Job opportunities in nursing are expected to expand faster than the average growth for all occupations in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2008-2018 projections. Earning a degree from online nursing schools in Wisconsin can help position students to take advantage of health care career opportunities.

Wisconsin nursing schools, online and on-campus

Paths into the nursing field include an associate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a diploma from a nursing program. An associate degree through a nursing school or community college can take two to three years, while a diploma program can take three years. A BSN generally requires four years for those without experience. Various distance learning and campus-based programs provide BSN studies designed especially for working RNs.

Online nursing schools in Wisconsin offer flexibility in scheduling coursework and may also provide on-campus classes and practical work. For example, Herzing University has campuses in Madison, Kenosha and Brookfield, with day and night classes so individuals can earn an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, as well as an online RN to BSN bridge program.

Careers for graduates of Wisconsin nursing schools online

There are different job profiles within the nursing field. Licensed practical nurses work under RNs' supervision, providing basic bedside care, taking vital stats and keeping medical records. Nationally, the BLS reports that while some LPNs work in hospitals, many work in home health care, doctors' offices, and nursing care facilities or community care facilities for the elderly. Many RNs work in hospitals, with the rest working mainly in home health care and physicians' offices.

According to the BLS, Wisconsin RNs had a mean yearly salary of $64,280 in 2010. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned $41,010, which was higher than the mean annual wage for the state's workers in all occupations that year.