Wisconsin’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you have been thinking of a career in nursing, there has never been a better time to enter this exciting field. Wisconsin has a registered nurse (RN) growth rate of 4% between 2021-2031. While this is lower than the national growth rate of 6% between 2021-2031, Wisconsin predicts 3,670 annual RN openings.
Wisconsin has beautiful landscapes with many parks, lakes, and trails to enjoy. This offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to go hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and hunting. The state is known for its numerous lakes, making it a great place to enjoy water sports in the summer, and skating, ice hockey, or ice fishing in the winter. Additionally, Wisconsin has several national parks and forests, offering breathtaking scenery and camping and wildlife exploration opportunities.
Wisconsin’s cost of living is generally affordable compared to many other states and is 2% lower than the national average. Housing prices, utilities, and transportation costs are often more reasonable, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The state also has a strong healthcare system, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities spread throughout its cities and rural areas. Wisconsin consistently ranks well in healthcare quality and access, ensuring that residents can access excellent medical care.
The state has several prestigious universities and colleges that consistently rank among the top public universities in the country. These institutions offer various academic programs and research opportunities, attracting students worldwide. This makes Wisconsin an excellent choice to pursue your nursing degree.
The Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Wisconsin to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Wisconsin based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Wisconsin Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College is a public technical college in Appleton, Wisconsin. They offer an RN Associate Degree (AAS) that prepares students for careers as RNs. Students learn to care for people of all ages with common physical and mental health problems. Hands-on learning opportunities are given through clinical skills, health assessments, and medication administration. Throughout the training, students practice critical thinking, leadership, team building, and accurate communication that prepares them to work effectively in various healthcare environments with diverse populations. Upon completion of the program, graduates are well-prepared for entry-level RN jobs in a variety of healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,581 entire program cost
Out-of-State: $18,418 entire program cost
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,581 entire program cost |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$18,418 entire program cost |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
69% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
99% |
| Students Enrolled |
11,181 |
| Institution Type |
Public Technical College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
44% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Western Technical College
Western Technical College is a public technical college in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They offer an ADN program that provides the skills to integrate social, mathematical, and physical sciences, pharmacology, and pathophysiology into clinical decision-making. Students learn to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and mobilize resources to promote, maintain, and restore health. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are emphasized throughout the program, helping prepare students for leadership as a nurse. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in the skills and simulation labs in addition to the clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,800 entire program cost
Out-of-State: $14,255 entire program cost
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,800 entire program cost |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$14,255 entire program cost |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.53% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
40% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,240 |
| Institution Type |
Public Technical College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Mid-State Technical College
Mid-State Technical College is a public technical college in Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. They offer an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in nursing degree with a traditional tract and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to ADN and Paramedic-to-ADN pathway. The nursing program teaches students the leadership skills they will use daily as a nurse to help them problem-solve and make decisions. Students learn to care for patients and their families compassionately while collaborating with the healthcare team. Hands-on learning opportunities are given at the new state-of-the-art healthcare simulation center, allowing students to practice their nursing skills safely while gaining confidence. Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter the healthcare workforce as entry-level RNs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $12,982 entire program cost
Out-of-State: $14,474 entire program cost
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$12,982 entire program cost |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$14,474 entire program cost |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
97.73% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
50% |
| Job Placement 2022-2023 |
92% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,648 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
31% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Maranatha Baptist University
Maranatha Baptist University is a private Baptist university in Watertown, Wisconsin. They offer a nursing program that equips students to succeed in any healthcare setting. Students will complete more than 1,000 hours of clinical experience in local hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Students learn critical thinking and decision-making skills that incorporate nursing science, evidence-based practice, liberal arts knowledge, and a biblical overview so they can effectively care for clients and their families while working with the healthcare team. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions upon graduation.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,450/semester
Out-of-State: $9,450/semester
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,450/semester |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$9,450/semester |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
75% |
| Retention Rate |
83% |
| Students Enrolled |
963 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
54% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private liberal arts college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They offer a BSN program that gives students hands-on classroom and state-of-the-art nursing lab training. Students engage in clinical experiences in the metro Milwaukee area, offering direct patient care opportunities with diverse and vulnerable populations in adult health, mental health, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Additionally, students experience a cultural health clinical that offers an immersion experience abroad or an opportunity to work with a vulnerable population in the local community. Graduates of the nursing program enter the workforce as Christian servant leaders ready to provide holistic, high-quality patient care in various settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $38,080
Out-of-State: $38,080
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$38,080 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$38,080 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
80.9% |
| Retention Rate |
78.8% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,085 |
| Institution Type |
Private Liberal Arts College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
16% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 BSN Program
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Washington State University is a public university in Madison, Wisconsin. They offer a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN, and an RN-to-BSN program. The BSN program is a two-year course sequence. Students can apply to the School of Nursing after they are admitted to UW-Madison and complete all general education and pre-nursing requirements. BSN students participate in interactive simulations using state-of-the-art technology and work under the supervision of clinical experts each semester to provide hands-on care to individuals, families, or communities. Graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare facilities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,216
Out-of-State: $40,612
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,216 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$40,612 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.22% |
| Admission Rate |
60% |
| Retention Rate |
94.5% |
| Students Enrolled |
35,184 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Wisconsin
When choosing a nursing program in Wisconsin, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Wisconsin
Becoming a nurse in Wisconsin can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. The state offers a range of opportunities for nurses, with a strong healthcare system and a high demand for qualified professionals. Wisconsin is home to numerous excellent hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare organizations, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Wisconsin is known for its commitment to healthcare quality and patient safety. U.S. News ranks Wisconsin as the 8th overall state in the nation. Its healthcare systems excel at providing healthcare access and quality healthcare, and have a strong public health system. Wisconsin is home to some of the best healthcare providers in the nation, allowing quality care to be given to its residents.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Wisconsin
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Wisconsin is $81,000, and it employs 61,100 nurses. Wisconsin also employs 4,790 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $121,210.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Wisconsin for RNs |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN |
$87,780 |
| Madison, WI |
$86,240 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI |
$82,040 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Wisconsin
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Wisconsin, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Wisconsin:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Wisconsin, you must renew it every two years. No continuing education credits are required, but you must complete the Nursing Workforce Survey at the time of renewal. RN licenses expire on 2/28 of even-numbered years.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Wisconsin:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Wisconsin.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Wisconsin APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. Prior to renewal, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics relevant to the advanced practice nurse prescriber’s area of practice, including two contact hours in responsible prescribing of controlled substances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Wisconsin
Is Wisconsin a good place for nurses to work?
Wisconsin is a great place to work. The state is known for its healthcare quality and access and offers numerous job growth opportunities for RNs.
Is Wisconsin a compact state for nursing?
Wisconsin is a compact state for nursing. You can practice nursing in Wisconsin with a compact RN license for another state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Wisconsin?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Wisconsin, you must renew it every two years. No continuing education credits are required, but you must complete the Nursing Workforce Survey at the time of renewal. RN licenses expire on 2/28 of even-numbered years.
How much does a Wisconsin RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Wisconsin. Licensure by exam and endorsement costs $73. It costs $57 to renew your Wisconsin RN license.
