Nursing Programs in Madison, WI

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Madison

This article ranks the best nursing schools in Madison to help students compare programs effectively. Registerednursing.org creates these rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria, providing objective data for informed decisions. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

No statistically significant data available for yearly pass rate trends in Madison.

Yearly Nursing Graduates

No statistically significant data available for yearly nursing graduates in Madison.

Top Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for top performing schools in Madison.

Pass Rate by Program Size

No statistically significant data available for pass rates by program size in Madison.

Consistently High Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for consistently high performing schools in Madison.

#1

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - madisoncollege.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Madison Area Technical College's two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students for RN licensure through comprehensive classroom instruction and extensive clinical rotations. The program emphasizes hands-on patient care across diverse populations in modern facilities with experienced faculty. Admission requires background checks, immunizations, and CPR certification, but no ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program demonstrates strong outcomes with a 98.36% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, reflecting effective preparation for the licensing exam. Financial aid options are available to support students in this career-focused nursing education.

• Two-year program duration
• Hands-on clinical experience
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Competitive graduate salaries
• Financial aid available
• Background check required
• Immunizations and CPR needed
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Experienced faculty
• Diverse patient care focus

#2

Edgewood University

Madison, WI - Private 4-year - edgewood.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Edgewood College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for nursing careers through a curriculum blending general education with professional nursing courses, including clinical and simulation experiences. The program requires a 2.75 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and CPR certification for admission, but does not mandate ACT or SAT entrance exams. With a 99% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, graduates demonstrate strong readiness for licensure. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, diversity, and global health, supported by a low faculty-to-student ratio and partnerships with over 80 healthcare facilities. Accredited by CCNE, it offers state-of-the-art simulation experiences to enhance clinical skills.

• 99% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
• Low clinical faculty-to-student ratio.
• Over 80 clinical placement partners.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires 2.75 GPA for admission.
• CPR certification needed.
• Combines general and nursing education.
• Emphasizes patient-centered care.
• Focus on diversity and global health.
• State-of-the-art simulation experiences.

*IPEDS 2024 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN BSN Programs in Madison, WI

Few vocations offer the stability and constancy of nursing. It is a job that will be around for the foreseeable future and though it changes all the time, it won’t be outsourced overseas or replaced by advanced technologies anytime soon. If you have ever considered entering this in-demand profession, nursing schools in Madison, Wisconsin offer a range of LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN programs.

LPN to RN Programs

Armed with stellar communications skills and bedside manners, Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs tend to be the ones who comfort patients and offer assistance after difficult surgeries or procedures. LPNs who want to provide evidence-based patient care can leverage their LPN experience to earn their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and become an RN. Madison Area Technical College (MATC) in Wisconsin offers a flexible LPN to RN option with evening, online and weekend classes.

ADN Programs

Help hospitals provide quality patient care by becoming a registered nurse. Learn nursing fundamentals and gain clinical knowledge by attending classes at publicly supported Blackhawk Technical College, located about 50 minutes south of Madison, Wisconsin. Recognized as offering one of the best ASN nursing programs in the state, graduates are prepared to test for the NCLEX exam. In fact, program graduates have a 98% pass rate, higher than average.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Healthcare experts recognize that patients receive higher quality of care when treated by a Registered Nurse possessing a bachelor’s degree. As such, more top-tier hospitals and medical centers are requiring that their nurses hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Edgewood College, a liberal arts school, offers a traditional BSN program. Students complete their hands-on clinicals at Madison-area partner hospitals and benefit from one of the lowest instructor-to-student ratios around.  The accredited school primes graduates to take the NCLEX.

Find out more about Wisconsin Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Madison, WI

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Madison, WI

The call to lead for some can be as great as the call to serve. As nursing administrators or advanced practice nurses in Madison, WI, you can set the example for other nurses to follow as well as provide elevated patient care. RNs who wish to lead either by entering management or by specializing can find numerous options available to them in master’s degree programs, post-grad certificates or doctorate options.

MSN Programs

Before leading others, experienced nursing professionals must first become proficient in their line of work from performing health assessments to educating patients recovering from surgeries. RNs in good standing who think they are ready to take charge can increase their chances of success by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing. Cardinal Stritch University located an hour plus outside of Madison, WI offers flexible MSN curriculum face to face and online.

Find out more about Wisconsin Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificates allow nurses to specialize in the field of work they are most passionate and excited about. The well-regarded University of Wisconsin at Madison offers four certs in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health, and School Nursing so nurses with a master’s degree can specialize in months instead of years.

Find out more about Wisconsin Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Taking care of and treating patients provides advanced practice nurses with a sense of pride and accomplishment. However, after years of working in hospitals, these knowledgeable professionals may want to address healthcare-sector issues at the policy level. University of Wisconsin at Madison offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on leadership and policy as well as nursing practice evaluation.

Find out more about Wisconsin DNP Programs.