Discover the Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin – Top Picks 2023
Choosing the right nursing school is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a nurse, and in Wisconsin, there are several top picks that offer exceptional nursing education and degrees. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking to advance your career, finding the best nursing school can set you on the path to success in the healthcare industry.
Wisconsin is home to a wide range of nursing schools, each with its own unique programs and opportunities. From prestigious public institutions to private colleges, there are options to suit every aspiring nurse’s needs and goals. In this article, we will explore the best nursing schools in Wisconsin, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to nursing education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) holds significant value. Not only does it satisfy Wisconsin’s requirements for a nursing license, but many hospitals and states now require nurses to have a minimum of a BSN. The right BSN program can also connect you to potential nursing careers, providing you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field.
To determine the top nursing schools in Wisconsin, we have considered various factors, including reputation, NCLEX-RN pass rate, tuition, acceptance rate, and accreditation. Only schools that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are eligible for our rankings.
Now, let’s delve into the top picks for the best nursing schools in Wisconsin. Each school on our list offers exceptional education, high NCLEX pass rates, and a range of program options to meet the diverse needs of aspiring nurses.
If you aspire to find a position as a nurse in Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) is the best route to take, as it not only satisfies the state’s nursing license requirements but also opens doors to a wide range of potential nursing careers.
Wisconsin is known for its excellent nursing schools, and the demand for BSN-educated nurses is on the rise. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state now require nurses to have a minimum of a BSN, making it a crucial credential for those looking to advance in their nursing careers.
By pursuing a BSN program, you not only gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality patient care, but you also develop critical thinking abilities and leadership qualities that are highly valued in the healthcare industry.
According to nursing school rankings and industry experts, earning a BSN can greatly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. Nurses with a BSN degree have a wider range of career opportunities, including roles in specialized areas such as critical care and operating rooms.
When it comes to nursing education, the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s School of Nursing is highly regarded. It offers a comprehensive BSN program that prepares students for the challenges of the nursing profession. With a strong focus on research and innovation, the University of Wisconsin – Madison equips its nursing students with the skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving healthcare system.
Another top nursing school in Wisconsin is the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. This nursing college emphasizes public health and fosters a sense of social justice, accountability, and sustainability in its students. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a variety of clinical rotations, allowing students to gain valuable hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health agencies.
Marquette University’s College of Nursing is also highly regarded for its commitment to nursing innovation. This nursing school offers state-of-the-art simulation facilities, allowing students to practice and perfect their skills in a safe and realistic environment. Marquette University also partners with international nursing programs, providing students with opportunities to study abroad and gain a global perspective on healthcare.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s College of Nursing stands out for its efforts to address Wisconsin’s nursing shortage. The college has received recognition and grants for its initiatives, including the targeting of nursing shortages in the state. Students at the College of Nursing have access to a Nursing Simulation Center, where they can develop and refine their skills through realistic scenario-based training.
Conclusion:
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) is essential for those aspiring to find a position as a nurse in Wisconsin. Not only does a BSN satisfy the state’s nursing license requirements, but it also opens doors to a wide range of potential nursing careers. With top-ranked nursing schools like the University of Wisconsin – Madison, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Wisconsin offers excellent educational opportunities for aspiring nurses. Pursuing a BSN degree equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities needed to excel in the nursing profession and make a positive impact on patient care.
The Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin – Our Methodology
Our selection of the best nursing schools in Wisconsin is based on a rigorous methodology that takes into account various factors, including nursing school rankings, NCLEX-RN pass rate, tuition, acceptance rate, and accreditation by ACEN or CCNE.
In order to determine the top nursing schools in Wisconsin, our panel of experienced Registered Nurses with a combined 55 years of nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees carefully evaluated each school based on the following criteria:
- Nursing School Rankings: We considered the rankings of nursing schools in Wisconsin to identify the top institutions.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: The NCLEX-RN pass rate is an important indicator of a nursing school’s effectiveness in preparing students for the licensure exam. We looked for schools with high pass rates.
- Tuition: We considered the annual tuition costs of each nursing program to ensure affordability for students.
- Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate provides insights into the competitiveness of each nursing program. We considered schools with a reasonable acceptance rate.
- Accreditation: Only nursing schools that are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) were eligible for consideration.
By carefully considering these factors, we were able to identify the top nursing schools in Wisconsin that deliver high-quality education and produce successful nursing graduates.
Top Picks – Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
When it comes to the best nursing schools in Wisconsin, these top picks stand out for their exceptional education, high NCLEX pass rates, and diverse program offerings:
-
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Annual In-State Tuition $8,909 NCLEX Pass Rate 99.10% Programs Offered Traditional, Online As one of the top public schools in the region, the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire provides an excellent education for the in-state tuition cost. Students pursuing a BSN have two options of study: on-campus in Eau Claire or at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Both locations are staffed by UW – Eau Claire professors, so you can pick whichever site works best for you. UW – Eau Claire also has a high NCLEX pass rate, so any Wisconsin resident should consider applying.
-
Viterbo University
Annual Tuition $39,786 NCLEX Pass Rate 93.29% Programs Offered Traditional, Online, Bridge Viterbo University is a small, private school with over 100 years of educating students in Wisconsin. The School of Nursing offers a BSN program with a 100% job placement rate upon graduation. Students also have the option to study abroad and complete the degree in four years. With its relatively low tuition, Viterbo is a great choice for aspiring nurses.
-
Edgewood College
Annual Tuition $32,600 NCLEX Pass Rate 96.85% Programs Offered Traditional, Online, Accelerated Edgewood College, a liberal arts school founded in the Catholic Dominican tradition, offers a BSN program with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With small class sizes, students at Edgewood consistently pass the NCLEX on their first try. The nursing program partners with more than 50 clinical sites, including four major hospitals in Madison, providing students with diverse clinical experiences.
-
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Annual In-State Tuition $24,858 NCLEX Pass Rate 94.31% Programs Offered Traditional, Accelerated, Bridge The University of Wisconsin – Madison, the state’s flagship university, offers a BSN program with various options for study. The traditional BSN program is a 2+2 program, where students complete two years of nursing prerequisites before entering the two-year nursing program. Admission is competitive, but those accepted will receive an excellent education at this renowned institution.
-
Concordia University Wisconsin
Annual Tuition $32,770 NCLEX Pass Rate 92.86% Programs Offered Traditional, Online, Accelerated, Bridge Concordia University Wisconsin, a private Lutheran college, offers a BSN program with a strong focus on community service. Nursing students have the opportunity to complete clinical rotations at more than 50 clinical agencies, and the university is ranked as the safest campus in Wisconsin. Despite the higher tuition, nursing students at Concordia receive financial aid awards that help offset the cost of the program.
-
Marquette University
Annual Tuition $45,860 NCLEX Pass Rate 96% Programs Offered Traditional Marquette University, a top private school in the region, offers a BSN program with a focus on nursing innovation. The undergraduate nursing program provides students with the opportunity to study abroad or earn an internship in Washington DC. Marquette also offers an honors nursing program, providing students with the opportunity to receive a BSN with Honors upon completing the degree.
-
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Annual In-State Tuition $13,656 NCLEX Pass Rate 88.28% Programs Offered Traditional, Online, Bridge The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, one of the larger schools in the state, offers a range of nursing programs including a traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and an RN to MSN. The nursing program consistently ranks in the top 15% of nursing schools with graduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report. With its extensive alumni network and diverse clinical options, UWM is a great choice for nursing students.
-
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Annual In-State Tuition $7,774 NCLEX Pass Rate 94.05% Programs Offered Traditional, Online, Accelerated, Bridge The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, a nationally-recognized research school, offers a quality nursing education at a low in-state tuition rate. The traditional undergraduate nursing program has two options: a five-semester program or a year-round program with a hybrid of online and on-campus coursework. With its commitment to evidence-based practice and community health, UW Oshkosh prepares nursing students for successful careers.
With the aging population and increasing incidence of chronic diseases, Wisconsin is facing a nursing shortage, making it a favorable environment for registered nurses and nurse practitioners seeking job opportunities in various healthcare settings.
By 2040, the number of individuals in Wisconsin aged 65 or older is projected to increase by 3.92%, leading to a greater demand for medical services and, consequently, more nurses. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development anticipates a need for over 5,000 nurses by 2024. The highest demand will be in specialty areas such as critical care and operating rooms.
Currently, there is an average annual salary of $99,060 for the 63,630 registered nurses employed in Wisconsin. Recent graduates can expect to earn around $54,040 per year. The state requires approximately 3,600 new nurses annually, and the number of nurses working in Wisconsin is predicted to increase by 7.8% from 2018 to 2028. Healthcare facilities in the state, including hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare settings, have more vacancies than the state can supply, ensuring plenty of job opportunities for nurses.
In addition to registered nurses, there is also a high demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) in Wisconsin. The state currently has 4,820 NPs, with an average annual salary of $100,570 for recent graduates and even higher salaries for experienced NPs ($137,000+). The number of NPs in Wisconsin is projected to rise to 3,750 by 2028, resulting in a significant number of annual job openings. However, it’s worth noting that nurse practitioners in Wisconsin have reduced practice authority, which means they must have a regulated collaborative agreement with another healthcare provider to provide patient care.
Working in Wisconsin not only offers a promising nursing career but also provides opportunities for water recreation, such as boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. The state boasts numerous high-quality nursing schools and colleges, allowing nurses to further advance their careers and become strong leaders, educators, policymakers, and researchers.