School Nursing

"School nursing, a specialized practice of public health nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates normal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders that bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potentials."

National Association of School Nurses

School Nursing Certificate Request for Information

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How to Get In

To enroll in the School Nursing Certification program, you must be one of the following:

  • A licensed RN with a BS in Nursing. You do not have to be a school nurse.
  • A student enrolled in the School of Nursing BSN program
  • A student enrolled in the BSN@Home program at UW–Madison

Students enrolled in the BSN program at the School of Nursing can meet the requirements for certification during their course of study. Note: The N470 course does not meet the 3-credit community health course requirement in the BSN@Home program, but may fulfill an elective requirement.

BSN@Home students can meet some of the requirements during their course of study. After graduation, they can apply for University Special Student status to complete the requirements.

Students who are not enrolled in a degree program follow the University Special Student tuition schedule. To find the correct rates, select “Special” under the Choose a Program dropdown. Note: Wisconsin residents and non-residents are charged different rates.

Students not also enrolled in a degree program are not eligible for School of Nursing assistantships or scholarships but may be eligible for scholarships through the Adult Career and Special Student Services Office within the Division of Continuing Studies.

Apply by submitting the application form (pdf), along with official transcripts of all college-level coursework. The application asks about your education and work experience. There is one essay question about why you want to be a school nurse.

Download the application instructions (pdf).

If You are Not Currently Enrolled at UW–Madison

If you are not currently a UW–Madison student, you need to become a University Special Student first. BSN@Home students can complete some of the requirements while enrolled in the BSN@Home program and then enroll as special students to complete the requirements.

Send All Materials to:

School Nursing Certification Program
UW–Madison School of Nursing
Suite 1100 Cooper Hall
701 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53705

Questions? email admissions@nursing.wisc.edu

Contact us

Katie Bleier

Position title: Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs

Email: katie.bleier@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5172