Known as “America’s Dairyland”, Wisconsin is recognized for its diverse geography, manufacturing and tourism. Healthcare and agriculture are also some of the prominent industries in the state. Students who wish to pursue a higher education in Wisconsin can find a number of opportunities. The state has numerous schools and colleges that offer degrees and certificates in variety of concentrations such as engineering, education, nursing and more.
Wisconsin nursing employment trends
According to the Wisconsin’s Health Care Workforce 2012 report, the healthcare sector employs over 300,000 people in the state. The state’s healthcare sector has shown steady growth and the numbers of jobs within the sector are also expected to increase. According to the Wisconsin Center for Nursing, there are 1,073 registered nurses (RNs) per 100,000 people, which is above the U.S. average, and the state is ranked as 13th in the nation (U.S. Nursing Workforce: Trends in Supply and Education, HRSA, 2013).
Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
There are a number of nursing schools in the state of Wisconsin that offer various nursing science programs. Nurses are responsible for providing medical care to patients and the sick. They also educate patients about their condition, operate medical equipment and perform a number of administrative tasks.
Nursing schools in the state offer a range of programs that allow students to acquire skills that employers seeks. Ranging from associate to doctoral degrees and diploma or certificates, there are a number of paths students can choose from to acquire knowledge in the field of nursing practice.
Types of nursing programs in Wisconsin
The nursing schools in Wisconsin offer degrees as well as certificates and diplomas in nursing. Degrees such as associate and bachelor’s programs enable students to sit for the RN license exam that is essential to become a registered nurse. The master’s and PhD programs are designed for those who wish to specialize in a particular nursing field or conduct independent research. Specialized nursing tracks are:
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Ambulatory care
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Critical care
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Orthopedic care
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Psychiatric care
What courses will you study?
Nursing degree and certificate programs will provide students within an insight into the nursing practice. Students cover a range of topics that help them learn about healthcare issues, anatomy and physiology as well as healthcare management. Some of the courses of study may include:
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Adult and family health
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Pharmacology
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Leadership in nursing
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Nursing research
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Health assessment
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Professional issues in nursing
Career outlook for nurses in Wisconsin
There were about 57,760 RNs in Wisconsin in 2010. In 2013, the median annual wage for RNs in Wisconsin was $64,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Wisconsin Center for Nursing predicts that the state is expected to suffer from registered nurses shortage of approximately 20,000 by 2035.