BSN Programs in Wisconsin

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

The state of Wisconsin offers up a slew of fantastic programs offering students the chance to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Those who earn this degree typically have more opportunities and benefits than nurses who have just an Associate Degree or diploma, including higher salaries and more advanced roles in the healthcare community. Registered nurses assist doctors and care for patients in hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, and many other healthcare settings. The first step for Wisconsin residents is to pick a great BSN program.

Schools With BSN Programs in Wisconsin

The BSN program at Bellin College is a 128-credit hour program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN examination. The school boasts continuously high NCLEX-PN examination scores, and in addition to their traditional BSN option, they offer a sophomore transfer option and a 15-month option for those who have already completed all required general education courses. The estimated tuition costs are $65,952 for the 15-month option.

Individuals who live near Cardinal Stritch University can take advantage of the great BSN program, which requires 120 credit hours for graduation – 60 credits in general education courses and 60 credits in core nursing education. The curriculum is based on American Nurses Association standards. Individuals will need to submit a placement test if they’ve been out of school for more than a year, and a score of 21 or higher on the ACT is required.

The nursing program at Carroll University offers a four-year, 58-credit BSN program that provides a solid foundation for continued education and prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program is one of the top-ranked BSN programs in the country based on the NCLEX-RN pass rate.

Columbia College of Nursing offers a fantastic BSN program, which is labeled a 2+2 program. This means that students will earn their first 62 general education credits at an institute of higher learning, and then will be admitted to the Columbia College of Nursing to gain their final 62 credits of core nursing education. The school is affiliated with Lakeland College, Mount Mary University, the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc and the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. Students can choose from full-time and part-time study plans.

Concordia University Washington is a Christian-based university that offers a traditional 131-credit hour BSN program; 48 of which are general education credits, 68 of which are core nursing credits and 15 of which are collateral credits. The school also offers a BSN completion which can be finished in just 2 years, and an RN to BSN to MSN degree.

The Henry Predolin School of Nursing at Edgewood College is an excellent choice for Wisconsin residents and features a traditional BSN program as well as a 12-month Post-Baccalaureate BSN program. The school offers excellent NCLEX pass rates and features small classes for more intimate teaching styles. Students have the opportunity to learn hands-on skills in more than 60 community agencies, including places like The American Family Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.

Marquette University offers several different BSN programs, including a BSN with a second major in psychology, and the traditional BSN program. The traditional BSN program is a 128-credit, 4-year program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. NCLEX scores are consistently high for graduates of Marquette University, and the BSN programs provide excellent foundations for continued education in the nursing field.

Graduates of the Milwaukee School of Engineering enjoyed an average starting salary of $54,085 per year (graduates of the 2012-2013 school year) and the job placement rate for graduates of the same year was 96%. In addition to the traditional BSN degree, the school offers an accelerated BSN degree for those who already have a Bachelor’s in another field. They can earn their BSN in just 16 months with full-time study. The school’s curriculum lays a wonderful foundation for those who plan to go on and earn graduate-level nursing degrees.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers up a great BSN program which consists of 120 credits, 60 of which are core nursing courses. Individuals who are being considered for admission must show proof of CPR certification as well as submit to a criminal background check. More than 150 BSN students graduate each year from this school, well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. The curriculum is a fantastic foundation for individuals who will go on to pursue a Master’s Degree or Doctorate’s Degree in nursing. BSN programs are also offered for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Viterbo University’s BSN program is a 128-credit hour program, offering students the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge that will serve them throughout their nursing career. In addition to the traditional BSN program, Viterbo offers an RN to BSN/BSN Completion program, for those who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in another field but want to switch to nursing. This is a blended program, with online general education classes and on-campus nursing classes.

Wisconsin BSN Checklist

Complete the Wisconsin BSN program of your choice and earn your degree.
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in the state of Wisconsin.
Apply for your Registered Nurse license through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and include any appropriate fees ($90 application fee).
To stay current, renew your license in September of every even year, paying the $86 renewal fee.

Wisconsin Nurse Salary & Job Outlook

Nurses who have earned their Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing are typically chosen for jobs over those who have just an Associate’s Degree or diploma. More advanced positions, as well as better-paying positions, are often reserved for professionals with a BSN degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses in the state of Wisconsin earn an annual median salary of $64,460. Research shows that those living in more populous areas tend to earn more money, as well as those with more experience in the nursing field.