Top LPN Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin LPN Schools, License Requirements, Jobs, and Salary

Wisconsin is located in the North-Central United States. The state of Wisconsin, also known as America's Dairyland, promotes quality of life by nurturing the healthcare and nursing industry. Pursuing licensed practical nursing gives quick entry into the nursing industry. Those individuals, who are compassionate and willing to serve the society, can take up the role of an LPN. The curriculum basically consists of anatomy, nutrition, physiology, basics of nursing, human growth and development. A theoretical explanation along with practical hands-on sessions strengthens the concepts of the future nurses. The work profile of an LPN requires the nurses to be physically fit and mentally strong, as they have to stand for long hours and lift the patients.

Individuals, who are interested in pursuing a career as a practical nurse, can scroll down to see the accredited colleges in the state. The NCLEX-PN pass rate may help students in making the decision. The candidate must complete the LPN course from an accredited nursing school in Wisconsin. There are 16 LPN schools in Wisconsin that provide practical nursing programs.

LPN Programs in Wisconsin
OUR METHODOLOGY +

A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

1
Rank

Moraine Park Technical College

Type of Course:Associate of Applied Science Degree

Moraine Park Technical College is counted among the top nursing schools in Wisconsin. The college offers a good learning experience, as well as more than 100 career options. The college has 30 student clubs. Its campuses are located in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and West Bend with regional centers at Ripon and Jackson. The industry experienced instructors at Moraine Park Technical College bring out the best in students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00%
  • Address:

    235 North National Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI 54936
  • Contact Number:

    1-800-472-4554
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate of Applied Science Degree
  • Fees (Per Credit):

    • In-State: $130.35
    • Out-of-State: $195.53
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    6,294 (all undergraduate)
2
Rank

Lakeshore Tech College

Type of Course:Technical Diploma (31 credits)

This technical college offers more than 100 programs to the students. Lakeshore Tech College contributes towards strengthening the economy by preparing a workforce that is skilled, flexible, and diverse. Most of the programs at the college are accredited by the professional entity or approved by the state agency.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.91%
  • Address:

    1290 North Avenue, Cleveland, WI 53015
  • Contact Number:

    920-693-1000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma (31 credits)
  • Fees:

    $6,582 (Tuition fees-$4,620, Books and supplies-$1,962)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    2,837 (all undergraduate)
4
Rank

Waukesha County Tech College

Type of Course:Associate Degree

The college came into existence in 1923. It is spread over an area of 140 acres with 10 buildings. The four schools at WCTC, namely School of Business, School of Protective and Human Services, Applied Science and School of Health, offer diverse programs. The main campus is located in Pewaukee with satellite locations at Downtown Waukesha Campus and Sky Plaza Campus. Waukesha County Tech College has more than 150 areas of study that prepare students for a bright future.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.90%
  • Address:

    800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
  • Contact Number:

    262-691-5566
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree
  • Fees (Per Credit):

    In-State: $130.35
    Out-of-State: $195.53
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    7,928 (all undergraduate)
5
Rank

Chippewa Valley Tech College

Type of Course:Associate Degree

The college is a part of Wisconsin Technical College System and provides services to 11 county areas. The largest campus is in Eau Claire, with additional campuses in Chippewa, Menomonie, River Falls, and Neillsville. The college aligns the program to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of the nursing industry and prepares the students accordingly.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.66%
  • Address:

    620 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701
  • Contact Number:

    715-833-6200
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree
  • Fees:

    $6,699 (Tuition and fees-$5,434, Books and supplies-$1,265)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    6,017 (all undergraduate)
6
Rank

North Central Tech College

The college has been serving the community from past 100 years, offering technical diploma, associate degree, and certificates in more than 150 areas. NCTC offers a high-quality and employer-focused educational experience, committed to enriching the lives of the students and strengthening the economy. The college is a participant of Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) and has received its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA).

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    98.64%
  • Address:

    1000 West Campus Drive, Wausau, WI 54401
  • Contact Number:

    715-675-3331
  • Official Website:

  • Fees (Per Credit):

    • In-State: $130.35
    • Out-of-State: $195.53
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    4,580 (all undergraduate)
7
Rank

Blackhawk Tech College

Type of Course:Associate Degree, LPN Progression Programs

Blackhawk Tech College has five centers spread across Wisconsin, namely Beloit Center, Center for Transportation Studies, Central Campus, Monroe Campus, and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. The Central Campus is located over 80 acres of partially wooded prairie. The technical college has a student service center to provide various assistance programs to the students. It also boasts a technical library, telecommunication center, bookstore, and child care center.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.95%
  • Address:

    6004 S County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546-9458
  • Contact Number:

    608-758-6900
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree, LPN Progression Programs
  • Fees:

    $10,300 (Tuition and fees)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    2,249 (all undergraduate)
8
Rank

College of Menominee Nation

Type of Course:Technical Diploma (31 credits)

The main campus of the college is located in Keshena, whereas the urban campus is located in Green Bay. The college was authorized by the United States Congress in 1996 as one of the three land grant colleges. The programs provided by the college are designed to address the contemporary problems through advanced technology and methodology. Students come here from various areas, for higher learning.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.31%
  • Address:

    N172 Highway 47/55 PO Box 1179, Keshena, WI 54135
  • Contact Number:

    800-567-2344
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma (31 credits)
  • Fees (Per Credit):

    $250 (Tuition and fees)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    433 (all undergraduate)
9
Rank

Fox Valley Tech College

Type of Course:Technical Diploma

The college has been serving the community for more than 100 years. At Fox Valley Tech College, students get to choose from 200 different courses. The college provides high-tech occupational training for today’s competitive workforce. It provides basic skills and counseling services necessary for the students’ success. The college has collaboration with colleges, secondary schools and universities that offer a smooth educational experience to the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.99%
  • Address:

    1825 North Bluemound Drive P.O. Box 2277, Appleton, WI 54912-2277
  • Contact Number:

    800-735-3882
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma
  • Fees:

    $5,943 (Tuition and fees-$4,277, Books and supplies-$1,666)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    10,901 (all undergraduate)
10
Rank

Milwaukee Area Tech College

Type of Course:Technical Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    95.07%
  • Address:

    700 West State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233
  • Contact Number:

    414-297-6282
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma
  • Fees (Per Credit):

    • In-State: $145.40
    • Out-of-State: $210.58
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    15,186 (all undergraduate)
11
Rank

Western Tech College

Type of Course:Technical Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.05%
  • Address:

    400 Seventh Street North, La Crosse, WI 54601
  • Contact Number:

    800-322-9982
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma
  • Fees:

    $7,624 (Tuition and fees-$5,659, Books and supplies-$1,965)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    4,044 (all undergraduate)
12
Rank

Northeast WI Tech College

Type of Course:Technical Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.38%
  • Address:

    2740 West Mason Street, P.O. Box 19042, Green Bay, WI 54303
  • Contact Number:

    920-498-5444
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma
  • Fees:

    $7,425 (Tuition-$5,100, Books and supplies-$2,325)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    10,096 (all undergraduate)
13
Rank

Mid-State Technical College

Type of Course:Associate Degree in Nursing (You can sit for the NCLEX-PN after completing 32 credits (1 year) of the degree

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    92.36%
  • Address:

    500 32nd Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
  • Contact Number:

    715-422-5300
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Associate Degree in Nursing (You can sit for the NCLEX-PN after completing 32 credits (1 year) of the degree
  • Fees:

    • In-State: $5,953 (Tuition fees-$4,211, Books and supplies-$1,742)
    • Out-of-State: $7,879 (Tuition fees-$6,137, Books and supplies-$1,742)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    2,636 (all undergraduate)
14
Rank

Gateway Technical College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.95%
  • Address:

    3520 30th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144
  • Contact Number:

    1-800-247-7122
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Fees (Per Credit):

    • In-State: $130.35
    • Out-of-State: $195.53
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    8,740 (all undergraduate)
15
Rank

Nicolet College

Type of Course:Technical Diploma

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    80.00%
  • Address:

    5364 College Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501
  • Contact Number:

    800-544-3039
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Technical Diploma
  • Fees:

    $7,481 (Tuition and fees-$5,011, Books and supplies-$2,470)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
  • Number of Students:

    1,048 (all undergraduate)

Licensure Requirements

The people employed in the nursing industry hold a responsible position. Therefore, it is mandatory for every student to attain a license after completing a state-approved LPN course to practice in the nursing field. The license entitles one to practice in a professional environment. In order to attain the LPN license, candidates have to appear for the NCLEX-PN test. On qualifying the test, the name of the candidate is listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, and a license is granted to him/her.

License by Examination

The candidates should fill the application 6-8 weeks before the program ends, to speed up the process. The application form can be downloaded by clicking here. The fee charged for processing of the application is $90. The aspirants are supposed to pay extra $10, in case; they want to obtain a temporary permit. The temporary work permit remains valid for a duration of three months. But, if the candidate fails in the NCLEX-PN test, s/he must return the work permit. Renewal of the temporary work permit is allowed only once by the state of Wisconsin, for a period of 3 months. Next, the candidate must register with the testing company Pearson VUE by clicking the below-given link. The registration will cost you $200.
http://www.vue.com/nclex/

If the requirements are met, the board notifies the testing company to issue ATT. It may take 15-20 days. If the candidate has requested for a temporary permit, it would be issued at this time. The ATT enables the candidate to schedule the exam. If the candidate fails to clear the exam in the first attempt, s/he has to retake it by paying $15 and registering with the Pearson VUE again.

Licensure by Endorsement

Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If the candidate is coming from a state that is a member of nurse licensure compact, s/he is considered to be eligible, if he meets any one of the below-mentioned criteria.

  • The candidate should have an active LPN license in other state, and it should be in accordance with the educational standards set by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.
  • The applicant should submit a completed application along with the relevant fee and declare Wisconsin as the primary state of residence.
  • If the applicant has been involved in any act that is subjected to discipline under Wis. Admin Code Ch. N 7, s/he is liable to provide the board with all the relevant information that may help the board to decide whether the application for licensure should be approved or not.
  • Applicants having a criminal history must deposit complete documents to the board, giving explanation whether the arrest or conviction was related to the practice of nursing or not.
  • If the applicant has a nursing license that has been restricted due to some adverse action, s/he should submit all the related documents so that the board can decide whether the applicant should be redeemed or denied.

Endorsement of an Applicant from Another U.S. Sate or Territory

  1. The nurse should hold an active license in the U.S. state that is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, and it should meet the educational and other requirements set by the Wisconsin Nursing Board.
    • The candidate should have completed the course from a school that has been approved by the board.
    • S/he should have cleared the NCLEX-PN test.
  2. If the candidate's license from another state does not meet the requirements set by the Wisconsin Nursing Board, s/he should submit the following documents to the board:
    • Evidence of clearing the NCLEX-PN test or any other licensure examination.
    • Proof of educational qualifications.
  3. Next, the applicant should submit a completed application form with relevant fees. The application should be sent along with the following documents:
    • Detailed information on employment history.
    • Verification of licensure from the state or province, in which, the original license was issued.
    • The applicant convicted of a crime in the past or having a pending criminal record shall provide the board with all the relevant documents that might help the board decide whether the crime committed was related to the nursing.
    • The candidates, whose license has been encumbered due to adverse action, should furnish the board with all the necessary information to determine the decision to be taken on the application for licensure.
    • An applicant who has committed an act that is listed in Wis. Admin Code Ch. N 7 should provide the board with all the detailed information that would help the board decide the action to be taken on licensure.

International LPNs

Those LPNs, who have completed their education from a foreign school, can also get a license in the state of Wisconsin.

The candidate must fill the initial licensure application along with English proficiency (TOEFL) test results. For this, the students should contact the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) at the below-given address to get the Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report.

3600 Market Street
Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651

Wisconsin Board of Nursing should be selected as the recipient of the report. The applicant must select the CES report for healthcare profession and science course-by-course. On completion of the report, notify the Board of Nursing by mailing at the following address:
[email protected]

The board would update the application status of the candidate after 15-20 business days of receiving the application.

Wisconsin Nursing License Renewal

The nurses can know the status of their license online by clicking here.
The candidates/employers should provide the social security number, license number, first and last name to retrieve the latest information about the license. The database is regularly updated to provide the correct information.

License Reinstatement

After attaining the license, the practical nurses have to renew it after every two years. All the LPN license expires on 30th April of odd-numbered years. The nursing board of Wisconsin has set the following requirements for the candidates, who desire to renew the license.

  • Submission of completed application form with a fee of $86. If the candidate is unable to renew the license within the specified time limit, a late fee of $25 is charged.
  • RES (Report State of Primary Residency).
  • SVY (Nursing Workforce Survey)- The State Budget Wisconsin 2009 Act 28 makes it mandatory for all the aspirants to complete the Nursing Workforce Survey to renew the LPN license. The data obtained would be used to get an idea of the location, demand, and skill level of the practical nurses. If the candidates are renewing the license after the deadline, they have to fill the shortened version of the survey.
  • For paper application, make a call on 885-506-4239 or 608-261-4460.
  • For online renewal, click here

Wisconsin Nursing License Verification

The verification of licensure is required by the state or territory from where you were originally licensed and the province, in which, you have an active license. In order to verify the license, the candidates must visit www.nursys.com to check if the license can be verified. Follow the instructions given at the site for online processing.

Aspirants can also use online license verification services to get their LPN license verified. Verification of practical nursing license can also be done via Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry that keeps a record of all the licensed nurses.

Wisconsin Nursing License Verification

The verification of licensure is required by the state or territory from where you were originally licensed and the province, in which, you have an active license. In order to verify the license, the candidates must visit www.nursys.com to check if the license can be verified. Follow the instructions given at the site for online processing.

Aspirants can also use online license verification services to get their LPN license verified. Verification of practical nursing license can also be done via Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry that keeps a record of all the licensed nurses.

License Reinstatement

If the license is not renewed before the expiry date, it gets lapsed. In such case, it has to be reinstated. If the license has been expired for more than five years, the license can be reinstated by retaking and clearing the exam. For more information about license reinstatement, the candidate can contact the Board.

Post Office Mailing Address
State of Wisconsin
Department of Safety and Professional Services
PO Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708-8935
Phone- 877-617-1565
Email- [email protected]

If the applicant has not practiced nursing in the last two of the five years, s/he must take a refresher course to reinstate the license.

Name and Address Change

The candidates who wish to change the name or address in the license can visit the following link and download the form.
https://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/075003.pdf

Complete the application and send it to the address given-below with a fee of $10.

Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry
Pearson VUE
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785

Along with this application, the candidates must send the documents that verify the updated information provided by you, like driver's license or social security card.
Through this application, the candidates can also make corrections in the social security number.
The nurses can also change the name or address by making a call at 877-329-8760 and request to correct or change the address or name on the license.

Average Annual Salary of Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin

According to indeed.com, the average annual salary of practical nurses in Wisconsin was $45,000 (as of Nov 8, 2016). According to the reports of Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean income of LPNs was $43,140, whereas mean hourly wage was $20.74 (as of May 2015).

Average Annual Salary of LPNs/LVNs in Different Cities of Wisconsin

Name of the City Salary
Appleton $42,705
Greenbay $43,183
Kenosha $41,914
Madison $44,439
Oshkosh $39,956
Waukesha $42,350
Eau Claire $34,803
Janesville $42,199
La Crosse $38,421
Milwaukee $43,231
Racine $41,914

Information Source: salary.com

As per the information provided by salary.com, LPNs earned the maximum salary (i.e., $44,439) in Madison, whereas they received the least wages ($34,803) in Eau Claire.

Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs with Average Annual Salaries

Job Title Salary
Long Term Care LPN $25,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $50,000
LPN Ambulatory $32,000
Nurse RN LPN $46,000
CNA Medical Surgical $26,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $24,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $35,000
LPN Primary Care $44,000
Patient Care Technician Student $16,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $27,000
Correctional Prison Facility LPN $22,000
LPN Cma Rma $29,000
LPN Long Term Care $31,000
LPN LVN $38,000
Psychiatric Nurse $54,000

Information Source: indeed.com

As per indeed.com, Psychiatric Nurses earned the maximum salary (i.e., $51,000), whereas Patient Care Technician Students received the least (i.e., $15,000).

Job Outlook for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin has good career opportunities for the practical nurses. According to the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on an average, 3.060 LPNs were employed per 1000 jobs in May 2015. An increasing number of baby boomers and reforms in the healthcare industry have surged the demand of LPNs manifold. Moreover, these professionals have lucrative earning potential.