2 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Wisconsin – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Do you feel like your associate degree holds you back from those nursing jobs in Wisconsin that really excite you? Here’s some good news: In the time it would take to earn a BSN, you can earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree simply by enrolling in one of the RN-to-MSN programs in Wisconsin. With an MSN, you’ll be a hot commodity in the Badger State’s healthcare industry. Depending on your specialty area, you’ll qualify for employment as a nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, a nurse executive, or a nurse educator. Graduates of the Badger State’s RN-to-MSN programs make $117,500 a year on average. Learn more about your options with this list of the 2 best RN-to-MSN programs in Wisconsin for 2025.


WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025s?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 2 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Wisconsin (Online & Campus).)

1. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - Oshkosh


Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Leader


Program Details: If you are searching for the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Wisconsin, then the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s RN-to-MSN program is a terrific option. The program prepares you for two leadership roles, including nursing education and clinical nurse leadership. Based on your interests and career goals, you can choose either of the career paths and join the advanced nursing workforce.

The RN-to-MSN program in Wisconsin mainly comprises RN-to-BSN and graduate-level courses, including the foundations for advanced nursing roles, quality & safety, healthcare informatics, and advanced health assessment. The RN to MSN program, regardless of the specialization requires completion of 60 credits.

If you choose the nursing education emphasis, you’ll learn about quality improvement & safety, leadership & management, quality improvement & safety, and assessment & evaluation strategies in nursing education.

The clinical nurse leadership track includes the core MSN courses and mainly focuses on clinical prevention & population health. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh RN-to-MSN, applicants must have completed an associate degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Other admission requirements include the submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a copy of your RN license.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh RN-to-MSN Students

• The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh RN-to-MSN students earn a BSN and an MSN.
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh RN-to-MSN program boast of expert faculty members who have years of practice experience. Instructors bring their vast real-world knowledge to the RN to MSN classroom.
• University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh RN-to-MSN program offers a supportive learning environment, where students have access to various support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring.


2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee


Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader and Clinical Nurse Educator


Program Details: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers another of our RN-to-MSN programs in Wisconsin. The well-known program prepares registered nurses to become educators and leaders. So, you can choose either the clinical nurse leader specialization or enroll in the clinical nurse educator focus.

The program starts with RN to BSN courses worth nine credits, after completing which you take the master’s level coursework. The program is offered in the on-campus format, allowing ample in-person interactions.

The RN to MSN courses cover topics such as chronic care management, research & evidence-based practice, information management & healthcare technology, and community health nursing. The master’s level courses which are common to both tracks teach you concepts in advanced pharmacology, comprehensive health assessment, epidemiology, leading & managing health systems of care, care management, quality management, and health policy.

If you choose the clinical nurse leader specialization, you focus on outcomes & quality management, and evidence-based management. On the other hand, the clinical nurse educator track covers the fundamentals of nursing education and the principles & foundations of adult education.

Admission Requirements: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s RN-to-MSN program is open to ADN-prepared registered nurses who have a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. This RN-to-MSN program in Wisconsin also requires you to submit your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee RN-to-MSN Students

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee RN-to-MSN program offers students several funding options, including, loans, grants, fellowships, military benefits, and scholarship opportunities.
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee RN-to-MSN program maintains clinical partnerships with a large network of clinical affiliates, providing students with a diverse clinical experience within their geographical location.
• The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers one of the largest nursing programs in Wisconsin. The nursing school plays a significant role in contributing to the state’s nursing workforce.


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