Explore some of the best online nursing degrees available in Wisconsin. The rising interest in online nursing programs is a result of their flexibility, enabling prospective nurses to balance their educational pursuits with other life obligations. We've selected colleges that offer online nursing programs and have available NCLEX data, so you can easily determine which online nursing program results in graduates with the best pass rate. For inclusion on our list, the colleges are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school’s main campus is located in Wisconsin.
- The school offers an online bachelor’s degree in nursing or an online RN to BSN program.
- The school has publicly available for 2023, sourced from government data, specifically for the baccalaureate level.
- Either all or the vast majority of coursework is conducted online, though top programs often include in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Viterbo University | 99.3% | 521 |
| University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh | 99.06% | 1,221 |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | 96.91% | 1,384 |
| Marian University - Wisconsin | 96.3% | 396 |
| University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee | 95.03% | 3,100 |
| University of Wisconsin - Green Bay | 93.55% | 2,494 |
| Concordia University - Wisconsin | 92.42% | 1,747 |
Becoming a Nurse in Wisconsin
Students interested in pursuing a career in nursing have the opportunity to find job stability due to the critical need for skilled nurses in the state. Attending nursing programs in Wisconsin is the best way to ensure a seamless transition to become a licensed professional.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's reveals that the state currently had 67,900 registered nurses (RNs).
Individuals graduating from one of the accredited nursing programs in Wisconsin will have the opportunity to go on to work as different types of nurses, including a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), RN, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). There are several accredited nursing schools in Wisconsin that can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these fields.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Can I Take a Nursing Course Online?
There are plenty of nursing schools in Wisconsin that offer online degrees. In order to become a licensed nurse, students must complete a nursing degree online or in person.
Online nursing programs in Wisconsin are supported by a school's learning management system (LMS), which allows for remote studying through digital tests, video lectures, and discussion forums. Students can choose anywhere from large public universities to small technical colleges. Each institution offers different nursing bridges, such as an LPN to RN online degree that is designed to set students up for specific careers in Wisconsin.
Beyond nursing degrees, professional nurses may seek an online nursing certification to solidify their expertise in a given area and expand their job opportunities.
If you are a nurse interested in changing your career, check out our article about other career opportunities.
How To Get CNA Certification in Wisconsin
CNAs provide essential hands-on care to patients, including bathing, feeding, dressing wounds, and repositioning and turning patients. Working under the supervision of RNs and LPNs, they help provide dignified care to patients.
To be eligible to work in Wisconsin, all CNAs must first complete a CNA training program that has been approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health and the Division of Quality Assurance. Approved CNA training programs provide students with comprehensive instruction on the requirements to work in all types of licensed healthcare facilities — such as nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, and hospitals.
To be certified and placed on the , an individual must take and pass the (NNAAP) exam within one year of completing their training. This test consists of two parts: a written or oral portion and a skills demonstration portion.
CNA Certification Renewal
CNA certification is renewed . Federal regulations require a nurse aide to do the following to maintain eligibility to work in a federally certified nursing home, intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, home health agency, or hospice:
- Submit fingerprints for a background check
- Submit an to the Department for review and processing
How To Get an LPN License in Wisconsin
LPNs in Wisconsin provide a range of medical care to patients. Working alongside RNs and doctors, LPNs perform an array of duties from taking vital signs and inserting catheters to assisting with tests and procedures. The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) in the state.
Individuals applying for a Wisconsin LPN license must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The NCLEX evaluates an individual's knowledge and skills in several areas, including health promotion and maintenance, safe and effective care environments, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
Individuals are required to online. Before sitting for the examination, an applicant may receive a temporary permit. Completion of a and payment of $10.00 are required to receive a permit.
Other requirements for becoming an LPN include the following:
- Submit fingerprints for a background check
- Submit an to the Department for review and processing
LPN License Renewal
LPN licenses expire on April 30 of . It's possible to renew an LPN license completely .
How To Get an RN License in Wisconsin
Online RN programs in Wisconsin are available to train individuals in managing a range of responsibilities, including administering medications, monitoring sick patients, assisting during medical procedures, and even managing other nurses. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Nursing Board in the state.
The first step to becoming a licensed RN is graduating from a nursing program that the Wisconsin nursing board has approved.
RNs in Wisconsin must hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program.
After graduating from an accredited nursing program, individuals must take the NCLEX-RN. Testers are responsible for registering to take the exam. They must also have a Statement of Graduation form submitted directly to the board by their board-approved school.
Before sitting for the examination, an applicant may receive a . To receive a permit, individuals must meet all requirements, submit an application form, and pay a $10 fee. The temporary permit allows the applicant to practice under the direct supervision of an RN for a period of up to three months. A temporary permit is valid for a period of three months or until the holder receives notification of failing the NCLEX, whichever may occur first.
Other requirements for receiving a Wisconsin RN license include the following:
- Submit fingerprints for a background check
- Submit an to the Department for review and processing
RN License Renewal
RN licenses expire on February 28 of . Wisconsin renewal applications are available .
How To Get an APRN License in Wisconsin
An APRN is a registered nurse who holds a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program. An APRN in Wisconsin must receive national certification in one of the following specialties: nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse midwife (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). APRNs can apply for certification as advanced practice nurse prescribers, which gives them the authority to prescribe medications and medical devices.
To receive initial certification as an advanced practice nurse prescriber, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit an application form and fee
- Provide evidence of holding a current license to practice as a professional nurse
- Provide evidence of current certification by a national certifying body as an NP, CNM, CRNA, or CNS
- Provide evidence of a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or a related health field
- Provide evidence of completion of 45 contact hours in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics within five years preceding the application
- Provide evidence of passing an examination for advanced practice nurse prescribers
Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber License Renewal
Advanced practice nurse prescriber licenses expire on September 30 of . Sixteen contact hours in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics are required for renewal. These hours need to (1) be relevant to the advanced practice nurse prescriber's area of practice and (2) include two hours in which the individual is responsible for prescribing controlled substances. In addition, individuals must provide evidence of current specialty certification through a national certifying body.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
How Many Nursing Schools Are in Wisconsin?
There are currently 26 nursing schools in Wisconsin that offer online programs. Tuition costs range from approximately $6,000 to over $40,000. There are various bridge programs to choose from, which depend on the student's level and what direction they want to take their career.
How Long Is a Nursing Program in Wisconsin?
The completion time for a nursing program in Wisconsin depends on the degree level a student is pursuing. For example, a BSN can take as little as four years to complete when studying on a full-time schedule. Keep in mind that many students first complete certificate programs or ADNs prior to BSN degrees. These programs often take one to two years to complete.
How Long Does It Take To Become an RN in Wisconsin?
Students must complete either a BSN or ADN program in order to apply for licensure and become an RN in Wisconsin. The process may be accelerated if students are able to complete their required practicum hours during the course of their studies.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
The online courses were convenient, the final exam was reasonable. I love the the BSN program because my monthly payment is reasonable and I don't have to worry about student loan. I will recommend this program to friends and family. I am really excited for completing BSN online. I think it was a great journey for me and will add knowledge and value to my current position. Thanks to Aspen University faculty.
Review Date: 1/17/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school seems like a great idea at first since it's convenient 7 week courses and is $318 per credit. However, they only accept 75 credits towards a BSN, they make these requirements obscure until after you've been accepted even with what they say you require in the welcoming email. I thought I only needed 8 classes but apparently it was 15. There is no payment plan whatsoever for the nursing courses where each class is half of a regular semester and I took 2 classes at a time while working full... Read More
Review Date: 6/22/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am so happy I chose WGU. An admissions counselor called me weekly to help me with transcripts and financial assistance. After starting the program, a student mentor called me weekly through the program to help guide me with my course schedule ,offer support, and answer any questions I had. In addition to the student mentor, I was assigned a separate course mentor to call or email with any questions about that particular course. In addition to online assigned textbooks and webinars, most classes... Read More
Review Date: 8/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm very disappointed by the negative reviews I have read about WGU. I really am glad that I found this program. I hated the way I saw traditional nursing programs instructor belittle and intimidate the students which I knew at my age I wouldn't be able to take. I also wouldn't be able to do a traditional program with my financial and family obligations. I initially had trouble but soon learn to navigate the program and rules. I found that, if I wanted to succeed then I must take control of my destiny.... Read More
Review Date: 11/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Being able to attend school online and not having to lose time for work is great. there is alot of flexibility especially with a family. All students are provided with great support and resources throughout the program.
Review Date: 10/31/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I completed a 3 year diploma in nursing and began practice in 1975. The following year, I began contacting colleges and universities regarding my interest in obtaining my bachelors degree. All were as helpful as they could be but required clinical rotations, on site classes / orientations, or offered limited to no credit for completed collegiate courses. It seemed that there was no program that allowed the non-traditional student to balance family, work, and continued formal education. The online... Read More
Review Date: 9/16/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The RN-BSN program is a cakewalk. I would give "0" stars if I could for quality of instruction if I could because WGU does not employ instructors- rather "course mentors" that did not truly help and seemed to only monitor the student message boards and post the rare Q&A to attempt to involve students. My degree helped my career and I would recommend it to others because it was so easy and cheap. It was basically a series of CLEP tests compared to a full 16-week semester at a regular university. Very... Read More
Review Date: 9/22/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at GCU. I was battling cancer when I enrolled, and the admission adviser was very helpful and even told me that he understood if I wanted to delay my enrollment. The professors for the most part are very informative and got back in touch with me immediately when I had questions about assignments. I only had two dipsticks for professors; however, the others were very professional. I would recommend this school to anyone who does a lot of traveling because I was able... Read More
Review Date: 10/5/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Wow! I am planning to apply to the FNP program at Walden. All these reviews are giving me a second thought. Thank you all for your honesty. If anyone has been through the FNP program at Walden, can you PLEASE give me a feedback on the program?
Review Date: 9/8/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a sophomore nursing student at Hood College and I think Hood is just ok. The staff outside of the nursing program are very nice, understanding, and accommodating, and almost always reply to emails in a timely manner. Students are generally nice, but not overly friendly. Inside the nursing program, at least for my cohort, there are a handful of nice students, and the rest act like they never left high school. A few of the nursing professors are very nice and want you to succeed, going above and... Read More
Review Date: 1/22/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Good school with great access to Boston. Networking after graduation has been easy with access to graduates in the nursing program as well as outside the program. With a known undergrad school I have been able to take jobs across the country and now have been accepted into law school.
Review Date: 8/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Go to office hours. Go to sporting events. Make new friends in class and have study groups. Being naturally smart helps but college was where I finally struggled a little and really had to learn how to study. Have fun! You will make mistakes but don't let them define you
Review Date: 10/26/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Don't go to this school!!!! Check around about credit hour prices, trust me you'll be surprised. I made it all through the RN course accepted into the class made it halfway through there they told me that my loans had ran out and I did not qualify for anything else unless I paid cash I couldn't do that they found a reason to kick me out so all that you do is call financial adie and ask them about credit hour prices and do call about 5 of them and compare prices you'll see a big difference and then... Read More
Review Date: 2/28/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Why Trust Us?
27 Data Researchers
60,000 Degrees Researched Annually
20,000 Hours Spent on Research Annually
Launching Rankings Since 2009