Wisconsin LPN to RN/BSN Programs

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 19, 2025

With higher education in nursing becoming a growing trend, LPNs in Wisconsin are increasingly opting to enter LPN to RN bridge programs in order to advance their careers. RNs enjoy many advantages, including taking on more responsibility, entering coveted specialties, and earning substantially higher salaries. In fact, RNs in Wisconsin make an average of $24,110 more per year than LPNs in the state do, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you want more information on the LPN to RN educational track, learn more about taking and passing the NCLEX-RN examination. Also, check out the Wisconsin Board of Nursing for information on licensing, available organizations, and education for nurses in the state.

2025 Best LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin

Looking for the best LPN to RN programs in Wisconsin? practicalnursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and flexibility. Start your journey to becoming an RN today with our trusted rankings. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Fennimore, WI - Public 2-Year - swtc.edu

Associate - LPN to RN Bridge

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's LPN to RN Bridge program is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers to registered nursing. This program efficiently leverages the students' prior LPN education, condensing the first year of RN coursework. It emphasizes hands-on clinical training, utilizing cutting-edge simulation labs to enhance learning. The curriculum is designed to sharpen critical thinking and patient care skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. With an affordable tuition rate and a strong track record of high NCLEX-RN pass rates, it's an excellent choice for Wisconsin residents and those in neighboring states seeking quality education and career advancement in nursing.

  • Bridge for Licensed Practical Nurses
  • 65 total program credits
  • Face-to-face and online courses
  • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Available to WI/adjacent state residents
  • Financial aid available
  • State-of-the-art simulation technology
  • Clinical experiences in healthcare agencies
  • Transfer options to BSN programs
#2

Northwood Technical College

Rice Lake, WI - Public 2-Year - northwoodtech.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake, WI, provides an LPN to ADN program perfect for licensed practical nurses seeking to elevate their careers to associate degree nursing. This program stands out by customizing the educational journey for each student, recognizing prior coursework to streamline the path to advancement. Emphasizing a blend of hands-on practice and in-depth theoretical learning, it equips students with the necessary skills for higher nursing roles. The campus-based format ensures direct engagement with practical nursing scenarios, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Designed with accessibility in mind, the program features straightforward admission criteria and cost considerations, making the transition smoother for aspiring nurses.

  • Campus-based learning.
  • Tailored for LPNs.
  • Credits vary by prior courses.
  • Prepares for associate degree nursing.
  • Focus on practical and theoretical skills.
#3

Lakeshore Technical College

Cleveland, WI - Public 2-Year - gotoltc.edu

Associate - LPN Bridge to ADN Pathway

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lakeshore Technical College's LPN Bridge to ADN Pathway is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers through an Associate Degree in Nursing. This pathway emphasizes rigorous academic standards, mandating a 'B' or higher in Anatomy and Physiology among other prerequisites. With a summer-entry option, the program accommodates working professionals through primarily daytime classes. Admission requires an active LPN license and completion of preparatory bridge courses, making it a competitive yet rewarding route for nursing advancement. The program's structure is designed to ensure a smooth transition for LPNs into the ADN curriculum, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

  • Summer-only entry program
  • Requires active LPN license
  • Day classes primarily offered
  • Grade requirements: C or better
  • Anatomy courses need B grade
  • Limited seat availability
  • Preparatory bridge courses
#4

Mid-State Technical College

Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Public 2-Year - mstc.edu

Associate - LPN-to-ADN Pathway

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Mid-State Technical College's LPN-to-ADN Pathway is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to elevate their careers through an Associate Degree in Nursing. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions, catering to the schedules of working LPNs. Participants engage in bridge courses and comprehensive nursing studies, enhancing their clinical expertise and understanding of professional nursing practices. Admission prerequisites include holding a current Wisconsin LPN license and at least one year of practical experience, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the rigors of the program. With a total of 66 credits, the curriculum is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from LPN to RN roles, emphasizing flexibility and advanced skill development.

  • 66 total credits to complete
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Designed for working LPNs
  • Online and in-person courses
  • Wisconsin LPN license required
  • Minimum one year LPN experience
  • Bridge courses available
  • Advanced clinical training
  • Professional nursing concepts
#5

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, WI - Public 2-Year - morainepark.edu

Associate - LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Moraine Park Technical College's LPN to ADN Bridge Program is tailored for licensed practical nurses aiming to transition into registered nursing roles. This program stands out by requiring applicants to have 1000 hours of LPN work experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for the rigors of advanced nursing education. With a focus on hands-on clinical training, the curriculum is designed to enhance practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. The program's competitive admission process underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards, making it a prime choice for LPNs seeking career advancement in Wisconsin's healthcare sector.

  • LPN to RN Career Advancement
  • 1000 hours LPN experience required
  • Hands-on clinical training
  • Competitive admission process
  • Prepares for RN licensure exam
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

List of 2025 LPN to RN or LPN to BSN Programs in WI

Below is the 2025 best comprehensive list of LPN to RN programs in Wisconsin. Some of these programs may be a ADN or BSN degree, please visit the school's website for program details.

Jump to City:

Appleton, WI

Fox Valley Technical College

  • Associate - Nursing Pathway, LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to ADN pathway
    • 66 total credit program
    • State-of-art simulation training
    • Multiple admission options
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Financial aid eligible
    • Appleton campus location
    • Full-time study option

Cleveland, WI

Lakeshore Technical College

  • Associate - LPN Bridge to ADN Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • Summer-only entry program
    • Requires active LPN license
    • Day classes primarily offered
    • Grade requirements: C or better
    • Anatomy courses need B grade
    • Limited seat availability
    • Preparatory bridge courses

Fennimore, WI

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Bridge for Licensed Practical Nurses
    • 65 total program credits
    • Face-to-face and online courses
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
    • Available to WI/adjacent state residents
    • Financial aid available
    • State-of-the-art simulation technology
    • Clinical experiences in healthcare agencies

Fond du Lac, WI

Moraine Park Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Bridge Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • LPN to RN Career Advancement
    • 1000 hours LPN experience required
    • Hands-on clinical training
    • Competitive admission process
    • Prepares for RN licensure exam

Green Bay, WI

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

  • Associate - Practical Nursing to Nursing Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • 29 total credits
    • Part-time program format
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Transfer credits available
    • Clinical experience included
    • Day and evening classes

Kenosha, WI

Gateway Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Bridge for LPNs to RN
    • Requires valid LPN license
    • 2000 hours LPN experience
    • Wisconsin state licensure
    • Third-semester entry point
    • Two bridge course requirement
    • Comprehensive admission process

Madison, WI

Madison Area Technical College

  • Associate - Nursing Completion: LPN to Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 65 credits, 2-year program
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Flexible full/part-time options
    • Estimated program cost $13,936.46
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • Some online, some in-person
    • Prerequisites include A&P, microbiology
    • Healthcare provider CPR required

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Progression

    Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year Associate Degree
    • Up to 19 advanced credits
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Campus locations: Milwaukee/Mequon
    • Petition-based admission process
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • August and January starts
    • Clinical simulation training

Pewaukee, WI

Waukesha County Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Nursing Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Associate of Applied Science Degree
    • Hybrid/Daytime Learning Options
    • Entry at Third Semester
    • Personalized Progression Pathway
    • Prepare for NCLEX Exam

Rice Lake, WI

Northwood Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based learning.
    • Tailored for LPNs.
    • Credits vary by prior courses.
    • Prepares for associate degree nursing.
    • Focus on practical and theoretical skills.

Wausau, WI

Northcentral Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to Nursing Associate Degree Bridge

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Pathway for Wisconsin LPN holders
    • Hybrid program format
    • Total cost: $7,425
    • Requires specific prerequisite courses
    • Three-semester completion expectation
    • Strict progression policy
    • Requires current LPN license
    • Transfer credit opportunities

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Mid-State Technical College

  • Associate - LPN-to-ADN Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 66 total credits to complete
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Designed for working LPNs
    • Online and in-person courses
    • Wisconsin LPN license required
    • Minimum one year LPN experience
    • Bridge courses available
    • Advanced clinical training
*Based on: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Wisconsin LPN vs RN Salary Comparison By Area

Salary Comparison Tool

This tool will allow you to easily search and compare the average salaries of nurses for many cities and locations across the U.S. You can search by city and state. Salary data is provided through the BLS.

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The table below compares the annual salary of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to a registered nurse (RN), along with the percent increase that can be expected. The data was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for LPNs and RNs in Wisconsin.

On average an RN in Wisconsin earns $46,085, which is 4% less than the national average for registered nurses ($48,109).

City/AreaAvg LPN SalaryAvg RN Salary% Diff
Milwaukee, Waukesha, West Allis - WI$47,760$72,64052.1%
Madison - WI$47,630$79,81067.6%
Green Bay - WI$42,620$65,79054.4%
La Crosse, Onalaska - WI$44,830$72,71062.2%
Eau Claire - WI$42,420$67,37058.8%
Appleton - WI$42,570$66,33055.8%
Oshkosh, Neenah - WI$45,090$68,30051.5%
Wausau - WI$42,980$67,48057.0%
Janesville, Beloit - WI$46,040$67,54046.7%
Racine - WI$46,960$72,03053.4%
Sheboygan - WI$42,480$68,25060.7%

Table data taken from 2018 BLS https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm & https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm