10 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Wisconsin – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Nurse practitioners are essential to providing healthcare services in Wisconsin, particularly in the more rural areas of the state that are known to have a shortage of primary healthcare providers. The need for NPs is growing, and CareerOneStop predicts that by 2030, nearly 37 percent more nurse practitioners will be working in The Badger State than are working today. Graduates of accredited nurse practitioner schools in Wisconsin can look forward to earning more than $121,210 annually. Wisconsin NPs must work under the general supervision of a physician, but that physician is not required to be onsite. A summary of the best nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin for 2024 can be found below.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 10 Best NP programs in Wisconsin for the year 2024.)1) Marquette University - Milwaukee
Counted among the best nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin, Marquette University’s NP education is rooted in Ignatian values of excellence, leadership, and service. Here, community engagement reflects in every aspect of NP education, be it for research, curriculum design, or clinical training, the mutual exchange of knowledge and service benefits both, students and the community. To become a nurse practitioner in Wisconsin, you can consider enrolling in any of the four pathways that lead to an MSN or DNP.
ADN to MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Primary Care and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Not many nurse practitioner schools in Wisconsin offer ADN prepared nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree the unique opportunity to seamlessly pursue an NP degree. If you are keen on completing your advanced nursing practice training rather quickly, then this program with a wide range of specialties can be an option you may want to consider. With rolling admissions and a choice of part-time and full-time schedules, the college provides considerable flexibility in options. To be eligible for this program, you must have completed both an ADN and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You should also hold an unencumbered RN license. Depending on the area of emphasis you choose, graduation requirements can range from 39 to 51 credits.
MSN Concentrations: Adult - Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult - Gerontology Primary Care NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP
If you are a BSN graduate keen on gaining specialized knowledge, then you can consider enrolling in this MSN program that boasts of consistently high pass rates on the NP certification exams. Offered in the hybrid format, you can preferably complete the coursework on a part-time basis to accommodate a busy work schedule. Depending on your interest you can choose from primary care and & acute care tracks in adult-gerontology and pediatrics. To graduate, you must complete 42 credits in MSN core, APRN, and NP-specific courses.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
This BSN to DNP is ideal if you aspire to become a clinical leader to transform health outcomes for a diverse patient population. A BSN with an active RN license in WI makes you a potential candidate for this program. Upon enrollment, you acquire specialized skills that are centered on the care of adults, the elderly, and pediatrics. You complete 9 credits in foundation courses, 12 in MSN core, 21 credits in specialty courses, and the remaining 27 credits in DNP core courses to finish the total graduation requirements of 69 credits.
Post-Master's Certificates Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
You can build up on your nursing skills with this post-graduate certificate program which is designed for registered nurses with an MSN degree. As such, you will progress through the program with an individualized plan of study, however, a minimum of 12 credits must be completed in specialty-specific courses, after which you gain the eligibility to take the certification exam within your population foci.
2) University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Would you like to earn your APRN degree from one of the distinguished nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin? Well then, what better than the University of Wisconsin’s graduate nursing programs that rank highly not only in the state but also in the nation's top 15%, according to the U.S. News & World Report. As an aspiring nurse practitioner, here, you will be mentored by a world-class faculty and have access to the university’s excellent academic resources. Besides, with its diverse research portfolio, you will enjoy several opportunities to actively participate in research projects that are committed to transforming healthcare.
DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
This BSN to DNP program is designed for BSN graduates who have registered themselves as nurses in Wisconsin. Most students complete this coursework within 3.5 to 4.5 years, depending on whether they enroll for part-time or full-time classes. The 65-credit coursework includes foundational knowledge of advanced nursing, advanced perspectives on cultural diversity & disparities, evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, health policy, and healthcare leadership. Additionally, specialty-specific courses educate you on health promotion and disease prevention of patients within your chosen area of emphasis.
Post-Master's Certificates Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
You can enhance your critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills with this post master’s certificate, available with three specialization options. In just 12 months of study, registered nurses prepared with a master’s degree can gain eligibility to take the certification exam in their specific field of interest. As such, specialization requires completing a minimum of 18 credits in theoretical and practical courses.
3) University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin helps you to build upon your nursing knowledge and leadership, helping you grow to the highest level in your career. The patient-centric NP training prepares you to holistically treat individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Here, a state-of-art simulation lab, resource center, and diverse clinical experiences prepare you with clinical excellence to play impactful roles in any type of healthcare setting.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontologic Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
DNP-prepared nurse practitioners are not only in high demand, but they also enjoy a rewarding healthcare career. If you aspire career advancement to the highest level, you can consider this nurse practitioner program in Wisconsin that comes with two specialization options in adult-gerontology primary care and family health care. While the full-time track takes three years to complete, part-timers earn their DNP within four to five years. To complete your doctorate, you must complete 68 to 73 credits in graduate core and specialty courses.
4) University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
A proud Wisconsin nurse practitioner school that boasts of an impressive number of its FNP students passing the certification exam, the University of Wisconsin stays committed towards training caring and evidence-based nurses. Here, critical thinking and cultural competence are enhanced by going through extensive hands-on training at its simulation training center which is equipped with the latest simulation technology to provide for a safe learning experience. The lab also comes with an exclusive area to practice telehealth, thereby thoroughly preparing you for the real-world work environment.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
As an RN prepared at the baccalaureate level, do you wish to transform healthcare at a local and global level? If so, you can consider enrolling in this nurse practitioner program in Wisconsin that seamlessly takes you to the doctoral level by educating you in evidence-based practices, informatics, leadership, healthcare policy, and advanced nursing care of individuals across the lifespan. This coursework comprises 74 credits which can be completed either on a full-time or a part-time basis.
MSN to DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
To meet the minimum standards of admission into this program you must have an MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an unencumbered RN license in WI. The coursework builds up on your masters and covers advanced practice nursing and FNP specific courses. Offered in a hybrid format, you can complete the program in three years on a full-time basis or within four years if you opt for the part-time schedule. To earn your DNP-FNP degree, you must complete 65 credits and 1008 hours of clinical practice, after which you will be eligible to take the FNP certification exam.
5) Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon
If you are interested in faith-based nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin that focus on professional and personal growth, you may want to know about Concordia University. Commonly ranked among the best nurse practitioner schools in Wisconsin, the college trains students to be culturally sensitive and correspondingly offers a course in Global Perspectives where you experience a culture different from your own. NP aspirants eager to provide advanced nursing care to a diverse patient population can enroll in either the adult-gerontology or family nurse practitioner track.
MSN Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
This MSN program is offered in a flexible online format with a choice of part-time or full-time schedules, allowing working nurses to continue with higher education without keeping their current job on hold. The 41-credit curriculum takes you through courses in bioethics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment, besides the evidence-based and specialty-specific courses. Here, Christian values of compassion and service are blended into every aspect of your NP training. To qualify for this MSN, you must have completed a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
6) Alverno College - Milwaukee
Whether you are an Hispanic male or a female keen on serving your community and are currently looking out for Hispanic-friendly nurse practitioner schools in Wisconsin that provide a conducive learning environment to a diverse student population, then you may want to zero down on Alverno College that trains NP students with meaningful learning opportunities. Here, nursing education is grounded in liberal arts and guided by Franciscan traditions, preparing holistic nurse leaders. The college serves a significant number of Hispanic students and offers them access to several grants and funding opportunities.
MSN Concentrations: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Dual Adult-Gerontology Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Graduates of this program are successfully meeting the state’s community health needs in various types of health care settings throughout WI. This MSN program which is open to BSN graduates with an active RN license comes with specialization options in neonatal care, adult-gerontology primary & acute care, family health, and psychiatric mental health. Apart from the single NP tracks, the college also offers a dual Adult-Gerontology Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track which makes you eligible to take the certification in both the areas of emphasis. Depending on the track you enroll, graduation requirements range from 39 to 45 credits, in addition to 600 hours of clinical practice.
Post-Master's Certificate Concentrations: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
With this post-master’s certificate, you can acquire specialized skills and the eligibility to take the certification exam within your chosen area of emphasis. Depending on your coursework, completion of the program can take as little as three semesters.
7) University of Wisconsin - Madison
If you are driven by community service and aspire to better health outcomes, especially for the rural population, then you must learn about University of Wisconsin’s highly ranked doctoral degree which prepares evidence-based NPs. Emphasizing leadership, program evaluation, health policy, and informatics. The college’s partnership with the Monroe Clinic-SSM Health provides for meaningful learning opportunities in rural health care. Furthermore, as an NP student, you will practice clinical skills at the college’s eminent healthcare partners spread across Wisconsin. UW-Madison also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health.
With this post-master’s certificate, you can acquire specialized skills and the eligibility to take the certification exam within your chosen area of emphasis. Depending on your coursework, completion of the program can take as little as three semesters.
DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Primary Care Pediatric NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Like most other online nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin, this DNP delivers most of its coursework online, requiring only a few campus visits. With two entry points of post-BSN and post-MSN, if you enter after your undergraduate degree you can earn this DNP by completing 68 credits, whereas MSN graduates require completing 32 credits. Depending on the path you enroll, you can complete this program within two to four years. The program prepares you with expert specialized knowledge and skills in adult-gerontology care and psychiatric mental health, so you can choose an area, based on your interest.
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
If you are keen on becoming a mental health practitioner, enrolling in this certificate program after an MSN can be a prudent choice. By completing 18 credits in specialty courses you can get certified as an NP and explore promising employment opportunities in a field that is much in demand.
8) Viterbo University - Lacrosse
Viterbo University designs its nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin keeping the working nurse in mind by offering the flexibility of online coursework. Trained with employable skills, almost all of its NP graduates get successfully placed upon graduation. Here, clinical training is provided at prime health care sites such as Mayo Clinic, Gundersen Healthcare, and several other clinical sites that serve the community. If you are keen on making a difference in health & wellness, you can consider completing this DNP program which is offered as a BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathway.
Post-BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
This post-BSN to DNP program takes around four years to complete and is offered with two areas of emphasis; adult-gerontology care and family health. The 64-credit coursework comprises courses in nursing research & evidence-based practice, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, ethical & theoretical thinking, leadership & health policy, and specialty-specific courses. Also, included are 1020 hours of clinical training at varied healthcare sites.
Post-MSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
To qualify for this MSN to DNP program you must have completed your masters in nursing and hold an active RN license. You can choose to specialize in either adult-gerontology or family health, depending on where you find your calling. Graduation requirements as such are based on your previously completed coursework and to earn your degree you may take around three years.
9) Marian University - Fond Du Lac
Preparing nurse leaders for a successful career post-graduation, Marian University’s advanced nursing education can be counted among the prestigious nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin. Grounded in liberal arts, NP training is developed by expert faculty who are committed to the academic success of their students. As a nurse, if autonomy is what you desire, then Marian’s DNP-FNP aims to achieve just that. Through rigorous didactic courses and clinical training at its state-of-the-art Hill Room Simulation Center and clinical experiences at varied primary care settings, you will be well-prepared to work as an independent primary care provider.
DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
To be eligible for this DNP program you must have completed a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The coursework spans across three years and requires completing 71 credits. Some of the courses you take include advanced physiology & pathophysiology, epidemiology for advanced practices, nursing research, clinical diagnosis, and health policy, organization & finance. Additionally, FNP courses educate you in the healthcare management of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.
10) Bellin College - Green Bay
Bellin College is a non-profit institution that not only offers competitive tuition rates but to lower the burden further it also ensures that almost 95% of students receive some kind of financial aid. So, if you have been checking out affordable nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin, enrolling in either its MSN or post-graduate certificate can be given a thought. The college’s well-rounded MSN education and evidence-based training prepare you to provide advanced primary care in various types of healthcare settings. You will be ready with a solid foundation that you can build on, should you aspire a doctorate in the future.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
With this MSN you can take your nursing career to the next level. The program is open to BSN graduates and is offered in a hybrid format, with courses spanning across 15 semesters. To gain eligibility for the FNP certification exam you must complete 47 credits and 680 hours of clinical practice in varied primary care settings. Depending on your preference, you can complete this program either on a part-time or full-time basis.
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
As an RN prepared at the master’s level, if you are keen on providing advanced primary care to patients, individuals, and communities across the lifespan, then this certificate program will be a prudent choice. With a variable credit hour requirement, your plan of study will be individualized and based on the previously completed coursework. As such, most students complete this program in 24 to 36 months, depending on the credits transferred and the schedule chosen.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the Total Number of Accredited NP Programs in Wisconsin?
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports that currently there are Twenty Two accredited nurse practitioner programs in Wisconsin.| Program Type | # |
| BSN to MSN | 7 |
| BSN to DNP | 6 |
| MSN to DNP | 3 |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 6 |
| Total | 22 |
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