Learn About Wisconsin Nursing Schools
As the health care industry changes and adapts to new laws, it’s important for the state of Wisconsin to keep up with expectations in this field. How are Wisconsin employers preparing for higher care standards, stricter staffing requirements, and an increase in patients? They are hiring more nurses to care for patients, maintain documentation, work alongside doctors, and communicate effectively with patients and their families.
If you’re considering a career in this field, learn more about nursing programs in Wisconsin by contacting the schools listed below.
The field of nursing is a good fit for any professional who wants to improve patients’ lives and get established in health care. The amount of male nursing students is on the rise, indicating an increase in popularity and a growing need for nurses.
Nursing Education in Wisconsin
Nursing education is known for being a huge priority in the state of Wisconsin. Oshkosh Northwestern Media reports on nursing education standards in Oshkosh, where nurses learn about far more than just patient care. Students must build up their critical thinking skills, their communication skills, and the health care industry as a whole.
As is the case in many other Midwestern states, Wisconsin has a nursing shortage that mainly affects its rural areas. Local nursing schools aim to solve this shortage by sending nursing students and graduates to underserved rural areas.
By looking at the curricula of local nursing schools, you can figure out exactly what you’ll learn as a nursing student and if you’re up for the challenge. Keep in mind, of course, that courses differ between degree levels, schools, and individual programs. In your curriculum, you may find classes like Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Ethics in Nursing Care, Patient Care Standards in Nursing, Professional Nursing Standards, and Nursing Care of Adults.
In addition to completing your classroom hours, you have to meet or exceed the clinical requirements of your nursing program. The actual amount of hours you spend in clinical settings depends on which type of degree you plan on earning. However, don’t be surprised if you spend more than 500 hours in local nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals.
Wisconsin schools, employers, and associations are known for their selection of financial aid opportunities. Learning about opportunities near you can help you save money on your education. Look at the many financial aid programs funded by the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. Through the Wisconsin Nurses Foundation, you can apply for several competitive grants and scholarships. Members of the Wisconsin League for Nursing may also qualify for grants.
Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
What do you hope to accomplish with a nursing license? Perhaps you want to work with elderly patients and help them maneuver the increased healthcare needs that come with age. Maybe you want to work with kids or families. No matter what you want to do with your nursing education, it starts with finding the best nursing school in Wisconsin for you.
Wisconsin LPN Programs
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED, physical exam and drug screen, and criminal background check
- Credit hour range: 30 to 39 credits
- Online degree options: Not offered, since students must complete several hundred hours of clinical work
- Licensing exams: NCLEX-PN
At many two-year nursing schools in Wisconsin, you’ll find LPN programs alongside Associate’s-level nursing programs. Becoming an LPN is the perfect first step for those who don’t want to spend two to four years in school before working in nursing. In just one year, you can get plenty of hands-on experience working with patients and nurses.
BSN Programs in Wisconsin
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED, physical exam, fingerprints, and criminal background check
- Credit hour range: 120 to 135 credits
- Online degree options: Not offered, although some schools do have blended degree options available that combine online study with clinical hours
- Licensing exams: NCLEX-RN
As you learn about RN programs in Wisconsin, you may take the courses needed to pass the NCLEX-RN and become a competent registered nurse. Schools offer both two-year Associate’s degree programs and four-year Bachelor’s degree programs. In both cases, you may spend about half of your time completing general education courses and the other half of your time in nursing courses.
Accelerated BSN Programs – Wisconsin Nursing Schools
Students in Wisconsin are quickly learning the value of a nursing degree. To combat the state’s nursing shortage, many accredited Wisconsin schools are now offering accelerated BSN programs for students.
An accelerated BSN degree may be a good option for you if you have already completed a Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, at an accredited college or university. With a BSN degree, you can work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a multitude of facilities in Wisconsin. Many students are taking advantage of online nursing programs, which allow you to complete your studies on your own time, often at your own pace.
We have provided you with a full listing of all the available programs in Wisconsin. Select the schools you are interested in from the featured box below, requesting information from as many as you like. The more program information you have, the better prepared you will be to make the best decision regarding a nursing program.
Accelerated BSN Curriculum in Wisconsin
As a Bachelor’s degree holder, you have likely already met the general education requirements of most BSN programs. However, you still have to meet certain requirements. Nursing students must have completed coursework in human biology, chemistry, anatomy, and other science programs. If you do not have these courses completed, you will have to complete them before beginning a Wisconsin accelerated BSN program.
The first year or so of your program involves learning everything you need to know about the nursing program. Some programs, like those at UW-Oshkosh, require you to stop working for the entire duration of the program. Prior to learning advanced nursing skills in pediatrics and maternity, you have to take beginning nursing courses. Classes at this level usually include pharmacology, introductory nursing skills, and health assessment. After your beginning courses, you will take classes that set BSN graduates apart from ADN students. These classes can include nursing for childbearing families, mental health nursing, nursing leadership, and population based nursing.
Your nursing program will culminate in your clinical practice. You will go to an assigned clinical site, where you will put into practice all of the new nursing skills you have learned. Clinicals are an opportunity to combine the theory portions of your nursing education with the hands on nursing skills you will be using every day. If you want to work in a specialty nursing field, you may find out which one it is at this point in nursing school.
Nursing Career Outlook in Wisconsin
The outlook for nursing graduates in Wisconsin is good. There were 57,760 nursing jobs in Wisconsin in 2010, and O*Net expects that number to jump to 71,540 by 2020. Approximately 2,420 job openings per year are expected (O*Net, 2013). Nurses in Wisconsin can look forward to possibly earning the state’s median salary for nurses, which is currently $63,000 per year (O*Net, 2012). The overall salary range for nurses in Wisconsin goes from $49,100 to $84,800 (O*Net, 2012).
Wisconsin RN to BSN Bridge Programs
As a seasoned and experienced nurse in Wisconsin, you apply critical thinking skills, diagnostic reasoning and nursing actions that structure a healing environment for your patients. As healthcare becomes more complex and requires an advanced scope of practice beyond the traditional center of bedside care and into the community, you must respond. Meeting the objectives of health prevention, promotion and community nursing actions become more challenging and require additional educational support that nursing schools in Wisconsin can provide. Achieving a BSN can provide the tools you require to meet these challenges and gain a smooth transition into the modern healthcare system.
You can use BestNursingDegree.com to find RN-BSN programs in Wisconsin and get started on furthering your nursing education. Also, be sure to consider online programs for their flexible nature, which combine computer based learning with high level nursing courses, without comprising your educational experience. You can find RN to BSN nursing programs in listed Wisconsin below, and you can request program materials directly from our site.
Although Wisconsin has a workforce comprised of both associate-degree RNs and baccalaureate-prepared nurses, the need for BSN-prepared nurses is expected to rise to meet the demands of the state’s Magnet®-recognized hospitals. Wisconsin is also a nurse licensure compact state. This allows nurses with a license from another compact state to practice for 30 days while waiting for their permanent license. RNs living in Wisconsin don’t have any continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.
Wisconsin is one of the more progressive states in which the percentage of the RN workforce with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is higher than those with just a diploma or ADN. According to a 2008 survey reported by the Wisconsin Public and Community Health Registered Nurse Workforce Report, more than 57% of RN’s that work in a Public/Community Health setting have a BSN Degree, compared 32.2% with a diploma or Associates Degree. Because of the level of education of the Wisconsin nursing workforce, furthering your education may not only be necessary to set yourself apart, but also to prevent yourself from falling behind.
Curriculum of RN to BSN programs in Wisconsin
If you are ready to earn your RN to BSN, Wisconsin offers a variety of nursing schools to choose from. The courses that comprise your BSN curriculum are designed to build on your current knowledge and advance your nursing perspectives. Classes prepare the seasoned nurse to expand their delivery of care as a nurse in the 21st century, with proficiencies in research, Health IT and medical technologies as a focus.
Developing your leadership skills in nursing can empower you with the ability to provide goals and objectives for the management of support staff, policy development and enhanced professionalism. Leadership is instrumental in healthcare reform and will define the environment in which nurses and other allied staff practice. Wisconsin nursing schools are aware of this and have designed curriculum to follow the emerging guidelines of care. This prepares nurses to assist with the future organization of the nursing profession.
To provide effective education for new nursing students, nurse educators are needed in Wisconsin to teach core courses and full programs of study. According to Transforming Nursing Education to Meet Emerging Health Care Needs, current trends in education are not meeting the requirements of the expectations of nurses in a new era of healthcare. RNs with BSNs are invaluable in educating the future of nursing students.
While each nursing program in Wisconsin has a unique curriculum, many colleges and universities implement a similar core structure. You can expect to take classes on advanced healthcare, community public health, nursing leadership and nursing research. These classes build on your existing knowledge as an RN to help you better provide care for your patients.
Careers for RN to BSN Graduates in Wisconsin
BSN graduates have numerous opportunities to help shape the future of healthcare in Wisconsin. There are often numerous of areas of expertise and knowledge are needed in specialty areas that require the advanced knowledge of baccalaureate graduates.
As healthcare in Wisconsin is complicated by large populations of elderly who are separated by rural communities, healthcare facilities are expected to build internet technology and supportive infrastructures to service elderly patients in the community clinics and at home.
According to Health Resources and Services Administration, advanced nurse leaders in telehealth and informatics nurses are needed to service and organize home-bound patients in rural populations in Wisconsin, provide health fairs, extend home care services, provide case management and health prevention and promotion.
Magnet hospitals in Wisconsin have presented policy that strongly prefers BSN nurses on staff. As part of the Magnet tradition, nurses are required to become involved in the process of organization, mentorship for novice nurses and are prepared with advanced knowledge in professionalism and patient-centered care practices.
Nurses who graduate from hold RN to BSN programs in Wisconsin can become certified in specialties that require advanced education. A wound and ostomy nurse may work as a contract specialist in a physician’s office, hospital department or in surgical situations.
Nurses who graduate with BSNs from nursing schools in Wisconsin provide extended care at the bedside and work with an advanced scope of practice. Your dedication to your nursing career may be rewarded with opportunities and a smooth transition into the new era of healthcare. Wisconsin RNs can also make a median salary of $64,460 annually, according to the BLS in 2013. Your salary may increase after you become Baccalaureate prepared. Learn more about RN to BSN programs, both on campus and online, by requesting more information from the nursing schools in Wisconsin that are listed on this page.
Spotlight on Wisconsin Nursing Programs
- University of Wisconsin System. Ranked among the top 25 nursing programs in the nation by US News and World Report, the University of Wisconsin offers nurses seeking an accredited RN-to-BSN program a unique opportunity with BSN@Home. This program allows nurses to pick one university (Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Madison or Green Bay) as their home base while completing the majority of coursework online. All programs are CCNE-accredited.
- Cardinal Stritch University. Cardinal Stritch is a private, Catholic institution offering a smaller academic environment within the suburbs of Milwaukee. The RN-to-BSN program runs over two years. The university boasts a 97 percent employment rate for RNs within six months of graduation.
- Viterbo University. Viterbo University is located in the picturesque LaCrosse County, near the Mississippi River. Under the university’s BSN completion program, RNs attend classes one day a week and can complete the program within two years.
Where to Work: One Option
- University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics Located adjacent to the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus, UW hospital is one of the largest employers in Southwestern Wisconsin. Employees can receive full tuition reimbursement for up to 15 college credits each year. UW is a Magnet-recognized hospital.
Wisconsin MSN Schools
- Admissions requirements: Wisconsin nursing license and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
- Credit hour range: 30 to 65 credits
- Online degree options: Offered in some areas of study, particularly administrative specialties
- Licensing exams: Determined by each national certification agency
Nursing schools in WI don’t stop at the undergraduate level. In fact, a growing number of universities now offer graduate nursing programs. Depending on which area of specialty you choose, you may be able to focus on clinical work, nursing leadership, nursing informatics, or nurse education. Program lengths vary quite a bit between specialties, which is why it’s important to contact multiple schools during the decision making process.
Wisconsin Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Wisconsin is in the midst of a nursing shortage that experts predict will worsen before it gets better. The gap between RN supply and demand will increase to 35 percent by the year 2035, says the Wisconsin Office of Economic Advisors. More nurses are clearly needed to meet the demand, but educating more nurses requires additional nursing instructors and faculty.
Unfortunately, there is also a shortage of nursing faculty, according to the Wisconsin Nurse Faculty Shortage Task Force. While a PhD is generally required to teach BSN students, a MSN degree is sufficient to teach LPN and basic RN students. MSN-prepared nurses can also lead clinical sessions for BSN students.
If you are interested in helping to strengthen the nursing profession by earning your MSN degree, you can find a good deal of programs, including RN to MSN bridge programs and online options. Contact the nursing schools in Wisconsin to learn more about how you can expand your nursing education.
MSN Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
Three are several quality nursing programs to choose from in Wisconsin and many of them have similar entrance criteria. You will typically be expected to submit many of the following items as you apply to a Master’s in Nursing Program.
Admissions Requirements for Master’s in Nursing Programs
- BSN from a NLNAC or CCNE-accredited program or RN license if an RNtoMSN route
- Current RN license in the state where clinical rotations will be completed
- Three professional references
- Statistics course of three credit hours with GPA of 3.0 taken within past five years
- Official undergraduate and any graduate transcripts
- Registered nursing experience helpful but not required
- Resume
MSN Curriculum
You can also expect the basic curriculum of most MSN degree programs to be similar, especially in the first semesters. Most Master’s programs in Nursing consist of 30-60 credit hours, depending upon the route you take. You can expect to spend anywhere from two to four years in a program, depending upon your enrollment status. If you plan to enter a program that prepares you for a direct patient care roll, you may have a longer program with more clinical requirements. If you enter a program to become a nurse educator, you can expect a curriculum similar to the one below.
The curriculum for a typical nurse educator requires the following courses:
- Roles in Adv. Nursing and Interprofessional Collaboration
- Pharmacotherapetuics is for Advance Nursing Roles
- Nurse Educator Practice Advancement
- Healthcare Informatics
- Advanced Health Assessment for CNL and NEs
- Clinical Prevention and Population Health
- Quality Improvement & Safety
- Healthcare Systems Policy & Advocacy
- The Education Process in Nursing
- Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Roles
- Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in NE
- Advanced Educator Practicum (224 clinical hours)
- Clinical Paper/Thesis
Some of the other options for MSN degree specialties you may find include:
- Adult – Older Adult Acute Care
- Adult – Older Adult Primary Care
- Adult – Older Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Pediatrics Primary Care
- Pediatrics Acute Care
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Systems Leadership & Healthcare Quality
Nursing schools in Wisconsin also offer a RN to MSN accelerated programs. Approximately 31 credits of Liberal Arts Courses are required from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or better for admission to this type of program at Concorde University of WI. They specialize in programs for the Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner and the Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The courses are offered in a flexible format for the student that is working full-time.
Careers for Master’s Prepared Nurses in Wisconsin
After you have your MSN degree you will be able to sit for the credential test administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which includes nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, as well as, a number of specialty certifications.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, a branch of the Board of Nursing, requires the completion of their application to prescribe medication. The nurse must have an active license in Wisconsin, be currently certified by a national certifying body approved by the board as a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetists or clinical nurse specialist. The nurse must have a master’s degree in nursing or related field granted by a college or university that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency approved by the state Board of Education in which the college or university is located.
You must have completed at least 45 contact hours of clinical pharmacology/therapeutics within three years preceding the date of this application for certification to issue prescription orders. In addition, you must pass a jurisprudence examination for advanced practice nurse prescribers.
As of May 2013 family nurse practitioners in Wisconsin earned a mean annual income of $89,560 and nurse midwife’s annual income was $91,030. Salaries vary according to experience, education, employer and physical location, as rural areas do not pay as well as cities.
Funding your MSN Degree in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin League for Nursing awards scholarships in conjunction with other organizations to nursing students at various levels of their education.
There is a Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program designed for nurses to care for underserved people in hospitals and clinics. If a nurse works in one of these facilities for two years, 60 percent of their student loans will be paid.
The benefits of earning a MSN degree are plentiful and will give you a great deal of satisfaction. Numerous job opportunities due to the current nursing shortage are available, and you may also earn a higher income. Contact the schools listed on this page to learn more about specific nursing programs in Wisconsin.
MSN Programs for Wisconsin Nurses
- Marquette University. Marquette’s graduate nursing programs have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the best in the nation. Their nurse midwifery program ranks 19th in the nation. Marquette also offers MSN education for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders and nurse administrators. A direct-entry option is available for students who lack a BSN but hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.
- University of Wisconsin – Madison. Wisconsin’s flagship school offers a dual MSN/MPH degree for students who wish to become public health educators or administrators. MSN degrees are also available for nurses interested in careers as nurse educators.
DNP and PhD Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
- Admissions requirements: Wisconsin nursing license and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
- Credit hour range: Between 70 and 90 credits
- Online degree options: Typically unavailable, due to clinical, teaching, and research requirements
- Licensing exams: Determined by each national certification agency
Some schools have competitive PhD research programs. Others aim to make nurses better clinicians through a DNP program. Both options may help you enhance your clinical thinking skills.
This is your chance to get involved in this growing industry and make a change. Contact the best nursing programs in Wisconsin to take the first step toward a nursing license.
Wisconsin Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
If your nursing knowledge and experience has prepared you to seek greater flexibility and explore new career opportunities, an advanced degree in nursing can expand your scope of practice and provide you with a greater level of autonomy. As a family nurse practitioner (FNP) in Wisconsin, you can practice as a highly respected medical professional who provides expert care for ages across the spectrum and delivers primary and preventative health to the community and beyond.
To learn more about your options for study to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, take some time to look over the information on this page. You will find a full list of schools, including those that offer some type of online and/or distance learning options. Many nurses returning to school find this type of program to be more flexible and less stressful than traditional campus only programs. Additionally, these programs are typically able to accept more students, as they do not have to depend on local nursing faculty when conducting class online.
To begin, submit requests for information to all those schools that offer programs you might be interested in, or visit their sites. You will want to amass as much information as you can prior to applying, in order to find the school that is the best fit for you.
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Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum in Wisconsin
Programs in Wisconsin prepare the FNP with complex decision-making skills, expert knowledge and advanced clinical competencies to practice as an independent practitioner. Although Wisconsin currently requires the advanced nurse practitioner to collaborate with a physician for prescriptive authority, legislation is in progress to remove the barriers to the FNP’s practice. As reported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study in the NY Times, FNPs require full authority to fill-in the gap of the primary care physician shortage, provide essential care to underserved areas of care and increase access to affordable treatment for an estimated 224,580 Wisconsinites expected to enroll into healthcare reform. With the supportive actions of the AACN, the FNPs of Wisconsin continue to move forward towards complete dependence as advanced practitioners.
As a licensed registered nurse in Wisconsin, you are required to complete a graduate or postgraduate degree that prepares you for the role of an advanced practice nurse in family health. Programs provide flexible options with part and full-time tracks that conform to your demanding work schedule. Options include ADN and BSN to FNP master’s degree, MSN to postgraduate certificate or doctoral FNP program and non-nursing degree to graduate FNP program.
The FNP curriculum is designed to build on your real-world experiences and nursing knowledge to expand your practice and support you as a primary care practitioner. Nursing theories, research and advanced health assessment takes your nursing skills to the next level to enhance your critical thinking skills and provide a strong foundation for evidence-based practice.
Courses in your program curriculum may include subjects such as:
- Healthcare policy explores the role of the FNP in the contemporary healthcare system and analyzes policy components that relate to the practice structure of the advanced practice nurse
- Advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology and physical assessment are integrated with differential diagnosis and primary care health interventions
- Population health, epidemiology and statistical principles explores and analyzes the relationships of the health experience on community populations
- Fundamentals of nursing informatics introduce you to the management of technology for patient databases, health management resources and current emerging electronic health record systems
- Primary care of the ages across the lifespan provide a series of four clinical practicum experiences on the diagnostics, treatment and drug therapy management of acute disease and chronic conditions in the primary care setting
Graduates of the program in Wisconsin are prepared to sit for the national certification examination to complete the credentials of your FNP.
Financing your Family Nurse Practitioner Program in Wisconsin
As outlined by the National Governor’s Association, FNPs treat patients of all ages and are in high demand in primary care settings. With a looming physician shortage and a growing population of elderly in Wisconsin, FNPs are hailed as the solution to providing timely treatment and affordable care to medically underserved areas. The Affordable Care Act has provided scholarships, living expenses and tuition reimbursement programs via NurseCorps in return for a two-year commitment in rural and urban areas in need of care. The AACN scholarship program CertifiedBackground.com also offers scholarships to students that demonstrate excellence.
Family Nurse Practitioner Careers in Wisconsin
As an FNP graduate in Wisconsin, you may explore numerous opportunities that offer positions that fit your career expectations and provide the rewards of your dedication to an advanced degree. FNPs are in high demand for areas of care such as:
- Nurse-run clinics and community-based centers
- Retail healthcare and occupational health settings
- Hospitals, medical centers and ambulatory care
- Physician offices and medical groups
- Medical and pharmaceutical research
- Indian healthcare services
- Governmental and state health agencies
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, FNPs in Wisconsin can expect a median annual salary of $86,240. As an FNP, your practice may play an integral part of assuring the health and welfare of the communities of Wisconsin and offer preventative care to reduce future complications of illness. As a valued healthcare provider, your dedication to nursing may reward you with the lucrative opportunities of an esteemed medical professional.
Wisconsin Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
From farming communities and suburbs to central urban areas, Wisconsin has a variety of healthcare needs. Your experience as a nurse could make you a great fit for nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin. Learn more about this career path on this page and read about class requirements, clinical hours and job data. Ready to look for the ideal program for you? Use the search bar above or contact programs on our featured nurse practitioner schools list below.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin
You have two main options for becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Wisconsin: through a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. You will also need to pick a specialization and population to work with. For example, you could become a Family Nurse Practitioner or an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Read on for information to help you pick the degree and program that’s right for you.
Average Master’s Degree Requirements in Wisconsin
- Credit hours required: 50 credits
- Average cost: $1,060 per credit hour
- Clinical hours required: At least 500 hours
- Timeframe: Three years
Average Doctoral Requirements in Wisconsin
- Credit hours required: 90 credits
- Clinical hours required: At least 1,000 hours
- Timeframe: Six years
What Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Are Available in Wisconsin?
As you learn about different training options for registered nurses, you want to make sure that you meet the admissions requirements for nurse practitioner schools. Certain programs are open to Associate’s-level nurses. These programs are called RN-to-MSN programs, and they take about four years to complete.
However, most programs require a Bachelor’s degree, a registered nursing license, and some nursing experience. Since this is a fairly demanding specialty, you may need a strong academic history and solid references to be considered for acceptance.
You may narrow down your school options by deciding which patient population you would like to work with upon completing your education and graduating. Those who want to work with a diverse patient base often choose family nurse practitioner programs, since this type of program provides exposure to the healthcare needs of children, adults, and senior citizens. Other options you may come across in Wisconsin include geriatric health, acute care, pediatric health, and mental health.
Common APRN Course Options in Wisconsin
- Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Practice Nursing Theory
- Advanced Assessments
- Pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs
- Foundations for APRN Clinical Practice
- Ethics for Advanced Practice in Healthcare
- Evaluation and Application of Evidence-Based Practice
Throughout your APRN degree program, you should make steady progress toward completing your clinical requirements. You may complete rotations at a variety of healthcare institutions, since you do not know where or in what role you will be working after graduation.
The recommendations and feedback you get at this point in your education can impact your job search later on, so make sure you make a good impression and respond positively to suggestions for improvement and professional growth.
How Can I Pay for Nurse Practitioner School in Wisconsin?
- Back to School Nursing Scholarship: Each year, we support multiple nursing students at different stages of education. Apply for the current scholarship cycle for your chance to get a $2500 scholarship.
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: If you take out loans to cover your nurse practitioner education expenses, this is an option to consider. Eligible students have up to $50,000 of loans repaid when they spend two years working in an approved location after graduation.
- NURSE Corps Scholarship Program: This program selects promising students for large scholarships that generally cover most educational expenses. In turn, you must work in a Health Professional Shortage Area for two years after graduating.
- Health Professionals Loan Assistance Program: This program is run by the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. Students who work in the Health Professional Shortage Area in Wisconsin after graduation can have up to $50,000 of loans repaid.
Licensing and Practice Requirements for NPs in Wisconsin
After you complete your training, you can apply for licensure through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. You must provide proof of national certification, a graduate or doctoral degree, and a current nursing license.
Currently, nurse practitioners work within a reduced scope of practice in Wisconsin (AANP, 2016).
Nurse Practitioner Careers in Wisconsin
As the need for healthcare professionals grows in Wisconsin, job openings for nurse practitioners are increasing. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for nurse practitioners may swell 18% in Wisconsin (O*Net, 2016). The average annual income for Wisconsin nurse practitioners is $94,660 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
As you build your career, take advantage of networking and training opportunities that arise. You may get access to special events and updates by joining the Wisconsin Nurses Association. As a member, you may be able to attend advanced nurse practitioner training events and seminars.
Selected Nurse Practitioner Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin nurses who want to advance their education and become nurse practitioners can attend an online school, such as Georgetown University, or one of these in-state schools:
- Marquette University. U.S News and World Report ranked Marquette’s graduate-level nursing programs in the top 10 percent nationwide. The school has an RN-to-MSN options for nurses without bachelor’s degrees who wish to become NPs; it also has a direct-entry MSN program for non-nurses who want to become NPs. Students can choose from different NP tracks such as: acute care, adult, pediatric – acute, pediatric – primary care, and older adults. A DNP program is also available.
- University of Wisconsin at Madison. UW-Madison offers different master’s-level NP tracks such as: acute care, adult, gerontology, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health and women’s health. Students can also choose the nurse educator/pediatric nurse practitioner dual degree option.
- Viterbo University. Located in LaCrosse, Viterbo offers master’s-level preparation for family nurse practitioners and adult/gerontological nurse practitioners. These demanding programs requires a lot of hard work and focus; school leaders recommend restricting your work hours in the last semester of the program.
Nursing Colleges in Wisconsin with Nursing Bridge Programs
Wisconsin nursing programs often have bridge components for students who don’t take the traditional pathway to licensure. For example, you may begin as a licensed practical nurse and gain some experience in a local nursing home. You could choose to get an RN license by finishing an LPN to RN program in one year or an RN to BSN program in three years. Other schools cater to those who begin as Associate’s-level registered nurses. In a period of 18 to 24 months, you may finish the general education and nursing coursework needed for a BSN. Some of these programs do require additional clinical hours, but others let you use your nursing work experience to make up the difference. If you go this route, it’s likely that you’ll need at least one full year of nursing experience.
If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you could graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 12 months. Programs typically range from 12 to 24 months in duration. You spend your time exclusively on nursing classes, particularly clinical work. Since you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you should not need to take any more general education classes.
LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, health care is being revolutionized. Every month, more and more people get access to medical care for the first time in years or even the first time in their lives. Of course, this has significantly changed the hiring and staffing needs of institutions.
Even though you love your work as a licensed practical nurse, you may be ready for the next challenge in your career or you may be looking for a way to adapt to the evolving medical industry. Becoming a registered nurse may be the next step for you.
A registered nursing degree can be extremely valuable in this economy, as Wisconsin sets standards higher and higher. A recent study indicated that Wisconsin nursing homes are above the national average in terms of quality.
Contact LPN to RN programs in Wisconsin to find out how you can finish your education.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Wisconsin?
In general, the number of registered nurses in Wisconsin is increasing. However, the field is not becoming as diverse as it needs to be in order to meet the needs of the population. If you have specialized experience or knowledge of underserved groups in Wisconsin, you could be an invaluable asset to any health care institution.
Just like it is in many other fields, furthering your education in nursing may lead to an increase in income. To compare, LPNs in Wisconsin earn an average of $42,600 per year (O*Net, 2014). Registered nurses earn an average of $64,100 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to BSN and LPN to ADN Programs in Wisconsin
As an LPN, you have unique skills and knowledge that may make you a great candidate for nursing programs. Because of this, many programs are trying to increase their enrollment of LPN students. This may make it easier for you to find financial aid options, including federal grant programs and employer tuition assistance programs.
You can also contact the Wisconsin League for Nursing to apply for their scholarships.
Regardless of whether you choose an Associate’s degree completion program (LPN to ADN) or a Bachelor’s degree completion program (LPN to BSN), you may find that the curricula are fairly similar. However, a Bachelor’s degree requires more general education courses and more courses that focus on different nursing specialties. It will also take slightly longer to earn your Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in Wisconsin.
Classes that may be part of your curriculum in either degree include Comprehensive Adult Nursing, Behavioral Health Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology, Registered Nursing Concepts, and Clinical Reasoning Skills. You should also build on your clinical skills and abilities with rotations at local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Typically, schools require at least 300 hours of clinical work. Many Wisconsin schools require more, due to the strong reputation of the nursing industry in this state.
It’s time to further your career and find even more fulfillment in the work you do. You can get started right now by reaching out to LPN to RN programs in Wisconsin.
Tips for Choosing the Top Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
While comparing nursing programs in Wisconsin, you may find that many programs fit your general needs. However, it’s often not practical to apply to tons of nursing schools. Instead, focus on a handful of schools that are well-suited to your learning style, and concentrate your application efforts there.
Through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, you may learn a bit more about the licensing process in Wisconsin and make sure that your selected schools are approved in Wisconsin. This is fairly similar to accreditation; it’s important to attend an accredited school, since this is mandatory for licensure. As a general rule, most nursing schools are accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
For many students, tuition and financial aid are significant factors in the school selection process. Don’t just look at the tuition rate; find out how many students receive financial aid and which types of awards are available. Some grants are based on financial need, while others are based on academic merit.
Connecting with other students may help you make an informed school choice. When you tour each school, ask about meeting with other students and professors. This may give you a feel for the learning environment of the school and help you decide if it’s a good fit.
2018 Career Outlook for Nursing Professions
After finishing your nursing education, you may be able to begin the licensing process through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. In fact, you may start submitting paperwork in your final semester of school. At all levels of certification, you may find that Wisconsin has a growing need for nursing professionals. In fact, nursing schools have started working together in the Milwaukee area to combat the nursing shortage in Wisconsin (Biz Times, 2017).
If your journey starts at an LPN program in Wisconsin, you may start working in a support position in a local healthcare facility. Across Wisconsin, the average salary for a licensed practical nurse is $43,820 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017). From 2014 through 2024, demand for LPNs may jump 5% throughout the state (O*Net, 2017).
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a nursing license, you could make waves as a registered nurse in Wisconsin. By the year 2024, you may see job openings for registered nurses increase 10% in Wisconsin (O*Net, 2017). The average salary for a Wisconsin registered nurse is $67,930 per year (BLS, 2017).
Graduating from a nurse practitioner degree program may permit you to start working with adults, children, or elderly patients. Wisconsin nurse practitioners claim a mean income of $98,250 annually (BLS, 2017). An 18% increase in job openings is anticipated by the year 2024 (O*Net, 2017).
This could be the perfect time to learn more about becoming a nurse and start working toward a nursing degree. With our list of accredited nursing schools in Wisconsin, you can quickly compare options and reach out to nursing schools that fit your expectations.