School of Nursing

Canary Savage Girardeau stands to applause at the inaugural ceremony for the award named in her honor.

Nominations are open for the Canary Savage Girardeau Award.

Learn More

At UW–Madison, Nurses Lead

Celebrating 100 Years of Badger Nurses

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

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

For Undergraduates—3 Paths to the BSN

Traditional BSN
Accelerated BSN
RN to BSN Program | BSN@Home

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

Badger nurses transform the future


Connect with us

Badger Nurses Change Lives

Visionary Dr. Linda D. Oakley Recognized with 2024 UW–Madison School of Nursing Canary Savage Girardeau Award

This honor highlights Dr. Oakley’s transformative contributions to nursing, education, and community-based research that addresses health disparities in marginalized communities.

Reclaiming Traditional Knowledge Through the Native Nations Nursing, Helpers, and Healers Summit

Our 2024 summit brought together Indigenous communities, health care providers, tribal leaders, students, and advocates in a powerful gathering focused on culturally congruent care.

The Many Hats of Mira Tcherneva

Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard, nursing student, daughter, and advocate. The many hats that Mira Tcherneva wears have helped prepare her for a new challenge — helping her father search for a kidney donor.

1000+
Current enrollment

A white outline of a trophy cup

19th
2025 Best Undergraduate Nursing Program
U.S. News & World Report
(among public colleges, 26th overall)

A white outline of the state of Wisconsin

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.

Lunch and learn event on gun violence

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.

Nurse speaking to elderly woman

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.