ACNP Programs in Wisconsin (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
In the Badger State, acute care nurse practitioners make $131,460 a year on average. That's because these highly trained graduates of ACNP programs in Wisconsin are highly sought after by healthcare employers. In fact, their job opportunities are predicted to rise by 51 percent over the next decade. Acute care nurse practitioners are charged with caring for some of the most vulnerable patients in the healthcare system, people whose illnesses and injuries may be life-threatening. Does this sound interesting? Learn more by reading through our directory of the best ACNP programs in Wisconsin.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Wisconsin.)
1. Marquette University - Milwaukee
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary Care & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary Care & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Primary Care & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs and offers three pathways: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, and Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP. The programs are typically completed on a part-time basis, making the MSN program a good option for working nurses. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and new cohorts are admitted each spring and fall semester.
The MSN program may offer courses in person each week, online, or in a hybrid format, which combines in-person and online learning. The Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric Acute Care pathways require 42 credits and a minimum of 750 clinical hours. The Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care pathway requires 48 credits and 1,000 clinical hours (500 Primary Care and 500 Acute Care).
MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN program must have graduated from, or be about to graduate from, a bachelor's degree nursing program that is nationally accredited and have a current, unrestricted RN license. You are required to complete an online application and submit three completed recommendation letters, a resume, a written statement of professional goals, and transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Two years of practice in an acute care setting are required before beginning any clinical practicum coursework.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and now want to earn a terminal degree and specialize as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the BSN-to-DNP program at Marquette University is worth considering. The program offers three pathways, including a dual degree track for pediatric acute and primary care.
You will complete 74-78 credits, depending on the specialty concentration you choose to pursue. Each curriculum plan consists of DNP core courses, Specialty courses, Core Courses, Foundation courses, and Clinical courses. You will study in classes such as Pathophysiological Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice, Differential Diagnosis & Advanced Skills for the Acutely Ill (Adult or Pediatric, depending on specialty), Complex Acute Care Problems, and Research & Evidence as a Foundation for Nursing.
The Dual Pediatric Acute Care and Primary Care NP pathway includes 1,250 clinical hours. 250 hours are earned in an individually designed clinical residency. You will also complete 500 hours of primary care clinical experience and 500 hours of acute care clinical experience. ACNP program in Wisconsin
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit a Statement of Professional Goals, a resume, three recommendation letters, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. Two years of practice as a Registered Nurse in an acute care setting are required before you can enroll in any clinical practicum course. ACNP candidates may be required to interview with program faculty.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master's degree in nursing and wish to specialize in an acute care NP specialty, the Post-Master's Certificate program at Marquette University can help you accomplish that goal. Whether you prefer Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Acute Care, or Pediatric Acute & Primary Care, there is a PMC option available for you.
The Post-Master's Certificate program requires a minimum of 12 credits or as many as 39 credits, depending on your academic background. A personalized study plan will be developed collaboratively with your advisor to ensure you meet the minimum requirements to sit for board certification exams upon program completion.
Specialty-specific clinical practicums complete the program, providing you with diverse opportunities to develop and master essential skills relevant to your chosen path. You will complete clinicals in various acute care settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, acute care centers, and urgent care clinics.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the Post-Master's Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree and a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States. You must submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, a Statement of Professional Goals, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended showing a minimum 3.0 GPA. An interview may be required before you receive an official admission offer. You must have at least six months of work experience in an acute care setting relevant to your concentration before beginning any clinical coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Finding a nursing program with a reputation for providing high-quality educational experiences and preparing students for success is crucial. One thing I recommend potential students do when searching for an ACNP program in Wisconsin (or any other state) is to look at program rankings. Aim to find programs that are ranked by reputable sources. For instance, Marquette University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Nursing Schools: Mastery category.• If you want to find an ACNP program that will prepare you with the skills you need to impact healthcare and improve patient outcomes, Marquette University is an excellent choice. The School of Nursing emphasizes the development of nursing expertise, equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex acute care needs of patients, and offers opportunities to contribute to real-world improvements in healthcare systems through practice change projects.
• Marquette University believes every student should have access to an affordable education. The school offers several types of financial assistance, including merit-based scholarships, military and veteran services, graduate assistantships, and stipend opportunities.
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I love the fact that nursing is in a state of constant change. From ways of identifying potential health risks to discovering new ways to treat and manage disease processes, there is always something to learn. One of the things I like about the ACNP programs at Marquette University is that you have more than one option. If you want to specialize in adult and geriatric acute care or pediatric acute care, those are some options. Also, if you are interested in pediatric care but would like to explore both primary and acute care options, you can pursue the dual degree program.
2. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
This BSN-to-DNP program features a hybrid format that blends synchronous online learning with in-person sessions held once or twice each month. It takes two to four years to complete the program, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time. New classes are admitted each fall.
The program features a 68-credit curriculum. You take classes, including Advanced Practice Nursing Theory: Adults & Older Adults, Advanced Pathophysiology, Evaluation & Application of Evidence-Based Practice, and Ethics for Advanced Practice in Healthcare. All DNP students are required to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: For admission consideration to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, an active, unencumbered Wisconsin RN license, and one year of professional nursing experience. You are required to submit a copy of your current curriculum vitae or resume, an application essay, and official transcripts reflecting a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 baccalaureate credits.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Graduates of the Adult Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Wisconsin- Madison have a 100% APRN certification pass rate among first-time testers. This exceptionally high rate of success is indicative of the program's high quality.• At the University of Wisconsin- Madison, 100% of clinical placements are arranged for you. Because program faculty and coordinators manage placement and identify preceptors, you can rest assured that you will have meaningful clinical experiences designed to help you succeed in the program and beyond.
• The ACNP Adult Gerontology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is led by renowned faculty who are expert clinicians in adult and geriatric care. They bring decades of combined experience to classes and clinicals. They are dedicated to ensuring you have the best opportunities for growth and success as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner!
• At the University of Wisconsin- Madison, you will have personalized mentorship and professional support from the time of admission until you graduate. The program's experienced faculty provide individualized mentorship by sharing their diverse, real-world experiences.
• If you have ever considered nursing abroad, you can see what that looks like through the Global Health program at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Students in the DNP program can explore the world while earning practicum experiences and providing care to underserved populations in Belize.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN WISCONSIN?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN EXPECT?
| Hourly | $46.50 |
| Weekly | $1,860 |
| Monthly | $8,060 |
| Annual | $96,720 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $46.50 | $1,860 | $8,060 | $96,720 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $52.61 | $2,104 | $9,120 | $109,430 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $62.11 | $2,484 | $10,770 | $129,180 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $69.16 | $2,767 | $11,990 | $143,860 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $82.65 | $3,306 | $14,330 | $171,910 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN?
| Hourly | $63.20 |
| Weekly | $2,528 |
| Monthly | $10,960 |
| Annual | $131,460 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF WISCONSIN?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Appleton | $63.82 | $2,553 | $11,060 | $132,740 |
| Eau Claire | $63.59 | $2,544 | $11,020 | $132,270 |
| Green Bay | $60.63 | $2,425 | $10,510 | $126,110 |
| Janesville-Beloit | $64.28 | $2,571 | $11,140 | $133,700 |
| Madison | $66.09 | $2,643 | $11,460 | $137,460 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | $61.90 | $2,476 | $10,730 | $128,750 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah | $63.81 | $2,552 | $11,060 | $132,720 |
| Racine | $60.17 | $2,407 | $10,430 | $125,160 |
| Sheboygan | $61.56 | $2,462 | $10,670 | $128,040 |
| Wausau | $62.49 | $2,499 | $10,830 | $129,970 |
ACNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Wisconsin ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $131,460 | $131,620 | -$160 | -0.12% |
ACNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$34,020 | -20.56% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$20,830 | -13.68% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$17,480 | -11.74% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$17,100 | -11.51% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$17,020 | -11.46% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$16,060 | -10.89% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$14,850 | -10.15% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$8,860 | -6.31% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$8,640 | -6.17% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$6,840 | -4.95% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$6,670 | -4.83% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$5,250 | -3.84% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$4,380 | -3.22% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$4,330 | -3.19% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$2,840 | -2.11% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$2,550 | -1.90% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$2,460 | -1.84% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$1,720 | -1.29% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$350 | +0.27% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$530 | +0.40% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$590 | +0.45% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$910 | +0.70% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$1,470 | +1.13% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$2,220 | +1.72% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$2,290 | +1.77% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$3,780 | +2.96% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$3,880 | +3.04% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$4,100 | +3.22% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$4,890 | +3.86% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$5,140 | +4.07% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$5,530 | +4.39% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$5,600 | +4.45% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$6,500 | +5.20% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$6,820 | +5.47% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$6,910 | +5.55% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$7,360 | +5.93% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$7,530 | +6.08% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$7,650 | +6.18% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$7,840 | +6.34% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$8,830 | +7.20% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$9,280 | +7.60% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$9,900 | +8.14% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$11,110 | +9.23% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$11,670 | +9.74% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$11,940 | +9.99% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$15,250 | +13.12% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$15,290 | +13.16% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$18,400 | +16.27% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$18,760 | +16.65% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$25,210 | +23.73% |
ACNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN WISCONSIN
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $247,160 | -$115,700 | -46.81% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $131,460 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $128,550 | +$2,910 | +2.26% |
| Registered Nurse | $87,220 | +$44,240 | +50.72% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $78,810 | +$52,650 | +66.81% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,190 | +$74,270 | +129.87% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,600 | +$90,860 | +223.79% |
ACNP SALARY IN WISCONSIN VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN WISCONSIN
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $187,870 | -$56,410 | -30.03% |
| Dentist | $179,260 | -$47,800 | -26.67% |
| Veterinarian | $150,910 | -$19,450 | -12.89% |
| Optometrist | $143,750 | -$12,290 | -8.55% |
| Pharmacist | $139,980 | -$8,520 | -6.09% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $131,460 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $127,770 | +$3,690 | +2.89% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,180 | +$36,280 | +38.12% |
| Chiropractor | $91,180 | +$40,280 | +44.18% |
| Audiologist | $89,540 | +$41,920 | +46.82% |
| Radiation Therapist | $86,540 | +$44,920 | +51.91% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,030 | +$46,430 | +54.60% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,820 | +$47,640 | +56.84% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,450 | +$51,010 | +63.41% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Wisconsin?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Wisconsin?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Wisconsin?
| $63.20 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Wisconsin?
| $2,528 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Wisconsin?
| $10,960 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Wisconsin?
| $131,460 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Wisconsin?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +51.11% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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