University of Wisconsin-Madison (School of Nursing) - Overview
Top Ranking Nursing Program at UW-
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is one of the nation's leading teaching and research universities, with an international reputation and a diverse student population of approximately 40,000.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, founded in 1924, is an integral part of the UW health sciences complex, which also comprises the schools of medicine and pharmacy. It is currently ranked in the top 20 nursing schools in the nation in both National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding and graduate program excellence. The current student population is about 500.
School of Nursing Degrees and Programs
The School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in nursing, and a variety of opportunities for post-doctoral research. The school no longer admits students to a Master of Science degree program in nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The B.S. degree program in nursing prepares students for entry-level positions in professional practice and provides a basis for leadership roles and graduate studies in nursing.
The curriculum consists of 124 credits in general education, nursing practice, and elective courses. An honors program offers highly motivated students opportunities to add depth and challenge to their educational experience.
Students in the B.S. program are admitted to the nursing major in the junior year and may complete the nursing component at either the UW-Madison campus or the Western Campus for Nursing, located at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
An early Ph.D. option is also available, designed for undergraduate students who are interested in careers in nursing research.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program at UW-Madison prepares nurses for leadership roles in advanced nursing practice, including clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners with a selected patient population focus. The curriculum consists of 3 core components -- systematic evaluation of practice, leadership/policy, and practice.
Students select their concentration of focus from three patient populations -- adult/gerontology (acute care and primary care options), pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health.
Students interested in dual preparation as an advanced practice nurse and nurse educator may add a nursing education focus to their course of study.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program
The Ph.D. program in nursing prepares nurses for major roles in the cultivation, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge about interest in nursing. The program combines continuous training in research, a strong scientific foundation in nursing, and a minor in a related discipline.
Seven components make up the curriculum -- existing and evolving knowledge, methods of nursing inquiry, research ethics, nursing doctoral seminars, course work in a minor field, teaching and learning, and research dissertation.
Graduates of the program have gone on to become distinguished faculty at major universities throughout the United States and other countries and many have received post-doctoral research fellowships.
Online Degree Program for Registered Nurses
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing is a partner in the BSN at Home Program, which allows registered nurses (residents of Wisconsin only) the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N) degree through an Internet curriculum.
Accomplished Faculty, Cutting-Edge Technology
UW-Madison School of Nursing faculty members are recognized as academic scholars, researchers, expert clinicians, educators, and leaders in the nursing profession. Many have post-doctoral experience in nursing and related disciplines and are well known for their expertise in the university, local, national, and international communities. A number have received prestigious federal and private research and training awards.
Faculty educators who teach in the clinical component leverage the most advanced technology for education and practice; many are board-certified practitioners who maintain an active clinical practice in addition to their teaching.
Valuable Clinical Experiences and Career Opportunities
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing maintains affiliations with a wide range of health, education, and social services agencies and organizations throughout urban and rural Wisconsin. The school is strongly committed to performing research and providing clinical practice in areas where shortages of health professionals exist.
These associations connect students with real patient populations, allowing them to explore various career avenues and resources while making a difference in a real-world, care-giving environment.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Full-time tuition and fees vary for resident and non-resident undergraduate and graduate students.
The Office of Student Financial Services at the University of Wisconsin-Madison awards financial aid based on need. Financial aid may consist of loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. The School of Nursing awards a number of scholarships in varying amounts to qualified nursing students annually.
A number of financial aid options are available for graduate students. These include fellowships, traineeships, scholarships, research and teaching assistantships, and loans.
Advanced Opportunity Fellowships are available for qualified minority or economically challenged students. The School of Nursing is committed to funding full-time students in the Ph.D. program.
Campus Setting and Surroundings
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is situated on a 1,050-acre campus in Madison, Wisconsin -- 90 miles from Milwaukee, 120 miles from Chicago, and 250 miles from Minneapolis. Madison is consistently ranked as one of the top cities in the nation for its strong local economy, low crime rate, and abundance of cultural and recreational activities.