LPN Programs in Wisconsin
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, Wisconsin should experience a surplus of licensed practical nurses by 2025. This, however, shouldn’t discourage aspiring LPNs from seeking employment in Wisconsin. Individuals who want to join the state’s nursing workforce can get a leg up on the competition by obtaining quality education and training, which is offered at many community colleges and technical schools throughout the state.
This comprehensive guide provides helpful information for prospective practical nursing students, from licensure requirements to salary data to a list of top LPN programs in Wisconsin.
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Top LPN Programs in Wisconsin
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore, WI- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,640
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Lakeshore Technical College
- Cleveland, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,660
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Eau Claire, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,924
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Northwood Technical College
- Shell Lake, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,368
- Out-of-state$6,552
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,966
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Mid-State Technical College
- Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate41%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,806
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Fox Valley Technical College
- Appleton, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,239
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Madison Area Technical College
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,235
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,235
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,526
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Nicolet Area Technical College
- Rhinelander, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,102
- Out-of-state$6,153
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,258
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Gateway Technical College
- Kenosha, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,050
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Green Bay, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,225
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Moraine Park Technical College
- Fond du Lac, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,102
- Out-of-state$5,547
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,061
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Waukesha County Technical College
- Pewaukee, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,467
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
College of Menominee Nation
- Keshena, WI
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$6,000
- Out-of-state$6,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled191
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Milwaukee, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$6,143
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,482
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Northcentral Technical College
- Wausau, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,276
- Out-of-state$4,914
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
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How to Become Licensed as an LPN in Wisconsin
No matter which state you live in, the state nursing board requires practical nurses to hold an LPN license in order to practice. Most states have similar standards, but it’s up to each individual state to set its licensure process. The next section explores the licensure and renewal process in Wisconsin.
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Basic Eligibility
Requirements for Education & Training
Applicants for LPN licensure must have completed a state-approved nursing program and hold the applicable degree, diploma, or certificate.
Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses to work in 25 states under one license. Nurses who hold a license from a non-participating state must apply for a license by endorsement. According to WI Act 146, nurses with credentials from another state can practice in Wisconsin for 72 consecutive hours a year without holding a Wisconsin LPN license.
Licensure candidate may submit an application for a Temporary Permit in addition to the regular license application. A temporary permit is valid for three months or until they receive their results from the NCLEX-PN exam. The permit holder automatically becomes a Graduate Practical Nurse (GPN) and can practice under the direct supervision of an RN.
Applicants without a current nursing education and who have not been employed in a position requiring a nursing license within the past five years may apply for a limited license. After completing a nursing refresher course, temporary permit-holders may petition the Board for full licensure.
Additional Licensure Requirements
*Note: Time from application to receipt of a license varies. The Board suggests allowing 8-12 weeks for the process if possible.
Renewing a Wisconsin LPN License
LPN licenses should be renewed on 4/30 of each odd year. The fee for renewal is $86.00 or $111.00 if late. All renewal applicants must complete the Nursing Workforce Survey online or on paper. According to the State Board, the data is used to produce accurate information about the current supply, demand, and skill level of LPNs in Wisconsin.
Applicants may renew online or request a paper renewal form at 888-506-4239 or 608-261-4460 (Madison area)
The Wisconsin Act 2010, effective June 2012, extends the LPN license of a service member if it expires during active duty from 90 days to 180 days. The Act repeals a prior provision that requires a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal.
LPN Salaries in Wisconsin
Although there are many employment opportunities for LPNs in Wisconsin, some geographical areas will experience more growth and better salaries than others. The table below indicates the areas of Wisconsin with the highest salaries.
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[Chart]
| Type | Wisconsin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Wage (25th percentile) | $37,330 | $35,780 |
| Annual Wage (Median) | $42,650 | $42,490 |
| Annual Wage (75th percentile) | $47,660 | $49,450 |
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
[Chart]
| Year | Annual Wage (25th percentile) | Annual Wage (Median) | Annual Wage (75th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | $41,210 | $46,360 | $52,930 |
| Janesville | $40,960 | $44,420 | $47,710 |
| Madison | $39,530 | $44,320 | $49,760 |
| Racine | $39,880 | $42,770 | $46,940 |
| Eastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | $37,050 | $41,940 | $46,300 |
Employment Trends for Wisconsin LPNs
According to Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development, the state expects a steady growth rate of 1.15 annually in the employment of LPNS. Over the ten year period from 2012 to 2022, this equates to over 3700 new jobs. Larger areas, such as Milwaukee and Dane Counties, will experience higher employment growth in comparison to smaller counties such as Menominee and Florence.
Top Areas for LPN Jobs
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | 2,720 |
| Madison | 1,080 |
| Green Bay | 790 |
| Eastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 650 |
| West Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 650 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 640 |
| Eau Claire | 380 |
| Appleton | 340 |
| Racine | 300 |
| Fond du Lac | 280 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 Employment of LPNs in Wisconsin 10,130 11,360 Average Annual Openings 370
Source: Projections Central
Resources for Wisconsin LPNs
Prospective LPNs can access this list of Wisconsin nursing schools approved by the State Board.
Visitors will find a list approved LPN refresher courses Department of Safety and Professional Services.
This page publishes information about the Nurse Licensure Compact, which covers LPNs in 25 states.
Visitors to this site will find comprehensive results of the 2015 Workforce Development Survey.
This brochure outlines the results of the Wisconsin Licensed Practical Workforce Survey.
This site provides detailed information about health careers in Wisconsin such as LPNs.
The mission of the Wisconsin Association of Licensed Practical Nurses is to provide an extended branch of the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses to LPNs in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Center for Nursing works collaboratively with both nurse and healthcare organizations, as well as private and public agencies, to advocate for RNs and LPNs in Wisconsin.
Forms and direction for LPN licensure and renewal are posted on this page from the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Services.
This section of the Wisconsin Hospital Association website outlines the current state of hospitals in the state and provides workforce-related resources for professionals such as LPNs.
