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
For Graduate Students—2 Doctoral Programs
For Nurses at Different Educational Levels—3 Certificates
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Badger Nurses Change Lives
A Legacy of Excellence
In 2024, a celebration of innovation, excellence, and care is on the horizon for the School of Nursing. 100 years ago, it would have been hard to imagine this impressive growth when the Board of Regents successfully established the collegiate program in 1924. Fast forward 100 years, and the School of Nursing consistently ranks among the best public nursing schools in the country, known for its innovative programming and partnerships, the career readiness of its graduates, and a commitment to a diverse workforce that reflects the populations it serves.
Legacies Grown From Roots and Branches
There is an old saying, "Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one." For graduates of the UW–Madison School of Nursing, they become a branch on a great big family tree that anchors itself with roots that were established when the first 11 graduates of the School earned their degrees in 1927.
Building a Legacy
Becky Berkan ’03, RN, CEN, is no stranger to expanding her comfortable limits. After stepping away from participating in athletic activities for a decade, she decided to get back into a sport that she had always enjoyed – running. She set out to train for the Madison Marathon in 2012, which would eventually get canceled due to extreme heat conditions. Rather than shrug her shoulders and call it a day, Berkan persisted with her training and eventually ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2013.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is pleased to announce the recipient of the inaugural 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 School of Nursing’s new award.
UW–Madison School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Ranked No. 16 by U.S. News & World Report
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program continues to lead the way in Wisconsin, earning the nod as the top program in the state by the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Remembering Vivian Littlefield, former School of Nursing Dean and Professor
Vivian Littlefield, Dean Emerita of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, passed away from an unexpected illness on August 22nd with family by her side in Colorado. Littlefield served as School of Nursing dean …
Chancellor Mnookin visits School of Nursing
On August 31, UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin visited the School of Nursing. She spent the morning meeting students, faculty, and staff, and we proudly showed her how Badger nurses change lives through research, education, and …
Bucky and Monty visit B6/6 to celebrate milestone in MOVIN
This June, Bucky Badger and the Ice Age Trail Alliance mascot, Monty the Mammoth, visited the Hematology, Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant unit at University Hospital (B6/6) in celebration of completing the MOVIN Ice Age Trail Challenge and the great work patients and staff have done to reach the goals and improve the amount of time and distances patients walk on the unit.
- More stories from 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.
- September
- September 27
- September 27
- September 27Cancer Biology Seminar seriesRNA binding proteins and chemical modifications in the lifecycle of an oncogenic DNA virus11:00 AM, 1345 Health Sciences Learning Center
Also offered online - September 27Demystifying the FDA Regulatory Path and Profession for Medical Devices and SoftwareAn Innovate Week Event11:30 AM, Discovery to Product (D2P), 1403 University Ave.