Nursing Schools in Wisconsin

Contrary to its rural image, the Midwestern state of Wisconsin has fairly large, cosmopolitan cities with Whites joined by recent Mexican, African-American and Asian migrants. Nurses who want to render care to a varied patient population may find nursing practice in this state to be a rewarding experience.

Much like the rest of the United States, Wisconsin has had to deal with the nursing shortage due to the aging workforce and many nurses approaching retirement. As of October 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce and Development reports that the median age for registered nurses in the state is 45-49 years of age, older than the national average of 43.5.

There are over 40 nursing schools in Wisconsin as of 2010. The largest of these institutions is the University of Wisconsin System, with all types of nursing programs being offered in six campuses. The University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Nursing is ranked among the top 20 nursing schools in the nation in terms of quality and research output by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Other notable nursing programs are those of Marquette University and Concordia University Wisconsin.

Prospective nursing students have to contend with long waiting lists before they can enter these nursing programs. Schools are unable to accommodate many applicants because of budget constraints and limited faculty resources. Thankfully, these problems are being addressed by schools and nursing industry officials in Wisconsin in recent years. They are working on expanding the number of nursing programs in the state covering bachelor’s degree and graduate education such as master’s and doctorate nursing programs.

Schools are strengthening their ties with other schools and facilities to share the limited clinical practice areas for students. Students can also take advantage of the increased number of scholarships, tuition reimbursements and student loans being offered by the schools and state and federal agencies. Applicants need to make the appropriate inquiries to determine what program suits them best.

Nursing education in Wisconsin is not without its share of challenges. But the many reforms being introduced bode well for future nurses. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce and Development in its 2010 report states that nursing is the profession with the greatest demand in the state. Up to 8,000 health care workers – majority of them nurses – would be needed by 2018. The huge demand is a good motivator for nursing graduates and nurses who want to render exceptional nursing care while enjoying the Midwestern lifestyle.

Employment: 53,510
Hourly Mean Wage: $30.39
Annual Mean Wage: $63,200
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

State Nursing Board: Wisconsin Board of Nursing
State Nurses Association: Wisconsin Nurses Association
State Hospital Association: Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association

Wisconsin Nursing Schools