Published: June 15, 2020 Updated: May 17, 2023
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.
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.
To apply for a nursing license in Wisconsin by examination, you must complete and submit an application. The application requires the following:
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.
Yes. Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC makes it easier to practice nursing in Wisconsin and other NLC-participating states. When you have a multistate nursing license, you can skip the hassle of paying multiple renewal fees and going through a lengthy application process each time you move to a new state.
You can look up a nursing license using the state’s free credential/license search tool. This is helpful if you’re looking for a Wisconsin nurse registry to check your license’s information or someone else’s.
There aren’t any continuing education (CE) requirements for RNs or LPNs 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.
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx
Email for questions: dsps@wi.gov
Phone: 608-266-2112
Address: Board of Nursing, DSPS, PO Box 8366, Madison, WI 53708-8366
Nurses in Wisconsin are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Home.aspx
Email for general credentialing questions: dsps@wisconsin.gov
Email list for specific health professions: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDSPS/ContactUsEmail.aspx
Phone: 608-266-2112
Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
Walk-up counter hours (Madison office only): 7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
Address: 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
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.
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).
Website: http://wfnhp.aft.org
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.
Website: https://www.wisconsinnurses.org
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.
Website: https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/wisconsin-nursing-coalition/
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.
Website: https://wonl.nursingnetwork.com
Online contact form: wonl.nursingnetwork.com/contact
Phone: 608-268-1806
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.
Website: https://wiana.com
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).
Website: http://www.wisconsinsna.com
Email: wisconsinsna@gmail.com
Address: 2820 Walton Commons West, Monona, WI 53718
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.
Website: https://foundation.wismed.org/wisconsin/foundation/programs/scholarships.aspx
The WNA offers scholarships for nursing students. It awards four Mary Barker APRN Nursing Scholarships annually for a maximum of $2,000 each.
Website (Mary Barker APRN): https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/education/scholarships/
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.
Website: http://www.wisconsinsna.com/the-student-nurse-foundation
For additional scholarship and financial aid information, check out Purdue University Northwest’s scholarship listings and the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Are you ready to further your nursing career? Purdue University Northwest (PNW) College of Nursing offers a flexible online RN-to-BSN program and online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program made to work with your busy schedule. If you want to earn a nursing degree in Wisconsin, expand your nursing skills and gain practical knowledge, request more information today.
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