A Guide to Nursing in Wisconsin

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Wisconsin

Welcome to the Land of Cheese! Try some cheese curds at one of the many cheese factories. Buy yourself a cheese head at Lambeau Field. Some of the other top attractions are the Harley-Davidson Museum, the beautiful Wisconsin Dells, and, well, more cheese factories. Charcuterie boards await.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a Wisconsin nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Wisconsin
• Top hospitals in Wisconsin
• Nursing organizations & associations in Wisconsin
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Wisconsin whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Wisconsin from another state. For more information visit the Wisconsin licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $72 (RN/LPN)

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $57 (RN/LPN)
• Temporary permit: $10

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $57 (RN/LPN/APRN)

Additionally, Wisconsin is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

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Steps for renewing a Wisconsin nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN/LPN: None

APRN: 16 contact hours every 2 years in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics relevant to the advanced practice nurse prescriber’s area of practice, including at least 2 contact hours in responsible prescribing of controlled substances.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.  

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Wisconsin

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Wisconsin is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Wisconsin ]

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Top hospitals in Wisconsin

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Wisconsin will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• University of Wisconsin Hospitals – Madison, WI: This hospital is nationally ranked in 7 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty and rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 17 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Gynecology (#13 in the nation)
  • Orthopedics (#15 in the nation)
  • Geriatrics (#34 in the nation)

• Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, WI: This teaching hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^® and is nationally ranked in 3 adult specialties and rated high performing in 4 adult specialties and 15 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Ear, Nose & Throat (#43 in the nation)
  • Rehabilitation (#44 in the nation)
  • Diabetes & Endocrinology (#50 in the nation)

• Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center – Milwaukee, WI: This hospital is rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 15 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Cardiology & Heart Surgery
  • Geriatrics
  • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations & associations in Wisconsin

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Wisconsin:

Wisconsin Nurses Association – “The Wisconsin Nurses Association is committed to nurses advancing our profession to improve health for Wisconsin.”

Kenosha Visting Nurse Association – “We are committed to providing quality, compassionate health care services to improve the lives of our community members and ensure the best possible health outcomes for those we serve.”

Wisconsin Association of Licensed Practical Nurses – “The Mission of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. is to foster high standards of nursing care and promote continued competence through education/certification and lifelong learning, with a focus on public protection.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Phone: (608) 266-2112

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx

Mailing address:
Board of Nursing
DSPS
PO Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366

Physical address:
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705

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