In Wisconsin, the nursing profession is regulated by the Board of Nursing, a division of the state's Department of Safety and Professional Services. As is the case with most states, the substantive aspects of obtaining this license concern fulfilling the education requirements, and passing a test – though there are exceptions, addendums, and myriad other procedural aspects. In this fact sheet, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and explain the differences between an LPN and a Registered Nurse.

Obtaining a License

The steps, briefly:

• Enroll in a program of study at a Board-approved nursing educational facility. This is the first big difference between LPNs and RNs in Wisconsin – LPNs are not required to have a high school diploma or GED, though they must obtain a Practical Nursing diploma of some kind. A list of in-state schools offering such programs can be found here.
• Another difference is that the state of WI suggests sending in your application upon enrollment, not completion, in the program, for time reasons. You can find the proper application forms here. The cost to apply is 90 dollars, or 100 dollars if you also wish to apply for a temporary permit (discussed further below).
• Register for the NCLEX exam. This can also be done prior to completion of your academic program. Your school will automatically notify the testing company upon completion. The cost to register is 200 dollars.
• Take and pass the NCLEX. This is the “big one” so to speak – the test required in all 50 states to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (there is also a version for registered nurses).
• Once you pass, you're in! Because the Board already verified your educational credentials, passage of the exam means an automatic license.

Wisconsin has one interesting wrinkle uncommon to many states. Prior to taking the exam, you may apply for a temporary license. If granted, you are what's called a “graduate nurse,” and you may work for a period of 90 days as a practical nurse, during which time you must pass the NCLEX.

If you already hold a license in another state, and wish to practice in Wisconsin, there are two options. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, along with 23 others. The process for registration transferrence between these states is very easy – click here for more information. If you hold a license in a non-NLC state, you may still become a WI nurse by “endorsement,” since you have already passed the NCLEX. The application for admission by endorsement is available here.

Maintaining a License

Wisconsin has an unusual system for renewing a nursing license, the result of a law passed in 2009. Every even-numbered year, regardless of when you received your license, all Wisconsin LPNs and RNs are given a survey about their profession that they must answer. They must also pay an 86 dollar fee. The survey results are meant to be used to give the Wisconsin regulatory authorities information about the specialization and skill level of WI nurses in relation to their location. Happily, the process is an easy one – you'll get a little green card in the mail telling you it's survey time, and how to register for and take the survey online. Don't be late! There's an additional 25 dollar fee for late takers.

Discipline of both LPNs and RNs in Wisconsin is handled by Board of Nursing. Wisconsin is one of many (though not all) states that mandate full public disclosure of any complaints or disciplinary actions made against nurses – you can easily look up such info here. Anyone can file a complaint against a licensed practical nurse online. What will get you into trouble as a WI nurse? The usual, of course – crimes, negligence, inability to perform your duties. The full, statutory list of the Rules of Conduct can be found here.

What’s the Difference Between LPNs and RNs?

As is the case with many states, Licensed Practical Nurses may be supervised by Registered Nurses, but the opposite is not true – only RNs get to be the boss. Further, LPNs have specifically statutory permissions as to what type of medical tasks they may perform. RNs have generally broader authority. You can review the differences, which you will also learn in your licensing course, here. In essence, the educational requirements for LPNs are much lower, but you’ll have less authority and hence, lower pay.