Individuals who would like to work as a Wisconsin Registered Nurse (RN), and who do not have any type of formal nursing background, must complete a state-accredited WI RN program.
Every state is required to maintain and approve official registered nurse (RN) educational and training programs. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing, which is under the umbrella of the Department of Regulation and Licensing, is the organization responsible for sanctioning those Wisconsin RN programs found throughout the state.
This article shows students where they can locate state-approved RN Wisconsin programs, and describes the different requirements for licensure.
Wisconsin RN License Requirements
For those who have not been licensed in another state to practice as a nurse nor completed an accredited nursing program that meets the state's standards, the following requirements must be met before being allowed to practice as a Wisconsin Registered Nurse.
- Complete a state-approved WI RN program
- Pass the national NCLEX-PN licensing examination
- Complete a criminal history background check
Those who currently have a valid registered nursing license from out-of-state, and who would like to transfer that licensure to Wisconsin, should know that the state is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, a collection of states that easily accept license transfers. Additionally, Maryland accepts transfer applications of endorsement for those who hold active licenses from any state. For information on how to obtain the appropriate license, contact the Board of Nursing at 608-267-7223.
RN Wisconsin Program Elements
Wisconsin RN schools offering an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are allowed to build their own curricular offerings. However, all state-accredited schools are required to offer the following minimum elements:
- At least two full academic years of combined learning and training
- A classroom, theory-based segment
- An experiential training segment
In the classroom component, students learn numerous essential nursing and science-based content areas, including:
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
- Biological sciences
- Social sciences
- General nursing procedures
- Nursing practice across every age group
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Mental health care
RN Wisconsin schools also offer students with the opportunity to train in medical facilities by working directly with patients. This clinical training, which is executed under the supervision of a practicing professional nurse, prepares students for their future careers as well as for the national licensing examination.
Finding Wisconsin Registered Nurse Programs
The Board of Nursing approves numerous WI RN programs across the state, many of which are housed by accredited community colleges, four-year institutions of higher learning and state universities.
For a list of currently approved nursing schools, reference the state's compendium of nursing schools.
Benefits of a WI RN Education
Individuals who complete a state-accredited Wisconsin RN program and pass the NCLEX-RN national exam are, by law, entitled to seek work as a Wisconsin Registered Nurse.
RN jobs throughout the state are anticipated to be in high demand for the next ten years due to the state's aging population, making registered nursing training a solid professional investment.
For information on other nursing opportunities in Wisconsin and elsewhere, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
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