Wisconsin Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Are you a licensed nurse in Wisconsin? Nursing license renewal is an essential procedure that you’ll need to go through every two years to ensure you remain legally eligible to practice in the state. The process includes completing renewal requirements and submitting an application, but there are key state-specific details you need to know. This article provides a step-by-step guide to complete your nursing license renewal.

Wisconsin is home to nearly 6 million residents, with beautiful landscapes, and a solid healthcare system — making it an excellent place for nurses to build their careers. Whether you’re drawn to Milwaukee’s bustling hospitals, rural community clinics, or anything in between, there’s a role for you here. Let’s dive into the renewal process so you can make the most of the opportunities in the Badger State.

Wisconsin Nursing Facts

Is Wisconsin part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes. For more details, read our article on Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act.

How much do nurses in Wisconsin earn?

• The average CNA salary in Wisconsin is $43,050 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Wisconsin is $61,680 per year.
• The average RN salary in Wisconsin is $90,450 per year.
• The average NP salary in Wisconsin is $130,490 per year.

How can I contact the Wisconsin Board of Nursing?

Phone Number: 608-266-2112

Email Address: dsps@wi.gov

Website: https://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/index.html

Wisconsin Board of Nursing Physical Address:
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705

Wisconsin Board of Nursing Mailing Address:
Board of Nursing
DSPS
P.O. Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366

Steps for WI Nursing License Renewal

Are you a current resident of the state of Wisconsin? Nursing license renewal is a straightforward process — just follow the steps below. Are you moving to Wisconsin? You’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement and have your license verified through the NURSYS licensure verification service. Never had a license before and new to nursing? You’ll need to apply for licensure by examination.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

The first step is to check your license expiration date. Wisconsin sets different renewal deadlines depending on your credentials. Find the renewal deadline that applies to your license below:

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): April 30 on odd years
• Registered nurses (RNs): February 28 on even years
• Advanced practice nurses (APNs): September 30 of even years

CNAs: In Wisconsin, nurse aides (NAs) are listed on a separate registry. Certifications must be renewed every two years, and you’ll receive a reminder by email and/or text when it’s time to renew.

Tip: Did you know you can check your license information, including expiration dates? If you’re APRN, LPN, or RN, the WI license lookup system lets you quickly view your credential’s key details.

Step 2: Complete Your Renewal Requirements

Next, complete the renewal requirements — think of this as your pre-renewal checklist. Keep in mind that the requirements vary by license type. The steps you need to take depend on your license type, so be sure to follow the instructions that apply to your credential.

LPNs and RNs: The Board does not require continuing education for RN or LPN license renewal. For more details, visit the Wisconsin DSPS pages for LPNs and RNs. To complete your renewal, you’ll need to:

• Complete the Nursing Workforce Survey.
• Report your primary state of residency.
• If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant has changed, contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

APRNs: If you’re renewing an APRN license, make sure you complete the following requirements:

• Complete 16 hours of continuing education in clinical pharmacology relevant to your specialty, including 2 contact hours in controlled-substance prescribing.
• Attest to completion of the continuing education requirements.
• Have current liability insurance.
• Have current national certification or Continuous Competency Assessment (CCA).
• Contact the DSPS if your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant has changed.

CNAs: You don’t have continuing education requirements, but to renew your certification, you must have worked at least eight hours in the past two years under the supervision of an RN or LPN. The work must be in a regulated setting, as private duty assignments do not count. If you haven’t met the minimum work requirement, you’ll need to retake both the skills and written tests. Wisconsin does not require retraining if you lose federal eligibility.

Step 3: File Your Wisconsin Nursing License Renewal Online

Your final step is to submit a renewal application, which can be done online. Here’s how to do it based on your license type:

LPNs, RNs, and APRNs: Log in to the LicensE portal and choose “Renew My License.” Choose the correct nursing credential and follow the on-screen steps. Fill in all the required information and pay the required fee. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing provides a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the system.

You’ll need to pay a fee to renew your nursing license. LPNs, RNs, and APRNs will each pay $73 if your license is renewed by the deadline, or $98 with late fees. Once you’ve submitted your renewal application, you’re eligible to practice while it’s being processed. If you want to view your Wisconsin nursing license application status, go to the Wisconsin DRL site.

CNAs: You’ll complete your renewal online using your Headmaster account. Your employment must be verified in TestMaster Universe (TMU). If your employer isn’t listed in TMU, you can report your hours using the Wisconsin nurse aide registry renewal form.

Great Areas in Wisconsin for Nursing Jobs

Your renewed WI nursing license opens the door to new career opportunities. Want to see what’s available? Here are open positions by license type:

• CNA jobs in Wisconsin
• LPN jobs in Wisconsin
• RN jobs in Wisconsin
• NP jobs in Wisconsin

You can also check out top nursing jobs in some of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan areas:

• Milwaukee
• Madison
• Green Bay
• Kenosha
• Racine

These Employers Are Hiring Nurses in Wisconsin

Want to connect with specific employers? Check out current nursing positions at Wisconsin’s hospitals, clinics, and residential care facilities:

• Advocate Aurora Health
• Aspirus Health
• Beaver Dam Health Care Center
• Bradley Estates Nursing and Rehab
• Burlington Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Children’s Wisconsin
• Froedtert Health
• Gundersen Health System
• Hospital Sisters Health System
• Lincoln Park Nursing and Rehab
• Marshfield Clinic Health System
• Mercyhealth
• Rogers Behavioral Health
• SSM Health

If public health is your focus, explore nursing positions with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. You can also explore telehealth roles, case management, education, and other non-bedside opportunities that allow you to make an impact without working in a traditional clinical setting.

Find Nursing Jobs in Wisconsin

Now that you’ve finished your Wisconsin nursing license renewal, check out IntelyCare’s nursing job board. Whether you’re an NA, LPN, RN, or APN, we’ve got jobs for you across the Badger State. Find nursing jobs in Wisconsin on IntelyCare.