated entrance options, one for traditional applicants and one for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
#27: Herzing UniversityFounded by Henry and Suzanne Herzing in 1965, Herzing University was the first post-secondary institution focused on preparing students for careers in the computer industry. The university now conducts more than thirty programs in technology, business, healthcare, and public safety. Herzing operates three Wisconsin campuses located in Kenosha, Madison, and Milwaukee (Brookfield). The Kenosha and Milwaukee campuses offer a practical nursing diploma, and all campuses offer a prelicensure BSN program with three distinct pathways (generic, LPN/paramedic advanced standing, accelerated second degree). Practical nursing students have averaged a 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam since 2011. BSN graduates have scored an 80% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam since the program's launch in Wisconsin.
#28: Western Technical CollegeWestern Technical College is a two-year vocational school and a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college serves eleven counties and enrolls over 5,000 students. Western offers an associate of applied science (AAS) degree for aspiring nurses. The four-term curriculum prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nursing licensure. After successfully completing the first two terms, students are eligible to receive a diploma and take the NCLEX-PN exam for practical nursing licensure. The program graduates 90-100 students annually, with excellent outcomes on both exams. Over the past eight years, AAS graduates have averaged an 89% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. Approximately half of each class takes the NCLEX-PN exam at the midpoint, with a stellar 95% first-time pass rate over the same timeframe. Program graduates can take advantage of Western's transfer agreements with 19 colleges and universities, including six members of the University of Wisconsin System.
#29: Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison College is the #1 source of transfer students to the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The college offers more than 180 programs across eleven areas of study, with a diverse range of short-term certificates, technical diplomas, and two-year associate's degrees. Madison College provides five programs for aspiring nurses: a nursing assistant technical diploma, a practical nursing technical diploma, and three pathways to an associate's degree (generic, LPN completion, paramedic completion). Student outcomes across all programs are excellent. Over the past decade, ADN graduates have scored an 87% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, while LPN graduates have scored a phenomenal 97% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. The ADN program also boasts a 98% employment rate for recent graduates and a 99% student satisfaction rate.
#30: Waukesha County Technical CollegeWaukesha County Technical College offers more than 150 areas of study across four administrative schools. The School of Health houses the college's nursing program, which awards an associate of applied science degree after 65 credits of study. Nursing students can choose from several pathways, including a traditional three-year option and accelerated tracks for licensed practical nurses and paramedics. WCTC's facilities include a high-tech human patient simulator lab and a nursing skills lab. The college also maintains close partnerships with local employers that provide over 100 clinical sites. Approximately 70-80 students successfully complete the AAS degree program each year. These graduates have averaged a stellar 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade, one of the highest such scores among all of Wisconsin's community and technical colleges.FIND A SCHOOL
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Nursing Schools and Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
December 7, 2020 | Staff Writers
According to research from the Wisconsin Center for Nursing, the state will need to increase its RN workforce, particularly APRNs, by 24 percent between 2010 and 2020 in order to meet the state's health care industry needs. This research, however, notes that one major barrier to address this issue is not a lack of interested students, but rather the lack of classroom educators and access to practicum and clinical opportunities. In an effort to combat these problems, nursing schools in Wisconsin are expanding their graduate programs to help current RNs advance into educator roles. Schools have also implemented high-fidelity simulations to give current nursing students an opportunity to gain clinical experience in a setting that is as close to real world as possible so they graduate with the proper hands-on experience. Learn more about nursing schools in Wisconsin, how to obtain a state license, and salary and employment outlook for that state's RNs.
Top Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
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Top 10 Bachelor Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
1 Edgewood College Madison, WI
2 University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI
3 Bellin College Green Bay, WI
4 Viterbo University La Crosse, WI
5 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
6 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
7 Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, WI
8 College of Menominee Nation Keshena, WI
9 Alverno College Milwaukee, WI
10 Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI
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Edgewood CollegeLOCATIONMadison, WI
University of Wisconsin-MadisonLOCATIONMadison, WI
Bellin CollegeLOCATIONGreen Bay, WI
Viterbo UniversityLOCATIONLa Crosse, WI
Marquette UniversityLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireLOCATIONEau Claire, WI
Concordia University-WisconsinLOCATIONMequon, WI
College of Menominee NationLOCATIONKeshena, WI
Alverno CollegeLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
Madison Area Technical CollegeLOCATIONMadison, WI
University of Wisconsin-OshkoshLOCATIONOshkosh, WI
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
Silver Lake CollegeLOCATIONManitowoc, WI
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin-Green BayLOCATIONGreen Bay, WI
Carroll UniversityLOCATIONWaukesha, WI
Cardinal Stritch UniversityLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
Milwaukee School of EngineeringLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
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Top 10 Associate Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
1 Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI
2 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI
3 Blackhawk Technical College Janesville, WI
4 Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland, WI
5 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Shell Lake, WI
6 Mid-State Technical College Wisconsin Rapids, WI
7 Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI
8 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WI
9 Nicolet Area Technical College Rhinelander, WI
10 Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WI
Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeLOCATIONEau Claire, WI
Southwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeLOCATIONFennimore, WI
Blackhawk Technical CollegeLOCATIONJanesville, WI
Lakeshore Technical CollegeLOCATIONCleveland, WI
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical CollegeLOCATIONShell Lake, WI
Mid-State Technical CollegeLOCATIONWisconsin Rapids, WI
Fox Valley Technical CollegeLOCATIONAppleton, WI
Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeLOCATIONGreen Bay, WI
Nicolet Area Technical CollegeLOCATIONRhinelander, WI
Moraine Park Technical CollegeLOCATIONFond du Lac, WI
Gateway Technical CollegeLOCATIONKenosha, WI
Milwaukee Area Technical CollegeLOCATIONMilwaukee, WI
Waukesha County Technical CollegeLOCATIONPewaukee, WI
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community CollegeLOCATIONChief Lake, WI
Northcentral Technical CollegeLOCATIONWausau, WI
Licensure Information for RNs in Wisconsin
The State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing is part of the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The board regulates the nursing practice in the state and manages the licensing and renewal process for both registered nurses and individuals working in advanced practice RN roles. To practice nursing in the state legally, an RN must hold an active and valid license from the Board of Nursing. Below is an overview of the common licensing requirements.
Eligibility for Licensure
Graduate from high school, or the equivalent, and complete postsecondary education from an accredited school of nursing approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Have a Wisconsin board-approved statement of graduation sent directly to the Board from the school
Graduates of out-of-state board-approved schools in the United States, must have official transcripts sent to the Board of Nursing after graduation
Submit online application and a $90 fee ($75 Initial Credential Fee and a $15 Contract Exam Fee). Those requesting a temporary permit will need to pay an additional $10 fee.
Register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) with Pearson VUE and take the exam after receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT)
RNs in Wisconsin must renew their licenses on February 28 or February 29 of even years. Even if the nurse received his or her initial license in the same year, he or she must still renew the license by the deadline. The renewal period begins early January and ends March 1. The cost to renew is $86 and those who miss the deadline will need to pay a total of $111, which includes a late fee. In addition, registered nurses are required to complete a Nursing Workforce Survey (SVY) to qualify for licensure renewal. Created and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development in 2009, this survey is a way to collect crucial information on the state's nursing profession. The state uses this information to create a report once every two years on the supply of, demand for, and turnover of Wisconsin RNs and LPNs. License renewal will not be processed if the applicant does not complete the survey.
Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure
In addition to RNs and LPNS, the Wisconsin Board of Nursing oversees the certification process for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers (APNP). APNPs must acquire an RN license (they may apply for APNP certification and RN licensure simultaneously) 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 (nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist)
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.
RN Career Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to nearly 100,000 registered nurses, including more than 5,100 practicing nursing in advanced positions, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. In order to meet the expected need for primary nursing care, the state of Wisconsin will need to increase the nursing workforce by 2020, according to the Public Policy Forum. This growth is largely created by two converging factors: a rapidly aging population and the expected retirement of nurses across the state. Employment opportunities for registered nurses are anticipated to reach between 13 percent and 28 percent in each specialty, from registered nursing to midwifery, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more about the occupational outlook for nursing careers in the state of Wisconsin.
Top-Paying Areas for RNs in Wisconsin
HOURLY MEDIAN WAGE
ANNUAL MEDIAN WAGE
Madison $35.81 $74,480
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis $33.25 $69,160
Racine $33.09 $68,820
La Crosse-Onalaska $31.68 $65,890
Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $31.17 $64,830
Oshkosh-Neenah $31.07 $64,630
Janesville-Beloit $30.97 $64,410
Sheboygan $30.80 $64,070
Eau Claire $30.37 $63,160
Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $30.15 $62,720
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Wisconsin vs. National Numbers
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Wisconsin Resources for RNs
Wisconsin Center for Nursing
Launched in 2005, the Wisconsin Center for Nursing was created to address the nursing shortage in the state of Wisconsin. The organization is active in four major areas, including nursing education and preparation, leadership opportunities, data collection, and developing community and private partnerships to drive the recruitment and retention of nurses in the state.
Wisconsin Chapter of American Psychiatric Nurses Association
The state chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the Wisconsin chapter is a membership-based association. Founded in 1986, the association supports nurses through continuing education conferences and programs, hosts networking events, and scholarships.
Wisconsin Nurses Association
The Wisconsin Nurses Association is a membership-based organization that supports the 80,000 registered nurses in the state of Wisconsin. As the state's only approved nursing lobbying group, the WNA advocates on behalf of nurses, provides approved continuing education programs, and hosts a range of networking and professional events.
In Wisconsin, the State Board of Nursing oversees and regulates the practice of nursing in the state. Working with the state legislature, the board sets licensing requirements, handles complaints and disciplinary hearings, and manages the licensing and renewal process.
Wisconsin Student Nurses Association
The Wisconsin Student Nurses Association is the state branch of the National Student Nurses' Association. Through a combination of professional development programs, scholarships, mentoring and leadership opportunities, the WSNA fosters the growth of the next generation of nurses.
Whether you're looking to earn your online degree or you're a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.
How Does College Accreditation Work?
May 28, 2021 | Staff Writers
Find out if your online school is accredited, and learn about the importance of accreditation.
Colleges That Don't Require the SAT or ACT
April 15, 2021 | Staff Writers
A list of test-optional schools that don't use standardized test scores for admission into their bachelor's degree programs.
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April 26, 2021 | AccreditedSchoolsOnline Staff
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The Best Colleges for Nursing ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top nursing schools in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.
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University of Wisconsin4 Year Madison, WI Rating 3.87 out of 5 3,212 reviews#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinFreshman: UW-Madison is a great college! I personally enjoyed the social scene and the beautiful campus. Not only are there multiple course options, but most of the courses offered are extremely interesting. The classes can be time-consuming and difficult depending on your major of study. The hard-work pays off though. Professors are really understanding, especially because of the current pandemic. Madison has a great support system for their students and offers really great resources for tutoring. There is also a great variety of extracurriculars at Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining a fraternity or a sorority, rest assured that Madison's Greek life is very active. If Greek life isn't your style, there are still plenty of other ways to make friends and have fun. Weekends are always a good time at Madison. The bar scene on-campus is fun as well. A good rule of thumb for future UW-Madison students is "Work hard, play hard." Attending UW-Madison will produce a fun college experience!
Read 3,212 Reviewsgrade A+Overall Niche Grade54% Acceptance Rate$16,103 Net Price1300-1480 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Milwaukee School of Engineering4 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.63 out of 5 459 reviews#2 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinFreshman: I have just completed by first year at MSOE as a Nursing major. I have to say that I love it. MSOE's professors are very passionate about what they teach to students and are always super helpful. The campus is in a great area with so much to do around, and it is very beautiful. It is a very hard school and you have to have at least a 77 for nursing prerequisites in order to move to the next class. This is a big challenge for a lot of the students as the classes are not easy, but they can be done with persistence and determination. For social life, it is what you want it to be as it is a small school. You have to find your people just like anywhere else! I've met great friends in my 1st year and we have gone out many weekends together and made great memories. There are plenty of parties, sport events, and more for whatever you like. It is a very safe campus, public safety is great! I love MSOE and I would definitely recommend it for those who want a great education.
Read 459 Reviewsgrade AOverall Niche Grade62% Acceptance Rate$25,917 Net Price1180-1370 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
Marquette University4 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.6 out of 5 2,034 reviews#3 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinAlum: Marquette university IS a pretty acidemic school and you do receive a great education. Campus is cool because there are tons of houses around campus each with their own name that have parties and are super fun to live in with friends once you move "off campus"! Milwaukee is an awesome city I was honestly surprised/ impressed coming from LA . We have the most bars per square ft of any city in America that you WILL frequent as an upperclassman. The city has tons of festivals and Summerfest that happen on closed-off streets. It's a big beer city so you WILL end up going on every brewery tour and its awesome. A lot of seniors do peddle taverns and bike ones where you basically take a bar on wheels or in the water that your group of like 7 peddles with their feet while they serve you drinks . I was in greek life and had a great time, its not anything like the south but its still a good time and I would recommend it. You do not need to be greek at Marquette most people actually aren't
Read 2,034 Reviewsgrade A minusOverall Niche Grade83% Acceptance Rate$34,120 Net Price1120-1320 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
Viterbo University4 Year La Crosse, WI Rating 3.56 out of 5 402 reviews#4 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinAlum: Coming from a small high school in a little rural town, Viterbo was the perfect fit. I knew my professors personally, whether they were in the nursing program or not. The professors cared about my learning and were accommodating to unexpected life events. The coursework was rigorous but prepared me to be an excellent, compassionate nurse. I met amazing friends and was able to be very active in a variety of clubs on campus. Doing my nursing synthesis in Alaska was the icing on the cake!
Read 402 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade77% Acceptance Rate$20,747 Net Price1050-1270 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
Edgewood College4 Year Madison, WI Rating 3.55 out of 5 548 reviews#5 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinSophomore: Edgewood College is a great place to be! The location is ideal, as you are in the center of Madison, Wisconsin. Great professors, extra curricular activities, and programs are offered here. Small classes sizes and one on one professors time is readily available!
Read 548 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade72% Acceptance Rate$26,959 Net Price950-1210 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh4 Year Oshkosh, WI Rating 3.53 out of 5 1,386 reviews#6 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinNiche User: I will be an upcoming Freshman at the University of Oshkosh in the fall of 2021. So far I have only toured the campus, but I am in love with it! My tour guide was phenomenal and told me all about the amazing opportunities they offer to all students. She shared about the 5 hours of free tutoring provided on campus and students who will check over your essays. She even shared a personal story that really stuck with me. She had an essay that was due and was struggling with it so she took it to a student who could help. The student helped her raise her previous grade of C to an A. There are so many academic opportunities and the social life seems amazing. I cannot wait to attend the University this upcoming fall!
Read 1,386 Reviewsgrade B minusOverall Niche Grade76% Acceptance Rate$11,980 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire4 Year Eau Claire, WI Rating 3.57 out of 5 1,428 reviews#7 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinFreshman: This college has a really gorgeous campus and a lot of fun opportunities that include floating down the river, a rock climbing course and beach volleyball among other things! Although I wish that there was more diversity throughout the campus, there are a lot of really amazing opportunities for leadership in diversity and equity clubs, along with other clubs and opportunities to help be apart of social change. The intramural clubs and sports have been really fun and UWEC has found a safe way for students to be involved in sports and activities during the global pandemic. I am a biochemistry major on a pre-med route and I have also been able to be a part of a lot of Pre-medicine preparation clubs and meetings, which have been very helpful in regards of what classes to take and where to volunteer to help me get to medical school.
Read 1,428 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade82% Acceptance Rate$14,010 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
Carroll University4 Year Waukesha, WI Rating 3.51 out of 5 1,199 reviews#8 Best Colleges for Nursing in WisconsinSenior: The Walter Young Center provides excellent support, and accommodations for students with learning disabilities to set them up for success. The teachers are very passionate about the topics they are teaching, and they take the time to make sure the students are understanding the material, yet at the same time they are challenging the students to think bigger, and use critical thinking that is essential in the workforce. The classes are smaller which allows for more one on one with the teachers, this also lets us get to know the teacher and our classmates. I'm so glad I chose Carroll University!
Read 1,199 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade67% Acceptance Rate$23,866 Net Price1030-1240 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Wisconsin Lutheran College4 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.72 out of 5 444 reviewsFreshman: The campus is small, which can be viewed as a good or a bad thing. The community on campus is very welcoming and friendly! Tons of awesome opportunities to participate in fun events for little to no money, as well as free food ALL THE TIME. Seriously. Every Tuesday is Phat Tuesday and they get a different food from chain restaurants or bakeries. Next week we are having Buffalo Wild Wings.
Concordia University – Wisconsin4 Year Mequon, WI Rating 3.55 out of 5 838 reviewsFreshman: I am a freshman in college right now and I absolutely love going to Concordia University! I really love the small class sizes so every student gets an opportunity to develop a one-on-one relationship with their professors. The school is completely connected by tunnels so if there is ever a really cold day and you dont want to go outside, there is no need to! One thing I would say I would like to see change is the food options here. We only have three spots to get food and the cafe food is not very..edible.
Marian University – Wisconsin4 Year Fond Du Lac, WI Rating 3.56 out of 5 259 reviewsNiche User: I love every single thing about Marian! The people are so helpful and kind. The professors are helpful and very knowledgeable. The area of Fondy is incredible and Lake Winnebago is beautiful! I would not have chosen any other school to spend four years of my life! I think the area and the people combined make the school top-notch in itself. Once you add the stellar athletics to the mix, it just pulls everything together and makes Marian above and beyond. Overall, Marian is a wonderful school that allows so many opportunities to their students on campus, in the classroom, and out in the world.
Read 259 Reviewsgrade C+Overall Niche Grade65% Acceptance Rate$20,020 Net Price880-1080 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Alverno College4 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.8 out of 5 971 reviewsJunior: Alverno College has a unique academic strategy that prepares you for "the outside world". The performance based grading allows for self improvement instead of student to student comparison. Diversity of students is represented as many first generation students attend here! Class sizes are small and professors accommodate to your learning needs. To strive at this college, one must be motivated, dedicated, and have a willingness to grow.
Read 971 Reviewsgrade B minusOverall Niche Grade69% Acceptance Rate$18,384 Net Price770-1050 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee4 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.52 out of 5 3,177 reviewsSenior: I am a transfer student from UW-Oshkosh, I am now a senior pursuing a double major in Physics and Biomedical Engineering. I am 21 years old. I completed my physics portion at UW-Oshkosh but since they do not have the Biomedical portion I had to transfer to UW-Milwaukee. Cool thing about it though is that all my credits transferred with no problem because it is a dual degree; meaning UW-Oshkosh and UW-Milwaukee will provide 2 degrees for me for when I graduate from my undergraduate.
I am pleased with the amount of things I am able to do on and off of campus even with the pandemic happening. Although meeting other students may be a challenge, it is a pleasant environment once on campus! All the buildings provide free resources and free WiFi! The professors are also very understanding during these hard times and are more than happy to help students who have questions! I am one of those students who ask various questions so do not be scared to walk out of your comfort zone!
Read 3,177 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade77% Acceptance Rate$14,822 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Cardinal Stritch University4 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.59 out of 5 496 reviewsJunior: All of the teachers, tutors and advisors are overall incredibly helpful. They always listen whenever any students have any questions, and are always willing to set up meetings whenever we need more help. The campus layout is easy to remember, and there are plenty of quiet places for you to go to and study for upcoming exams. Everyone will always keep you motivated to keep trying your best and will never give up on a student. All of the other students are respectful with one another, and there has never been any fights on campus during my time there. It is an overall very comfortable place to be and is very easy to adapt.
Read 496 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade81% Acceptance Rate$18,107 Net Price980-1130 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
Maranatha Baptist University4 Year Watertown, WI Rating 3.88 out of 5 481 reviewsFreshman: I love Maranatha Baptist University because, although it is a mid-sized college and located in a small town, the campus itself is full of life and energy. The teachers are invested in the students' growth and future outside of just getting a good grade in class. The students all encourage and help each other out, and there is a spirit of camaraderie we all share. The classes are extremely helpful, and the professors push students to always give their best and not coast through college, and to be all in wherever they are. Overall, the people, academics, opportunities, and friendships I have made in just the first semester of attending Maranatha have made me certain that I made the right choice when I picked Maranatha!
Read 481 Reviewsgrade B minusOverall Niche Grade77% Acceptance Rate$19,399 Net Price1010-1200 SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay4 Year Green Bay, WI Rating 3.53 out of 5 795 reviewsFreshman: I am a freshman on campus this year, and something that I really like about UWGB is its beautiful campus. I feel really involved with nature while I'm here, especially during the warmer months of the year. I also love the wide scope of majors that UWGB has to offer from Environmental Science to Theatre. A nice added benefit of going here is also the private bathrooms in the dorms. The university size is big enough to be exposed to many new people, but not too big that you're constantly sitting in packed lecture halls. I've found myself in rather small class sizes except for my online courses. I can't really critique UWGB right now because anything that is being done "badly" is a result of the coronavirus pandemic. I recommend UWGB to just about anyone!
Read 795 Reviewsgrade B minusOverall Niche Grade85% Acceptance Rate$11,839 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point4 Year Stevens Point, WI Rating 3.65 out of 5 1,092 reviewsSophomore: Steven's Point WI is a charming small town that is just the right size to give a homey feel while still having plenty to do. The University is gorgeous and surrounded by nature, including its own reserve, Schmeekle. The class sizes are smaller and more personal, and the professors there are very invested in your academic future than other schools. The campus is known for its diversity and variety of majors and interests as well as student organizations! My personal favorite is the ukulele tree-climbers club.
Bellin College4 Year Green Bay, WI Rating 3.88 out of 5 77 reviewsSenior: Bellin College is a fantastic experience in a small school environment. If you are interested in a healthcare field such as Nursing or Radiologic Technology, Bellin College should absolutely be on your list. I love the small class sizes and the close working environment with your instructors.
Read 77 Reviewsgrade B+Overall Niche Grade100% Acceptance Rate$27,673 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Herzing University – Kenosha4 Year Kenosha, WI Rating 4.22 out of 5 120 reviewsJunior: I started at Herzing University – Kenosha last autumn with absolutely no issues! I felt very comfortable with the process. I took the TEAS test, passed with flying colors, and continued onto my path in their BSN/FNP Nursing Programs. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the school maintained continued communication and respect regarding our health and the future outcome of the classes. When they eventually switched to online classes, for our protection, there was a little uncertainty. However, the faculty members were regularly avalible to assist with any needs you may have. (Even if that issue is at 11:57 pm for the exam the following afternoon!) Overall, I felt very welcomed in the environment!
Herzing University – Brookfield4 Year Brookfield, WI Rating 4.04 out of 5 80 reviewsSophomore: I recently transferred to Herzing University – Brookfield from UW-Milwaukee, and I am really happy with the change in my undergrad career. The staff is always welcoming, and they are willing to help with anything I may have a question on. The class sizes are small enough that I get student-teacher relationships, different from Milwaukee where my professors did not know me personally.
Read 80 Reviewsgrade COverall Niche Grade81% Acceptance Rate$22,336 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Milwaukee Area Technical College2 Year Milwaukee, WI Rating 3.68 out of 5 586 reviewsFreshman: MATC is awesome for people who have lives outside of school. It's also great for connecting you with people in your prospective career and building up your networking relationships. The only problem I have is with the registration process, which is a little confusing. There are no email reminders or notifications to tell you they haven't received the proper funds before they drop you from all of your classes, causing you to scramble to re-enroll in the same sections. This won't be a problem if you set up the payment plan, though!
Read 586 Reviewsgrade B minusOverall Niche Grade100% Acceptance Rate$8,207 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Madison Area Technical College4 Year Madison, WI Rating 3.69 out of 5 649 reviewsJunior: My major is Special Education Child Psychology, and the psychology classes here are great! The professors are very welcoming and willing to help you in any way they can. I just wish some professors would use Blackboard more and use email more, too. But I guess that is up to the professor's choice.
The food here is good, but the prices are expensive! Like one of those Starbucks Frappuccinos that you usually find in one of those coolers in a gas station are $3.15! Or a milk chug is $2.10! Even a hard-boiled egg is around $0.75! The prices should be much lower.
Student life is amazing! I write for the student newspaper and I love how diverse the paper is. You could write an opinion, a news story, a book review (or anything arts-related), you could take pictures of events or people and have that as your part of the paper, or you could join the graphic design team!
Read 649 Reviewsgrade C+Overall Niche Grade100% Acceptance Rate$9,138 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College2 Year Green Bay, WI Rating 4.08 out of 5 261 reviewsFreshman: Grest school. Flexible schedules available as nd great teachers! You are in classrooms with a diverse group of people. Different ages, races as nd experience. I would recommend this technical college for anyone whether you have just graduated highschool or if you are returning to school in your forties. Not to mention, the cost of most classes is very reasonable. The school offers s greats cyber area, library and cafe. I'm pretty sure they offer child care as well!
Read 261 Reviewsgrade BOverall Niche Grade100% Acceptance Rate$9,164 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
Chippewa Valley Technical College2 Year Eau Claire, WI Rating 3.88 out of 5 175 reviewsSophomore: Chippewa Valley Technical College has been nothing short of an amazing experience so far. From my first day of orientation, the staff were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. My professors are very involved and always do more than they need to. They are so concerned about my success, along with my peers. They never hesitate to take time out of their day if I am struggling and make sure everyone is involved and learning. My professors also make sure we are challenged, but not overwhelmed. I feel like I have learned so much in the short year that I have been attending here. I am so glad I chose Chippewa Valley Technical College and would recommend it to anybody!
Fox Valley Technical College2 Year Appleton, WI Rating 4.03 out of 5 306 reviewsAlum: This is a small college but the instructors are fantastic and are so willing to put the student first. Success is a huge driving factor at this school and no matter what program a student decides to enroll in or just a class to keep up with general education requirements, FVTC is going to deliver in so many unexpected ways. I highly recommend!
Read 306 Reviewsgrade B+Overall Niche Grade100% Acceptance Rate$10,417 Net Price— SAT RangeAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
SponsoredUniversity of Charleston4 Year Charleston, WV Rating 3.38 out of 5 228 reviewsSophomore: As a native West Virginian, there is very little opportunity to live on a campus that allows for both diversity in thought and culture. The University of Charleston proudly accepts students from all around the globe. The majority of the friends I made were international students. These bonds helped to broaden my understanding of the world around me. I can think of no better place in West Virginia to find such a rare and enriching opportunity like this!
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SponsoredGrantham University4 Year (Online) Rating 4.25 out of 5 464 reviewsFreshman: "I decided to go to Grantham because the EET program is ABET accredited and the price of tuition was affordable. In the end it turned out to be a great choice for me because of the 8 week courses and the non-stop delivery or courses (no summer, spring or winter break). This allowed me to quickly complete my degree and in a pretty short period of time. The courses were challenging but usually enjoyable. Some instructors were better than others, this is typical for any school. Especially one that uses a lot of adjunct instructors. I was already working in the field and the completion of my degree allowed me to get promoted shortly after the degree was awarded. This university was a fantastic choice for me as a working adult with lots of previous college hours and work experience. I would recommend this university for anyone in similar circumstances."
Read 464 Reviewsgrade C minusOverall Niche Grade100% Acceptance Rate$8,400 Net PriceAdd to ListWill You Get In?Compare
SponsoredSouth University – Austin4 Year Round Rock, TX Rating 4.14 out of 5 21 reviewsFreshman: I am currently attending South University, Austin as a freshman. When I first started, I was looking for a challenge compared to high school. My experience Is good, I love my classmates along with my professors!
Read 21 Reviews100% Acceptance Rate$25,617 Net PriceAdd to ListWill You Get In?CompareVirtual Tour
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