University of Wisconsin Madison Nursing School Review

The University of Wisconsin at Madison (UW-Madison) was founded in 1848, and is the flagship school of the UW system. There are over 42,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The scenic 936 acre campus sits on top of a hill overlooking Lake Mendota, the largest lake in Madison.

The School of Nursing was established in 1924, and is a leading partner in the state’s healthcare system and in nursing research. Over 500 students enroll in UW-Madison’s nursing programs each year.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This program trains students to be entry-level, professional nurses. Students are admitted to the University as Pre-Nursing, and those accepted into the program will begin nursing courses in the fall semester of their junior year. Graduates of this program are allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Students may apply to this program once they have completed 54 credits and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. They will need to submit an application to the program and a personal statement. Students must also have completed at least four of the prerequisites before applying, and all prerequisites before beginning the program.

The prerequisites for this program are Chemistry, Microbiology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Introductory Psychology, Introductory Sociology, and Human Growth and Development.

Students admitted to this program may complete their courses at the Madison campus, or at the Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

RN to BS (BSN @ Home)

Graduates of associate or three-year nursing programs with an RN license may apply to this program to earn their bachelor’s degree. This flexible online program allows continue to work while earning their degree. Students may transfer up to 60 credits from their prior nursing studies.

This program is a partnership between UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, and UW-Greenbay. Nursing courses are taught by faculty at one of the Universities, and are offered online to students enrolled in the program. Students designate UW-Madison as their home university when they apply, and will receive their degree from this school.

Applicants to this program will need to have a current RN license and be a graduate of an associate degree or three year nursing program, with an overall GPA of at least 2.5.

BS Honors Program

High-performing students who want to pursue research with a faculty mentor may enter this program. Students may apply for admission to the Honors Program after being admitted to the nursing program. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.5, submit an essay, and have a letter of reference to be considered for the program. Those in the program will take selected nursing honors courses, perform research, and submit an Honors Thesis.

Master of Science (MS)/Master of Public Health (MPH)

This dual degree program is designed to train nurses to be educators or administrators in the field of public health, and is the only MS in Nursing program offered at UW-Madison. Students must be admitted to both the School of Nursing and the Medical School, Department of Population Health. This program will be customized to the needs and interests of the student.

To apply, students must have a BS in Nursing degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 in their final 60 credits, an RN license, GRE scores, and it is recommended to have one year of nursing experience. In addition, to apply for the MPH program, students will need to submit their transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and must have taken college-level algebra and biology with a B- or higher.

In this dual degree program, students will take at least 60 credits to complete both degrees. This program may be taken full or part time.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This program prepares nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, and has taken the place of the MS in Nursing program. Courses for the DNP program are offered online or in classrooms. Students who complete the dual MS/MPH degree or who have an MS from another school may complete the DNP program with a minimum of 33 credits. Those entering the program with a BS in Nursing will need to take at least 71 credits.

Applicants with a BS in Nursing degree must have a GPA of at least 3.2 in their last 60 credits, have an RN license, and have at least one year of nursing practice, preferably related to their population specialty. They will also need to submit their official transcripts, essay, resume or curriculum vitae, and three recommendation letters.

Applicants with an MS in Nursing degree must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and a graduate level statistics course with a grade of B or higher. They must also have an RN license, at least one year of nursing practice, preferably related to their population specialty, their official transcripts, an essay, a resume or curriculum vitae, and three recommendation letters.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Nursing PhD program attracts qualified students from all over the globe, who bring a variety of experiences and interests. Students must have research aptitude, good academic performance, and fit in with the doctoral program goals.

Applicants to this program must have a BS in Nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0, satisfactory GRE scores, satisfactory academic references, and two scholarly writing samples. They will need to submit official transcripts, recommendation letters, a curriculum vita or resume, and a personal statement outlining their goals for the PhD program.

The program requires at least 52 credits to complete, but the exact number of credits and length of study will vary based on the student’s individual course of study.

Early Entry PhD

Undergraduates interested in a research career may pursue this program. Students and advisors develop a personalized program of study and research. This intensive course of study results in BS in Nursing, an MS in Nursing, and a PhD.

Center for Professional Development and Outreach (PDO)

Nurses may earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the PDO to meet their professional development needs. Courses are offered face-to-face or online in a variety of subjects. These courses are non-credit and do not count toward any degree program.

Contact:
University of Wisconsin Madison
1308 W. Dayton Street,
Madison, WI 53715-1149