🧀 Wisconsin LPN to RN Bridge Programs

🚀 Why Advance from LPN to RN in Wisconsin?

Salary Comparison

Making the transition from LPN to RN in Wisconsin offers substantial financial benefits. Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin earn an average of $47,750 annually, while Registered Nurses earn approximately $77,000 per year. This represents an impressive annual salary increase of $29,250.

Job Market Outlook

Wisconsin's healthcare sector is experiencing robust growth, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Northern Wisconsin, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. The state is home to renowned healthcare systems including:

• Froedtert Health - Northern Wisconsin's largest healthcare provider
• Aurora Health Care - Academic medical center in Richmond
• Advocate Aurora Health - Major system serving Hampton Roads
• Ascension Wisconsin - Leading academic medical center in Charlottesville
• UW Health - Serving Southwest Wisconsin

Career Opportunities

As an RN in Wisconsin, you'll have access to diverse career paths including:

• Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
• Surgical and Perioperative Services
• Pediatric and Neonatal Care
• Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
• Case Management and Care Coordination
• Military and Veterans Affairs Healthcare

Educational Pathways

Wisconsin offers flexible LPN-to-RN bridge programs through community colleges, technical colleges, and universities. With Wisconsin's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), your RN license will allow you to practice in over 40 states without obtaining additional licenses.

📝 Wisconsin LPN-to-RN Bridge Program Requirements

Basic Requirements

• Current Wisconsin LPN License: Active, unencumbered license in good standing
• High School Diploma or GED: Official transcript required
• Minimum GPA: Typically 2.5-3.0 (varies by program)
• LPN Diploma/Certificate: From an accredited nursing program

Prerequisite Courses

Most Wisconsin LPN-to-RN programs require completion of the following prerequisite courses:

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with lab)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• Chemistry or Organic Chemistry
• English Composition
• Psychology (General and/or Developmental)
• Sociology
• College Mathematics
• Nutrition

Additional Requirements

• Background Check: Criminal history screening required
• Drug Screening: Urine drug test prior to clinical placement
• CPR Certification: BLS for Healthcare Providers (American Heart Association)
• Immunizations: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B series, Tdap, annual flu vaccine
• TB Test: Negative TB skin test or chest X-ray
• Physical Exam: Recent health assessment form
• Health Insurance: Proof of coverage for clinical rotations

Entrance Exam Requirements

Most Wisconsin programs require standardized testing:

• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills): Minimum score typically 60-65%
• HESI A2: Alternative entrance exam accepted by some programs
• ATI: Some programs use ATI assessments

🎓 Wisconsin LPN-to-RN Program Options

🏫 Top Accredited LPN-to-RN Programs in Wisconsin

💰 Wisconsin LPN vs RN Salary Comparison

Return on Investment (ROI)

Additional Financial Benefits

• Shift Differentials: $3-$8/hour for evening, night, and weekend shifts
• Specialty Pay: $5,000-$15,000 additional for critical care, ER, OR specialties
• Sign-On Bonuses: $5,000-$15,000 (especially in rural areas and underserved regions)
• Travel Nursing: $2,000-$3,500/week for temporary assignments

Regional Salary Variations in Wisconsin

Major Wisconsin Employers and Salary Ranges

• Froedtert Health: RNs earn $74,000-$86,000; comprehensive benefits and tuition assistance up to $7,500/year
• Aurora Health Care: RNs earn $72,000-$84,000; education benefits and loan forgiveness programs
• Advocate Aurora Health: RNs earn $70,000-$82,000; tuition reimbursement up to $5,000/year
• Ascension Wisconsin: RNs earn $75,000-$88,000; robust continuing education support
• UW Health: RNs earn $68,000-$80,000; tuition assistance and career advancement programs

📋 How to Apply to Wisconsin LPN-to-RN Programs

Step-by-Step Application Timeline

1. Research Programs (3-6 months before deadline): Identify programs that fit your schedule, location, and career goals
2. Complete Prerequisites (12-18 months before): Finish required coursework with minimum GPA
3. Take Entrance Exam (3-4 months before): Schedule and pass TEAS or HESI exam
4. Gather Documents (2-3 months before): Collect transcripts, LPN license verification, immunization records
5. Submit Application (By deadline): Complete online application with all required materials
6. Complete Background Check (After acceptance): Submit to criminal background screening and drug test
7. Attend Orientation (Before start date): Participate in program orientation and registration

Required Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• Application fee ($25-$75)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• High school diploma or GED transcript
• Current Wisconsin LPN license verification
• TEAS or HESI exam scores
• Two professional references (one from nursing supervisor)
• Personal statement or essay (varies by program)
• Resume or CV highlighting nursing experience
• Immunization records
• CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)

Application Deadlines

Pro Tips for a Strong Application

• ✓ Apply early - many programs have rolling admissions and fill spots quickly
• ✓ Highlight your LPN experience and any specialty skills in your personal statement
• ✓ Request letters of recommendation at least 4 weeks in advance
• ✓ Aim for a TEAS score of 70% or higher to be competitive
• ✓ Complete prerequisites at an accredited institution
• ✓ Visit campus or attend information sessions if possible
• ✓ Prepare for potential interview questions about your nursing goals
• ✓ Keep copies of all application materials for your records

💵 Financial Aid for Wisconsin LPN to RN Students

Federal Financial Aid

• Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for eligible students; does not require repayment
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: Up to $5,500/year for undergraduates; government pays interest while in school
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Up to $20,500/year for independent students
• Federal Work-Study: Part-time employment opportunities on campus or with approved employers
• FAFSA: Complete at studentaid.gov/fafsa (opens October 1)

Wisconsin State-Specific Financial Aid

• Wisconsin Nursing Scholarship Programs: Up to $2,000/year for up to 4 years for LPNs and RNs pursuing nursing education in exchange for one year of service in underserved areas
• Wisconsin Board of Nursing Resources: Multiple scholarship opportunities for nursing students; visit VDH website
• Wisconsin Higher Education Grants: Need-based grants for Wisconsin residents attending in-state schools
• Wisconsin Grant: Up to $9,000/year for neediest applicants
• Wisconsin Tuition Grant: For students attending private, nonprofit colleges in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Loan Forgiveness Programs: Loan forgiveness for nurses working in underserved areas

Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

• Froedtert Health: Up to $7,500/year tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees
• VCU Health: Education benefits and loan forgiveness programs for staff nurses
• Advocate Aurora Health: Up to $5,000/year tuition reimbursement plus scholarship opportunities
• Ascension Wisconsin: Comprehensive tuition assistance and continuing education support
• UW Health: Tuition reimbursement and career development funding
• HCA Healthcare: Up to $5,250/year through HCA Hope Fund and tuition reimbursement

Military & Veterans Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers full tuition and fees at public institutions; provides housing allowance
• VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP): Full tuition coverage with monthly stipend for nursing students
• Nurse Candidate Program: U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force programs offering financial support
• Yellow Ribbon Program: Additional funding for veterans at participating schools
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation: Support for service-connected disabled veterans

Nursing Scholarships

• Wisconsin Nurses Association Scholarships: Various scholarships for VNA members pursuing nursing education
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): Multiple scholarship opportunities
• National League for Nursing (NLN): Scholarships for nursing students
• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: Full tuition, fees, and monthly stipend in exchange for service commitment
• Wisconsin Nurses Association Scholarships: For Wisconsin high school seniors and students attending Wisconsin schools
• Institutional Scholarships: Each college offers merit-based and need-based scholarships
• Local Healthcare Foundations: Community hospitals and health systems often offer local scholarships

FAFSA Tips for Maximum Aid

• ✓ Submit FAFSA as early as possible (opens October 1 for following academic year)
• ✓ Use IRS Data Retrieval Tool for accurate income information
• ✓ List Wisconsin schools on FAFSA to qualify for state aid
• ✓ Update FAFSA if financial circumstances change
• ✓ Check individual school financial aid deadlines (often earlier than FAFSA deadline)
• ✓ Complete institutional financial aid forms if required
• ✓ Maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep aid eligibility

📚 NCLEX-RN Exam in Wisconsin

Exam Costs

• Wisconsin Board of Nursing Application Fee: $90
• NCLEX-RN Examination Fee: $200
• Total Cost: $290
• Additional Costs: Study materials ($100-$500), review courses ($300-$1,000 optional)

Pass Rates

Exam Format

• Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT): 75-145 questions
• Time Limit: 5 hours maximum
• Question Types: Multiple choice, multiple response, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, hot spot, audio, video
• Passing Standard: Determined by logit score (variable difficulty)

Content Areas and Percentages

How to Schedule Your NCLEX-RN in Wisconsin

1. Graduate from Approved Program: Complete your accredited LPN-to-RN program
2. Apply to Wisconsin Board of Nursing: Submit application and $90 fee at dhp.wisconsin.gov/nursing
3. Register with Pearson VUE: Create account at pearsonvue.com/nclex and pay $200 exam fee
4. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT): Email from Pearson VUE within 2-8 weeks
5. Schedule Exam Appointment: Choose testing center and date through Pearson VUE account
6. Take NCLEX-RN: Arrive 30 minutes early with valid ID; results available within 48 hours

Wisconsin Testing Centers

• Northern Wisconsin (Alexandria, Fairfax, Sterling)
• Madison Metro area
• Green Bay/Fox Valley
• Roanoke
• Charlottesville

NCLEX-RN Preparation Tips

• Official Resources: NCSBN Learning Extension - official NCLEX prep from test creators
• UWorld: Highly recommended question bank with detailed rationales ($99-$399)
• Kaplan: Comprehensive review courses and question banks ($299-$1,499)
• Hurst Review: Content-focused video review ($349-$549)
• ATI: Many Wisconsin programs include ATI review in curriculum
• Practice Questions: Complete 3,000-4,000 practice questions before exam day
• Study Groups: Form study groups with classmates for accountability and support
• Study Schedule: Begin studying 4-6 weeks before exam; 3-4 hours daily
• Focus on Weak Areas: Use practice test results to identify and improve weak content areas
• Self-Care: Get adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition during preparation period

📞 Wisconsin Board of Nursing Contact Information

Online Services Available

• License verification and lookup
• Online license application and renewal
• License status updates
• CEU tracking and reporting
• Address and name changes
• Duplicate license requests

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

• RN License Renewal: Every 2 years by birth month
• CE Hours Required: None for basic RN license renewal in Wisconsin
• Advanced Practice RNs: May have additional CE requirements depending on specialty
• Note: While Wisconsin doesn't mandate CE for RN renewal, many employers require continuing education

License Renewal Cycle

Wisconsin RN licenses must be renewed every two years by the last day of the licensee's birth month. Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days prior to expiration. You can renew online through the Wisconsin DHP portal.

Special Notes

• NLC State: Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Wisconsin multistate licenses allow practice in other NLC member states.
• License Lookup: Verify any Wisconsin nursing license at dhp.wisconsininteractive.org
• Processing Times: Allow 30 business days (6 weeks) for complete applications
• Background Checks: All applicants undergo criminal background checks through Wisconsin State Police and FBI