About the School of Nursing
Where Community Cultivates Excellence in Nursing
At the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, we embody the Wisconsin Idea through cultivating excellence in nursing practice, research, and health care in Wisconsin and beyond.
Who We Are
We are a nursing education and research institution that prepares nurses, advanced practice clinicians, researchers, educators, and health care leaders.
What We Do
We educate the nursing workforce, conduct translational research, and partner with communities to improve health care quality, patient outcomes, and health equity.
Why it Matters
Our graduates and discoveries help strengthen health systems, inform policy, advance evidence-based practice, and improve health across Wisconsin and beyond.
A Message from the Dean
Interim Dean Susan Zahner, DrPH, RN, FNAP, FAAN, is a leader in public health research whose work centers on improving public health practice, workforce development, and system performance.
Why Study Nursing at UW–Madison?
From outstanding education to world-class facilities and vibrant community partnerships, discover what makes us unique.
Vist Us
Signe Skott Cooper Hall isn’t just our home—it’s a $53 million LEED Silver educational facility on an expansive health sciences campus, with high-fidelity simulation labs, 25 research suites, an active-learning classroom complex, exercise spaces, and an accessible auditorium.
History
Since 1924, we’ve been committed to educating outstanding nurses, advancing the profession, and improving health for people throughout Wisconsin and around the world.
The School of Nursing at a Glance
1,000+
Student enrollment
9
Programs and certificates
98.6%
Graduation rate
Leaders in Research, Education, and Practice
We are the leading nursing research institution in Wisconsin and a crucial part of the state’s health care system. Situated in the health sciences sector of campus with the School of Medicine and Public Health and the School of Pharmacy, the School of Nursing collaborates with scientists and renowned researchers across the UW–Madison campus, the nation, and the world.
Academics
The School has an enrollment of more than 1,000 students and offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degrees, as well as continuing education and four certificate programs.
Research
Translational in nature and grounded in practical application, research at the School of Nursing has an immediate impact on Wisconsin’s communities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and homes.
The Wisconsin Idea
The Wisconsin Idea is one of the longest and deepest traditions surrounding the University of Wisconsin and signifies that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
The Wisconsin Experience
The Wisconsin Experience, much like the Wisconsin Idea, sets us apart. While the Wisconsin Idea is about our students giving back, the Wisconsin Experience is how we, as a university, give back to our students.
The University
UW–Madison, founded in 1848, is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive research universities. It is comprised of 13 schools and colleges that offer 232 undergraduate majors and certificates, as well as 250-plus master’s doctoral, and professional degree programs.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UW–Madison are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Guiding Principles
Commitment to Wellness
We foster a culture of wellness to improve the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
We strive to remove barriers to success, expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, and
cultivate a profession that mirrors the rich diversity of the populations we serve.
2025-2030 Strategic Framework
Explore our mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
Faculty & Staff Directory
Get in touch with a specific faculty or staff member.