How to Become a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin: 5 Steps
Wondering how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin? The state offers plenty of perks for healthcare professionals, including strong demand for nurses, affordable cost of living, and state-supported programs that can help you jump-start your career.
Its strategic location puts you close to major metro areas like Chicago and Minneapolis, opening doors to even more opportunities. And when it’s time to unwind, Wisconsin’s natural beauty offers endless outdoor adventures, from hiking trails to tranquil lakes.
Ready to learn how to become an RN in Wisconsin? This step-by-step guide breaks down the entire process — from the classroom to your first day on the job.
Interesting Facts About Nursing in Wisconsin
- High demand for RNs: Wisconsin continues to invest in its healthcare sector, ensuring solid job prospects for nurses across urban hospitals and rural clinics.
- Top-rated hospitals: The state is home to renowned healthcare facilities, such as UW Health University Hospital and Froedtert Hospital, recognized for their expertise in several key specialties.
- Affordable cost of living: Wisconsin offers a cost of living that’s about 10% below the national average, and its housing is nearly 28% more affordable compared to the rest of the country.
- Government programs: Wisconsin provides a range of programs to help nurses succeed — from student loans to scholarships and grants.
- Nature at your doorstep: Wisconsin offers plenty of opportunities to unwind after a busy day, from kayaking on glacial lakes to hiking the iconic Ice Age Trail to simply breathing in the pine-scented air of the Northwoods.
What Does an RN in Wisconsin Do?
As you explore how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin, you’ll find that this profession is as diverse as the people it serves, with roles that range from helping newborns to assisting in surgeries. Here are some examples of specialty paths you could take:
- Endoscopy RN: Assist with a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using endoscopic technology, such as colonoscopies, upper endoscopies, and biopsies.
- Interventional radiology RN: Work alongside radiologists to support a broad spectrum of minimally invasive procedures, such as central line placements, angioplasty, and thrombolysis.
- Aesthetic RN: Deliver comprehensive care across all stages of cosmetic procedures, from pre-procedural education to post-procedural monitoring.
- Neurology RN: Care for patients with disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
- Surgical RN: Assist in the operating room during procedures by handing instruments, maintaining sterile environments, and monitoring the patient’s vital signs.
- Geriatric RN: Care for older adults and manage age-related conditions such as cognitive decline, mobility issues, and chronic diseases.
As you learn about becoming an RN in WI, you’ll quickly discover that some essential tasks unite all nursing specialties. Here’s a closer look at the essential tasks you’ll be handling as a patient-facing nurse, no matter where you work:
- Administering medications
- Performing patient assessments
- Collaborating with the care team
- Creating nursing care plans
- Documenting care provided
- Educating patients and families
- Witnessing informed consent
- Advocating for patients
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Wisconsin?
The process of how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin begins with completing an accredited nursing program. The duration of study ranges from two to four years, depending on whether you pursue an ADN or a BSN degree.
| Type of degree | Description |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ADN programs are typically offered at community colleges and take about 2 years to complete. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to apply for licensure in Wisconsin. |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | BSN programs are offered at colleges and universities and usually take 4 years to complete. This degree provides a more in-depth education, including classes in leadership and research. |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | ABSN programs condense traditional coursework into an intensive format, typically lasting 12 to 18 months. They are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to transition into nursing. |
| Bridge program |
Bridge programs are tailored for individuals with prior medical training, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or paramedics, who want to advance their careers. |
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin: 5 Steps
To become a nurse in Wisconsin, you’ll need to meet education, experience, and licensure requirements. This overview breaks it all down.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Your journey begins with enrolling in and completing an accredited ADN or BSN nursing program. While the exact admission requirements differ depending on which program you apply to, most schools will expect you to complete prerequisite courses and take a nursing entrance exam. Once accepted, you’ll take essential nursing courses and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations with a nursing preceptor.
Looking to earn a BSN degree in Wisconsin? Consider exploring these top-rated programs:
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
- Concordia University
- Alverno College
Considering an ADN pathway to become a nurse? These Wisconsin community colleges offer strong programs to get you started:
- Mid-State Technical College
- Lakeshore Technical College
- Nicolet Area Technical College
- Western Technical College
- Moraine Park Technical College
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Once you’ve completed your nursing education, the next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN — the national licensing exam designed to evaluate your knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to apply nursing principles in real-world scenarios. Passing this exam proves you’re ready to provide safe, high-quality care as an entry-level RN.
To apply for the initial RN license in Wisconsin, you’ll need to go through the following process:
- Create an account on the LicensE portal and fill out the initial RN license application.
- Provide all the required documents, such as official transcripts and proof of your primary state of legal residence.
- Complete a criminal background check as part of your licensure application; this includes fingerprinting, a signed FBI release form, and a current photo.
- Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee. Once the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) approves your application, you’ll receive your authorization to test (ATT).
- Take your exam. Use your ATT to schedule your NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE and take the test on your chosen date.
Want to start working right after finishing your nursing program? You can apply for a temporary permit, which allows you to work under the supervision of an RN as you’re studying for the NCLEX. The permit is valid for up to three months, or until you receive the NCLEX results — whichever comes first. It can be renewed once for an additional three months.
Tip: If you don’t pass the NCLEX, take it as a chance to regroup. After a 45-day wait, you can retake the test — use your candidate performance report (CPR) to guide your study plan.
Step 3: Wait for Your Wisconsin RN License
After successfully passing the NCLEX-RN, all that’s left is to wait for your official RN license to be issued by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. Once your exam results are reported and all application materials are verified, the Board will process your license. You can track the status of your application through Wisconsin’s Online Licensure Verification System (OLVS) or LicensE application status lookup.
Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means you can apply for a multistate license — ideal for travel nursing or telehealth roles. To qualify, you must declare Wisconsin as your primary state of legal residence and meet all NLC eligibility requirements.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
You’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin. Now, let’s explore where that license can take you in your career. Wisconsin provides a broad range of nursing opportunities — from major healthcare systems to rural hospitals and everything in between.
Some nurses prefer to start their careers in specialties that teach them acute care nursing skills, such as med-surg or emergency rooms. If that’s the path you’re after, check out RN jobs in Wisconsin at the state’s hospitals and other inpatient facilities, such as the following:
- Advocate Aurora Health
- AdventHealth – Durand
- Aspirus Health
- Children’s Wisconsin Health System
- Froedtert Health
- Gundersen Health System – Lutheran Medical Center
- Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire
- SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison
- UW Health
- ThedaCare
- Beaver Dam Health Care Center
- Marshfield Clinic Health System
Not interested in hospital jobs? No problem! Wisconsin offers a wide range of alternative career paths. You could work at research institutions like the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, mental health facilities like Wellbrook Recovery, or with government agencies such as the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities in home healthcare, schools, and long-term care facilities, all of which rely on skilled RNs to deliver excellent care.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Getting your license is just the beginning. To keep practicing as an RN in Wisconsin, you’ll need to renew your licensure every two years. Here’s what that process looks like:
- When to renew: Every 2 years, by February 28 of even-numbered years.
- What you’ll need: Complete the Nursing Workforce Survey, confirm your primary state of residency, and report any changes to your legal status if applicable.
- How to apply: Submit the renewal form and pay the $57 renewal fee.
Are you a visual learner? This helpful webinar walks you through the RN license renewal process in Wisconsin.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Wisconsin?
Now that you know how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin, let’s talk numbers. The average salary for RNs in the state is $90,450 per year, though your exact earnings will depend on your education, experience, work setting, and salary-negotiation skills.
Looking to boost your earning potential or find more openings? Consider applying in Wisconsin’s most populous cities, where demand and pay for RNs are typically higher:
Helpful Resources for Wisconsin Nurses
Need more guidance on how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin — and how to succeed once you do? Check out these resources for support with licensing, the job search, and next steps:
- Wisconsin Center for Nursing
- Wisconsin Hospital Association
- Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act
- Wisconsin Nurses Association
- Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
- Wisconsin Student Nurses Association
Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?
You’ve mastered how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin —now it’s time to land the job. IntelyCare’s smart job-matching system connects you with nursing positions that align with your needs and preferences. Discover jobs made for you.