How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Wisconsin (2026)
Wisconsin employs about 7,390 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $63,760 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Vocational Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in Wisconsin
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | 72.6 | Contact school for pricing | $59,996 | 57% | Yes* | 82 mi |
| 2 | Fox Valley Technical College | 67.6 | $5,040 in-state / $7,283 out-of-state | $55,857 | 65% | Yes* | 61 mi |
| 3 | Lakeshore Technical College | 63.9 | $4,844 in-state / $7,087 out-of-state | $50,985 | 50% | Yes* | 57 mi |
| 4 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 62.5 | $4,960 in-state / $7,233 out-of-state | $54,887 | 51% | Yes* | 81 mi |
| 5 | Madison Area Technical College | 59.1 | $4,977 in-state / $7,255 out-of-state | $55,207 | 29% | Yes* | 40 mi |
| 6 | Gateway Technical College | 56.0 | $4,956 in-state / $7,199 out-of-state | $54,142 | 51% | Yes* | 69 mi |
| 7 | Milwaukee Area Technical College | 52.5 | $5,184 in-state / $7,427 out-of-state | $52,346 | 25% | Yes* | 45 mi |
| 8 | State Career College | 51.3 | Contact school for pricing | $39,980 | 74% | Yes* | 81 mi |
| 9 | Herzing University-Brookfield | 46.5 | $13,450 | $58,575 | 42% | Yes* | 37 mi |
| 10 | Herzing University-Madison | 35.8 | $13,450 | $58,575 | 28% | Yes* | 38 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Wisconsin employs approximately 7,390 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,760 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Wisconsin, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (Wisconsin): $63,760 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Wisconsin
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Wisconsin? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing.
Do I need a license in Wisconsin? Yes. Wisconsin credentials this role through WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in Wisconsin? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Wisconsin is $63,760 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $51,820 and experienced professionals can earn $78,490 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Wisconsin
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in Wisconsin typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in Wisconsin. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Vocational Nurse License Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin licenses practical and vocational nurses through WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in Wisconsin vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | 6,300 | $65,660 | $67,140 | $56,820 | $77,260 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | 1,890 | $65,410 | $68,660 | $55,620 | $79,830 |
| Madison | 650 | $64,550 | $67,060 | $55,800 | $79,370 |
| Duluth | 630 | $60,930 | $60,370 | $49,210 | $71,150 |
| Green Bay | 600 | $60,790 | $61,110 | $50,420 | $73,820 |
| Appleton | 370 | $65,300 | $67,780 | $50,040 | $78,340 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah | 270 | $60,960 | $61,660 | $51,550 | $75,680 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | 260 | $63,950 | $65,080 | $51,670 | $77,170 |
| Eau Claire | 250 | $60,950 | $62,250 | $51,050 | $74,630 |
| Kenosha | 250 | $65,350 | $69,290 | $52,860 | $79,220 |
| Janesville-Beloit | 190 | $64,000 | $65,470 | $49,870 | $76,650 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant | 180 | $64,850 | $67,210 | $57,300 | $77,960 |
| Fond du Lac | 160 | $65,270 | $67,170 | $55,190 | $76,380 |
| Sheboygan | 160 | $62,820 | $64,060 | $53,850 | $77,060 |
| Wausau | 150 | $60,360 | $61,150 | $49,450 | $73,930 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed vocational nurses in Wisconsin? Wisconsin currently employs approximately 7,390 licensed vocational nurses 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed vocational nurse in Wisconsin with an out-of-state license? Contact the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Wisconsin? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Wisconsin.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in Wisconsin compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Wisconsin is $63,760, which is $1,420 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services - Division of Professional Credential Processing - Licensing Information: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |