Thomas Reed, RN
June 26, 2025
Wisconsin’s nursing education offerings span a full continuum of career pathways, from foundational certification to advanced clinical specialization. Whether you’re starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), transitioning from Registered Nurse (RN) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or preparing for advanced practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s technical colleges, universities, and health systems deliver rigorous coursework paired with immersive clinical rotations. With flexible online modules designed for working students alongside hands‑on practicums at accredited care facilities, Wisconsin’s nursing programs equip graduates with the skills, professional credentials, and competitive salary potential needed to excel in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Oshkosh, WI - Public 4-Year - uwosh.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Traditional BSN program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is designed for aspiring nurses seeking a comprehensive education. This hybrid program blends face-to-face instruction with online classes, offering flexibility. Students engage in clinical rotations supervised by experienced instructors in local and regional healthcare facilities. Unique opportunities include clinical study abroad experiences during fall and spring interims. The program is structured over five semesters or a year-round schedule, catering to diverse student needs. Admission requires meeting specific academic criteria, with applications now open for Fall 2025. This program is ideal for those aiming to excel in the nursing field with a solid foundation in both theory and practical skills.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The BSN@Home program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers RNs a flexible online pathway to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits, accelerating degree completion. With personalized study plans and faculty advisors, students can align their education with career goals. The program supports progression to graduate studies, including nurse practitioner and educator tracks. Online courses provide the convenience to study on your schedule, making it ideal for various life stages. Scholarships and tuition reimbursement opportunities may reduce costs. Admission requires an RN license, with a straightforward application process.
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The Accelerated BSN program at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a 12-month, hybrid nursing program tailored for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It combines online nursing theory courses with clinical rotations near the student's home and a two-week on-campus residency. The program boasts a less than 1% attrition rate and NCLEX pass rates above the national average. Accredited by the CCNE, it offers three start dates annually. Students should expect a rigorous schedule, dedicating 8-12 hours daily to coursework. Financial aid and tuition details are available, making it a viable option for career changers.
Milwaukee, WI - Private 4-year - msoe.edu
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The B.S. in Nursing - Traditional Track at Milwaukee School of Engineering prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. This program combines compassion, critical thinking, and technology with hands-on clinical experiences. Designed for first-time college students, it offers a full-time curriculum with guaranteed progression for those meeting academic criteria. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it meets educational requirements for licensure in most states. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and prioritizing tasks, essential skills for nursing professionals. With a focus on practical learning, students graduate ready to make a difference in healthcare.
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The B.S. in Nursing - Accelerated Second-Degree Track at Milwaukee School of Engineering is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking a career change to nursing. This intensive program prepares students for the nursing profession in approximately 16 months, offering two admission periods annually. With a curriculum that includes extensive clinical and lab hours, plus simulation experiences, graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and full accreditation, ensuring a high-quality education that meets licensure requirements in most states.
Waukesha, WI - Private 4-year - carrollu.edu
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Carroll University's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program prepares students to become Registered Nurses in just two years. Focused on culturally-competent care, it's ideal for those aiming to address healthcare disparities. The program includes hands-on learning in a modern nursing lab and clinical practicum experiences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, relevant coursework, and an emphasis on bilingual applicants. The curriculum supports further education through the RN-MSN pathway.
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Carroll University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. With a focus on hands-on learning, students engage in simulation-based education and clinical placements from their first year. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate for 2023 graduates, highlighting its rigorous curriculum and supportive learning environment. Students can specialize in areas like pediatric or intensive care during their capstone experience. Admission requires meeting academic standards, with financial aid options available. The program's state-of-the-art facilities and cross-cultural experiences enrich students' learning, making them well-rounded professionals ready to meet healthcare challenges.
Milwaukee, WI - Private 4-year - marquette.edu
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Marquette University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares students to become comprehensive healthcare professionals. The four-year program develops skilled nurses capable of providing high-quality, safe patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Students are directly admitted to the College of Nursing as freshmen, ensuring a guaranteed pathway to complete their degree. The curriculum combines rigorous scientific training with clinical practice, including laboratory experiences and simulated learning. Graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional performance, with first-attempt national licensing exam pass rates exceeding the national average.
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Marquette University's Direct Entry MSN program is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree seeking a career change into nursing. This hybrid program offers flexible completion in five or eight semesters, with options for in-person or online coursework. Students gain hands-on experience through simulation labs and clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities. The program boasts a 93.86% NCLEX pass rate, preparing graduates for diverse nursing careers. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, with tuition and fees detailed on the program site.
Eau Claire, WI - Public 4-Year - uwec.edu
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The BSN Completion Program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, offering flexibility for working professionals. Courses cover research, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for higher responsibilities in healthcare. The program is accredited by the CCNE and meets licensure requirements in several states. With rolling admissions, students can start anytime, balancing work, school, and personal commitments.
Wisconsin’s LPN programs combine coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. After developing skills in medication administration, vital‑sign monitoring, and basic patient care, students prepare for and pass the NCLEX‑PN exam to earn state licensure. Graduates then step into roles that alleviate RN and physician workloads, bolstering the practical nursing workforce across both Milwaukee’s urban centers and Wisconsin’s rural communities to ensure consistent access to quality care.
Wisconsin’s CNA courses typically last six to twelve weeks, combining classroom modules on infection control, anatomy fundamentals, and safety protocols with clinical practicums. Participants gain hands‑on experience in personal care tasks, such as hygiene assistance and feeding, and learn precise vital‑sign monitoring. After certification, CNAs join multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Their support ensures smooth care workflows and enhances patient well‑being.
Wisconsin’s RN to BSN programs let practicing nurses advance without stepping away from bedside care by pairing flexible online coursework in nursing leadership, population health, informatics and health policy with hands-on clinical rotations at both major health systems and community clinics. Available in part-time and accelerated tracks, these bridge offerings fit around work schedules while guiding RNs toward a bachelor’s degree. Earning a BSN deepens competencies in evidence-driven practice and interprofessional collaboration, meets employer and accreditation criteria, and unlocks roles in specialty certification, management and public health across the state.
Wisconsin’s Nurse Practitioner programs build on a BSN with two- to four-year MSN and DNP tracks that blend advanced coursework and hands-on clinical rotations in family practice, pediatrics, women’s health, and psychiatric-mental health. Offered on-campus, online, and in hybrid formats at universities and health systems statewide, they ready nurses for APRN certification and Wisconsin licensure. Graduates step into roles as primary care providers, chronic disease managers, and telehealth clinicians in Milwaukee and Madison medical centers, community clinics, and rural northern and western regions. By expanding advanced-practice capacity across both urban and underserved areas, these programs fortify Wisconsin’s healthcare network.
Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Common entry path, many ADN grads continue to RN-to-BSN programs |
RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | No longer offered in Wisconsin |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred statewide |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs require physician collaboration |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, NPs limited by reduced practice authority laws |
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