School Nursing
Two Pathways to School Nursing
There are two pathways to prepare for school nursing in Wisconsin, depending on your current level of education. Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree, or those currently enrolled in a BSN program, can pursue the School Nurse Certification Program, which prepares candidates for licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Alternatively, registered nurses with an associate’s degree may qualify for school nursing roles by completing a course in public or community health. This requirement can be fulfilled through Nursing 470: Primary Health Care Nursing in the School Setting, a 3-credit online course offered each spring, which is also part of the certification program.
Depending on your background and experience choose the appropriate path for you:
On this page
BSN Pathway
Certification Program Overview and Outcomes
For registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing, a 3-credit course in community or public health nursing from a baccalaureate accredited nursing program will meet the requirement for the “School Nurse”.
To document that a registered nurse without a baccalaureate degree in nursing meets the course requirement to be considered a school nurse requires a copy of a transcript. The transcript from an institution of higher education documenting a passing grade in a public health nursing or community health nursing course deemed satisfactory must be submitted to the State School Nurse Consultant.
Each school district or other entity submitting a transcript will receive a letter documenting DPI’s decision as to whether or not the course requirement has been met and the registered nurse is permitted to use the title “school nurse” along with a certificate of title. When submitting transcripts to the State School Nurse Consultant include the registered nurse’s license number.
Overview
Delivery: Blended; online & practicum
Credits: 18, undergrad level
Time Frame: Depends on prior credit & experience; 1-5 terms
Tuition: If not in a degree program, the special rate
Audience:
- Practicing RN’s with a Bachelor’s degree
- Students enrolled in the TBSN program at UW-Madison
- Students enrolled in the BSN@Home program at UW-Madison
Certification Program Curriculum
- NURSING 470 – School Nursing in the Context of Community Health Practice (3 credits)
- N470 does not meet the 3-credit community health course requirement in the BSN@Home program but may fulfill an elective requirement.
- NUR 472 – Practicum in School Nursing (6 credits)
- May be satisfied with three years’ experience as a school nurse
- 501 Health Information for Teachers
- 541 Organization and Administration of School Health and Safety Program
- Child/Family Studies
Certification Application Process
Please follow the appropriate application process below:
- If you previously attended UW–Madison:
Visit https://admissions.wisc.edu/apply-as-a-reentry-student/ for reentry application instructions. - If you are new to UW–Madison:
Visit https://specialstudents.wisc.edu/apply/ to begin a Special Student application. - If you are a current UW–Madison student
- No additional application is required.
When completing the application, please select the following options in the Program section:
- Term: Choose the term you would like to begin
- Applying As: Pre-Selected Populations (UNPS)
- Academic Plan: Other – then in the text box enter “School Nurse Certification”
Admission decisions for Special Student and reentry applications are typically made within one week, and you will be notified via email. Once you receive your admission confirmation, please email admissions@nursing.wisc.edu with your campus ID number so we can authorize your enrollment.
ADN Pathway
Certification Program Overview and Outcomes
For registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing, a 3-credit course in community or public health nursing from a baccalaureate accredited nursing program will meet the requirement for the “School Nurse”.
To document that a registered nurse without a baccalaureate degree in nursing meets the course requirement to be considered a school nurse requires a copy of a transcript. The transcript from an institution of higher education documenting a passing grade in a public health nursing or community health nursing course deemed satisfactory must be submitted to the State School Nurse Consultant.
Each school district or other entity submitting a transcript will receive a letter documenting DPI’s decision as to whether or not the course requirement has been met and the registered nurse is permitted to use the title “school nurse” along with a certificate of title. When submitting transcripts to the State School Nurse Consultant include the registered nurse’s license number.
Overview
Delivery: Blended; online & practicum
Credits: 18, undergrad level
Time Frame: Depends on prior credit & experience; 1-5 terms
Tuition: If not in a degree program, the special rate
Audience:
- Practicing RN’s with a Bachelor’s degree
- Students enrolled in the TBSN program at UW-Madison
- Students enrolled in the BSN@Home program at UW-Madison
School Nursing Certificate Request for Information
This course provides a clear, concise, complete information on the practice of school nursing. It focuses on the foundations, framework, laws, and standards and scope of practice. A good course for anyone thinking that school nursing might be the field they wish to pursue.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Programs
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admissions
Suite 1100 Signe Skott Cooper Hall
admissions@nursing.wisc.edu
608-263-5180