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.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin
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 a hybrid program tailored for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin, blending online coursework with in-person sessions for flexibility. It requires a current LPN license and at least one year of experience, focusing on bridge courses and advanced clinical training. The 66-credit curriculum enhances professional nursing skills, ideal for working LPNs seeking career advancement without pausing employment.
- 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
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's LPN to Nursing Associate Degree Bridge Pathway is a hybrid program designed for Wisconsin LPN holders, offering a streamlined transition to an associate degree. It includes transfer credit evaluations, prerequisite courses, and a structured admission process, with a total cost of $7,425 covering tuition and books. The program can be completed in three semesters, requires a current LPN license, and enforces a strict progression policy. No entrance exam is mentioned for this associate-level program.
- 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
- Must complete core nursing credits
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 enables licensed practical nurses to advance to an Associate Degree in Nursing. This campus-based program features summer-only entry with limited seats, requiring an active LPN license and preparatory bridge courses. Daytime classes are emphasized, with strict grade requirements including a B or better in Anatomy and Physiology. Designed for working professionals, it focuses on general education completion without a specified concentration. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are mentioned as required for this associate-level program.
- 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
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 provides a direct route for licensed practical nurses to advance their careers. With 65 credits, it combines online and in-person coursework, leveraging state-of-the-art simulation and clinical experiences at healthcare agencies. Designed for Wisconsin and adjacent state residents, the program emphasizes critical thinking and patient care, boasting high NCLEX-RN pass rates. At approximately $4,820 per semester, it offers financial aid and transfer options to BSN programs, making it an accessible and comprehensive choice for aspiring registered nurses.
- 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
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 ideal for licensed practical nurses seeking to become associate degree nurses. It offers a customized curriculum that accounts for prior coursework, emphasizing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge through campus-based learning. This hands-on approach prepares students effectively for advanced nursing roles without requiring entrance exams, as it is an associate-level program. The program is designed to be accessible, supporting a smooth transition for LPNs aiming to enhance their careers in nursing.
- Campus-based learning.
- Tailored for LPNs.
- Credits vary by prior courses.
- Prepares for associate degree nursing.
- Focus on practical and theoretical skills.
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.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northcentral Technical College |
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| Mid-State Technical College |
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| Waukesha County Technical College |
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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.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Wisconsin
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College |
|
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| Northcentral Technical College |
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| Fox Valley Technical College |
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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.
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
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
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