School of Nursing

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Signe Skott Cooper teaching a continuing education class for nurses on the radio in 1966.
Signe Skott Cooper in military attire.

Happy birthday Signe Skott Cooper! A nursing visionary, Cooper died in 2013, but her legacy lives on.

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Signe Skott Cooper Hall at sunset
Jean Johnson and Effy Yu

Congratulations to the 2022 Nurses Alumni Organization award winners Jean Johnson and Effy Yu!

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MJ Joseph and Danielle Harris make the W hand symbol.

The Fall 2022 issue of ForwardNursing is now available online!

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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

Connect with us

Badger Nurses Change Lives

More than Medicine

Professor Linda D. Oakley, PhD, RN, is taking a heart-health message to historically marginalized Black communities and nursing students. As the Louis J. and Phyllis Clark Jacobs Professor in Mental Health, Oakley is committed to using science to find health and well-being solutions to systemic hypertension present in Black communities.

Lead Through Connection

The Badger Nurse Mentorship Program helps current students who wish to receive support from School of Nursing alumni as they transition from student nurses to professional nurses. Through community, support, camaraderie, and fellowship, Badger nurses are building connections, leading in the profession, and changing lives. 

Finding Leadership on Our Paths to Nursing

One of the ways the School of Nursing cultivates leaders is by providing opportunities for students to develop and enhance their leadership skills through various student organizations, jobs, and research opportunities. Student ambassadors Danielle Harris and MJ Joseph share their personal experiences as student leaders.

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.

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.