9 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a fantastic way for registered nurses (RNs) to take their nursing careers to new heights.

The BSN opens doors in the nursing field that may not be available to nurses who only possess an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

If you have been thinking about earning a BSN but have struggled to fit a nursing program into your busy schedule, you're in luck.

Several nursing programs offer a flexible, RN to BSN programs online in Wisconsin for working nurses. Keep reading to learn more about these programs and how to gain admission.

Top Wisconsin RN to BSN Programs Online

Explore top accredited colleges and universities offering affordable online RN to BSN programs in Wisconsin.

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, licensed RNs can earn a BSN via the RN to BSN Online | BSN@Home program.

This CCNE-accredited program can be completed after earning 24 to 30 credits if general education requirements have already been met.

Depending on the program format they chose, students can earn their BSN in as few as one and a half years. The program offers two enrollment periods, one in the fall and one in the spring.

2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The RN to BSN at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a part of the UW-System Collective's BSN@Home online nursing program.

Registered nurses who have a current unencumbered nursing license and an ADN or nursing diploma are eligible to enroll.

The program awards 30 credits that are added to students' non-nursing credits to complete the BSN.

Students can also enroll in the school's FLEX nursing program, which allows them to complete self-paced, competency-based assessments in place of traditional coursework.

3. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers a BSN Completion program as a part of the UW-System's BSN&Home program.

This online degree option is open to RNs who hold an ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited nursing program.

In addition to pre-nursing and general education courses fulfilled prior to enrollment, the program enables students to earn 30 credits to meet BSN degree requirements.

Students take core nursing courses in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

4. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The RN to BSN degree at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a 100% online program for RNs with busy schedules and little time for in-person study.

Students have the option to transfer in up to 90 credits that can be applied to their BSN degree.

The program allows students to choose between seven- and 14-week course formats based on their unique needs.

Depending on the learning format students choose, they can earn their degree in between 15 and 20 months.

5. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is home to the BSN Completion Program, a fully online program with both synchronous and asynchronous coursework.

Courses are offered in seven- and 14-week sessions, giving students the ability to take one class at a time and still complete two per semester.

On average, students complete the BSN Completion Program in about two years.

After graduating, they will have the knowledge and skills to work as nurse managers, clinical coordinators, public health nurses, and more.

6. Alverno College

If you are interested in a flexible online RN to BSN program that helps students earn their degree in just one year, Alverno College might be right for you.

The 35-credit program requires students to earn 15 nursing credits, 16 liberal arts credits, and four probability and statistics credits.

Alverno College's RN to BSN program starts new cohorts each August and enables students to study in a series of eight-week courses.

7. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin offers a flexible online RN to BSN degree in Wisconsin with accelerated courses and the ability to finish in 18 months.

RNs gain admission by meeting requirements that include passing the NCLEX exam, holding a current, unencumbered RN license, and having a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Students earn 31 credits from core requirements and 18 credits from nursing courses. Electives and transfer credits account for the remaining requirements for graduation.

8. Edgewood College

Edgewood College is home to the fully online Associate Degree in Nursing - Master of Science in Nursing (ADN-MSN) program, which includes a BSN degree.

The program is designed for students who already have their ADN and would like to earn a BSN while also creating a pathway to earn their master's degree.

Students can complete their BSN in as few as 21 months while at the same time earning 12 MSN credits.

9. Viterbo University

Viterbo University offers the BSN degree completion online program for registered nurses with an ADN or nursing diploma in hand.

This flexible program enables students to personalize their learning plan. Depending on their program format, they can earn a bachelor's degree in as little as one year.

Students can transfer up to 38 lower-division nursing credits to the program if they've graduated from a community college, diploma program, or technical school.

Other Online Colleges Available to Wisconsin

As you can see, plenty of schools offer the RN to BSN degree in Wisconsin. However, there are also institutions delivering BSN degree programs nationally. Keep reading to learn more.

Grand Canyon University

At Grand Canyon University, registered nurses who enroll in the RN to BSN online program can earn their bachelor's degree in just 14 months.

The accelerated program offers five-week classes and allows students to transfer in up to 90 credits to graduate sooner.

Coursework explores physical assessment across the lifespan, health promotion for the family, statistical analysis, nursing leadership, and much more.

The program prepares students for careers in hospitals, rehabilitative settings, and health service organizations.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

The RN to BSN is a bachelor's degree program designed for registered nurses who have earned their ADN or diploma and want to advance in their nursing careers.

RN to BSNs are often considered to be completion programs since they allow students to transfer in credits from their ADN and complete their studies in two or fewer years, with the fastest RN to BSN programs online only taking a few months.

Programs often include nursing courses that cover core concepts like statistics, the natural sciences, and the humanities.

As students progress through their studies, they delve into deeper concepts like population health, nursing leadership, and trends in nursing.

Many programs now offer RN to BSN programs partially or completely online and provide multiple program entry dates as well as the option to enjoy a self-paced learning format.

Why Is RN to BSN Important?

Registered nurses who are just starting their careers often have an ADN or a nursing diploma, which makes them eligible for entry-level nursing positions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), if nurses want to take on higher-level positions in places like hospitals, they might need a BSN.

RN to BSN programs fill the void that many nurses experience in their careers. With just a couple of years of additional education, they're able to secure bigger roles.

The BLS recently revealed that employment for RNs is expected to grow six percent from 2021 to 2031, which means this is a good time for nurses to further their education.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin

The requirements for earning an RN to BSN degree in Wisconsin depend on the nursing program you aim to enter, especially if you enroll in one of the easiest RN to BSN online programs.

However, there are some basic requirements you can expect from most programs:

• Graduate from a regionally- or nationally-accredited ADN program.
• Have an active, unencumbered U.S. registered RN license.
• Have a minimum total cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (some schools require higher GPAs).
• Admission to the school that houses the nursing program.

Additional requirements might include a minimum number of science courses with a minimum GPA and a current RN license in the state of application.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

This is a great time to take your nursing career to the next level. If you are ready to earn your bachelor's degree, start taking steps to earn your online RN to BSN degree in Wisconsin today.