University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
MSN Programs
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

Build on your associate degree and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the convenience of online courses and distance education. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers several options that allow RNs to earn a bachelor's degree in a way that fits their lifestyle.

Through collaborations with UW System schools and Wisconsin technical colleges, UW Oshkosh nursing students can complete their bachelor’s degree at locations closer to home. Depending on the option, students can take courses online or at campuses.

Earn a well-respected UW Oshkosh nursing degree at a location convenient for you.

BSN Program Details

Innovative, versatile and compassionate leaders represent the graduates of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s baccalaureate nursing option. The five-semester traditional option incorporates evidence-based practice, cutting-edge theory and hands-on clinical experience.

State-of-the-art technology in the College of Nursing’s laboratories allows students to exercise nursing skills on simulated, interactive models. Accomplished faculty not only teach using the latest technology, but they also serve as leaders in developing new and innovative ways to enhance the classroom experience.

To further strengthen nursing skills, students complete a clinical internship during their final semester. Mentored by an expert nurse instructor in an area of interest, students gain hands-on experience in a hospital or community agency setting.

Students become eligible to apply for this nursing option upon completion of general education and nursing prerequisites. Because the College of Nursing understands a successful nursing student is represented by more than a high GPA, the admissions process considers additional criteria, including health care background, volunteer work, experiences with diverse groups, and a personal interview.

MSN Program Details

The College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers a MSN program that blends theory and research to prepare bachelor's degree-holding nurses for advanced nursing roles. The program offers three emphases- Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader or Nurse Educator (in 2012, we will be transitioning to BSN to DNP and will no longer be offering the FNP emphasis). Clinical Nurse Leader offers a two-year, full-time 37-credit program. Nurse Educator offers a two-year, full time, 39 credit curriculum. Part-time study is available for all emphases.

RN to MSN Program Details

The College of Nursing’s RN to BSN (BSN at Home) to MSN option
provides registered nurses with a fast track for entry into the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program while completing their undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree*.

Students complete their bachelor’s degree though online and distance-education courses offered through the BSN at Home Program. To expedite entry into the graduate program, students can take MSN-level courses as electives for BSN@Home. Students then apply to the MSN program.

* Students contemplating RN to BSN to MSN must take a health assessment course that includes a hands-on lab. At this time, BSN@Home does not offer such lab course. Students may sign up for UWOSH N605, health assessment course, offered in the summer, that includes a hands-on lab.

Accelerated BSN Program Details

The Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN Option at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) began with a pilot cohort in May 2003, after two years of planning. This innovative option, the first of its kind in the country, allows individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and have met rigorous admission criteria to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 12 months.

Theory courses are offered online. Clinical rotations are completed in the student’s home community, guided one-on-one by nurse preceptors. The Accelerated Option staff acquires nurse preceptors for each rotation. Clinical rotations are supervised by College of Nursing clinical faculty.

Students must meet admission requirements and complete all academic prerequisites before beginning the curriculum. Admission to the Accelerated Nursing Option is highly competitive. Admitted individuals represent a strong cadre of nursing students.

The Accelerated Option currently has two cohorts. May to May and October to October. Students take one course at a time and progress through the curriculum as a cohort.

The curriculum is completed at a rate of one credit per week. The rapid pace and complexity of the student's schedule during the clinical rotations demand a full-time commitment to the program. Therefore, students are required to forgo all employment for the entire year.

Students have campus residency three separate times during the year: 1) Orientation weekend, 2) two-week "Boot Camp" lab experience and first clinical rotation, 3) one-week Capstone experience.

The Accelerated Nursing Option utilizes innovative technology, to provide unique immersion learning experiences. Students participate in online discussions and exercise their clinical knowledge in virtual classrooms and laboratory settings.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) emphasizes the highest level of education meant to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice. This degree is not a PhD (research-focused) doctorate, rather the preparation is for advanced practice.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has advised that as of 2015, the educational entry level for advanced practice nurses should be at the DNP level. The DNP is the first doctorate degree to be offered at UW Oshkosh.