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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Wisconsin
MATC Milwaukee, Fox Valley Tech (Appleton), Gateway Tech (Kenosha/Racine), and other technical colleges run LPN programs statewide. Programs complete in 12 months with clinical placements at the state's major healthcare systems. Wisconsin's technical college reputation means graduates are competitive for advancement into RN bridge programs.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | Technical College | 12 months | $6,400 |
| Madison Area Technical College | Madison | Technical College | 12 months | $6,800 |
| Gateway Technical College | Kenosha | Technical College | 12 months | $6,200 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton | Technical College | 12 months | $6,000 |
| Northcentral Technical College | Wausau | Technical College | 12 months | $5,800 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Wisconsin
No Wisconsin LPN program is fully online — clinical training at approved facilities is required. Some technical colleges offer limited hybrid coursework options. Wisconsin's technical college system prioritizes hands-on learning that has historically produced above-average NCLEX pass rates.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Wisconsin residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Wisconsin LPN Program
Wisconsin technical colleges use competitive admissions with TEAS or HESI scores as primary criteria. Wisconsin is an NLC compact state with license portability to neighboring MI, MN, IA, and IL (when IL completes NLC implementation).
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Wisconsin
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Wisconsin
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Wisconsin earn an average of $61,680 per year ($29.66/hour). This places Wisconsin near the national average the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Wisconsin typically range from $45,800 for entry-level positions to $76,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Wisconsin
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $64,200 |
| Madison | $63,400 |
| Green Bay | $60,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Wisconsin is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,200 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Wisconsin
The majority of LPNs in Wisconsin work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Wisconsin is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Wisconsin
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Wisconsin
Wisconsin LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Wisconsin LPNs are regulated by the WI Board of Nursing under DSPS. Wisconsin is an NLC state.
You Can Direct Patient Care
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to care plans
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Comprehensive assessments
- Creating or modifying care plans
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Wisconsin LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge in Madison |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Milwaukee |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Wisconsin Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: dsps.wi.gov — Nursing
- Phone: (608) 266-2112
- Address: 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →