School of Nursing

University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Graduates in cap and gown pose with Dean Linda Scott.

Join us for commencement on May 10 and 11 and celebrate the newest Badger nurses!

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At UW–Madison, Nurses Lead

The School of Nursing Leads

In collaboration, in caring, in research, in innovation, we lead to the future of health and health care—for Wisconsin and the world. Developing leaders for the profession and society—we make discoveries, enhance systems, and improve health through research, education and practice.

The School of Nursing’s Academic Programs

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For Undergraduates—3 Paths to the BSN

Traditional BSN
Accelerated BSN
RN to BSN Program

For Graduate Students—2 Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

For Nurses at Different Educational Levels—3 Certificates

Nurse Educator 
Psychiatric Mental Health
School Nursing

The School of Nursing's centennial logo

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Badger Nurses Change Lives

Deans Who Dared

They came from big cities and small towns. They served during wars, economic collapse, sweeping cultural and political change, and a global pandemic. They fought against oppression and the belief that nurses were second-class health care professionals who didn’t need higher education.

Bittersweet Gratitude

Most phone calls made around 3:14 a.m. hold unexpected news, often delivering heartbreaking information. I received one of those phone calls the morning of May 3, 2023. My dear aunt was undergoing multiple organ failure as a result of health complications that had compounded throughout the previous weeks. I quickly got myself together and made my way to University Hospital.

Nursing Trailblazer Barbara L. Nichols Selected as Inaugural Recipient of the UW–Madison School of Nursing Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The School of Nursing is pleased to announce the recipient of the Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Barbara L. Nichols, MS, DL(h), SDc(h), PedD(h), RN, FAAN, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the new award.

1000+
Current enrollment

14th
2022 Best Undergraduate Nursing Program
U.S. News & World Report
(among public colleges, 19th overall)

72/72
Wisconsin counties with Badger Nurses

The UW–Madison Difference

Supporting the Professional Development of Nurses

Nursing Professional Development offers learning opportunities that address issues relevant to your nursing practice and take advantage of the latest education research and technology.

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Improving the Experience of Aging

With a multi-pronged approach that includes cutting-edge research on long-term care systems and hospital practices, we aim to transform the possibilities for healthy and fulfilling living for older individuals.

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Using Technology to Improve Care Outside the Clinic

From an online tool to support school nurses to apps that assist individuals caring for older adults, our innovative products connect the expertise of the university with the community.

School Nurse

We are committed to building a culture of health in Wisconsin and beyond. We look forward to continued partnerships in the community to maximize health outcomes and eliminate health disparities. It is our goal that Wisconsin residents are able to live healthier lives now and for generations to come.

Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FNAP, FAAN, Dean and Professor, UW–Madison School of Nursing

New at the School of Nursing

ForwardNursing Magazine

Get the latest in research, education, and practice from the School of Nursing, meet the people leading the way, and celebrate the impact of alumni across the state and around the world. ForwardNursing brings you meaningful stories about and for people working to promote health and advance healthcare.