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Top Wisconsin RN to BSN Programs

The U.S. healthcare system is currently undergoing massive changes due to a broad range factors which include the expanded use of technology, globalization, and a rapidly aging population, among other things. The changes have led healthcare employers to expect more of the nurses they hire. In fact, a recent survey carried out by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) revealed that nearly half of employers in the healthcare industry require their new RN hires to hold, at a minimum, a BSN degree. In response, nurses who wish to enhance their career prospects and increase their earning potential are considering RN to BSN bridge programs. Colleges and universities have also started to adapt to the newly formed landscape of the healthcare field by making these programs widely available. Finding the right one isn't always easy, though. To help, we've put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in the state of Wisconsin.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Wisconsin

To narrow down the best program in the state for you, take into consideration the following:

  • Program acceptance rate
  • Program completion/graduation rate
  • Duration of the program
  • Cost of tuition
  • Scholarship and financial aid package availability
  • Recent grad employment data
  • Program/cohort sizes
  • Partnerships with local hospitals/healthcare centers
  • Quality of instructors
  • Proper program accreditation
  • Age of the school and program

Testing and Certification

RNs with associate's degrees must first pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before they can gain their nursing license. Therefore, no additional licensing exams are needed upon the completion of an RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin

1. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Founded in 1965, the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay is a public university located in Green Bay with regional campuses in Marinette, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan. UW-GB offers a flexible, 30 credit RN to BSN program that can be completed either online or in-person at one of the university's campuses. Students who opt for the online program will still be required to undergo a ‘community health clinical' at a local healthcare facility. During the program, students will take courses like Informatics in Health Systems, Evaluation and Evidence-Based Practices in Health Systems, and Leadership in Health Systems, just to name a few. New cohorts are admitted at the beginning of every fall, spring, and summer semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • HSHS St. Vincent Hospital
  • Bellin Health
  • Aurora Baycare Medical Center

Tuition:

Students who enroll in UW-GB's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $13,560 in tuition plus additional fees.

2. University of Wisconsin-Madison

First established when Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848, the University of Wisconsin - Madison - the official state university of Wisconsin and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System - is a public research university. UWM offers a 33 semester credit ‘BSN@Home' program that students can complete at their own pace, almost entirely online. Typically, most students finish the program within 1.5 to 2.5 years. Unlike most online programs in the country, UWM's offers personalized advising, online writing support, and library services. Apart from the online coursework, students are expected to complete some in-person clinicals that are to be arranged near their place of residence. New students are admitted three times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • UW Health University Hospital
  • Mary's Hospital
  • UnityPoint Health – Meriter

Tuition:

Students who enroll in UW-M RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $14,916 in tuition plus additional fees.

3. Alverno College

Charted in 1887, Alverno College is a private, Roman Catholic, liberal arts college that was historically a women's college located in Milwaukee. Alverno College offers a 36 semester credit hour, online RN to BSN program that full-time students can complete in just one calendar year. Courses are delivered to students in eight-week segments. New students are admitted every fall semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Froedtert Hospital
  • Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital - Milwaukee
  • Aurora Sinai Medical Center

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Alverno College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $18,720 in tuition plus additional fees.

4. Cardinal Stritch University

Originally established in 1937 as St. Clare College, Cardinal Stritch University is a private, Roman Catholic university located in Milwaukee. CSU offers students a fully online, 30 semester credit RN to BSN program that's composed of courses like Nutrition for Health, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, and Information Management and Healthcare Technologies. Most students who study full-time can complete the program in three semesters or one calendar year. New students are admitted every fall and spring semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Froedtert Hospital
  • Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital - Milwaukee
  • Aurora Sinai Medical Center

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Cardinal Stritch University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $16,500 in tuition plus additional fees.