Top RN Schools in Milwaukee

Looking for Registered Nurse (RN) schools in Milwaukee? Whether you are just embarking on the education that will lead you to a career in nursing or are already an RN and want to earn an advanced degree or special certification, you can take your pick from a number of fully accredited RN programs in Wisconsin's largest city. A great first step in finding the right RN school is familiarizing yourself with the top options, and you can learn about five of them below.

Begin your search for a Milwaukee RN school by considering these five options:

1. Marquette University

With an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a convenient location in downtown Milwaukee, Marquette University's College of Nursing is a great option to consider. For an average annual tuition of around $33,000, you can choose from six BSN programs. The school also offers a number of graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specializations in clinical nurse leader and a variety of advanced practice specialties.

2. Alverno College

Since 1932, Alverno College's JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing has been preparing registered nurses for long, successful careers. This fully accredited institution's undergraduate program offers rotations at more than 60 clinical sites and organizations, ensuring that undergrads get hands-on experience in the areas that interest them. The school also offers an RN-to-BSN program and three tracks for MSN degrees: Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

3. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

UWM's College of Nursing is situated right downtown. In-state students enjoy a very affordable average yearly tuition of around $9,100. The school's undergraduate programs include BSN, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN. Graduate-level options include BS to DNP, PhD, BS to PhD, and more. This top research university also offers a variety of nursing certificate programs, including those for family nurse practitioner, trauma-informed care, and applied gerontology.

4. Carroll University

Located in Waukesha, which is about 15 miles from downtown Milwaukee, Carroll University offers a fully accredited nursing program. The school only offers undergraduate degrees, but you can choose from several four-year plans for earning your BSN. In addition to boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1, the school is highly ranked in terms of NCLEX-RN passing rates, with 99% of students going on to pass this crucial licensing exam. Average yearly tuition is around $26,500.

5. Wisconsin Lutheran College

This Christian university is right in downtown Milwaukee, making it a convenient choice for aspiring RNs who want to attend school in a central location. Yearly tuition averages around $23,600. WLC's School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and only awards undergraduate degrees. However, these degrees do include extensive clinical practice options and other advantages. Students must complete their general education prerequisites before being accepted into the nursing program. If you wish to earn your BSN from a Christian university, this is a great option to consider.

If you're ready to find an RN school in Wisconsin, start with the schools listed above. Odds are that one or more holds the key to unlocking a successful nursing career.