Becoming an LPN in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is working to improve the health standard and availability of service for all people while preserving the integrity of their healthcare providers. As part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC, Wisconsin allows nurses from other NLC states to practice in the state without additional licensure. A rise in demand for nurses is being felt across the state, and a prediction from the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 5% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs per year in Wisconsin by 2024.

Find Programs By City

  • LPN Programs in Wisconsin

    ProgramDetails
    College of Menominee Nation
    2733 S. Ridge Road, Green Bay, WI 54304
    (920) 965-0070 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Fox Valley Technical College
    1825 N. Bluemound Drive, Appleton, WI 54912
    (920) 735-5600 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Gateway Technical College
    3520 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
    (262) 564-2200 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Lakeshore Technical College
    1290 North Ave, Cleveland, WI 53015
    (920) 693-1000 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Mid-State Technical College
    500 32nd St N, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
    (715) 422-5300 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Moraine Park Technical College
    700 Gould St, Beaver Dam, WI 53916
    (920) 887-1101 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
    2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307
    (920) 498-5400 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information
    Western Technical College
    400 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
    (608) 785-9200 Visit Homepage
    		Request Information

    Source: Practical nursing programs appearing on these pages have been retrieved from their respective state board overseeing practical or vocational nursing licensure. The data was retrieved on Sept 14, 2016.

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  • Wisconsin LPN Licensing Requirements

    Wisconsin requires LPN applicants to complete a state-approved nursing program as well as pass the required NCLEX-PN exam.

    While waiting for exam results, the graduate can apply for a temporary permit that is good for 90 days. If the graduate fails the exam, the permit is voided immediately. If the exam is passed a notarized application for licensure can be submitted along with the graduate’s official transcripts and certification of graduation.

    Wisconsin Licensed Practical Nurse Application Forms (http://165.189.64.111/Default.aspx?Page=ffd1f27a-42f8-417b-af1a-8675a0b169d5)

    The day-to-day demands of an LPN can be physically taxing—endurance and strength are necessary but may not be required during the application process.

    Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC - https://www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm) which allows nurses to work in multiple states that are in the compact area without additional licensing. The LPN does, however, have to register a primary state of residence. LPNs working outside of the compact area will need to apply for licensure if wanting to practice in the state of Wisconsin—they must apply by endorsement. He or she will have to show proof of current licensure and graduation from a state-approved nursing program. Other requirements include:

    • Licensed in a state that is equivalent to Wisconsin.
    • Passed NCLEX.
    • Has no disciplinary action or terminated from any employment related to nursing in another state for reasons of negligence.

    Wisconsin allows foreign applicants with LPN equivalents to apply for licensure in the state, but he or she must submit approval from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS - http://www.cgfns.org/) after they have evaluated the official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review. They must also prove their English proficiency via testing.

    Wisconsin LPN licenses April 30th of each odd-numbered year.

    Learn more about Wisconsin LPN Jobs, Salary, and Employment Outlook.

    Additional WI Nursing Resources

    Department of Safety and Professional Services 

    1400 E. Washington Avenue, RM 112
    Madison, WI 53708
    Phone: (608) 266-0145
    Fax: (608) 261-7083
    http://dsps.wi.gov/Home

    1. Wisconsin Nurses Association (http://www.wisconsinnurses.org)

     

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