Wisconsin Nursing License

Being a licensed nurse is a huge responsibility. A professional nurse deals with a lot of patients daily. Thus, obtaining a nursing license and completing all of the state claims is a must.

In the state of Wisconsin, there are a number of demands for professional nurses. You will not get your nursing license unless you meet all the state requirements.

The Wisconsin nurse licensing process can be complex and long. Below you can find a few helpful tips to keep in mind.

How do I get a Wisconsin nursing license?

To get a Wisconsin nursing license, you will be required to complete a nursing program and take examinations. The mentioned stages are presented in details in this article.

Become a licensed practical nurse

If you want to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you will need to start your career journey with obtaining appropriate nursing education. For that, you must graduate from a professional nursing program. There are many one-year diploma programs to complete in Wisconsin.

It may be helpful to know that most LPN programs are, as a rule, shorter and easier. The reason for this is that they are not quite popular because of the low salary and demand.

When you complete the program, you will be able to apply for the nursing license. It is important to know that you can apply six weeks prior to your graduation as it will facilitate the process of licensure.

You must file the application to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. The application fee is $90.

Following the application, it is also the time to register for the exam. To register for the NCLEX-PN, click here.

Become a registered nurse

In similar fashion, the licensing process for registered nurses starts with graduating from a nursing program.

In Wisconsin, a number of programs offer nursing education at the associate or baccalaureate level. Hence, you will be able to earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. The AND program consists of two years, while the BSN program consists of four years.

Note that admission to these professional programs is highly competitive and challenging. Consequently, having good grades and a good command of nursing will contribute to the admission.

Apply for the nursing license

Meanwhile you are still completing the program, you should submit the application six weeks in advance to avoid waiting and to fasten the licensing process.

You should apply to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. You should pay $90 for application.

Before you get your permanent nursing license, you are allowed to apply for a temporary permit to serve as a nurse. By obtaining a temporary license, you will be able to gain experience as a nurse. Moreover, you will work with patients, understand how to work effectively and professionally.

The temporary permit is authentic for only 90 days. You should pay $10 for this service.

Take the NCLEX-RN

As you may see, LPNs take the NCLEX-PN, while RNs take the NCLEX-RN.

You can take the exam providing that you register beforehand and schedule your exam. Register here. The examination fee is $200 for each attempt.

In case you fail the exam, you will have the opportunity to retake it. The retake application will cost you additional $15.

If you hold a temporary permit, then it will no longer be authentic because of failing the exam.

In addition to the exam, you may have questions about the exam questions and material. So, the exam touches on safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial and physiological integrity.

The questions are mainly multiple-choice with four answer choices. Nonetheless, there are other types of question as well, including fill-in-the-blank, hot spots, and drag-and-drop questions.

Renew the nursing license in the state of Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, you must renew the nursing license every two years.

It is highly important to know that Wisconsin does not require completing continuing education/credit hours for license renewal.

The best educational institutions for nursing in Wisconsin

Since you want to become a RN or an LPN, you will need to complete a nursing program. Attending a board-approved program is one of the most important aspects of nurse licensure. If you want to find out information on the best professional nursing programs and colleges/universities that offer programs, check the list.

• University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
• Viterbo University
• Edgewood College
• University of Wisconsin – Madison
• Concordia University Wisconsin
• Marquette University
• University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• Carroll University
• Milwaukee School of Engineering

The tuitions of these nursing programs vary. They demand different amounts of money based on transfer credits, completed competency exams, amount of credits taken per year and financial aid awards.

In general, the fees fall between $8k and $38k.

The colleges also have different passing rates. Most of them guarantee 95-99% passing rate.

How do I get a Wisconsin nursing license by endorsement?

If you already hold a nursing license in another state and you have the results of passing the NCLEX, then you will be eligible to apply for license by endorsement.

Note that you must be a state resident. Otherwise, you will need to show on the application that you plan to move to Wisconsin.

You must also provide a proof of licensure in current state.

To renew the nursing license, you should either complete an online form or request a paper renewal form. You can call by this phone number- (608) 266-2112.

The endorsement application fee is $82.

Contact information

Department of Safety and Professional Services
Wisconsin Board of Nursing
1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 112
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 266-2112, (877) 617-1565
FAX: 608-261-7083

Is Wisconsin a compact state for nursing?

The state of Wisconsin is a proud member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Being a member allows nurses, who live in a compact nursing state, to have a compact multistate license to practice in other member states. This way, the professional nurses will not have to get an additional license.

Not to forget about the proof of residence in a compact state and an active nursing license.