Best Wisconsin RN to BSN Programs
As a nurse, the surest path to more income is to upgrade your skills and qualifications through pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Throughout the state, and nationally, many opportunities exist for RNs to capitalize on their training, education, and experience to fast track through an RN to BSN program. With degree in hand, more job opportunities will arise regularly.
2020 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin RNs who hold an ADN or nursing diploma can advance their careers by earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). For those who think going back to school isn't feasible, specialty RN to BSN programs make the process quick and efficient. Those looking for even more flexibility can opt for the increasingly popular online RN to BSN option. Choosing the right program, however, is crucial. That's why we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state of Wisconsin. Check out our rankings below to take the first step.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).
Oshkosh, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's "[email protected]" program is part of the University of Wisconsin system's online RN to BSN completion pathway. Open to students with ADN degrees or nursing diplomas, the [email protected] utilizes distance technology to advance the education and careers of motivated nursing students. Core nursing courses are offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Public 4-Year
- Student services available online or on-campus
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities available
Eau Claire, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers an RN to BSN completion program with the majority of classes taken in an online format. In collaboration with the other schools in the University of Wisconsin system, Eau Claire's RN to BSN program gives students the flexibility to continue working as they pursue their degree. Courses taken include Bridge to Professional Nursing, Leadership and Management, and more.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Public 4-Year
- RN to BSN to MSN option also available
- Two on-campus courses required
Green Bay, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers a flexible online RN to BSN program with no campus attendance required. Courses are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters and a community health clinical will be arranged in the student's hometown area. The curriculum builds upon the prior knowledge and experience of the RN and includes courses in Leadership and Management, Special Topics in Nursing, and much more.
- RN to BSN Online Campus
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Public 4-Year
- Transfer a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 90 credits
- Personalized advising available from pre-admission through graduation
Green Bay, WI

Bellin College's online RN to BSN completion program was designed with working students in mind. The program can be completed in 2 years of online study, and the required capstone community practicum can be completed in the student's local community. The curriculum includes 8-week courses such as Role Transition in Nursing, Community Health Theory, and Healthcare Informatics to prepare nurses for higher-level nursing roles.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Private Non-Profit 4-Year
- Project-based program with writing emphasis
- Transfer 66-70 credits into the program
Madison, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's "[email protected]" program offers an online RN to BSN designed for the working adult who holds an RN license. Students have the flexibility to complete the coursework on their own time, with most finishing in 1.5-2.5 years. UW-Madison offers numerous benefits to its online students, including personalized advising, online writing support, and library services. While the RN to BSN program is delivered online, one half-day campus-based meeting is required during the first semester, and clinicals can be arranged near the student's home.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Public 4-Year
- 33 credit program (as long as general ed prerequisites are completed)
- Classes run in the Fall and Spring; Summer classes optional
Admissions Requirements for Wisconsin RN to BSN Programs
Most RNs are familiar with college and university entrance procedures however we've compiled a list of the most common entry requirements for those nurses who wish to continue to achieve their BSN. Below is a list of the documents and procedures you may encounter as you apply to university to finish your degree.
- Gain admittance to your university of choice
- Provide transcripts that show a GPA of 2.8 or greater
- Provide documentation of immunizations to date
- Have a 'negative' security background check
- Submit a professional resume and references
RN to BSN Classes & Courses
Offered through the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the schools RN to BSN completion program is designed to assist practicing nurses who have an associate's degree to achieve their Bachelor of Science in nursing. Program collaborators consists of six universities across the state of Wisconsin. Students can expect to find the courses below among others that will prepare them for their expanded role:
- CND 407 Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice
- CND 441 Chronic Care Management
- CND 453 Information & Healthcare Technology
- CND 454 Community Health Nursing
Online RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin
RNs in Wisconsin have about 10 online RN to BSN programs to choose from in order to complete their baccalaureate degree in nursing. Regardless of whether the program is offered on campus or online, faculty expect the same high standards of scholarship from RNs and 4-year students alike. Nurses can choose from public or private universities in order to complete their degree.
Featured Online School
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to the prestigious, multi-university [email protected] program - where RNs with associate's degree qualifications can continue their education and receive their BSN degree. A part-time program, the [email protected] program produces BSN graduates in as little as a year and a half, depending on the individual's time frame.
Admissions and Program Length
Concordia University permits students to take a minimum of 36 credits with the university; the rest may be transfer credits from another regionally accredited institution. Students must graduate with 126 credits to earn their baccalaureate degree.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee boasts an RN to BSN tuition rate of about $550 per credit hour. As with other programs, there are a number of fees that are levied on top of the base tuition rate. Additionally, books, equipment and materials are the students' own responsibility and are not factored into net price calculators."
Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?
Generally, any employee who advances their credentials will end up earning more pay, either in their existing role or by accepting new opportunities that will come about because of more education. Nurses are much the same, and may be offered more money at their existing job or further opportunities to advance or take on other nursing roles like post-acute care and nursing leadership roles. Having achieved a BSN degree, organizations like international aid, the military and nurse-volunteering organizations are always scouting for candidates like these.
RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Wisconsin
Assessing patient problems and health outcomes is an important role and in Wisconsin, nurses are compensated well for that almost directly upon licensure. The lowest salary range within the state is almost $50,000. While no exact data is collected for salary differences between the two groups, we can assume that most ADN degree holders fall into the $50,000 range. Nurses with additional credentials like a BSN degree may earn a median salary for RNs at about $65,000 per year. Nurses with extensive credentials or work experience may earn as much as $90,000 per year.
2021 List of RN to BSN Programs in Wisconsin
If you could earn more annually, advance your career path more rapidly and have more marketable skills would you consider a degree program? BSN nurses in Wisconsin are earning $10,000 more annually, have preferred skills when applying for job opportunities and are becoming educators, managers and leaders within the nursing field. All of these opportunities could be open to candidates by taking one of the many RN to BSN degree programs that can be found all over Washington State.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Program | Website |
---|---|
Alverno College OnlineJoAnn McGrath School of Nursing 3400 South 43rd Street Milwaukee, WI 53234 (414) 382-6277 | alverno.edu |
Bellin College OnlineSchool of Nursing 3201 Eaton Road Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 433-6622 | bellincollege.edu |
Cardinal Stritch University Online CampusRuth S. Coleman College of Nursing and Health Sciences 6801 North Yates Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 (414) 410-4000 | stritch.edu |
Concordia University Wisconsin Online CampusSchool of Nursing 12800 North Lake Shore Drive Mequon, WI 53097 (262) 243-4246 | cuw.edu |
Herzing University Milwaukee OnlineW140N8917 Lilly Rd Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 | herzing.edu |
Holy Family College OnlineDepartment of Nursing 2406 South Alverno Road Manitowoc, WI 54220 (920) 686-6213 | holyfamilycollege.edu |
University of Wisconsin - Madison OnlineSchool of Nursing 701 Highland Avenue Madison, WI 53705 (608) 263-5200 | nursing.wisc.edu |
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire HybridCollege of Nursing and Health Sciences 105 Garfield Ave, PO Box 4004 Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004 (715) 836-4636 | uwec.edu |
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Online CampusNursing and Health Studies 2420 Nicolet Dr Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2000 | uwgb.edu |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Online CampusCollege of Nursing 1921 E Hartford Ave Milwaukee, WI 53211 | uwm.edu |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh OnlineCollege of Nursing 800 Algoma Blvd. Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 424-1234 | uwosh.edu |
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point OnlineSchool of Health Care Professions 2001 Fourth Ave. Stevens Point, WI 54481 | uwsp.edu |
Viterbo University OnlineSchool of Nursing 900 Viterbo Drive La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 796-3664 | viterbo.edu |
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