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If you’d like to learn more about the Practical Nursing program, we’d love to talk with you. We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step. Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Partial Financial Aid-
Program Overview
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play an essential role in the healthcare team by providing patients with basic care and comfort. They work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses (RNs), helping with data collection, contributing to nursing care plans, and reinforcing the teachings RNs or other appropriate healthcare personnel provide to patients.
Practical nursing is an excellent career choice for people who enjoy working with people and caring for individuals with physical or emotional concerns. Successful nursing students must be willing to learn, have effective communication and interpersonal skills, and be interested in healthcare as a career.
Study Practical Nursing in Fort Atkinson or Madison
The Practical Nursing program is available in Fort Atkinson or Madison at the Goodman South 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.
Nursing students perfect their technique on high-tech medical mannequins before working with live patients in a clinical setting. Practical Nursing Program Details
Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to students in many School of Nursing programs. Please review information about the caregiver background check on the Health Sciences and Nursing Programs Forms and Policies page.
Practical Nursing Program Outcomes
After completing the Practical Nursing program, graduates may be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam to become Licensed Practical Nurses and practice as LPNs.
Madison College Practical Nursing Degree 2025 Composite NCLEX Score: 92.68% (ACEN Standard 5)
National Average: 86.6%
Nursing Licensure
Madison College’s 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 other states’ requirements for preparation, examination or licensure. View which states the Practical Nurse program meets licensure or certification on the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure webpage
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.
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 Practical Nursing program is fully 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 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services also approves the practical nursing program for enrolling students in a nursing program.
Your Credits Allow You to Ladder Up!
Be ready to take your career to the next professional level with Madison College. As an LPN, you may be eligible to advance your educational preparation to become a registered nurse.
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.
More Nursing Program Options
Madison College’s nursing program offers different pathways to begin or advance your nursing career.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Pre-Program Courses30-543-300Nursing Assistant
This 3-credit theory, laboratory, and clinical course prepares students for employment as nursing assistants. Students learn communication skills, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, clients’ rights and care of clients with dementias. A supervised clinical experience with direct client care is a major component of the course. Upon completion, the student is eligible to take the certification for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.3 credits31-543-356Growth and Development
Studies growth and development from conception through the older adult, based on Erickson’s conceptualization of the developmental process through the entire life cycle. Implications for nursing practice in caring for middle and older age individuals in a variety of settings are explored. Prerequisites: one year each of high school math and science with a grade of C or better in each course, each semester.2 credits31-501-153Body Structure & Function
A concise introduction to human body structure and function. Normal and abnormal states of the body and basic disease processes affecting the body are emphasized. Common problems encountered in a variety of health care settings are presented.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 creditsFirst Semester31-543-301Nursing Fundamentals
This course focuses on basic nursing concepts to provide evidenced-based care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients.2 credits31-543-302Nursing Skills
This course focuses on development of evidence-based clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematical calculations and conversions related to clinical skills. In addition the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach.3 credits31-543-303Nursing Pharmacology
This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications.2 credits31-543-304Nursing: Intro to Clinical Practice
This introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse-client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration.2 creditsSecond Semester31-543-305Nursing Health Alterations
This course elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of patients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply evidence-based nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership and management.3 credits31-543-306Nursing Health Promotion
This course focuses on topics related to health promotion for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Topics include reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, the newborn, and the child, adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyles choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development.3 credits31-543-307Nursing: Clinical Care Across the Lifespan
This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized.2 credits31-543-308Nursing: Intro to Clinical Care Management
This clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of patients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building.2 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Practical Nursing program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 32-40 spots each Fall; 16-24 spots each Spring. Up to 4 seats for qualified and eligible graduates of the Centro Hispano/Madison College Caminos Nursing Program.
- 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.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
- 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.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is June 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Due to program demand and TCS 10 guidelines, this program is limited to district and non-district state residents.
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 Practical Nursing career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Math (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science)
Testing
- ACT Math 20+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Quantitative Reasoning) 241+
College course
- Mathematical Reasoning
Chemistry or Biology (high school or college coursework)
High school courses
- 1 year Chemistry with lab
- 1 year Biology with lab
College courses
- General Chemistry
- Body Structure & Function
- General Anatomy and Physiology
Course Requirements
- Nursing Assistant (course OR Proof of Certified Nursing Assistant)
- English 1 OR Written Communication
- Body Structure & Function OR General Anatomy and Physiology OR Anatomy and Physiology 2
- Human Growth and Development
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication OR Speech
Testing Requirement
Students must be able to demonstrate academic readiness with one of the following composite test scores. Test score must be within four years (2027-2028 applicants = September 1, 2023 to present).
- HESI: Cumulative score of 70%+. Due to the customizable nature of HESI, the test must be completed at Madison College
- ACT: Composite score of 18+
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Practical Nursing program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Integrate Practical Nursing identity reflecting integrity, responsibility and nursing standards.
- Communicate basic information using multiple sources in nursing practice.
- Utilize theoretical knowledge to participate in decision making.
- Apply the nursing process to basic 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
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 19 33 41 Number of Surveys Sent 19 33 41 Number of Surveys Returned 15 23 33 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 14 16 23 Percent Available for Employment 93.3% 69.6% 69.7% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 6.7% 30.4% 30.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 14 15 22 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 93.8% 95.7% Employed in Related Occupation 13 13 22 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 92.9% 86.7% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 2 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 7.1% 13.3% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 1 1 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 6.3% 4.3% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.1 3.8 Number of Satisfaction Responses 15 18 28 Very Satisfied (4) 10 9 22 Percent Very Satisfied 66.7% 50.0% 78.6% Satisfied (3) 5 5 6 Percent Satisfied 33.3% 27.8% 21.4% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 5.6% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 15 23 33 Preparation for Getting a Job 4 5 8 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 26.7% 21.7% 24.2% Career Change 5 5 11 Percent Career Change 33.3% 21.7% 33.3% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 1 3 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 6.7% 4.3% 9.1% Preparation for Further Education 5 10 11 Percent Preparation for Further Education 33.3% 43.5% 33.3% Personal Interest 0 1 0 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% Other 0 1 0 Percent Other 0.0% 4.3% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 14 15 22 Before Enrollment 2 5 5 Percent Before Enrollment 14.3% 33.3% 22.7% While Attending the College 3 1 4 Percent While Attending the College 21.4% 6.7% 18.2% After Training at the College 9 9 13 Percent After Training at the College 64.3% 60.0% 59.1% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 14 15 22 In College District 13 9 21 Percent In College District 92.9% 60.0% 95.5% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 5 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 7.1% 33.3% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 1 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 6.7% 4.5% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 8 9 13 Average Monthly Wage $4,002 $4,476 $5,152 Average Hourly Wage $23.27 $26.02 $29.96 Average Work Hours per Week 42.3 39.3 40.9 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 5 4 9 Average Hourly Wage $23.74 $22.97 $29.68 Average Work Hours per Week 30.0 29.5 26.9 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Alden Estates Of Jefferson Licensed Practical Nurse Jefferson 2 Capitol Lakes Retirement Community Practical Nurse Central Wisconsin Center Licensed Practical Nurse Dept of Veterans Affairs Licensed Practical Nurse Dove Healthcare Licensed Practical Nurse Lodi Fort Health & Rehabilitation Community Health & Wellness Department Coordinator Fort Atkinson Fort Health & Rehabilitation Certified Nursing Assistant Fort Atkinson Interim Healthcare Licensed Practical Nurse 3 Madison Health And Rehabilitation Center Licensed Practical Nurse Maplewood Nursing Home Licensed Practical Nurse Sauk City Maxim Healthcare Services Pediatric Home Health Nurse St. Louis MO Meadows Assisted Living Care Coordinator Spring Green Middleton Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Licensed Practical Nurse Middleton Oakwood Village Licensed Practical Nurse 3 SSM Health Licensed Practical Nurse SSM Health Licensed Practical Nurse Stoughton St Clare Hospital & Health Services Licensed Practical Nurse Baraboo * - 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
