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Program Overview
The Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program at Madison College offers training for in-demand jobs in nursing and healthcare. The program teaches you good judgment and technical competence while providing nursing care to patients of all ages.
Learn from experienced nursing professionals in digital classrooms and modern labs. Develop patient care skills during clinical practicums in area hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Become a Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses (RNs) are crucial in providing and coordinating patient care. They administer medication and treatments to patients, perform medical tests and analyze results, create nursing care plans, supervise and direct practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing assistants (CNAs), assist physicians in performing medical procedures, communicate with patients and their families and more.
Successful nursing professionals prioritize self-direction and independence while being willing to follow procedures and understand that errors may have serious consequences. They must also have an interest in people and their welfare, good communication skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to work under pressure and react quickly in an emergency.
Madison College’s Nursing (RN) associate degree program teaches you good judgment and technical competence while providing nursing care to patients of all ages.
Study Nursing in Reedsburg, Watertown or Madison
The two-year Associate Degree in Nursing program is available in Reedsburg, Watertown or Madison’s Truax campus.
No matter which campus you choose, you will learn the nursing profession’s skills, concepts, and ethics from our expert and supportive nursing faculty members who live and work in the community.
How You’ll Learn
Madison College’s nursing faculty have a wide range of professional backgrounds, so you can learn about nursing specialties ranging from pediatrics to emergency, critical care, mental health, surgical, hospice and more.
You’ll enjoy hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art nursing facilities, which feature fully functioning labs using low-fidelity and simulated patient settings.
Clinicals held at healthcare facilities in the community are integral to our program. You’ll enjoy real-world nursing experiences immediately because our program combines classroom study with lab work and clinicals to teach you concepts and develop your nursing skills.
Madison College nursing students learn techniques and practice their skills in our high-tech lab spaces. Registered Nursing Careers
Once you have completed your associate’s degree and passed your NCLEX-RN exam, you can work in several settings, from hospitals and clinics to extended-care facilities, doctor’s offices, home health agencies and select industrial and business settings.
Our nursing program graduates work for various employers throughout Wisconsin, including Access Community Health Centers, Columbus Community Hospital, Mercy Health System, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, VA Medical Center, Willows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and more.
Madison College nursing graduates see a 93 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation. Employers in Madison, Wisconsin and beyond give high marks to our nursing graduates for the advanced clinical training they receive at Madison College.
Start Your Four-Year Degree Here!
Your associate degree will allow you to pursue additional certifications to increase your professional standing as a registered nurse as you gain valuable work experience and a specialty you want to work in.
In addition, you can continue your education to pursue a bachelor’s degree and, eventually, a master’s degree if you choose to. Your Madison College credits can transfer toward a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) at Marquette University, Franklin University, the University of Wisconsin and many others.
Associate Degree in Nursing Program Details
You can attend the Associate Degree in Nursing program full- or part-time.
Upon admission to the program, you'll be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current immunizations and Health Care Provider CPR certification.
Program Outcomes
We prepare you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), to become a Registered Nurse.
- Madison College Associate Degree 2024 Composite NCLEX Score: 98.36% (ACEN Standard 6)
- National Average: 91.16%
Nursing Licensure
Madison College Nursing programs prepare students to obtain the required licensure to be employed and practice in Wisconsin. However, the college does not guarantee that its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure in other states.
Multi-State Nursing Licensure
Wisconsin participates in an enhanced, multi-state nursing licensure compact as of January 19, 2018. Multi-state nurses meet uniform licensure requirements for all participating states, meaning that nurses with a Wisconsin license may be eligible to practice nursing in other states. View which states the Nursing (R.N.) program meets licensure or certification on the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure webpage.
Please refer to the NCSBN website for current information on licensure, employment and practice regulations in other states.
For questions related to the enhanced nurse licensure compact (eNLC), contact the contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at dsps@wi.gov.
Accreditation
The Associate Degree in Nursing program is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404.975.5000 | http://acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services also approves the Madison College Nursing (RN) program.
Additional Nursing Program Resources
Learn about nursing program essential functional abilities that students enrolled in Madison College’s nursing programs must be able to perform.
Download the School of Nursing Student Handbook (PDF) to learn more about the nursing program’s requirements, policies, procedures and more.
Visit the Health Sciences and Nursing Programs Forms and Policies page for information about caregiver background checks, immunization policies, student accident insurance, CPR training and more.
More Nursing Program Options
Madison College’s nursing program offers different pathways to begin or advance your nursing career.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Nursing Assistant CertificationProof of certification as a Nursing Assistant or completion of a Nursing Assistant course is required prior to petitioning. Refer to petition requirements for additional details.General Education CoursesThe following general education courses are required to successfully graduate from the Nursing-Associate Degree program. Some of these courses are required to petition and others may be completed prior to the start of the program or by the end of the first year of the program. Prospective students should refer to petition requirements and current students should refer to their Degree Progress Report for additional details regarding which general education program requirements must be taken to petition.Refer to the Petition tab for additional information about petition pre-requisites.Speech must be completed prior to third semester.First SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterFourth Semester -
Admission
Spring 2026 - Secure Your Spot in Pre-Program!
This program operates on a petition process. To be eligible to enroll in program classes, students must first complete petition requirements and go through the petition process.
Before submitting an application, be sure to:
- Review the Petition section.
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-2 semesters wait time between acceptance into pre-program and the start of core classes. The estimated time to enter the core program is subject to change based on the variable number of students ready to petition each semester.
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, petition requirements, and complete the petition process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Beginning Fall 2026 – Secure Your Spot on the Waiting List!
This program operates on a waiting list. To be eligible to enroll in program classes, students must first complete academic preparedness requirements and go through the declaration process.
Before submitting an application, be sure to:
- Review the Waiting List section.
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-2 semesters wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
- Program Capacity: 84-105 spots each Fall; 70-84 spots each Spring semester.
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Need help? Learn more about the Madison College experience and get support with your application.
Start your application today and take the next step toward your career goals!
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Associate Degree Nursing (R.N.) career.
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Waiting List
Beginning Fall 2026
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program. A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will complete the declaration process.
Pre-core students can run their Degree Progress Report to confirm which academic preparedness requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and view specific ways to satisfy requirements.
Mandatory workshop in Brightspace.
Prerequisites:
- Math (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in related biological science)
- Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
Course Requirements:
- Nursing Assistant (course or Proof of certification as a Nursing Assistant)
- English 1 or Written Communication
- Anatomy and Physiology (two courses)
- Microbiology
- Intro Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Testing Requirement: Within four years (2025-2026 applicants = September 1, 2021 to present)
- HESI: Cumulative score of 75%+
- Due to the customizable nature of HESI, the test must be completed at Madison College
- ACT: Composite score of 22+
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Petition
Spring 2026
This program uses a petition process to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program. A petition process helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
This program has petition requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. When you’ve completed all petition requirements, you will complete the petition process.
Pre-program students can run their Degree Progress Report to confirm which petition requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and view specific ways to satisfy requirements.
Mandatory workshop in Brightspace.
Prerequisites:
- Math (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in related biological science)
- Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
Course Requirements:
- Nursing Assistant (course or Proof of certification as a Nursing Assistant)
- English 1 or Written Communication
- Anatomy and Physiology (two courses)
- Microbiology
- Intro Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Testing Requirement: Within four years (2025-2026 applicants = September 1, 2021 to present)
- HESI: Cumulative score of 75%+
- Due to the customizable nature of HESI, the test must be completed at Madison College
- ACT: Composite score of 22+
Petitioning
This program petitions for entry into the following terms:
- Spring: Petition window opens on September 1
Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.
After Petitioning
If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning. Please view the Health and Nursing Programs Forms and Policies for more information.
- Healthcare Provider CPR Certification
- Personal Health Information
- Background Information Disclosure Form (Criminal Background Check). An acceptable background check is required prior to starting clinical courses.
- Enrollment in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.
- Mandatory Nursing Orientation via Brightspace.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
This document constitutes an articulation agreement between the sixteen (16) institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System BSN@Home Program.This document constitutes an articulation agreement between the sixteen (16) institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System BSN@Home Program.This document constitutes an articulation agreement between the sixteen (16) institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System BSN@Home Program.Students in the Associate Degree in Nursing, who declare an intent to use this agreement to gain admission to the UW-Madison School of Nursing, meet requirements for admission to UW- Madison, take specified courses as outlined in this agreement, and meet specified levels of academic achievement at Madison College, will be granted admission to the UW-Madison School of Nursing to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the BSN@Home Program.This document constitutes an articulation agreement between the sixteen (16) institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System BSN@Home Program.The terms of the B.S in Human Services Leadership agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S degrees and are admitted to the Human Services Leadership at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherThis document constitutes an articulation agreement between the sixteen (16) institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System BSN@Home Program.This document constitutes an articulation agreement between the sixteen (16) institutions of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the University of Wisconsin System BSN@Home Program.In order to transfer, students must complete the desired program with a minimum 2.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale. A minimum of 33 credits from said program may be transferred in and counted towards a Public Health Degree. 52 total credits are required to complete the bachelor's degree, while a minimum of 30 credits must be taken at UW Superior (including the last 12 credit hours) in order for any degree from UW Superior to be awarded. Electives taken at Madison College may transfer in as credits towards graduation, but do not fit within any particular category in relation to the Public Health Degree.In order to transfer, students must complete the desired program with a minimum 2.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale. A minimum of 33 credits from said program may be transferred in and counted towards a Public Health Degree.This program-to-program articulation agreement between UW-W and WTCS assures the acceptance of an applied associate degree in an allied health clinical and diagnostic field (see APPENDIX A, 60 to 71 credits) from any WTCS institution, into the UW-W Bachelor of Science-Health and Leadership Studies (HeALS) program (minimum 120 credits). Students transferring under the guidelines of this articulation agreement must: have earned an applied associate degree in an allied health program through WTCS with a grade point average of 2.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) including coursework from other institutions (if appropriate), and according to UW-W repeat policy.Have applied to and are successfully admitted into UW-W (all UW-W application deadlines apply) beginning fall 2025 and any subsequent terms.Wisconsin Private Schools
Students who complete the Assc. Degree Nursing program, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and C or better in biology, chemistry, health science and nursing courses may enter Carroll's Master of Science in Nursing program with up to 70 credits transferred in.Students who successfully complete Associate Degree in Nursing and who meet the admission requirements of Carthage College and any other conditions specified in this agreement will be admitted to the RN-to-BSN Program at Carthage College.Qualified students who meet the admission criteria of Concordia University Inc. and are admitted under the Advanced Transfer Core are guaranteed transferability of academic courses of up to 84 credits of D or above earned at a Wisconsin Technical College System institution. Qualified students are those who have completed the Associate Degrees, Associate of Arts (AA) or Sciences (AS), Associate Degree of Applied Arts (AAA) or Applied Sciences (AAS)ADN from MC guaranteed admission to the ADN-MSN program in the Henry Predolin School of Nursing, (HPSoNBHS) at Edgewood when students transfer directly within 5 years of completing their ADN max of 90 credits may transfer from all combined courseworkStudent who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Mount Mary University will recognize an earned AA, AS, and AAS degree and guarantee those students junior standing. Outlines main transfer equivalancies.Students entering the RN to BSN completion program will transfer up to 72 credits from their ADN degree at MC. Required GPA of 2.5 or higher, "C" or better in biology, chemistry, health sciences, nursing courses and a WI RN license without stipulations.ADN to BSN CompletionBachelor of Science in Business Management and LeadershipOut-of-State Schools
Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.The RN-BSN option is designed for graduates who have passed the RN-N.C.L.E.X exam. Transcripts are evaluated on an individual basis. The RN-BSN baccalaureate degree at Bryant and Stratton College is a new application pursuing initial accreditation.Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring.The RN to BSN online option enrolls new students 6 times per year. Students must have completed an associate degree nursing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, have a current, active RN license in the US.Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree.GCU will work with MATC (and other partner institutions) to provide a scholarship to partner school students who are enrolled in partner school ADN programs.Students who complete the Associates Degree in Nursing from 2016 onward with a GPA of 2.5 or higher may apply up to 62 credits towards the Professional Nursing Pathways Online BSN program. Only courses with a C or better are eligible for transfer.Students must have a valid RN license and GPA of 2.5 or higher at time of application. Up to 78 lower division and 12 upper division credits may transfer. At least 30 credits and 6 credits in the major must be completed at UIU.Madison College students completing the Associate Degree Nursing program with a C or better and meeting the admission requirements to Walden's Bachelor of Science Nursing Completion program may receive credit toward their BSN program. -
Career Outcomes
Program Outcomes
Associate Degree in Nursing program graduates are prepared to:
- Integrate professional nursing identity reflecting integrity, responsibility, and nursing standards.
- Communicate comprehensive information using multiple sources in nursing practice.
- Integrate theoretical knowledge to support decision making.
- Integrate the nursing process into client care across diverse populations.
- Function as a healthcare team member to provide safe and effective care.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 165 145 174 Number of Surveys Sent 165 145 161 Number of Surveys Returned 98 98 94 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 95 95 92 Percent Available for Employment 96.9% 96.9% 97.9% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 3.1% 1.0% 1.1% Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 90 94 90 Percent of Graduates Employed 94.7% 98.9% 97.8% Employed in Related Occupation 86 92 88 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 95.6% 97.9% 97.8% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 0 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2.2% 0.0% 2.2% Employed - No Response 2 2 0 Percent Employed - No Response 2.2% 2.1% 0.0% Seeking Employment 5 1 2 Percent Seeking Employment 5.3% 1.1% 2.2% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.5 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 97 94 93 Very Satisfied (4) 59 46 54 Percent Very Satisfied 60.8% 48.9% 58.1% Satisfied (3) 36 47 38 Percent Satisfied 37.1% 50.0% 40.9% Unsatisfied (2) 2 1 1 Percent Unsatisfied 2.1% 1.1% 1.1% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 97 96 93 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 1.0% 0.0% 4.3% When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 88 92 90 Before Enrollment 10 9 9 Percent Before Enrollment 11.4% 9.8% 10.0% While Attending the College 14 20 17 Percent While Attending the College 15.9% 21.7% 18.9% After Training at the College 64 63 64 Percent After Training at the College 72.7% 68.5% 71.1% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 90 96 91 In College District 63 85 81 Percent In College District 70.0% 88.5% 89.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 18 6 7 Percent of In Wisconsin 20.0% 6.3% 7.7% Outside of Wisconsin 8 1 2 Percent Outside Wisconsin 8.9% 1.0% 2.2% Employer Location Unknown 1 4 1 Percent Location Unknown 1.1% 4.2% 1.1% Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 62 63 66 Average Monthly Wage $5,652 $5,835 $6,103 Average Hourly Wage $32.86 $33.93 $35.48 Average Work Hours per Week 39.5 39.2 38.4 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 17 22 27 Average Hourly Wage $38.28 $37.53 $39.77 Average Work Hours per Week 29.3 29.4 28.8 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Agrace HospiceCare Registered Nurse/Case Manager Fitchburg Alden Estates Of Jefferson Registered Nurse Jefferson 2 Aurora Health Center Registered Nurse Hartford Aurora St Luke's Medical Center Registered Nurse Milwaukee 2 Banner University Medical Center Registered Nurse Phoenix AZ Capitol Lakes Resident Care Manager & Staff Development Central Wisconsin Center Registered Nurse 4 Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Registered Nurse Milwaukee Dept of Veterans Affairs Registered Nurse 2 Divine Savior Healthcare Registered Nurse Portage Edgerton Care Center Registered Nurse Edgerton Fort Health & Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Fort Atkinson 2 Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital Registered Nurse Milwaukee Hennepin County Medical Center Staff Nurse Minneapolis MN Interim Healthcare Registered Nurse Meriter Hospital Floor Nurse Meriter Hospital Registered Nurse 11 Mile Bluff Medical Center Registered Nurse Mauston Oakwood Village Registered Nurse Prairie Ridge Health Registered Nurse Columbus 2 Private Individual Registered Nurse/Case Manager Fitchburg Sauk County Health Care Center Registered Nurse Reedsburg Sauk Prairie Healthcare Registered Nurse Prairie du Sac Sauk Prairie Healthcare Nurse Prairie du Sac Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital & Clinics Registered Nurse Prairie du Sac Select Specialty Hospital Registered Nurse SSM Health Registered Nurse 12 SSM Health Nurse SSM Health Registered Nurse Baraboo St Clare Hospital & Health Services Registered Nurse Baraboo 2 St Mary's / Dean Ventures Registered Nurse 3 Tomah Health Registered Nurse Tomah Unity Point Health Registered Nurse Unity Point Health-Meriter Registered Nurse 5 UW Health at The American Center Nurse UW Health Hospital & Clinics Inpatient Nurse UW Health Hospital & Clinics Registered Nurse 19 UW Health Hospital & Clinics Infusion RN Watertown Regional Medical Center Registered Nurse Watertown * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
