Resource Center: The Complete Guide to Nursing in Wisconsin
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse in Wisconsin—or if you’re looking for nursing resources in the state—you’re in the right place. This page lists everything you need to know about nursing in the Badger State, including job outlook, nursing organizations, scholarships and more. Plus, explore online nursing programs for residents of Wisconsin.
Become a Nurse in Wisconsin
Nurses are in a unique position to make a difference in the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. To become a nurse in Wisconsin, you must complete an approved nursing education program and pass the licensing examination before obtaining a license.
As a nurse in Wisconsin, you may choose to pursue a nursing specialty or earn an advanced degree. The following sections include more information about Wisconsin nursing licenses and nursing jobs in Wisconsin.
How to Apply for a Nursing License in Wisconsin
To apply for a nursing license in Wisconsin by examination, you must complete and submit an application. The application requires the following:
- Completed application: Fill out and submit the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Application for Registered Nurse (RN)/Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), plus any necessary documentation and fees.
- Statement of graduation and/or official transcripts: If you attend an in-state and Wisconsin Board-approved school, your school of nursing must submit a statement of graduation or completion. If you graduated from a nursing program outside of Wisconsin but within the United States, your school of nursing must send your official transcripts to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.
- NCLEX-RN® registration: Register for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). It’s recommended that you register for the NCLEX-RN exam before your school sends your statement of graduation or official transcripts.
- Temporary permit: Exam applicants must submit a temporary permit request application and $10 fee. Your temporary permit will be valid for 3 months or until you are notified of failing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Authorization for release of FBI information: Applicants must pass a criminal background check. The Authorization for Release of FBI Information must be submitted if you’re applying for a multistate license.
- Fingerprints: You’ll receive instructions regarding how to get digital fingerprints after the Wisconsin DSPS has received your Authorization for Release of FBI information.
If you attend an in-state or out-of-state nursing school approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, you can use the Online Licensure Application System (OLAS) to submit your Wisconsin nursing license application. Otherwise, you can mail your application to the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing.
Note that applicants who did not graduate from a U.S. nursing program have different requirements. For more information about how to apply for a Wisconsin nursing license, visit the Wisconsin DSPS page.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Continuing Education Requirements
There aren’t any continuing education (CE) requirements for RNs or LPNs in Wisconsin.
Demand for Nurses in Wisconsin
The job outlook for nurses in Wisconsin is bright, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The agency projects that employment of registered nurses (RNs) in Wisconsin will grow 4% through 2030, adding an estimated 3,670 jobs a year.
Wisconsin Licensing Agency for Nurses
Nurses in Wisconsin are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Email for general credentialing questions: dsps@wisconsin.gov
Phone: 608-266-2112
Address: 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Wisconsin State Board of Nursing
Email for questions: dsps@wi.gov
Phone: 608-266-2112
Address: Board of Nursing, DSPS, PO Box 8366, Madison, WI 53708-8366
Top Healthcare Employers in Wisconsin
Below are some of the top health care employers in Wisconsin, according to the list regularly compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor. Explore each site’s career page to find nursing jobs in Wisconsin that interest you.
Healthcare Networks and Systems in Wisconsin
Hospitals and Medical Centers in Wisconsin
Other Healthcare Employers in Wisconsin
Nursing Organizations and Scholarships in Wisconsin
Professional Organizations for Nurses in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals (WFNHP) is a labor union that seeks to provide professional development and desirable working conditions for its members. The WFNHP is affiliated with the nurses and health professionals of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Email: dkosloske@wfnhp.org
Phone: 414-475-6065
Address: 9620 West Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214-2645
The Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA), together with the American Nurses Association (ANA), works to protect, promote and advance nursing in Wisconsin. The WNA offers professional development and networking opportunities for the 90,000 RNs it represents.
Email: info@wisconsinnurses.org
Phone: 608-221-0383
Address: 2820 Walton Commons West, Suite 136, Madison, WI 53718
The purpose of the Wisconsin Nursing Coalition is to unite nursing organizations and communicate relevant information throughout the state. The Wisconsin Nursing Coalition is part of the WNA, whose contact information is restated below.
Email: info@wisconsinnurses.org
Phone: 608-221-0383
Address: 2820 Walton Commons West, Suite 136, Madison, WI 53718
The Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Leaders (WONL) is an affiliate of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership™ (AONL). It aims to share relevant health care information and support Wisconsin nursing.
Visit the Organization Website
Online contact form: wonl.nursingnetwork.com/contact
Phone: 608-268-1806
Specialty Nursing Organizations in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) supports statewide efforts to promote mental health and mental illness recovery. To join the Wisconsin Chapter, you must be a member of the APNA.
The Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists (WIANA) advocates for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and patient safety in Wisconsin. It offers various resources for CRNAs.
Online contact form: https://wiana.com/form.php?form_id=13
The Wisconsin Student Nurses’ Association (WSNA) provides nursing students with scholarship opportunities, career resources and professional development events. The WSNA is a member of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA).
Email: wisconsinsna@gmail.com
Address: 2820 Walton Commons West, Monona, WI 53718
Nursing Scholarships for Wisconsin Residents
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation offers various scholarships for students planning to work in Wisconsin health care. Preference is given to medical students who are residents of Wisconsin, but there are also funds for students pursuing other health careers such as nursing.
The WNA offers scholarships for nursing students. It awards four Mary Barker APRN Nursing Scholarships annually for a maximum of $2,000 each.
The WSNA offers two scholarships for Wisconsin nursing students, one of which is its $500 Annual Scholarship. The WSNA also has grant information on its website.
For additional scholarship and financial aid information, check out Purdue University Northwest’s scholarship listings.
Online Nursing Programs: Wisconsin
Are you a nurse who wants to take the next step in your career? Purdue University Northwest’s an online RN-to-BSN program and online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program are the right fit for your busy schedule.
Notes and Conditions
For informational purposes only. Students should confirm stated information independently on their own.
Sample of employment and nursing scholarships listed above is for general reference and does not include all available sources. Purdue Northwest is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the providers listed in the sample.
NCLEX Exam: NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
Job Growth Projections: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, O*Net, Wisconsin Employment Trends for Registered Nurses