Dean's Message
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing! Whether you are considering nursing as a career, advancing your education in practice or research, or exploring employment with us, the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is a great place to be. We are committed to building a culture of health in Wisconsin and beyond.
Visit Cooper Hall
The School of Nursing is housed in Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 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, Cooper Hall showcases the power, impact and future of nursing.
Why Study Nursing at UW–Madison?
What's the difference between UW–Madison's School of Nursing and other institutions? From the facilities to the community partnerships and policy opportunities, find out some of the things that make us unique.
History
Founded in 1924 as the first collegiate nursing program in Wisconsin, the School of Nursing serves nurses statewide throughout their careers. Our history demonstrates our commitment to health and wellness for all, as well as to the profession and professional education.
Board of Visitors
The Board of Visitors of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is a group of leaders from the health care and business communities who provide strategic guidance to the school.
1000+
Student enrollment
9
Program & certificate options
98.6%
Graduation rate
Leaders in Research, Education, and Practice
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing is 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.
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.
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.
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.
The University
UW–Madison, founded in 1849, 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.
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.
Guiding Principles
2019-2024 Strategic Framework
Our mission is to develop leaders for the profession and society—we make discoveries, enhance systems, and improve health through research, education and practice.
Our vision is to be a world leader in nursing innovation that advances health for all.
Our Values
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Collaboration
We work together to advance common goals. We cultivate active engagement and shared responsibility among all members of our communities.
Excellence
We uphold high standards for ourselves and our work. Our collective actions drive best practices and innovative thinking.
Integrity
We hold ourselves and each other accountable. People can expect
that we will do what we say we are going to do and that we will do the right thing reliably.
Respect
We demonstrate positive regard in our relationships. Through our
actions, we honor diverse perspectives, styles, and contributions.
Commitment to Wellness
The School of Nursing is committed to fostering a sustainable culture of wellness to improve population health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff through positive culture change and wellness initiatives. Wellness initiatives may include implementing wellness activities, fostering belonging and inclusivity, integrating evidence-based preventative strategies, advising on policies and procedures, advising committees and leaders on system-based initiatives, and collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in the support of individual and collective well-being.
Wellness is defined as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence” (National Wellness Institute). Wellness encompasses multiple dimensions, which include, but are not limited to, physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, social, occupational, intellectual, and environmental wellness.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
The School of Nursing actively fosters an environment that welcomes diversity among its students, faculty, and staff. Awareness of diversity and promotion of inclusivity is infused into our curricula, social and educational events, and resources and services.
Our tradition of integrated research and practice focuses on the needs of those whose health status or social condition leaves them vulnerable or places them at risk. Our collaborative innovations increase the diversity of participation in healthcare research, promote sharing of diverse interprofessional perspectives, provide tools to support those working with vulnerable populations, and enhance community engagement.