Become a Nurse in Wisconsin – Licensure & Requirements
Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing before applying for licensure.
Nursing Licenses in Wisconsin | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Yes |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Yes |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Wisconsin Nursing Salaries
WI Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis Annual Mean Wage | Madison Annual Mean Wage | Green Bay Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $46,550 | $50,190 | $48,960 | $42,530 |
Registered Nurse | $72,610 | $73,970 | $80,490 | $66,670 |
Nurse Practitioner | $112,130 | $111,580 | $110,210 | $110,430 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $233,600 | $219,850 | $203,700 | Not Available |
Nurse Midwife | $115,100 | $114,390 | Not Available | Not Available |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Wisconsin in April 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Wisconsin. The one you take will mostly depend on the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The more education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Wisconsin, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Wisconsin nursing licenses on this page. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in healthcare, it’s sometimes difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Wisconsin, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. The programs combine live classes, engaging coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences to help you advance your career as an NP. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown enables RNs to earn their MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University. Through a research-based curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, the program prepares students to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area and provide specialized care for patients in their communities. BSN required.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Master of Science in Nursing
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. The online pathway combines live classes, 600 hours of clinical rotations, and on-campus immersions to prepare you to pursue NP licensure in one of four specialties: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Compact State Status
Wisconsin is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, advanced practice nurses may apply for prescriptive authority of controlled substances under schedules II to V in collaboration with physicians, according to the Board of Nursing Best Practices for Prescribing Controlled Substances Guidelines.
Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber in Wisconsin
Advanced practice nurse prescribers are defined in Wisconsin as nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists.
Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or a related health field
Examination: Varies according to prerequisite national certification, but must include Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Exam
Certification Required: National certification in speciality and current Registered Nurse license
Fees:
- $73 Credential Fee
- $75 State Law Fee
Experience: Varies according to prerequisite national certification, but must include 45 contact hours in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics within the five previous years before application.
Renewal: Advanced practice nurse prescriber licenses in Wisconsin expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. Sixteen contact hours in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics, including two hours in responsible prescribing of controlled substances, are required for renewal.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Wisconsin
Education: Accredited school of nursing approved by the board
Examination: NCLEX-RN
Fees:
- $73 Credential Fee
- $200 Examination Fee
Endorsement: RNs may apply for licensure by endorsement by providing proof of licensure in current state. Primary residence must be in Wisconsin to be eligible for RN state licensure.
Renewal: Registered Nurse licenses in Wisconsin expire on February 28 or 29 of even-numbered years.
Learn more about how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wisconsin
Education: Completed at least two years of high school or equivalent and diploma from an accredited school for licensed practical nurses approved by the board.
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- $73 Credential Fee
- $200 Examination Feee
Endorsement: LPNs may apply for licensure by endorsement by providing proof of licensure in current state. Primary residence must be in Wisconsin to be eligible for LPN state licensure.
Renewal: Licensed Practical Nurse licenses in Wisconsin expire on April 30 of odd-numbered years.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information on the above nursing careers in Wisconsin was retrieved from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing as of April 2020.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. The programs combine live classes, engaging coursework, and hands-on clinical experiences to help you advance your career as an NP. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care. Explore Nursing@Simmons programs for RNs who hold a BSN or bachelor’s degree.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown enables RNs to earn their MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University. Through a research-based curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences, the program prepares students to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area and provide specialized care for patients in their communities. BSN required.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Master of Science in Nursing
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. The online pathway combines live classes, 600 hours of clinical rotations, and on-campus immersions to prepare you to pursue NP licensure in one of four specialties: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, or AGPCNP.
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Information last updated: April 2020