Online Nursing Schools in Wisconsin: Choosing a Program
From certificates for early nursing careers to doctorates for executive leadership roles, Wisconsin has many programs for nurses who want to further their education. In this guide, we give examples for all types of nursing programs available, including accelerated and bridge programs. We also rank Wisconsin schools according to factors that are important to prospective students, and we talk about the career opportunities for nursing school graduates in the state. Learn more about your different nursing education options below.
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Inside Online Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
While there are still plenty of in-person nursing education programs in Wisconsin, there are also online programs that offer convenience for prospective students. These programs cover the gamut of degree and certificate types, from the starting route of a CNA through undergraduate and graduate degrees for RNs to a PhD or doctorate.
Most programs with online options are hybrid, with virtual classes paired with in-person classes, on-site clinicals and fieldwork at healthcare facilities, or lab work that’s on campus or at an independent site. The theoretical work can be completed remotely while the practical elements require physical participation.
Below, we highlight some of the best online nursing programs available in Wisconsin.
Undergraduate Nursing Degrees
Students who want a fast start to a nursing career can earn certificates to break into the industry with collaborative roles on a healthcare team. Beyond that, there are programs for more advanced bachelor’s degrees, which lead to more responsibility and pay. Here’s a look at what’s available in the state.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Students will learn the basics of becoming a CNA with programs that can include online courses and hands-on clinical experience. Ideal for students who want to enter the healthcare field with relative speed, this type of program prepares students to sit for the state certification exam.
Example: Bellin College
- Cost: $747
- Length: Six weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Becoming an LPN means that you will provide direct patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. For licensure, future LPNs will need to take and pass the NCLEX. LPN programs are often shorter than RN programs, making this option good for those wanting quick access into the field.
Example: Rasmussen University
- Cost: $20,104
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs condense the necessary practical experience students need in a shorter timeframe, offering yet another faster route to becoming a nurse. These types of programs are also typically cheaper due to the faster timeline. ADN classes prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Madison Area Technical College
- Cost: Tuition is $9,718
- Length: Two Years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
BSN programs are ideal for future nurses who want to work in hospitals or in advanced nursing practice roles beyond the associate level. Classes will often include subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry fundamentals, and nutrition and health, all featured in the following school.
Example: Joyce University
- Cost: Tuition is $72,580
- Length: Three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An ABSN program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field who want to make the transition to the healthcare field and become a nurse. This degree path is faster when compared to traditional nursing programs, condensing the knowledge and experience necessary for success in your career.
Example: University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
- Cost: Tuition is $48,224
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate Nursing Degree Programs
There are many hybrid and online programs available for Wisconsin nurses who have earned undergraduate degrees. Many of them cover specialties that are in demand in the workplace, including care for families, the elderly, and mental health patients. Here are some examples of what’s available in the state.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs elevate a nurse’s skills and knowledge past the BSN level. MSN curriculum can include courses in health care policy, communication skills, organizational behavior, evaluation methods, and fiscal management, all featured in the school below.
Example: University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
- Cost: $19,584
- Length: Two to four years
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Depending on your goals for graduate level nursing, consider a DNP or PhD in nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is geared for those who want to have an impact on healthcare policy and initiatives, while the PhD in Nursing is for those who want to join academia or pursue research.
Example: University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Cost: Tuition ranges from $47,104 to $100,096, depending on each track
- Length: Two to four years, depending on each track
- Mode: Hybrid for advanced practice nursing tracks, online for non-clinical tracks
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-master’s certificate programs are for RNs with MSNs to advance their careers by focusing their expertise on a specialization without having to do a full degree program. These programs allow students to work in management roles or education.
Example: Marian University – Wisconsin
- Cost: $12,075
- Length: Two to three years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Programs in Wisconsin
Bridge programs are best for nurses who want to earn a higher-level degree in a shorter amount of time, leveraging past work as part of the required credits. There are also bridge programs that are open to degree earners in other disciplines who want to try for nursing leadership roles.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
An LPN to RN or LPN to BSN bridge program is designed for current LPNs to take their skill set to the next level. More advanced care skills, health assessment, care management and evidence-based practice are some subjects that may be part of the curriculum, just like the school listed here.
Example: Herzing University – Brookfield
- Cost: Tuition is $22,650 if you are able to transfer up to 90 credits
- Length: 2.5 years
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs allow current RNs to pursue higher education and increase their earning potential. Some topics in the curriculum may include palliative care, health assessment, global health, leadership and management, and chronic care management, all featured in the spotlighted school below.
Example: University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
- Cost: $2,250
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
RN to MSN degree programs are for RNs who hold an ADN, offering a faster option for higher education in that these types of programs skip the need to pursue a BSN separately. These programs allow students to become nurse practitioners or other advanced nursing roles.
Example: Carroll University
- Cost: Tuition is $39,780
- Length: 1.5 to 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
BSN to DNP
BSN to DNP programs are an ideal option for those wanting to fast track their BSN to graduate-level nursing. The goal of the curriculum for these programs will generally be to train nurse leaders in finding informational challenges, improving workflows, and advocating for ethical healthcare policies.
Example: University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
- Cost: Tuition is $42,254
- Length: Three to five years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
If you have earned a master’s degree in another field, you can earn another in nursing science with a direct-entry program. Subjects studied may include health assessment, ethics and health care advocacy, maternity nursing theory, health promotion across the lifespan, and informatics, such as at the school listed here.
Example: Marquette University
- Cost: $67,000
- Length: 2.5 to 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing Information & Requirements for Wisconsin RNs
The NCLEX-RN exam serves as the gateway to earning a license to work as a registered nurse in Wisconsin and all other states. The specific process for Wisconsin is set forth by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. We’ve outlined the steps for RN licensure in Wisconsin below.
1 – Earn Your Nursing Degree from an Accredited School
Students who want to become RNs in Wisconsin must graduate from a program approved by the Wisconsin board, who recognize accredited nursing school programs lauded for quality and career development. This governing body recognizes programs that are nationally accredited by two organizations, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on College Nursing Education.
2 – Pass Your NCLEX-RN Exam
Before you can receive your RN license from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, you must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination-RN, or NCLEX-RN. Use study guides and resources such as our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX to prepare for the exam. Most nursing students register for the test during the final few months of their nursing degree program. To register, create an account with Pearson VUE and pay a testing fee of $200. Wisconsin undergraduate nursing programs commonly have curriculum that covers aspects of the NCLEX.
3 – Apply for Licensure in Wisconsin
To become licensed as an RN in Wisconsin, you need to submit an application to the state’s nursing board. This includes providing proof that you’ve passed the accredited nursing program and earned a degree, undergoing a background check, showing your employment history, submitting fingerprints, and paying a $75 fee. You can also pay $10 for a temporary license if you are still completing some of the steps above and have a work opportunity. Note that RN licensing requirements differ for each state.
4 – Maintain Your License
To renew your Wisconsin RN license, complete the form on the nursing board’s website and pay a $57 standard renewal fee. There is also a workplace survey as part of the form. Licenses expire on March 1 every even-numbered year, and you have to pay an additional fee if you are late in renewing. Wisconsin is also a state where you don’t have to complete continuing education to renew your license.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
If you want to earn even better professional opportunities or affect genuine change in the way care is delivered, earning a certificate in several nursing disciplines can keep you active in the industry. Among the nursing disciplines that have certifications are pediatric, oncology, critical care, emergency, and mental health. You can also be certified as a nurse anesthetist or a nurse practitioner for an expansion of your specialty or distinctive role in healthcare.
Wisconsin Nursing Pay and Opportunities
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $74,970 | $86,070 | $109,270 |
| Appleton, WI | $69,650 | $81,850 | $105,210 |
| Eau Claire, WI | $75,510 | $81,420 | $104,330 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $74,140 | $80,360 | $97,980 |
| Green Bay, WI | $74,860 | $79,550 | $100,630 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | $70,170 | $84,610 | $106,480 |
| Kenosha, WI | $75,930 | $84,500 | $102,730 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $78,960 | $95,800 | $111,660 |
| Madison, WI | $80,000 | $89,980 | $110,100 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $73,170 | $83,990 | $107,600 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $75,410 | $82,980 | $104,270 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $73,090 | $81,040 | $105,480 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $66,750 | $81,360 | $102,230 |
| Wausau, WI | $70,790 | $79,030 | $101,010 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Wisconsin | 62,260 | 65,570 | 3,310 | 5.30% | 3,770 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Wisconsin’s Best Online Nursing Programs
In order to help out prospective students in their search, we’ve ranked two-year and four-year nursing programs in the following list. These are all schools that are accredited from a recognized organization, have at least one online component in nursing, and have academic and career support available for students. Colleges and universities reported their own data for this list, which includes metrics for online programs, tuition costs, and student-to-faculty ratio. Keep reading to find out which schools are among the highest ranked.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,083 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Alverno College
- Alverno’s Nursing program features an abilities-based curriculum with hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art Center for Clinical Education, preparing students for real-world nursing challenges through advanced simulation and practical experiences.
- Small class sizes foster meaningful connections with faculty and peers, ensuring personalized support and lifelong professional relationships that enhance students’ growth and career readiness.
- Alverno boasts a consistently high NCLEX pass rate exceeding the national average, reflecting strong clinical preparation and program quality that benefits graduates entering the nursing workforce.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $20,083 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $18,846 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Viterbo University
- Viterbo University’s Nursing program offers a four-year graduation guarantee, ensuring students can complete their BSN efficiently and with a clear timeline.
- The program features a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center with four specialized labs for critical care, med-surgery, maternity, and pediatrics, enhancing hands-on clinical training.
- Graduates receive a distinctive nursing pin bearing the university seal, symbolizing a curriculum infused with spirituality, caring, ethical leadership, and lifelong learning.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $18,846 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,504 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Wisconsin
- The UWM School of Nursing offers more than $500,000 in scholarships and funding annually, significantly easing the financial burden for students.
- The program features high-quality clinical placements through partnerships with over 160 community healthcare agencies, ensuring extensive hands-on experience.
- UWM supports students with state-of-the-art simulation labs and faculty mentorship that challenge and prepare them rigorously for the NCLEX licensure exam.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,504 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $21,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mount Mary University
- Mount Mary University’s Nursing program offers direct admission, ensuring students enter nursing classes immediately upon acceptance without additional applications.
- The program features state-of-the-art simulation labs, including the Health Sciences Simulation Lab and Anatomage table, providing advanced hands-on learning with real-world hospital scenario simulations.
- The innovative Nursing 1-2-1 program enables completion of both Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in four years through collaboration with MATC, combining resources and experienced faculty from both institutions.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $21,316 Avg. Aid Amount
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,170 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Edgewood College
- Edgewood University’s Nursing program offers an accelerated 12-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) pathway for post-baccalaureate students, enabling rapid entry into the nursing profession, including earning 3 graduate-level credits to advance to master's programs.
- The program features hybrid learning with online coursework and clinical experiences through local preceptors, plus on-campus lab immersions, making it accessible to students in rural areas without requiring relocation.
- Edgewood has strong community partnerships, including local clinical rotations every semester and priority admission for regional students, especially at the Baraboo Sauk County campus, promoting hands-on experience and regional workforce integration.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,170 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,793 Avg. Aid Amount
- 81% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Marquette University
- Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN program offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to transition from a non-nursing bachelor’s degree into nursing in as few as five semesters or an extended eight-semester option.
- The program combines asynchronous online didactic coursework with in-person skills labs, clinical simulations, and in-hospital clinical rotations supervised by expert clinicians across diverse specialties, ensuring hands-on experience critical to nursing competency.
- Students benefit from partnerships with top healthcare facilities in Metro Milwaukee, Southeast Wisconsin, and Northeast Illinois, enhancing clinical placement opportunities and real-world practice settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $29,793 Avg. Aid Amount
- 81% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,261 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Carroll University
- The Carroll University Nursing program features the E.L. Wiegand Nursing Simulation Center, offering early and extensive hands-on simulation experiences that reduce performance anxiety in clinical settings.
- Students engage in diverse, high-quantity clinical placements across multiple healthcare environments starting in their sophomore year, totaling approximately 850 hours to ensure real-world readiness.
- The program emphasizes close mentorship with low faculty-to-student ratios, providing personalized guidance in classroom, lab, and clinical settings throughout the nursing education.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $22,261 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,571 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bellin College
- Bellin College's Nursing program offers new undergraduate students up to $52,000 in scholarships, significantly reducing tuition costs for incoming students.
- The program features an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and strong faculty support for students.
- Extensive clinical experiences with a 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate prepare students confidently for licensure and successful nursing careers.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,571 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,038 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lakeland University
- Lakeland University’s nursing program offers small faculty-to-student ratios ensuring personalized instruction and attention throughout both prerequisite and advanced coursework.
- Students benefit from clinical nursing experiences starting in the very first semester at Columbia College of Nursing, with no waiting lists, providing immediate hands-on patient care exposure.
- The program features a unique partnership with Moraine Park Technical College, enabling students to earn multiple nursing credentials and gain paid on-the-job experience across varied specialties through clinical rotations at top healthcare agencies.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $19,038 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $31,922 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Milwaukee School of Engineering
- MSOE Nursing guarantees direct admission and clinical placement from day one, ensuring seamless progression through hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- The program features the Ruehlow Nursing Complex with state-of-the-art simulation labs linked to classrooms, offering immersive, technology-rich experiential learning environments.
- MSOE offers an accelerated second-degree BSN program completing in just 18 months, ideal for career changers seeking swift transition into nursing.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $31,922 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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