7 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Wisconsin – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
BSN to DNP programs in Wisconsin are designed for nurses who want to be nursing leaders. Quite a few of these programs are offered online, so you can pursue your educational goals without giving up your job. Once you attain your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, you’ll be qualified for employment in clinical nursing, healthcare administration, or nursing education at the very highest levels within Wisconsin’s healthcare industry. DNP-educated nurses in the Badger State make good money, too: $129,880 per year on average. Is getting a BSN to DNP the right move for you? Review this list of the 7 best BSN to DNP programs in Wisconsin for 2024 to find out.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 7 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Wisconsin (Online & Campus).)1. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Population Health, and Systems Leadership & Innovation
While the NP tracks are offered through the hybrid format, requiring you to visit the campus one or two days each month, the non-clinical tracks are offered online through asynchronous classes. While the NP tracks require completing around 68 credits and 1000 clinical hours, the non-clinical tracks comprise 58 credits.
Admission Requirements: Admission into this BSN to DNP program in Wisconsin, regardless of the specialization is highly competitive. To be considered for admission, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you must possess an active RN license in New Jersey, and have at least one year of work experience as a nurse, preferably related to your chosen specialty. Also, you must be prepared to submit a statement of purpose, a resume, and your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Wisconsin-Madison BSN-to-DNP Students
• Out of all the BSN-to-DNP programs in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s DNP program ranks #1 in the state and among the top in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report.• Here, doctorally prepared faculty members who have rich experiences in fields of nursing practice, education, and research, mentor you for academic as well as career success.
• Because the nursing school takes the responsibility of securing quality preceptors and sites for your clinical practicum, you need not go through this hassle and rather focus your attention on the coursework.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison nursing school boats of a 100% pass rate on the APRN certification exams.
2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Based on where you find your calling, you can choose from adult acute care NP, clinical nurse specialist, family NP, nurse executive, or psychiatric mental health NP. All BSN-to-DNP tracks start with the foundations of advanced nursing practice, followed by the evidence-based practice core, systems core, specialty-specific courses, and DNP project. Regardless of the specialization, graduation requires you to complete around 65 credits.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Wisconsin, no matter the specialization, you must have an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you must have an unencumbered RN licensure. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your official transcripts, a resume, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee BSN-to-DNP Students
• At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, you’ll be ably supported with a galore of funding options. Here, you’ll be able to apply for nursing scholarships, loans, grants, fellowships, military education benefits, and student employment options.• The nursing school is proudly the largest in the state. Further, its DNP education is highly regarded and ranks among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• With more than 50 years of quality nursing education, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee nursing school has built strong connections with various private, public, and community-based healthcare organizations. Therefore as a BSN to DNP student, you’ll benefit from exploring a variety of experiential learning opportunities throughout the state.
3. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire - Eau Claire
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology-Administration, Adult-Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Health-Administration, and Family Health-Nurse Practitioner
Regardless of the specialization, you can complete this program within three years of full-time study. Alternatively, you can also complete this program on a part-time basis. Aside from this, because this BSN-to-DNP program in Wisconsin is offered in the hybrid format, it will be rather easy to fit it into your busy work life.
All the specialization tracks start with common core courses, including healthcare informatics, epidemiology & biostatistics, human responses in health & illness, nursing leadership, and health policy. In addition, you’ll master concepts of pharmacotherapeutics, and physiology & pathophysiological concepts. Graduation requires you to complete around 68 to 73 credits in core and specialization-specific courses.
Admission Requirements: If you are interested in applying to this BSN to DNP program in Wisconsin, regardless of the specialization, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the school requires you to have an active RN license in Wisconsin. To qualify, you must also have completed pre-requisite courses in statistics, and health assessment with a minimum grade of C.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire BSN-to-DNP Students
• With a 100% placement rate, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s nursing school testifies to the fact that employers desire its well-trained graduates who are equipped with the relevant skill set to improve health outcomes at all levels of the population.• Because the nursing school shares strong ties with prominent healthcare organizations, you’ll be able to explore enriching research opportunities at these state-of-art facilities.
• At the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire nursing school, you’ll be able to apply for funding opportunities in terms of financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantship positions.
4. Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This BSN-to-DNP program in Wisconsin regardless of the track you choose will take three to five years to complete. The coursework comprises a total of 70 credits in the graduate core, and specialization-specific courses. In addition, you’ll also complete 1008 hours of clinical training. Some of the courses that form the core curriculum teach you pharmacotherapeutics, healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, advanced pathophysiology, evidence-based nursing practice, advanced health assessment, and healthcare informatics. In addition, you’ll also master concepts in biostatistics & epidemiology and global perspectives. The coursework also includes specialization-specific courses that prepare you for health promotion and disease prevention within your chosen population focus.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, your BSN must be accredited and your minimum GPA should be 3.0. Also, you must carry an unencumbered RN license in the U.S. Concordia also requires you to have completed a course in statistics. To fulfill the admission requirements, the school requires you to submit a current resume, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Concordia University Wisconsin BSN-to-DNP Students
• Concordia nursing school boasts an excellent pass rate on the NP certification exams. So, no matter the BSN-to-DNP-NP path you choose, you’ll leave the college with a well-rounded education that reaps positive results not only academically but also professionally.• Here, if eligible, you’ll be able to apply for several scholarships to make your education affordable. Whether you are an employee of a partner institution, a veteran or dependant, or an employee of a qualifying Christian school, you may be able to earn a financial award to help pay for your BSN to DNP education.
• At Concordia nursing school, you’ll be able to complete your BSN to DNP program online. In addition, here most courses are offered in the eight-week format, so you’ll complete one course at a time and even be able to take short breaks in between courses.
5. Marquette University - Milwaukee
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Primary Care & Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Health Systems Leadership
Regardless of the specialization you choose, you can complete this program within three to eight years, depending on the number of courses you wish to take each semester. To graduate, you’ll require completing credits anywhere from 63 to 78, depending on the specialization you enroll in. While the leadership track is offered online, most of the NP specialties are offered on campus.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this BSN-to-DNP program in Wisconsin, you must have a BSN from an accredited school. In addition, you are required to have an active RN license in Wisconsin. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit a statement of purpose, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. Since all the BSN to DNP tracks have rolling admissions, it is better to apply early to enhance your odds of admission.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Marquette University BSN-to-DNP Students
• The small-sized classes at Marquette University allow for close interactions with faculty and peers. Also, you’ll be able to make the most of mentorship under the guidance of DNP and PhD-prepared faculty members.• The consistently high pass rates on the certification exams prove to show the excellent academic preparation you can expect to receive at this nursing school.
• Marquette nursing school secures the placement for your clinical training. So, you need not go through the hassle of finding one for yourself and instead focus on the courses.
6. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - Oshkosh
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia
If you choose to complete your BSN to DNP in family health, then you’ll require completing a total of 74 credits. Some of the important topics that you’ll study include pathophysiology, healthcare informatics, translational scholarship, population health, health policy, organizational leadership, and family nurse practitioner-related courses.
On the other hand, the BSN to DNP in nurse anesthesia comprises 90 credits and takes 36 months to complete. The coursework of this program includes core courses and anesthesia-related courses, through which you’ll learn about the professional aspects of nurse anesthesia, advanced principles of anesthesia, and the professional aspects of nursing anesthesia.
Admission Requirements: Admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Wisconsin, regardless of the specialization, requires you to have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the school requires you to have an active and unencumbered RN license in Wisconsin. Besides, you are required to submit three professional references and your official transcripts. Additionally, to qualify, you must have at least one year of work experience as a nurse.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh BSN-to-DNP Students
• The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh nursing school reports an excellent DNP graduation rate, and even the placement rate is promising. This indicates that not only are students satisfied with the education they receive but even employers desire graduates for their exceptional professional preparedness.• Because of the strong partnerships with the community, the nursing school provides a highly engaging learning experience where you gain plenty of practice at various community sites in Wisconsin and beyond.
• The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh takes pride in having almost all FNP and Nurse anesthesia graduates pass the certification exam on the first attempt.
7. Viterbo University - La Crosse
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Regardless of the specialization you choose, you’ll require completing around 74 credits and at least 1000 hours of clinical practice. On a full-time basis, most students complete this program within three years. Each specialization is built on a common core foundation that covers topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, application of evidence-based practice, epidemiology & population health, and organizational leadership. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen area of focus.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into any of the BSN to DNP specializations, you must foremost have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you must carry a valid RN license in Wisconsin. Aside from this, you must be prepared to submit official transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Viterbo University BSN-to-DNP Students
• From all the BSN-to-DNP programs in Wisconsin, Viterbo’s BSN-to-DNP stands out for offering a unique MBA/DNP dual degree program. Open to BSN-prepared registered nurses, this program can accelerate your nursing career to top-level leadership positions. This combined coursework equips you with business and management skills to successfully play leadership roles in healthcare.• Viterbo University nursing school reports an excellent placement rate, indicating that DNP graduates are much in demand among employers across the region and beyond.
• If you choose to complete your BSN to DNP in any of the NP specializations, then it is good for you to know that this program is one of the few such programs in the region that promise selected students an opportunity to complete their clinical training at Mayo Midwest sites.
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