---
title: "Become an RN | FAQs at Milwaukee Nursing Program Campus"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/faq/"
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date_published: 2025-10-09
date_modified: 2026-04-22
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featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Program-FAQs.webp"
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# Become an RN | FAQs at Milwaukee Nursing Program Campus

![Nursing Program FAQs](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Program-FAQs.webp)

Milwaukee

![Arizona College hero bars graphic](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# Become an RN in Wisconsin: FAQs at Our Campus

Arizona College of Nursing – Milwaukee has answers to the questions future
registered nurses ask about earning a BSN degree and becoming an RN in
Wisconsin.

[EXplore Program Details ](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/)

Classes begin June 29th

![Nursing School With NCLEX Exam Prep](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-School-With-NCLEX-Exam-Prep.jpg?w=940)

![Best Nursing Colleges Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/health-metrics.svg?w=1024)

[Campus Overview](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/)

![Icon for a Nursing Program Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/icon-shield-user.svg?w=1024)

[Campus Life](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/location/)

![Nursing School Requirements Icon](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/checklist-solid.svg?w=1024)

[Admissions](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/)

[
![Wisconsin Nursing School Students Earning a BSN Degree](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nursing-school-students-close-up.webp?w=725)![Wisconsin Nursing School Students Earning a BSN Degree](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/nursing-school-students-close-up.webp?w=725)
[

[Nursing Careers FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/faq/#salary)

[
![Milwaukee Nursing Program Near Me Student On Campus](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-Program-Near-Me-Campus-Life-student.webp?w=960)![Milwaukee Nursing Program Near Me Student On Campus](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-Program-Near-Me-Campus-Life-student.webp?w=960)
[

[Nursing Program FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/faq/#npfaq)

[
![Male nurses learning how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Male-Nursing-Shortage.webp?w=1024)![Male nurses learning how to become a registered nurse in Wisconsin](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Male-Nursing-Shortage.webp?w=1024)
[

[General Nursing College FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/faq/#gnursing)

## Your Path to a Nursing Career in Wisconsin

Choosing an RN program comes with a lot of considerations, and our BSN program
is designed to be your pathway to becoming an RN in Milwaukee. Browse answers by
topic below and contact our Milwaukee campus directly for personalized guidance.

[Contact Us ](https://arizonacollege.edu/request-more-information/)

##  Nursing Career Frequently Asked Questions

The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the
program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often
take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years.

If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field,
qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length. To learn more about
the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in Wisconsin, contact an
admissions representative at our Milwaukee campus.

Registered Nurses in the Milwaukee–Waukesha area of Wisconsin have a median
nursing salary of $83,990 per year.

As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you
will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings
with experience. To view our Wisconsin nursing market outlook
[click here](https://arizonacollege.edu/milwaukee-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-wisconsin/)
.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Wisconsin range
from a low rate of $74,970 per year to the highest-paid nurses earning as much
as $109,270 per year for their nursing salary.

_Updated May 2025._ Source:
[https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=53214](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=53214)

As of 2022, there were 62,260 RNs employed in Wisconsin.

Registered Nurse jobs in Wisconsin are projected to grow by 5% between 2022 and
2032.

RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034,
creating 189,100 new nursing jobs annually.

_Updated August 2025._ Source:
[https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=WI](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=WI)

One of the great benefits about working as an RN is that you have many different
options for work environments. As of 2023, registered nurses held about 3.3
million nursing jobs.

The largest employers of registered nurses were as follows:

Hospitals (58%)
Ambulatory healthcare services (19%)Nursing and residential care facilities
(6%)Government (5%)Educational services; state, local, and private (3%)

_Updated 2024._ Source:
[https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3)

Yes, nurses can work in other states after graduation, though the process
depends on where you’re licensed and where you want to practice. Some states
participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows registered nurses
to practice across member states without obtaining additional licenses. Other
states require nurses to apply for licensure by endorsement, which involves
submitting documentation and fees to the new state’s board of nursing.

Graduating from a CCNE-accredited BSN program like Arizona College of Nursing 
prepares you to apply to sit for the national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, in
the state in which you live. Once you pass, you’ll have options for where and
how you build your nursing career. Our admissions team can help you understand
how licensure works in Wisconsin and what to expect if you’re planning to
relocate after graduation.

##  Nursing Program Questions at Arizona College of Nursing – Milwaukee

Students can progress through our BSN program in Milwaukee in three years or
less with qualifying general education transfer credits. Transfer credits could
be a way to help you graduate in less time and at a lower cost.

For questions about transfer credits, including credits associated with
college-level credit test scores, visit our
[Campus Locations](https://arizonacollege.edu/campus-locations/) page for
details to contact your local campus. Our admissions team will review your
current transcripts and give you specific feedback on how past education might
be eligible to be applied toward a BSN degree.

Read more about
[Arizona College of Nursing’s credit transfer requirements](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/credit-transfer-info/)
.

Students of all ages and backgrounds who qualify may be eligible for a variety
of financial aid programs and payment options including:

- Federal student loans
- Federal PELL and SEOG grants
- Eligible State-based grant programs
- Private educational loans
- Military veteran educational benefits (ex: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®)

In addition to financial aid, Arizona College of Nursing offers scholarship
opportunities. For more information on financial aid and scholarships, visit
[https://www.arizonacollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid/](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid/)
.

Yes. While every student’s schedule may vary due to prior academic experience,
you’ll start your BSN degree program in Wisconsin with evening general education
courses. In addition, some general education courses are offered in a convenient
on-campus/online hybrid format.

We offer general education courses in the evening because we know students are
busy and often can’t immediately change their entire schedule when starting
nursing school.

Once you begin your core nursing courses, your schedule will shift to daytime
classes.

Getting into AZCN’s three-year BSN program in Milwaukee comes down to two core
criteria: a 2.75 cumulative GPA from your high school or college coursework and
a qualifying score on the HESI A2. Your HESI A2 score may also factor into
whether a GPA waiver applies to your application.

If you’re researching how to apply to nursing school in Wisconsin, our
admissions team can answer questions about transcripts and entrance testing. For
anything related to financial aid, our finance team can help determine your
eligibility. Learn more about our admissions requirements on our
[admissions page](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/).

At AZCN, there is no waitlist. From the moment you’re accepted, you can move
forward with momentum. With new sessions starting approximately every 8 weeks,
there are multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin, so you can hit
the ground running when you’re ready. Find out more about our admissions process
 on our [Admissions page](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/).

Our BSN program curriculum covers important topics like clinical thinking,
community health, critical care, gerontology, leadership, surgical care,
obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric care.

Arizona College of Nursing – Milwaukee does not offer an LPN to BSN or an LPN to
RN bridge program. However, you still have the ability to enroll in our program
and earn your BSN degree in just three years!

Your prior LPN nursing experience will serve you well as you complete the
coursework, and it will be especially helpful during the clinical training
portion of the program.

We encourage you to contact our admissions team and mention your prior nursing
experience. They’ll tell you more about how your LPN experience can help you in
the BSN program.

Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Milwaukee is not a 100% online nursing
program in Wisconsin. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing
courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and
blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are
offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a
clinical component are held in person.

Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience,
including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students.
Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course
formats at AZCN Milwaukee and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.

Comparing nursing schools can feel overwhelming, but there are a few key factors
that can help you narrow down your options. Look at program length and format to
make sure it fits your schedule, especially if you’re working or managing family
responsibilities. Check whether the schools you’re considering have clear
admissions processes or long waitlists that could delay your start. Ask about
clinical partnerships and hands-on training, since the quality of your
real-world experience matters for your confidence and career readiness. Finally,
consider the support you’ll receive as a student, from academic resources to
assistance with financial aid.

At Arizona College of Nursing in Milwaukee, we offer a three-year BSN program
with flexible scheduling, a streamlined admissions process with no waitlist, and
clinical rotations with healthcare partners across Wisconsin. If you’re
comparing nursing schools in Wisconsin, our admissions team is here to answer
your questions and help you take the next step.

##  General Nursing College FAQs

Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program
and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your
nursing career path. LPN / LVN programs prepare you to become a Licensed
Practical Nurse (also known as Licensed Vocational Nurse in certain states). BSN
programs prepare you to become a registered nurse (RN).

An LPN program typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is
intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic
nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.

BSN programs typically take three to four years to complete and are built to
prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. The programs provide a
comprehensive nursing education that enables you to work in a variety of nursing
areas. While BSN programs take more time, they put you on a path towards more
career advancement opportunities as an RN.

See a more detailed comparison between an LPN and a BSN at 
[https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-lpn-and-a-bsn/](https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-lpn-and-a-bsn/)
.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) allows up to eight
attempts per year to take the NCLEX-RN, with a required 45-day gap between each
try. In Wisconsin, there is no limit on how many times you can take the exam, as
long as NCSBN guidelines are followed. Source:
[https://allnurses.com/how-many-times-can-you-t659949/](https://allnurses.com/how-many-times-can-you-t659949/)

Becoming a nurse in Wisconsin involves several costs. First, completing an
accredited nursing program is required. Then, RNs must pay the relevant fees,
including a $90 fee for the application and licensing. If a temporary permit is
needed, an additional $10 is required. Source:
[https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-wisconsin/](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-wisconsin/)

To become an RN in Milwaukee, students must attend a state-approved nursing
program. They should submit their licensing application about six weeks before
graduation and register with the testing company to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
After graduation, the school must send the required documentation to the state
Board of Nursing. Source:
[https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-wisconsin/](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-wisconsin/)

The length of nursing school can vary depending on the program and the student’s
prior educational background. A typical Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
program takes 4 years to complete if you are starting from scratch.

But at Arizona College of Nursing – Milwaukee, you can earn your BSN degree in
just 3 years. If you’ve completed prior college courses, you may be able to use
transfer credits and complete your degree even faster.

Our admissions team can give you a more specific answer on how long our BSN
program would take for you, given your education background. Contact us to get
started.

Source:
[https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/)

The comparison of an LPN vs. RN primarily comes down to education and scope of
practice. An LPN typically focuses on providing basic nursing care under the
supervision of an RN or physician.

On the other hand, an RN typically requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). RNs have a wider scope of practice,
including patient care planning and diagnostic testing. Choosing between these
roles depends on your career goals, with RNs generally having more opportunities
for advancement and higher earning potential.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about how our three-year BSN program
in Milwaukee can help prepare you for a career as an RN.

[Read our blog post comparing an LPN Program with a BSN Program](https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/lpn-program-vs-bsn-program-what-is-the-difference/)

To become a nurse, you first need to choose the type of nursing role you want to
pursue, such as a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or
nurse practitioner (NP). Generally, you will need to complete the relevant
nursing education program and obtain the necessary certification for licensure.
For example, RNs typically need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Each type of nurse
has specific educational and licensing requirements, so it’s important to know
what applies to your chosen nursing path.

To become an RN, you need to complete an accredited nursing program, such as our
BSN program at Arizona College of Nursing – Milwaukee, which includes
coursework, clinical experience, and NCLEX-RN exam preparation integrated into
the curriculum. After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to
obtain your RN license. For detailed steps and specific requirements, please
contact our admissions office.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate college degree
designed to equip students with the training and studies needed for a successful
career in nursing. The BSN program curriculum includes both general education
and advanced nursing studies. To increase your chances of finding a position in
your state and city of choice, you should consider earning a bachelor’s in
nursing science (BSN).

The primary difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the level of training and education.
Earning a BSN offers a more extensive educational foundation and practical
clinical exposure compared to an ADN. Key benefits of the BSN are its appeal to
employers and access to additional job growth opportunities such as employment
with Magnet-designated hospitals.

Magnet hospitals, which earn their designation from the American Nurses
Credentialing Center (
[ANCC](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)), are
highly sought after for their excellence in nursing, patient care, and
professional development. These prestigious healthcare institutions only hire
nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher as part of their
commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and achieving better
patient outcomes.

To learn more about the difference between these nursing degrees visit our page
“
[What’s the Difference Between an ADN and a BSN?](https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-adn-and-a-bsn/)
“

A nurse manager is a registered nurse who has moved into a leadership role after
gaining clinical experience. In this position, you can work in various
healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient
care centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care services. The
nurse manager position represents an exciting career advancement opportunity for
registered nurses who want to move into leadership roles. To become a nurse
manager in Wisconsin, you’ll first need to work as a registered nurse to gain
the clinical experience needed for management responsibilities.

Nurse manager positions require a BSN degree as the minimum educational
requirement. Before becoming a nurse manager in Wisconsin, you must first become
a licensed registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining
state licensure. You’ll need to gain clinical experience working as a registered
nurse before you can apply for nurse manager positions. Many healthcare
facilities require at least five years of experience for nurse manager roles.

A nursing assistant provides basic patient care under the supervision of
registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. Your duties typically
include helping patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and
assisting with mobility. The nursing assistant role serves as an entry point
into healthcare for many people considering nursing careers. You can find local
positions in Wisconsin in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other
healthcare settings. Many nursing assistants eventually pursue further education
to become registered nurses through BSN programs.

No, you don’t need nursing assistant experience to begin our BSN program. Many
successful nursing students start their BSN education without any prior
healthcare experience. Your BSN program provides all the foundational knowledge
and clinical training you need to become a registered nurse. Some students
choose to gain nursing assistant experience before or during their studies, but
it’s not a prerequisite for BSN admission. What matters most is your passion for
helping others and dedication to learning.