2024 - Best LPN Programs in Wisconsin

Last Updated/Verified: Aug 25, 2023

The state of Wisconsin provides ample opportunity for aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to complete their education and find employment after graduation. An aging population has led to an increase in jobs across the country, and in Wisconsin has led to aspiring nurses to seek state-approved schools for licensure. There are several community colleges, vocational programs, and private schools across the state of Wisconsin that offer LPN programs. LPNs in Wisconsin earn approximately $25.29 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $52,610. This is roughly $3,250 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Wisconsin are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 16 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 5 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Wisconsin click here.

Details on Wisconsin LPN Schools & Classes

With several practical nursing programs around the state to choose from, nursing students in Wisconsin have several options to consider. Many practical nursing programs can be completed in one to two years depending on whether a student attends classes on a full- or part-time basis.

A typical course load for an LPN program in Wisconsin includes classroom and clinical learning experiences. Coursework may include the following:

  • Introduction to Clinical Care Practice
  • General Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Nursing Skills
  • Nursing Pharmacology
  • Clinical Care Across the Lifespan
  • Developmental Psychology

Accreditation

One of the most important criteria when choosing a practical nursing program should be program accreditation. A program’s accreditation signifies its high quality and is held to high standards through agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Nursing students in Wisconsin can check with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing for a listing of state-approved practical nursing programs.

Admission Requirements

Before applying to any LPN program, it is critical to make sure you meet or exceed all entrance requirements. While specific entrance requirements may fluctuate slightly from school to school, they often include:

  • Completion of high school or GED program (including transcripts)
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all relevant coursework including prerequisite courses
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses, such as college-level Math, English I, and Basic Physiology & Human Anatomy
  • Standardized Test Scores, such as the ACT or TEAS V exam
  • Personal interview
  • Background check, drug screen, and proof of required immunizations
  • Submission of completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Cost can be an important factor to consider when choosing a practical nursing program. All schools will have their own unique set of fees, so it is important to understand the full range of costs associated with your education before you apply. In general, costs for a practical nursing program include tuition, mandatory college and course fees, and supplies (including textbooks). In addition, students should factor in the costs of housing and/or commuting to classes into the total price tag. Financial aid, loans, and scholarships are options for those who need assistance covering the costs of their LPN program.

To provide an example, the tuition cost for the 2-year Associate Degree Nursing program at Southwest Tech is estimated at around $11,000. This does not include additional materials costs, which are estimated at anywhere from $250 - $2,500 per semester depending on coursework.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Wisconsin LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Wisconsin LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in Wisconsin, individuals must be complete a state-approved nursing program. Once that is complete, he or she must sit and pass the NCLEX-PN exam—the required state-test to show proficiency.

In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state of Wisconsin, including:

  • Official transcript from a state-approved nursing program
  • Proof of passing score of the NCLEX exam
  • Fingerprints submitted digitally to the state
  • Authorization for release of FBI information form to check criminal history

Wisconsin LPN licenses expire April 30th of every odd-numbered year and require nurses to complete a Nursing Workforce Survey and Report State of Primary Residency form with the state in order to renew.

NCLEX Exam Information

Before a practical nursing program graduate can receive licensure, they must first sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. LPN program coursework should adequately prepare students for this important exam. To read more about the NCLEX-PN exam, please visit our overview page here. In addition, the NCLEX-PN practice test is available to help students prepare and study.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to work in multiple states that are in the compact area without additional licensing. The LPN does, however, have to register Wisconsin as a primary state of residency. LPNs from non-NLC states can apply for Wisconsin licensure by endorsement by submitting proof of current licensure and a passing score on the NCLEX exam.

In addition, applicants must also submit:

  • Fingerprints submitted digitally to the state
  • Authorization for release of FBI information for criminal background check

Wisconsin allows foreign applicants with LPN equivalent background to apply for licensure in the state, but he or she must first submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) following a completed course-by-course transcript review and English proficiency testing results. The applicant must also sit for and pass the NCLEX exam if he or she hasn’t already.

2024 WI NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

  • Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 16
  • 2022 Average Statewide Wisconsin NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.3%

Top Ranked Wisconsin LPN Programs

1

Lakeshore Technical College

1290 North Ave, Cleveland, WI 53015 - (920) 693-1000 - Visit Homepage

Cleveland's Lakeshore Technical College offers students several nursing pathways, including a practical nursing diploma program that allows students to start a career in healthcare. This 31-credit program can be completed in just 5 terms of part-time attendance in the evenings and some Saturdays. Graduates of this program are prepared to provide compassionate care to patients in a variety of medical facilities.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Madison Area Tech College (MATC)

1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704 - (608) 246-6100 - Visit Homepage

Madison Area Technical College, a public institution in Madison, Wisconsin, is a beacon of practical nursing education. The college's mission focuses on accessible, high-quality education. With a diverse student body and modern facilities, it provides a nurturing environment for aspiring nurses to flourish in their academic and professional journey.

Overall Score: 99.72 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Blackhawk Technical College

6004 S County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546 - (608) 758-6900 - Visit Homepage

The Blackhawk Technical College Nursing program is 4 semesters long and includes classroom, skills lab, and clinical experiences. Students have the option of completing the first 2 semesters of nursing courses and taking the NCLEX-PN exam, which could lead to a license as a Practical Nurse (LPN). Most students go on to complete all 4 semesters of nursing courses, which allows them to take the examination which will lead to a license as a Registered Nurse.

Overall Score: 98.18 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

Mid-State Technical College

500 32nd St N, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 - (715) 422-5300 - Visit Homepage

Mid-State Technical College gives students the option to become practical nurses once they complete one year (33 credits) of the associate degree nursing program. The comprehensive nursing curriculum prepares aspiring LPNs for the licensure exam and for eventual employment in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other healthcare settings.

Overall Score: 95.91 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Chippewa Valley Technical College

620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 - (715) 833-6200 - Visit Homepage

Chippewa Valley Technical College, located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a public institution with a commitment to practical nursing excellence. As a dynamic community college, it provides accessible and quality education. With modern facilities and a focus on healthcare, CVTC is a leading choice for those aspiring to become skilled nurses.

Overall Score: 95.81 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Wisconsin

RankedProgramScore
#6 Western Technical College
400 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-9200
95.75
#7 Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main St, Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 691-5566
95.70
#8 Moraine Park Technical College
700 Gould St, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
(920) 887-1101
93.41
#9 Herzing University - Brookfield
15895 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53005
(262) 457-7624
92.98
#10 Fox Valley Technical College
1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI 54912
(920) 735-5600
92.85
#11 Gateway Technical College
3520 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
(262) 564-2200
91.89
#12 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307
(920) 498-5400
89.89
#13 Milwaukee Area Tech College
700 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 297-6282
89.00
#14 Nicolet Area Tech College
5364 College Dr, Rhinelander, WI 54501
(715) 365-4410
83.76
#15 Bryant & Stratton College - Wauwatosa
10950 W Potter Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
(414) 302-7000
81.01
#16 Herzing University - Kenosha
5800 7th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 293-5475
78.83

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional WI Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Wisconsin

The table below lists career information retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Milwaukee, Waukesha, West Allis1,630$26.39$54,900
Green Bay520$23.59$49,070
Madison520$25.83$53,720
La Crosse, Onalaska230$25.91$53,900
Appleton220$25.30$52,630
Eau Claire220$24.43$50,820
Sheboygan190$23.99$49,900
Oshkosh, Neenah180$23.84$49,580
Racine160$26.05$54,180
Wausau150$24.40$50,750
Janesville, Beloit130$25.63$53,320
Fond du Lac110$24.71$51,390

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)