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Empowering Leaders in Nursing
As a nursing professional with a master’s degree, you don’t just work in health care — you shape the future of it. Our master’s programs build upon your existing degree, whether it’s in nursing or not, and prepare you to achieve your career goals and embrace leadership roles in health care.
What’s more, you’ll provide patients with exceptional care by taking your skills and knowledge to the next level.
If you have the drive and compassion to help people at their most vulnerable, then this is for you. Program staff really want you to do well and will do what they can to meet your learning needs and help whenever needed.
Program Options
The Direct Entry Master of Nursing (MN) program is designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to transition into nursing and earn an advanced degree. You’ll engage in a variety of clinical experiences and cultivate hands-on skills in our state-of-the-art simulation center. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam and pursue a career as a registered nurse.
- Full-time, two-year program, with options to start in either the fall or spring.
- Courses offered both online and in-person.
- Admits students as a cohort, allowing you to forge strong relationships with faculty and peers.
Application Deadline: Feb. 1 (fall start), Aug. 1 (spring start)
The BS to MN program builds on an existing nursing bachelor’s degree. You’ll choose among the tracks of nurse educator, professional development practitioner or unit manager in this program. One year of clinical experience is required for the nurse educator track.
- Part-time or full-time program.
- Courses offered both online and in-person.
- Fall or spring start.
*This program is currently on hold until Fall 2026. Please contact us with any questions.
The RN-BSN-MN program is designed for current registered nurses (RNs) without a bachelor’s degree. Students first complete the RN-BSN program and then become eligible to enter the BSN-MN program.
- Part-time or full-time program.
- Courses offered both online and in-person.
- Fall or spring start.
*This program is currently on hold until Fall 2026. Please contact us with any questions.
Program Highlights
Nationally Ranked Programs
UWM master’s programs are ranked in the top 100 of nursing programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.
Exceptional NCLEX Pass Rate
Our graduates pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse at a 95% rate on the first try.
Real-World Simulation Training
You’ll practice clinical skills in our new James and Yvonne Ziemer Clinical Simulation Center, one of only two accredited simulation programs in Wisconsin.
Careers in Nursing
- Registered nurse (med/surg, ICU, PACU, NICU, pediatrics, dialysis, IV infusion, rehab, nursing home, subacute care, etc.)
- Charge nurse
- Clinic manager
- Community nurse (health departments, hospice, school nurse)
- Nurse educator
- Quality assurance nurse
- Travel nurse
- Unit educator
- Unit manager
Make Waves in Your World
UW-Milwaukee students come from all walks of life. What unites them is a willingness to ask big questions and a determination to find the answers. Many work side-by-side with expert faculty on research tackling the world’s toughest challenges. Others collaborate on art that helps us better understand ourselves or partner with community organizations on projects that improve lives.
Here, we turn ideas into ripples of change that create waves of positive impact. Join the next wave.
Explore New Directions
Scholarships available! Learn more about how UWM can help you achieve your academic, professional and personal goals.