Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN programs give registered nurses access to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that helps them gain better nursing abilities and job advancement possibilities. The RN to BSN programs across Wisconsin state fulfill an essential function in addressing Wisconsin’s developing healthcare requirements. BSN-prepared nurses achieve better patient results which leads Wisconsin healthcare employers to either mandate or prefer nurses to have their BSN degrees.
La Crosse, WI - Private 4-year - viterbo.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Viterbo University's BSN Completion program provides a flexible online or hybrid pathway for RNs holding associate or diploma degrees to earn their bachelor's in nursing. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it requires 43 credits at $480 per credit, with options to complete in 1-3 years. The curriculum focuses on leadership, research, and healthcare trends, and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Key features include seven-week course sessions, on-site clinical arrangements, and a minimum 2.25 GPA for admission, making it ideal for working nurses seeking advancement.
Eau Claire, WI - Public 4-Year - uwec.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's BSN Completion Program offers a hybrid online format ideal for registered nurses seeking career advancement. With a 99% NCLEX-RN pass rate and CCNE accreditation, this two-year program features flexible 7 and 14-week sessions, blending synchronous and asynchronous coursework. It focuses on enhancing skills in research, evidence-based practice, leadership, and management, without requiring a minor. Rolling admissions and clinical project opportunities support working professionals, and no entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's-level program.
Stevens Point, WI - Public 4-Year - uwsp.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers a hybrid RN to BSN program, part of a collaborative UW System initiative, allowing registered nurses to advance their education without a specific concentration. This 31-credit curriculum includes core courses, electives, and a capstone, focusing on leadership preparation and skills for acute, community, and ambulatory settings. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and Wisconsin RN licensure, with no entrance exam such as ACT or SAT needed, as it is not required for bachelor's level programs.
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
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The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's RN to BSN program is an online, flexible option for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. It allows for part-time or full-time study, accepting up to 60 transfer credits, and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. The curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing topics, research methods, community health, and includes a capstone project focused on quality improvement. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered RN license, with prerequisite courses in science and general education. This CCNE-accredited program is military-friendly and offers competency-based assessments to enhance professional leadership skills.
Plymouth, WI - Private 4-year - lakeland.edu
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Lakeland University's RN to BSN Completion Program offers a fully online, flexible path for licensed RNs with an associate degree to earn their bachelor's. Accredited by CCNE, it emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient-centered care. With up to 90 transfer credits, tuition at $433 per credit, and a 20% savings, it's designed for working professionals. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is required, and it includes benefits like one tuition-free course and a $1,000 scholarship. A minimum 2.0 GPA and RN license are prerequisites.
The state of Wisconsin provides online RN to BSN programs through multiple universities across the state. These educational programs enable nurses to learn remotely from their workplace because of their flexible nature. The available study options for RN to BSN programs consist of full-time and part-time schedules together with accelerated course delivery. Schools provide hybrid learning programs that combine virtual courses with occasional classroom-based clinical requirements. Medical facilities offer classes during evening and weekend hours for nurses who require classroom instruction. The increasing number of online RN to BSN programs in Wisconsin allows nurses to continue their studies without interrupting their careers or personal responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire |
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| Viterbo University |
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| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay |
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| Certifying Board | Wisconsin Board of Nursing under the Department of Safety and Professional Services |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an approved BSN program, pass the NCLEX‑RN exam and complete a fingerprint‑based background check |
| License Renewal Period | Licenses expire February 28 (February 29 in leap years) of even‑numbered years, renew every two years |
| Continuing Education | No continuing education credits required, must complete the Nursing Workforce Survey and report primary state residency at renewal |
| License Application Fee | $73 initial licensure‑by‑exam fee, $200 NCLEX registration fee, separate fingerprinting fees |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of supervised clinical practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, psychiatric‑mental health, and community health as required by an accredited BSN program |
| Application Processing Time | Board processes applications in about two weeks (up to a month during peak periods), license issued after NCLEX results and background check clearance |
| License by Endorsement | $57 endorsement application fee, verify active RN license, submit transcripts, and complete a fingerprint‑based background check |
The BSN-prepared nurses in Wisconsin can expect decent salaries and promising career prospects. The typical Wisconsin nurse salary reaches $85,000 annually with leadership positions and specialized roles generating higher compensation. Wisconsin faces a nursing shortage which drives up the demand for nurses holding BSN degrees. The growing population combined with rising healthcare demands drive this expansion. BSN-prepared nurses can find employment at hospitals, outpatient care centers, and community health organizations. Urban centers such as Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin offer the highest salaries but rural areas maintain extensive employment opportunities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Wisconsin | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $74,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $35.95 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$85,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $66,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,700 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Viterbo University |
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| Lakeland University |
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| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point |
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A BSN degree creates multiple possibilities for career progression. BSN-educated nurses qualify to become nurse managers or clinical coordinators and may lead teams or direct departments. The BSN educational path leads nurses toward public health nursing, community health nursing, and case management roles. To achieve advanced nursing certifications like nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist nurses need to begin with a BSN degree. Nurses who earn a BSN degree create educational pathways that lead them toward advanced degrees for administrative or educational roles in healthcare.
Additional Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
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