With the rapid growth of the healthcare industry, Wisconsin offers numerous career opportunities for nursing students. A vocational program is a great option for students who wish to launch their nursing careers quickly. Students can choose from a wide range of nursing vocational programs offered at over 15 community and technical colleges across Wisconsin.
Course options
Community colleges offer short, practical programs for several nursing careers. Within 12 to 18 months, students can complete a certificate program to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Students seeking a deeper foundation in nursing can study for two to three years to become a registered nurse (RN). Both nursing pathways combine clinical hands-on training and simulation learning experiences that equip students for the workplace. Both also require students to pass the relevant NCLEX licensure exam upon completion. Wisconsin’s network of community and technical colleges spans the entire state, including Milwaukee Area Technical College and Green Bay’s Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
Wisconsin boasts a plethora of employment opportunities in the nursing sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state employs more than 56,000 RNs who command a median annual salary of $63,260. High-performing RNs, often those with a bachelor’s degree, can earn top-quartile pay of $73,350 or more. The state’s 10,000 LPNs are also competitively compensated, earning over $42,000 per annum. Wisconsin’s nurses can pursue careers with major local employers such as ProHealth Care and the Mayo Clinic.
To assist Wisconsin’s aspiring nurses, we have compiled below a list of vocational schools throughout the state that offer accredited nursing programs.