Madison boasts a number of stellar colleges, including University of Wisconsin and Madison Area Technical College. These schools offer several certification options for students interested in joining the booming nursing industry. Before embarking on a career, prospective nursing students must select the appropriate program and complete the certifications required to practice.

Registered nurse
Working together with the medical team, registered nurses (RNs) play a critical role in administering patient care. There are two pathways to become an RN in Wisconsin: a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Students with work commitments can often find part-time evening courses offered at local schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 7,400 RNs employed in the Madison metropolitan area with typical salaries between $62,000 and $84,000 per year.

Licensed practical nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide fundamental patient care such as wound dressing, collecting samples for routine laboratory tests, and monitoring vital signs. Wisconsin’s LPNs must complete a 12- to 18-month certificate program before gaining licensure to practice. The 1,080 LPNs employed around Madison have a median annual salary of about $43,000.

Nursing assistant
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide bedside care and some basic nursing procedures for chronically sick, elderly, and rehabilitating patients. Wisconsin’s community colleges offer streamlined CNA certificate programs that students can fit into busy work schedules and tight budgets. There are 2,800 CNAs employed in the Madison metro area who command a median annual salary of $28,000.

To provide a more detailed view, we have compiled below a comprehensive list of Madison schools that offer state-approved nursing programs.

Madison nursing schools by NCLEX score

Madison Area Technical College
1701 Wright Street | Madison, Wisconsin 53704
  • Certificate of Completion for Practical Nursing: 97.8% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing: 95.4% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Associate Degree in Nursing: 89.8% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma
University of Wisconsin - Madison
500 Lincoln Drive | Madison, Wisconsin 53706
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 92.1% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
  • Master of Science in Nursing
  • Post-Baccalaureate DNP
  • Post-Baccalaureate PhD
  • RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Edgewood College
1000 Edgewood College Drive | Madison, Wisconsin 53711
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 91.9% NCLEX pass rate (2011 through 2020)
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Master of Science in Nursing
Herzing University - Madison
5218 East Terrace Drive | Madison, Wisconsin 53718
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 82.2% NCLEX pass rate (2013 through 2020)
  • Accelerated Second Degree BSN
  • LPN/Paramedic-to-BSN Bridge Program
School Program NCLEX score Time period
Madison Area Technical College Certificate of Completion for Practical Nursing 97.8% 2011 to 2020
Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing 95.4% 2011 to 2020
Associate Degree in Nursing 89.8% 2011 to 2020
Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma
University of Wisconsin - Madison Bachelor of Science in Nursing 92.1% 2011 to 2020
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing
Post-Baccalaureate DNP
Post-Baccalaureate PhD
RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
Edgewood College Bachelor of Science in Nursing 91.9% 2011 to 2020
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Science in Nursing
Herzing University - Madison Bachelor of Science in Nursing 82.2% 2013 to 2020
Accelerated Second Degree BSN
LPN/Paramedic-to-BSN Bridge Program
Category: 
Wisconsin