9 Best Online Nursing Programs in Wisconsin

Becoming a certified registered nurse can be challenging for students who lead busy personal and professional lives. It's not always easy to find time for classes and study.

Fortunately, many colleges and universities have adapted their nursing programs to include online nursing degree programs for working adults.

If you're interested in securing a Wisconsin online nursing degree, there are several schools offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Best Online Nursing Programs in Wisconsin

The following colleges and universities offer excellent opportunities to earn a Wisconsin online nursing degree at home or on the go. These programs include a variety of degrees as well as bridge programs, including online RN to BSN.

1. University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin - Madison offers the RN to BSN Online | BSN@Home, a 24-30 credit online program for licensed RNs.

The program lasts 1.5 to 2.5 years and requires interested nurses to have an associate degree or diploma in nursing to enroll.

The university also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which offers seven specialty tracks.

Two of those tracks, Population Health and System Leadership and Innovation, are fully online.

2. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

At the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, students interested in earning a nursing bachelor's degree can enroll in the RN to BSN program.

This program allows students to choose their preferred mode of learning: online, in-person, or competency-based assessment. Students must complete 124 credits to earn their BSN.

Enrollment is open to students who already possess their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma or are pursuing their ADN.

3. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh is one of several University of Wisconsin System schools offering the BSN@Home program.

This program allows current RNs with an ADN or diploma to secure their BSN through flexible online learning and distance technology.

The university also offers a 100% online MSN program with two emphasis options: Clinical Nurse Leader or Nurse Educator.

RNs without a BSN who are interested in their MSN can take advantage of the online RN to BSN to MSN program.

4. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Registered nurses who want to earn an online BSN from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay can do so through the 100% online RN to BSN program.

Designed for current RNs already possessing an ADN, students can enjoy the flexibility of taking one course at a time or finishing their degree at a faster pace.

The Wisconsin online nursing degree program also allows students to transfer up to 90 credits that they can apply to their BSN degree.

5. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Students attending the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire can enroll in the BSN Completion program, which allows current RNs to earn their BSN degree.

The program is associated with the UW System's BSN@Home program and enables students to learn via synchronous and asynchronous online courses.

The average length of the BSN Completion program is two years.

It is available to registered nurses from Wisconsin or Minnesota who possess an ADN or diploma in nursing with a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

6. Alverno College

Alverno College offers two online nursing degree programs for nurses interested in furthering their education.

The RN to BSN program is a fully online program that lasts 12 months, consists of a series of eight-week courses, and requires 35 credits for completion.

Students who want to continue their nursing education can take advantage of the fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

The DNP program lasts 18 months full-time and offers two tracks: Direct Care and Leadership.

7. Concordia University Wisconsin

At Concordia University Wisconsin, students can take advantage of a flexible 24-month RN to BSN online program with start dates every eight weeks.

The 120-credit program is designed for registered nurses who already possess an associate degree in nursing.

The university also offers a 30-credit online DNP program for certified advanced practice nurses or advanced administrators.

Students can enjoy accelerated classes in a flexible online format designed to accommodate busy schedules.

8. Edgewood College

Edgewood College offers several online nursing programs.

The ADN-MSN Pathway is a fully online program that can be completed in as few as 21 months. It helps students finish their BSN and earn credits toward their MSN.

Students interested in earning their MSN have two fully online programs to choose from: the ADN-MSN and MSN programs.

Edgewood also offers several pathways to earn a DNP, including the BSN to MSN to DNP and post-Master's DNP. All programs are fully online.

9. Viterbo University

Viterbo University is home to a fully online BSN degree completion program designed for students who want to complete a BSN after completing an ADN or diploma in nursing.

The program is flexible and personalized with a plan that aligns with each nurse's transfer credits. Students can earn their bachelor's degree in as little as one year.

The university admits applicants with an ADN or diploma in nursing, an active registered nurse license, and at least a 2.25 GPA.

Other Online Colleges

The following are additional schools offering fully online nursing programs for Wisconsin students interested in earning a degree. These programs include traditional and self-paced RN to BSN programs options.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers a large selection of online nursing degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate options include the RN-to-BSN and Accelerated RN-to-MSN.

Graduate degrees include the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Science in Nursing - DNP Path, and DNP.

Purdue also offers dual degree options, including the MSN and MBA, MSN and MPH, and MSN and MHCA.

All programs are flexible, allowing students to navigate the courses at their own pace.

Capella University

Students attending Capella University have access to a variety of online nursing programs.

The university offers an RN-to-BSN program with a FlexPath option that enables students to complete their degree in as few as nine months.

The FlexPath helps students earn their online Master of Science in Nursing in just 14 months.

Capella's online DNP program also offers a FlexPath and requires just eight Core courses, five Specialized courses, and a Capstone for completion.

Types of Nursing Programs Offered Online in Wisconsin

Students interested in earning a Wisconsin online nursing degree can find various undergraduate and graduate online programs.

Examples of online programs available in the state include:

• ADN to MSN
• RN to BSN
• RN to BSN to MSN
• MSN
• DNP

Students can take accelerated courses that help them earn their degrees faster or even secure more than one degree in a shorter period of time.

No matter the type of nursing program a student needs, Wisconsin has plenty of options to choose from.

Read More: 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Nursing Degree?

The educational requirements for nurses depend on the nursing role an applicant desires.

Here is an overview of nursing educational requirements in Wisconsin:

• Registered Nurse: Graduate from high school or its equivalent.
• Licensed Practical Nurse: Graduate from a board-approved prelicensure education program.
• Nurse Practitioner: Meet RN educational requirements, earn a BSN, then earn a graduate degree in a nurse practitioner role.

Licensing Requirements for Nurses in Wisconsin

Individuals applying to become a registered nurse via a single state license must comply with the following requirements:

• Graduate from a high school or equivalent.
• Do not have a conviction or arrest record.
• Graduate from a board-approved school of professional nursing or a comparable school of professional nursing.
• Pass the NCLEX.

Applicants of the licensed practical nurse single state license must comply with the following requirements:

• Graduate from a board-approved prelicensure education program or foreign practical nurse prelicensure education program.
• Pass NCLEX or recognized predecessor exam.
• Be eligible for or hold an active, unencumbered license.
• Have no felony convictions or guilty verdicts and no misdemeanor convictions or guilty verdicts related to the practice of nursing
• Should not be enrolled in an alternative program.
• Must be subject to self-disclosure requirements regarding participation in an alternative program.
• Have a valid U.S. social security number.

Start Your Nursing Degree Online

If you're ready to enhance your nursing career, securing a degree is a great way to go. Enrolling in a quality Wisconsin online nursing degree program or one of the easiest RN to BSN programs online nationwide can help you reach your nursing goals.