[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered nurses (RNs) are in demand across Wisconsin, and RN jobs are growing at a faster rate than the national average of 7%. In 2020, nurses in Wisconsin took home an annual mean wage of more than $73,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If nursing in a state with high salaries and strong job growth appeals to you, keep reading to learn [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]how to become an RN[/hen-ui-link] in Wisconsin.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals seeking a Wisconsin nursing license must earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited school and pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Professionals with an Enhanced Nurse Licensing Compact multistate license do not need to obtain a Wisconsin RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Wisconsin Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx” target=”_blank”]Wisconsin Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] oversees nursing licensure applications and renewals, maintaining a list of [hen-ui-link href=”https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/NursingSchools.aspx” target=”_blank”]approved nursing schools[/hen-ui-link], approving refresher courses for license renewal after five years or more of expiration, examining reported violations, and determining appropriate disciplinary action.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wisconsin participates in the Enhanced Nursing License Compact (NLC), and the Board provides [hen-ui-link href=”https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/RN/Default.aspx” target=”_blank”]information on the compact[/hen-ui-link] and participating states’ current statuses. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing also oversees the [hen-ui-link href=”https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/SelfService/ProfessionalAssistanceProcedure.aspx” target=”_blank”]Professional Assistance Procedure[/hen-ui-link]. This program gives nurses struggling with substance abuse the chance to continue practicing without public discipline if they meet certain requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses may obtain a Wisconsin RN license by examination or endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New nurses earn licensure by examination and take the NCLEX-RN, while licensure by endorsement is for out-of-state nurses who want a Wisconsin RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/BoardCouncils/NUR/2017NursingCompactFactSheet.pdf” target=”_blank”]Wisconsin participates[/hen-ui-link] in the NLC, which allows nurses from other participating states to practice in Wisconsin without obtaining a new license. Nurses who are licensed in non-NLC states must apply for a Wisconsin nursing license but do not need to take the NCLEX-RN again.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses from states that participate in [hen-ui-link href=”https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/BoardCouncils/NUR/2017NursingCompactFactSheet.pdf” target=”_blank”]the NLC[/hen-ui-link] may work in Wisconsin without earning a Wisconsin RN license. Out-of-state nurses from non-NLC states must apply for a Wisconsin nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you hold a current nursing license from another state that does not participate in the NLC, you must apply for a Wisconsin nursing license by endorsement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review the application form to be certain that you meet the requirements for a Wisconsin RN license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fill out the application and send for all necessary documentation, including a confirmation of your existing nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Wisconsin Board of Nursing typically approves or rejects applications within two weeks, or up to a month during peak times.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Wisconsin” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/wisconsin/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike most states, Wisconsin does not require nurses to complete continuing education credits before renewing their Wisconsin nursing license. However, some employers do require it, or expect nurses to periodically complete professional development programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must renew your Wisconsin RN license every two years, by February 28 in even-numbered years. You can fill out the form and find mailing instructions online.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Wisconsin, the median nursing salary was $74,760, slightly below the national median of $75,330, and the state’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]cost of living[/hen-ui-link] is lower than the national figure. Job growth rates in Wisconsin appear promising over the next decade, and nurse employment is high. Only [hen-ui-link href=”https://wicenterfornursing.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2020_RN_survey.pdf” target=”_blank”]1.3% of nurses[/hen-ui-link] statewide are unemployed and looking for work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In metropolitan areas, higher costs of living generally translate to more competition between employers and higher salaries for RNs. Median salaries are highest in Madison and remain above the state median in the Milwaukee and La Crosse metropolitan areas. The median [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-salary//”]RN salary[/hen-ui-link] is slightly lower in smaller metropolitan regions like Racine and Oshkosh.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Metropolitan Area[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Madison[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$80,820[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Milwaukee – Waukesha – West Allis[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$75,980[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]La Crosse – Onalaska[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$74,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Racine[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$71,760[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Oshkosh – Neenah[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Metropolitan Area”]$71,380[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”best-hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as a Nurse in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]U.S. News & World Report develops annual hospital rankings based on factors like outcomes, patient experience, staffing ratios (including nurse-to-patient ratios), and expert physician opinions. The following facilities are the top-ranked hospitals for Wisconsin.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also known as UW Health, the Madison-based University of Wisconsin Hospitals system comprises seven hospitals and 77 clinics. The system employs more than 20,000 individuals. Designated as a Magnet Hospital in 2009, UW Health has also gained recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a leader in LGBTQ health.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee is one of the few hospitals to receive a Magnet Hospital designation for five consecutive years. The center employs almost 22,000 nurses and includes 16 hospitals and more than 150 clinics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Milwaukees Froedtert & MCW is a Magnet Hospital with almost 8,000 staff members and operates on the nursing professional practice model of relationship-based care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This facility is Wisconsins only green medical center. The facility employs 457 nurses and is located about 20 miles north of Milwaukee. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has called the medical center a leader in LGBTQ health equality.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Part of Green Bays Bellin Health System, Bellin Memorial Hospital is a 167-bed facility. Healthgrades has given the hospital multiple patient experience awards, and Forbes named the facility one of the best employers in 2016 and a best workplace for diversity in 2019.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/” target=”_blank”] Wisconsin Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] WNA is the states largest professional association for nurses. The association provides continuing education opportunities, sponsors advocacy efforts, holds conferences, issues practice statements, and hosts job listings. Membership includes American Nursing Association membership.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wischoolnurses.org/” target=”_blank”] Wisconsin Association of School Nurses[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This organization is affiliated with and provides joint membership in the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). WASN offers continuing education programs, collects and publishes data on school nursing in the state, and hosts an annual conference. Members gain access to exclusive scholarship opportunities.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wisconsinphp.org/” target=”_blank”] Wisconsin Professional Homecare Providers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This professional association supports Wisconsin RNs and LPNs who practice independently. Members are either respiratory care service providers for patients who use ventilators, or private duty nursing providers for all other patients. The group provides education and networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I become an RN in Wisconsin?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To meet the Wisconsin nursing license requirements, you must earn an ADN or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences//”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] from an approved school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and fill out an application. Applicants may not have a criminal record or record of misconduct that could put patients at risk.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get RN licensure in Wisconsin?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link] degree takes two years to complete, while a BSN takes four years. If you hold a recent bachelor degree in another subject or advanced placement credits, you may be able to finish a BSN more quickly through a bridge program. While it is possible to get a Wisconsin nursing license with just an ADN, many employers prefer hiring BSN-holders, especially for higher-level positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What states can I work in with a Wisconsin nursing license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a multistate Wisconsin nursing license, you can practice in any states that participate in the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nurse.org/articles/enhanced-compact-multi-state-license-enlc/” target=”_blank”]Nursing Licensure Compact[/hen-ui-link]. Unlike a regular Wisconsin RN license, the multistate license application process includes a background check with fingerprinting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much is a Wisconsin nursing license?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The initial application costs $88 and renewal costs $73. Unlike most other states, Wisconsin does not require continuing professional education for renewal, so it may cost less to maintain a license in Wisconsin. However, many employers require or strongly encourage ongoing professional education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in Wisconsin[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Wisconsin RN to BSN Degree Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/wisconsin/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Wisconsin Nursing Schools and Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/wisconsin/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]