Best Wisconsin LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Wisconsin offers programs that provide advanced training for LPNs transitioning to RN practice. Coursework covers medical-surgical nursing, leadership, and health assessment. Clinical requirements ensure readiness for RN licensure and professional growth.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Wisconsin LPN to RN programs strengthen nursing skills and prepare you for RN practice.

2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin

At practicalnursing.org, we've ranked the best LPN to RN programs in Wisconsin to help nurses take the next step in their careers. These programs let working LPNs earn an associate degree or diploma in nursing while continuing to work. Becoming an RN opens up more job opportunities, higher pay, and greater responsibility in patient care. Our rankings focus on factors like NCLEX pass rates, program length, cost, and flexibility, so students can find options that fit their lives. We looked at accredited schools across the Badger State and identified the top choices for advancing from LPN to RN. To see exactly how we evaluated each program, check out our rankings methodology.
#1

Moraine Park Technical College

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

Associate - Nursing - LPN to ADN Bridge Track

Campus Based - Visit Website

Moraine Park Technical College's LPN to ADN Bridge Track offers Licensed Practical Nurses a structured pathway to RN licensure through an ACEN and Wisconsin Board of Nursing-accredited associate degree program. Spanning 68 credit hours, the curriculum addresses developmental psychology, nursing management, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and complex health alterations, with an emphasis on patient-centered care and technology-driven outcomes. Applicants must hold current LPN licensure and document at least 1,000 hours of recent clinical experience. Total tuition runs approximately $12,152, with financial aid available. Clinical evaluations serve as the exit assessment, and graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN targeting roles in critical care, neonatal, mental health, or informatics nursing. The program is available across three campuses: Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and West Bend.

  • ACEN, Wisconsin Board of Nursing accredited
  • $12,152 total program tuition
  • 2-Year program
  • 68 total credit hours
  • Estimated salary range: $71,236 – $79,729
  • Work experience required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Clinical evaluations as exit assessment
  • Criminal background check required

Associate - LPN to ADN Progression Track

Campus Based - Visit Website

Through the LPN to ADN Progression Track at Moraine Park Technical College, working practical nurses can earn an associate degree and qualify for RN licensure without starting from scratch. At $157 per credit across 67 total credit hours, the program covers mental health concepts, community nursing, advanced clinical practice, and nursing management, building directly on prior LPN training. Credit for prior learning is accepted, and prerequisite courses are required before enrollment. Both full-time and part-time scheduling options are available across three campus locations. NCLEX-RN preparation is embedded throughout, and graduates can pursue transfer agreements with four-year colleges. The program holds accreditation from ACEN and the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, with clinical evaluations used as the exit assessment.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), Wisconsin Board of Nursing accredited
  • $157 per credit
  • 67 total credit hours
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • Average annual salaries for local workers in this career field range from $71,236 (entry level) to $79,729 (experienced worker)
  • Work experience required
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Credit for prior learning accepted
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

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 gives working Wisconsin LPNs a practical route to an Associate Degree in Nursing without starting from scratch. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program pairs online bridge coursework with hands-on clinical training, and awards credit for prior learning and existing LPN experience. Core coursework spans two semesters and addresses complex health alterations, mental health nursing, and advanced clinical competencies — totaling 66 credit hours. Applicants must hold a current Wisconsin LPN license and at least one year of work experience. An in-person orientation precedes clinical placement. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

  • 66 total credit hours
  • Work experience required
  • Online bridge courses available
  • Requires current WI LPN license
  • In-person onboarding before third semester
  • Credit for prior learning awarded
  • Bridge courses: two courses
#3

Lakeshore Technical College

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

Associate - LPN Bridge to ADN Pathway

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lakeshore Technical College's LPN Bridge to ADN Pathway gives licensed practical nurses a direct, efficient route to an Associate Degree in Nursing. Accepting only a single cohort each summer, the program maintains limited enrollment to prioritize hands-on, individualized instruction. Applicants must hold an active LPN license and complete prerequisite coursework—including anatomy and physiology with a minimum grade of B—before enrolling. Two preparatory bridge courses ease the transition into the nursing curriculum, which emphasizes core nursing theory, clinical competencies, and patient care across settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN, qualifying for expanded registered nurse roles.

  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts summer
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Summer-only entry
  • Two preparatory bridge courses
  • Daytime classes
  • Active LPN license required
  • Limited seats available
#4

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, WI - Public 2-Year - ntc.edu

Associate - LPN to Nursing Associate Degree Bridge

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northcentral Technical College offers Wisconsin LPNs a streamlined path to RN licensure through its LPN to Nursing Associate Degree Bridge Pathway. Completable in just three semesters at an affordable tuition of approximately $5,534, the hybrid program advances students through coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and communication before progressing into core nursing classes. Applicants must hold a current Wisconsin LPN license, submit high school and post-secondary transcripts, and complete the HESI A2 entrance exam. Transfer credit evaluation typically takes four to six weeks. Students should note the program's strict academic progression policy — a single failure or withdrawal results in removal from the program.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • $5,534 total program tuition
  • 3-Semester program
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Requires current Wisconsin LPN license
  • Advanced Standing Form required
  • Transfer evaluation takes 4-6 weeks
  • One fail/withdrawal leads to program removal
  • Return to Nursing course required prior
#5

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Green Bay, WI - Public 2-Year - nwtc.edu

Associate - Practical Nursing to Nursing Bridge

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's Practical Nursing to Nursing Bridge program offers LPNs a part-time pathway to an associate degree in nursing without starting from scratch. Spanning 29 total credit hours, the curriculum tackles complex health alterations, mental health concepts, and advanced clinical practice through a blend of classroom instruction, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical rotations at regional hospitals and clinics. The program holds ACEN accreditation and boasts a 90% job placement rate within six months of graduation. Completers are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, and earned credits transfer smoothly to four-year institutions. Financial aid and EARN grants are available to qualifying students.

  • ACEN accredited
  • 29 total credit hours
  • Part-time available
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • 90% job placement within 6 months
  • Offered at three campuses
  • Clinical experience at area hospitals
  • Simulation lab instruction
  • EARN grant for nursing students
*Federal data source: IPEDS 2025, administered by NCES.

Wisconsin LPN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

Wisconsin LPN to RN bridge programs are designed for currently licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. While each college or university sets its own standards, applicants in Wisconsin commonly need to meet these requirements:

  • Hold an active, unencumbered Wisconsin LPN license at the time of application and prior to clinical placement.
  • Graduate of a practical nursing program recognized by the state and in good academic standing.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses, often within a recent time frame, such as:
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
    • Microbiology with lab
    • Chemistry or Biological Chemistry
    • College-level Math or Statistics
    • English Composition
    • Psychology and Human Growth and Development
    • Speech or Interpersonal Communication
  • Minimum cumulative GPA set by the program, often 2.5 to 3.0 or higher in prerequisites.
  • Standardized testing or placement (for example, TEAS) if required by the institution.
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers CPR certification.
  • Up-to-date immunizations, TB screening, proof of health insurance, drug screening, and criminal background check for clinical eligibility under Wisconsin caregiver laws and clinical site policies.
  • Documented LPN work experience may be required or prioritized by some programs for advanced standing.

To obtain RN licensure after graduation, Wisconsin requires completion of a state-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN. Information about state approval and licensure is available from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

Wisconsin LPN to RN pathways include LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN options. Bridge curricula recognize prior LPN education and practice and focus on expanding clinical judgment, leadership, and care management across settings. You can expect to study:

  • Role transition from LPN to RN, including scope of practice and professional standards
  • Health assessment with emphasis on comprehensive and focused assessments across the lifespan
  • Pathophysiology and pharmacology with application to complex patient care
  • Medical-surgical nursing for acute and chronic conditions
  • Mental health and behavioral health nursing
  • Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing
  • Community and population health nursing
  • Nursing leadership, teamwork, and quality improvement
  • Evidence-based practice, informatics, and interprofessional collaboration

Clinical learning occurs in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and community settings, with campus labs and simulation to build skills and clinical reasoning.

Accreditation and approval are important in Wisconsin. The Board of Nursing must approve the program you graduate from for you to be eligible for RN licensure and the NCLEX-RN in Wisconsin. Many schools also hold national nursing accreditation through ACEN or CCNE and institutional accreditation through a regional accreditor. National accreditation can support credit transfer, employer hiring preferences, and admission to graduate programs. When comparing programs, confirm Wisconsin Board approval first, then consider national and institutional accreditation based on your long-term education goals.

LPN to RN Schools and Classes

Across Wisconsin, LPN to RN programs are offered by public technical colleges, public universities, and private not-for-profit institutions. Technical colleges commonly offer LPN to ADN bridge options that prepare you for entry-level RN practice. Universities may offer LPN to BSN pathways that add broader study in leadership, community health, and research.

Coursework typically includes a transition-to-RN course that awards advanced standing for your LPN license, followed by sequential theory, lab, and clinical courses. Expect classes such as:

  • Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
  • Advanced Concepts in Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Health Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making
  • Pharmacology and Safe Medication Administration
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Maternal-Newborn and Family Health
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Community and Population Health
  • Nursing Leadership and Management
  • Capstone preceptorship with an RN mentor

Simulation-based learning is widely used to refine prioritization, communication, and emergency response skills before and alongside direct patient care.

Career Outlook

Registered nurses in Wisconsin work in hospitals, critical access hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health, long-term care, rehabilitation, behavioral health, schools, and public health agencies. Scheduling varies by setting and includes 8 or 12 hour shifts, weekdays, weekends, and nights, which can support different work life balance preferences. Rural and urban employers both report ongoing RN hiring needs, driven by an aging population, chronic disease management, and workforce retirements.

Compared with LPN roles, RNs in Wisconsin have a broader scope of practice, assume greater responsibility for comprehensive assessment and care planning, and have wider access to acute care and specialty roles. RNs generally earn higher wages than LPNs and have more opportunities for advancement into charge nurse, care coordinator, public health, and leadership positions. Wisconsin participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows eligible RNs whose primary state of residence is Wisconsin to hold a multistate license for practice in other compact states, supporting career flexibility.

LPN to RN Program Length

  • Full-time LPN to ADN: Often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites, depending on how many credits transfer and clinical availability.
  • Part-time LPN to ADN: Commonly 20 to 30 months after prerequisites, with lighter course loads each term.
  • Evening and weekend tracks: Designed for working LPNs, typically extend the timeline by one or more terms to accommodate labs and clinicals outside weekday hours.
  • LPN to BSN: Usually 2 to 3 years of nursing coursework after prerequisites and transferred credits, varying by program structure and whether summers are used.

Actual timelines depend on completion of prerequisites, placement, clinical schedules, and whether summer terms are included.

2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin

When time is valuable, speed matters. For LPNs in Wisconsin, finding a shortest program can help you advance without a long pause in your career. We know that swift training lets you get back to work, earn more, and serve communities from Milwaukee to Green Bay. The quickest options often still deliver strong education and support. Our table compares schools based on program highlights, graduation rates, and retention rates. Use it to see which paths are efficient and reliable. Remember, a speedy route does not mean lower quality. It means focused, streamlined learning that fits your life. Take a look and find a program that moves at your pace.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Moraine Park Technical College
  • ACEN, Wisconsin Board of Nursing accredited
  • $12,152 total program tuition
  • 2-Year program
  • 68 total credit hours
  • Estimated salary range: $71,236 – $79,729
  • Work experience required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 13 :1
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
  • ACEN accredited
  • 29 total credit hours
  • Part-time available
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • 90% job placement within 6 months
  • Offered at three campuses
  • Clinical experience at area hospitals
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 :1
Waukesha County Technical College
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • Complete in More than 2 years
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts spring
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $30 application fee
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 22 :1
*Original data: IPEDS 2025, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition in Wisconsin varies by institution type and residency:

  • Public technical colleges, LPN to ADN: In-state tuition commonly totals roughly the mid four figures to low five figures for the nursing portion of the program, depending on credits awarded for advanced standing, plus fees.
  • Public universities, LPN to BSN: In-state tuition for the nursing phase is typically in the low to mid five figures, depending on transferred credits and length of study, plus university fees.
  • Private not-for-profit institutions: Tuition is generally higher and varies widely; some offer significant transfer credit and scholarships for LPNs.

Plan for additional expenses such as textbooks and digital resources, uniforms and clinical supplies, immunizations and health screening, background check and drug screening, CPR certification, transportation and parking for clinicals, and application, testing, and licensure costs for the NCLEX-RN and the state license.

Housing costs depend on location and living arrangements. Public university estimates for room and board in Wisconsin are often in the high four to low five figures per academic year. Off-campus costs vary by city, with larger markets typically higher than smaller communities.

2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin

When moving from LPN to RN in Wisconsin, finding an affordable program matters. Tuition costs can add up quickly, but we believe every nurse deserves a chance to advance without excessive debt. The table below highlights three options offering associate and bachelor's degrees across the state, from Milwaukee to Madison. These programs provide flexible paths for working nurses. By comparing affordable choices, students can focus on quality education and career growth. Making a smart financial decision helps ensure a brighter future for both nurses and the communities they serve.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Milwaukee Area Technical College
  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 48 total credit hours
  • Starts fall/spring
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • $4,100 - $6,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $5,900 - $8,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Moraine Park Technical College
  • ACEN, Wisconsin Board of Nursing accredited
  • $12,152 total program tuition
  • 2-Year program
  • 68 total credit hours
  • Estimated salary range: $71,236 – $79,729
  • Work experience required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • $3,900 - $5,800 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $5,700 - $8,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Northcentral Technical College
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • $5,534 total program tuition
  • 3-Semester program
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Requires current Wisconsin LPN license
  • Advanced Standing Form required
  • Transfer evaluation takes 4-6 weeks
  • $3,900 - $5,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $5,700 - $8,600 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Wisconsin schools commonly offer LPN to RN programs in several delivery formats:

  • In person: Traditional classroom, lab, and clinical experiences on campus and at affiliated clinical sites.
  • Hybrid: Didactic courses online or blended with periodic on-campus sessions, combined with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations.
  • Online for theory only: Some programs deliver many lecture components online. However, clinical hours and skills labs must be completed face to face at approved sites in Wisconsin or authorized locations.

A fully online LPN to RN program is not practical because clinical education must occur in person to meet Wisconsin program approval standards and clinical partner requirements. Prospective students should confirm that the program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and that clinical placements are arranged within the state or authorized locations before enrolling.

LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Wisconsin

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

Graduates of LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin. After your program posts graduation and your official transcript is sent directly from the school, the Wisconsin Board of Nursing will determine eligibility and release your Authorization to Test. You will then schedule and take the NCLEX-RN exam.

  • Apply to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing for RN licensure by exam and complete criminal background check and fingerprinting as directed.
  • Ensure your school submits an official transcript showing the degree and date conferred.
  • Request testing accommodations through the Board if needed before your Authorization to Test is issued.
  • Wisconsin may issue a temporary permit to practice for eligible new graduates; it is time limited and ends upon NCLEX results or permit expiration.

State-specific guidance, application instructions, and forms are available from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Wisconsin licenses out-of-state RNs by endorsement. If you hold an active RN license in another U.S. state or territory and have passed the NCLEX-RN, you may apply for Wisconsin licensure by endorsement by submitting verification of your original license (typically through Nursys), completing background check and fingerprinting, and meeting any other Board requirements. Wisconsin does not maintain separate bilateral reciprocity agreements beyond the Compact.

Wisconsin participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. If Wisconsin is your primary state of residence and you meet Compact criteria, the Board may issue a multistate RN license that allows practice in all other Compact states without obtaining additional licenses. If Wisconsin is not your primary state of residence, or you do not meet Compact requirements, you may be issued a single-state Wisconsin RN license. Applicants moving to Wisconsin from another Compact state must apply for Wisconsin licensure by endorsement when they declare Wisconsin as their primary state of residence.

Licensure Requirements

The Wisconsin Board of Nursing, housed within the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), regulates RN licensure. To become licensed as an RN by examination in Wisconsin you must generally:

  • Graduate from a Board-approved nursing program (ADN or BSN), including LPN to RN bridge programs.
  • Submit an application for RN licensure by exam and pay required fees.
  • Provide an official transcript sent directly from the nursing program.
  • Complete criminal background check and fingerprinting as instructed by the Board.
  • Receive Authorization to Test and pass the NCLEX-RN.
  • If educated outside the United States, meet additional credential evaluation and English proficiency requirements as directed by the Board.

For licensure by endorsement, applicants must hold an active RN license in another state or territory, verify original licensure and education, complete background check and fingerprinting, and meet all Board requirements. Temporary permits may be available for eligible endorsement applicants while materials are processed.

License Renewal

Wisconsin RN licenses renew on a biennial cycle. The Board announces each renewal period and deadline; begin the online renewal process several weeks in advance to allow time to complete required steps.

  • Continuing education: Wisconsin does not currently require continuing education hours for RN renewal unless specifically ordered as part of a disciplinary action. Employers may have training requirements that are separate from Board rules.
  • Renewal steps: Complete the online renewal application, respond to professional conduct and health questions, update contact information, and pay the renewal fee. You may be asked to complete the state’s nursing workforce survey during renewal.
  • Timing: Plan to renew every two years by the posted deadline; late renewals may incur additional fees and practice is not permitted if the license lapses.

Always confirm current requirements, forms, and timelines directly with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, as processes and dates can change.

Average LPN State Salary in Wisconsin

$61,680

2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Wisconsin

$90,450

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

VS

LPN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically, LPN to ADN bridge programs in Wisconsin can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 years, as students often receive credit for their previous LPN education and experience, allowing them to enter the program at an advanced standing.

Credential Awarded:

Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Program Focus:

The curriculum builds upon the LPN's existing knowledge, with a focus on advanced clinical skills, critical thinking, and the theoretical knowledge required for the expanded scope of practice of an RN. The program prepares graduates for direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Average In-State Tuition in Wisconsin:

The average annual tuition for an associate degree program at a Wisconsin Technical College is approximately $4,585.50. However, total program costs can vary by institution. For example, Moraine Park Technical College estimates a total cost of around $12,151.60 for their program.

Best For:

This pathway is ideal for LPNs who wish to become an RN relatively quickly and at a lower cost, providing a direct route to enter the RN workforce.

School Types:

LPN to ADN bridge programs in Wisconsin are commonly offered at the state's technical colleges, including Milwaukee Area Technical College, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, and Mid-State Technical College.

LPN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

LPN to BSN bridge programs are generally longer than the ADN route, typically taking 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the specific program and the number of transferable credits from the LPN's previous education. Some accelerated programs may allow for completion in as little as three years.

Credential Awarded:

Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

Program Focus:

These programs provide a more comprehensive education than ADN programs, with a curriculum that includes leadership, research, community health, and a broader theoretical foundation in nursing. This prepares graduates for a wider range of roles, including leadership and specialized positions.

Average In-State Tuition in Wisconsin:

Tuition for BSN programs is generally higher than for ADN programs. For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's accelerated BSN program for those with a prior bachelor's degree has a flat rate of $45,000 for Wisconsin residents. Online RN to BSN programs, which an LPN could pursue after obtaining an ADN, may have different tuition structures. Costs can vary significantly between public and private universities.

Best For:

This pathway is suited for LPNs who have long-term career goals that may include leadership, management, research, or advanced practice nursing roles, and who are seeking a broader educational foundation.

School Types:

LPN to BSN bridge programs are offered by universities and 4-year colleges in Wisconsin, such as Herzing University with campuses in Brookfield, Kenosha, and Madison.

Choose LPN→ADN If:

  • Faster Entry into the RN Role: The shorter program duration allows for a quicker transition to working as a Registered Nurse.
  • Lower Cost: Technical college tuition is generally more affordable than university tuition, making the ADN a more budget-friendly option.
  • Foundation for Further Education: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program, allowing individuals to work and gain experience as an RN while continuing their education.
  • Immediate Career Advancement: For many LPNs, achieving an RN license through an ADN program provides significant opportunities for increased responsibility and salary.

Choose LPN→BSN If:

  • Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often preferred or required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Over the course of a career, BSN-prepared nurses typically have a higher earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
  • Foundation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing graduate-level education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
  • Meeting Industry Standards: There is a growing trend in the healthcare industry to favor BSN-prepared nurses, with some healthcare systems requiring a BSN for certain positions.

List of LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin

We've collected the LPN to RN programs available in Wisconsin to help make the transition easier. Each entry in the table below lists the school's city and state, highlights what makes the program stand out, and provides a direct link to the program's own page. This makes it simple to compare locations, features, and admission details. Use this list as a starting point to find the right LPN to RN bridge program for your career goals.
Jump to City:

Appleton, WI

Fox Valley Technical College

  • Associate - Nursing Pathway, LPN to ADN

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI, TEAS
    • $12,512 total program tuition
    • 66 total credit hours
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available

Cleveland, WI

Lakeshore Technical College

  • Associate - LPN Bridge to ADN Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Summer-only entry
    • Two preparatory bridge courses
    • Daytime classes
    • Active LPN license required
    • Limited seats available

Fond Du Lac, WI

Moraine Park Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Progression Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), Wisconsin Board of Nursing accredited
    • $157 per credit
    • 67 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Average annual salaries for local workers in this career field range from $71,236 (entry level) to $79,729 (experienced worker)
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Associate - Nursing - LPN to ADN Bridge Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN, Wisconsin Board of Nursing accredited
    • $12,152 total program tuition
    • 2-Year program
    • 68 total credit hours
    • Estimated salary range: $71,236 – $79,729
    • Work experience required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available

Green Bay, WI

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

  • Associate - Practical Nursing to Nursing Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 29 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • 90% job placement within 6 months
    • Offered at three campuses
    • Clinical experience at area hospitals

Kenosha, WI

Gateway Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Requires 2000 hours LPN work experience
    • HESI exam cutoff score of 850
    • Priority placement process
    • Bridge transition course (1 credit)

Madison, WI

Madison Area Technical College

  • Associate - Nursing Completion: LPN to Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • $14,504 total program tuition
    • 2-Year program
    • 65 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Prerequisite courses required

Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to ADN Progression

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 48 total credit hours
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Pewaukee, WI

Waukesha County Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to RN Nursing Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Complete in More than 2 years
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts spring
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • $30 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX

Wausau, WI

Northcentral Technical College

  • Associate - LPN to Nursing Associate Degree Bridge

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • $5,534 total program tuition
    • 3-Semester program
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Requires current Wisconsin LPN license
    • Advanced Standing Form required
    • Transfer evaluation takes 4-6 weeks

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Mid-State Technical College

  • Associate - LPN-to-ADN Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 66 total credit hours
    • Work experience required
    • Online bridge courses available
    • Requires current WI LPN license
    • In-person onboarding before third semester
    • Credit for prior learning awarded
    • Bridge courses: two courses
*NCES IPEDS database, 2025 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/