The nursing industry is very lucrative, continually evolving, and characterized by high levels of job satisfaction.
Becoming a registered nurse is definitely worth the effort as it leads to a shorter road to employment in the nursing field.
All aspiring registered nurses in Wisconsin must pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse and possess an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
5 Registered Nurse Schools in Wisconsin
1. University of Wisconsin
The BSN program from the University of Wisconsin takes two years, which you can apply for after completing all general education and pre-nursing prerequisites.
University of Wisconsin graduates hold positions in prominent fields of the medical industry.
They engage in ground-breaking research, enhance the well-being of patients, support nursing practice, and train co-workers and aspiring nurses.
The nursing degree requires a minimum of 53 credits, with the remaining 71 credits coming from general education requirements, prerequisites, and optional courses. Instate tuition is $8,909.
2. Holy Family College
To address the needs of society, students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree are prepared to work as generalist nurses in various healthcare settings.
The registered nursing program from Holy Family College promotes clinical judgment, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, leadership in nursing, and culturally sensitive healthcare.
Graduate-level advanced practice programs are open to BSN program graduates who meet the requirements.
The program takes approximately two years and costs $15,295.
3. Edgewood College
Edgewood College, situated in Madison, is a non-profit organization receiving support from private donors.
The Wisconsin Board of Nursing has granted the institution permission to conduct nursing programs.
Every nursing student at Edgewood typically passes the NCLEX on their first attempt, presumably due to the small class size of approximately thirteen students.
For high school students concerned about entering nursing school, entrance to the School of Nursing is assured for high school candidates with a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT rating of 24.
The tuition fees cost $29,500.
4. Concordia University Wisconsin
You will be well-equipped to serve the highest ethical and professional nursing standards through Concordia’s RN program.
The BSN online program emphasizes recent developments in genetics, nursing research, community health, and Christian caregiving.
Giving you a thorough, practical education is helpful; that is why, through Christ-like service and leadership, Concordia’s BSN online nurses develop into globally-minded persons who have an impact on communities.
You can start the online program anytime you’re ready because start dates are available every eight weeks.
This school’s beauty is that it offers various options for paying your tuition.
You can choose which method best works for you and is more convenient.
With the flat rate system, the more credits you take, the more you can save.
Alternatively, Flex Pay can break up fees into regular monthly payments.
Students pay an average of $32,770 in tuition per year.
5. Carroll University
Carroll University’s degree in nursing will advance your career and broaden the employment pool in the healthcare sector.
You can complete the qualifications to become a registered nurse (RN) in just two years and provide good quality care in metropolitan areas with a severe shortage of nurses.
Wisconsin’s first college, Carroll University, was founded in 1846.
Pioneer Core, a general education requirement, guarantees all students a well-rounded education.
Nursing students can start pursuing BSN core courses after finishing the Pioneer Core.
Carroll University offers nursing internships in surrounding healthcare facilities and 160 hours of clinical practice. Students pay $35,360 for tuition each year.
Registered Nurse Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Wisconsin
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin | Madison, WI |
| Holy Family College | Manitowoc, Wisconsin |
| Edgewood College | 1000 Edgewood College Dr, Madison, WI 53711 |
| Concordia University Wisconsin | 12800 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon, WI 53097 |
| Carroll University | 100 N East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 |
Salary
In Wisconsin, there is a tremendous demand for well-paying registered nurses, and RN employment is growing faster than the national median of 7%.
Wisconsin nurses make an average yearly pay of $74,760.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Wisconsin
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $65,720 |
| Madison | $65,070 |
| Green Bay | $63,710 |
| Kenosha | $65,240 |
| Racine | $65,240 |
| Appleton | $63,720 |
| Waukesha | $65,480 |
| Oshkosh | $63,310 |
| Eau Claire | $61,920 |
| La Crosse | $60,640 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 2,070 | $75,920 | $36.5 | $94,660 | $64,100 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 2,200 | $79,420 | $38.18 | $95,560 | $64,990 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 830 | $76,140 | $36.61 | $98,480 | $63,800 |
| Green Bay, WI | 4,330 | $77,800 | $37.41 | $97,410 | $65,460 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 1,460 | $80,130 | $38.53 | $96,280 | $63,450 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 2,510 | $87,780 | $42.2 | $100,970 | $71,730 |
| Madison, WI | 8,710 | $86,240 | $41.46 | $99,560 | $72,280 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 21,110 | $82,040 | $39.44 | $104,360 | $65,740 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 1,460 | $76,090 | $36.58 | $95,920 | $65,400 |
| Racine, WI | 1,130 | $79,200 | $38.08 | $96,210 | $64,180 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 850 | $78,310 | $37.65 | $94,070 | $65,820 |
| Wausau, WI | 1,640 | $75,510 | $36.3 | $93,370 | $64,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, ADN or BSN?
While BSN holders have greater mobility and employment options, ADNs are simpler to obtain.
The BSN program is pretty in-depth and ensures you get more roles, guaranteeing better pay in the workplace.
Is Wisconsin a good place to be a registered nurse?
While being a nurse comes with its own fair share of challenges, being a registered nurse in Wisconsin may be less challenging.
Wisconsin nurses are compensated well, and the state also has laws in place that protects the nurses.
Which states can you be able to practice nursing in if you have a Wisconsin license?
If you have a multistate nursing license from Wisconsin, you can practice nursing in any state that is a part of the Nursing Licensure Compact.
Unlike the Wisconsin RN license application process, the multistate application process includes a background check and fingerprints.
How do you renew your Nursing License in Wisconsin?
Your Wisconsin RN license must be renewed every two years by February 28 with even numbers.
You can fill out the form with instructions found online.
How to Get a Nursing License in Wisconsin?
The two ways to get a Wisconsin RN license are by taking a test or endorsement.
While new nurses must first get their license by examination and pass the NCLEX-RN to practice nursing in Wisconsin, out-of-state nurses must apply for licensing by endorsement.
