Wisconsin Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

The Badger State is known for its picturesque landscapes, cold winters, and friendly communities. And with a population of almost 6 million people, it’s also a great place for nurses. Whether you want to work in Milwaukee, Madison, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you in Wisconsin.

But every state’s license renewal process is different, and you might be wondering what you need to do to keep practicing. If you’re not sure what to do for your Wisconsin nursing license renewal, you’ve come to the right place.

To learn about general nursing rules and laws in this state, check out our article on the Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act.

Wisconsin Nursing Facts

Is Wisconsin part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes, Wisconsin is one of the nursing compact states.

How much do nurses in Wisconsin earn?

• The average CNA salary in Wisconsin is $40,600 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Wisconsin is $57,190 per year.
• The average RN salary in Wisconsin is $87,220 per year.
• The average APRN salary in Wisconsin is $128,330 per year.

How can I contact the Wisconsin Board of Nursing?

Email the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at dsps@wi.gov

Wisconsin Board of Nursing Phone Number: 608-266-2112

Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx

Wisconsin Board of Nursing Address:

Board of Nursing
DSPS
PO Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366

Steps for WI Nursing License Renewal

Follow the steps below for Wisconsin nursing license renewal. To apply for licensure by endorsement, you’ll need to be a state resident or be moving to Wisconsin. You’ll also need to have your license verified through the NURSYS licensure verification service.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

Wisconsin has different deadlines for license renewals depending on your credentials. LPNs, RNs, and APNs can look up your license and renewal dates on Wisconsin’s license search platform. See the renewal deadline that corresponds with your license below:

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): April 30 on odd years.
• Registered nurses (RNs): February 28 on even years.
• Advanced practice nurses (APNs): September 30 of even years.

In Wisconsin, nurse aides (NAs) are listed on a separate NA registry. Certification renewals are due every two years, and you’ll get a reminder email and/or text messages when it’s time to renew.

Step 2: Complete Your Renewal Requirements

The Board does not require continuing education for RN or LPN license renewal. See the Wisconsin DSPS pages for LPNs and RNs for more information. You’ll need to complete these requirements:

• Complete the Nursing Workforce Survey.
• Report your primary state of residency.
• If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant has changed, contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

The DSPS also has a requirements page for APRNs. If you’re renewing an Advanced Practice license, you’ll need to:

• Complete 16 hours of continuing education in clinical pharmacology relevant to your specialty, including 2 contact hours in controlled-substance prescribing.
• Sign attesting to completion of the continuing education requirements.
• Have current liability insurance.
• Have current national certification or Continuous Competency Assessment (CCA).
• If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant has changed, contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

For NAs, there are no continuing education requirements, but you’ll need to have worked for at least eight hours in the past two years under the supervision of an RN or LPN to renew your certification. Keep in mind that the work must be done in a regulated setting, and private duty assignments will not meet the eight-hour requirement.

Online courses can help meet continuing education requirements. IntelyEdu offers courses that carry accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: File Your Wisconsin Nursing License Renewal Online

To complete your RN, LPN, and APN requirements, log in to Wisconsin’s LicensE platform. You’ll need to reset your account’s password if you haven’t made one before. You’ll get an email when your license renewal period opens, which will include your login information.

If you don’t get an email, use your email address with .dsps at the end (for example, j.doe@gmail.com.dsps). For more information, see Wisconsin’s LicensE Instructions for Renewals page.

You’ll need to pay a fee to renew your nursing license. LPNs, RNs, and APRNs will each pay $57 if your license is renewed by the deadline, or $82 with late fees. Once you’ve submitted your renewal application, you’re eligible to practice while it’s being processed. If you want to view your Wisconsin nursing license application status, go to the Wisconsin DRL site.

If you’re an NA, and you’ve worked as one in the past two years, complete your renewal online with your Headmaster account. If you have not worked as an NA in the past two years, you’ll need to take the skills and written tests again to renew your certification.

Great Cities in Wisconsin for Nursing Jobs

When your renewal has been processed, you can start looking for jobs for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, or NPs in Wisconsin. You can also check out top nursing jobs in some of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan areas:

• Madison
• Green Bay
• Racine
• Eau Claire
• Milwaukee

Find Nursing Jobs in Wisconsin

Now that you’ve finished your Wisconsin nursing license renewal, check out IntelyCare’s nursing job board. Whether you’re an NA, LPN, RN, or APN, we’ve got jobs for you across the Badger State. Find nursing jobs in Wisconsin on IntelyCare.