Finding the Best LPN Programs in Milwaukee in 2026

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in healthcare, providing basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. As baby boomers age and healthcare needs grow, the demand for LPNs is on the rise across the country and in the Milwaukee area. Choosing the right LPN program is key to positioning yourself for success in this rewarding career.

Evolution of LPN Nursing Education

Training requirements for Licensed Practical Nurses have increased over time to prepare students for the complex healthcare environments where they will work. Historically, LPN students trained through on-site apprenticeships at hospitals and nursing homes. Education shifted to formal certificate programs in vocational high schools starting in the 1950s. Now, the majority of aspiring LPNs complete diploma or associate degree programs between 1-2 years in length at technical colleges or private career colleges. Students gain both theoretical knowledge in the classroom along with 400-600 hours of supervised clinical experience prior to taking the national licensing exam.

Over the next decade, demand for LPNs is expected to grow over 20% in Wisconsin, according to state projections, driven by our aging population and need for more caregivers. This article provides an extensive overview of high-quality, accredited LPN training programs in the Milwaukee area featuring flexible schedules, quality instruction and career support.

The Outlook for LPN Careers

LPN job opportunities around Milwaukee are expected to grow 12% from 2022 to 2032, according to Projections Central, faster than the average job outlook. New LPNs can expect to earn around $21 per hour in Wisconsin, with experienced LPNs earning over $28 per hour, as reported by the BLS. LPN careers provide opportunities to gain specialized skills in areas like geriatrics, pediatrics or oncology and to advance your education to become an RN.

Key Statistics

• Projected job growth in WI: 20%+ [state projections]
• Average hourly wage in WI: $27.98 [BLS May 2021]
• Common work settings: hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, hospice

When researching programs, it‘s important to consider key factors:

Key Selection Criteria

Accreditation – Accredited programs meet strict educational standards. In Wisconsin, look for schools approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Program Types – LPN certificates take 1-2 years. Associate degree programs take 2 years but provide advance placement for RN degrees.

Formats – Look for flexible program delivery like online, in-person and hybrid options.

Clinical Hours – Programs should provide at least 400+ supervised clinical hours with patients.

Financial Aid – Many public technical colleges offer lower tuition rates and financial assistance.

Here are some of the top-ranked LPN programs in the Milwaukee area featuring accredited, comprehensive courses, quality instruction and strong career support.

Enrollment Trends

Technical colleges continue to see rising enrollment in licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs across Wisconsin including the Milwaukee area. For example, enrollment has grown 22% over the past 5 years in Gateway Technical College‘s LPN program located in Kenosha according to administrators. "We are working closely with healthcare employers to meet the growing needs for skilled LPNs across different care settings from hospitals to retirement communities and home health." said Amy Novak, Nursing Program Director. Schools are expanding offerings with more flexible schedules and formats. "We know many of our students balance families and jobs so we design programs that work for different situations" added Novak.

5-year enrollment change 2017-2022; Source: School administrators

Moraine Park Technical College

With campuses located in Fond du Lac and West Bend, Moraine Park is one of the region‘s largest LPN programs.

• Accreditation: Accredited by ABHES; board approved
• Degree Options:
  • LPN technical diploma
  • LPN associate degree with advance placement option for RN program
• Program Highlights:
  • Geriatric nursing specialization
  • Small class sizes
  • Dedicated nursing instructors
  • Career placement assistance with 95% job rate
• Tuition:
  • $5,867 in-district diploma
  • $6,283 out-of-district diploma
  • $11,500 associate degree

    Comparision of LPN Program Tuition Rates 2022/2023
    | School | Diploma | Associate Degree | 
    | ----------- | ---------- | ---------------- |
    | Moraine Park Technical | $5,867 | $11,500 |
    | Milwaukee Career College | $16,900 | N/A | 
    | Herzing University | $18,190 | $39,000 |

• Program Format Options:
  • Fond du Lac – Daytime cohorts
  • West Bend – Evening/weekend cohorts
• Career Outcomes:
  • 2021 graduate job placement rate: 95%
  • Major employers: SSM Health, Agnesian HealthCare

"Our LPN diploma program provides a targeted education focused specifically on practical nursing skills." said Ruth Reif, Nursing Program Director. "This prepares students to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and immediately get to work caring for patients."

Learn more about Moraine Park Technical College‘s LPN program

Addressing Challenges Facing LPN Programs

Higher education institutions offering licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs face shifting challenges according to school administrators and industry groups. The aging instructor workforce is resulting in teacher shortages, posing difficulties for nursing programs seeking to expand capacity. Additionally, budget constraints at public technical colleges can limit resources available for high-cost nursing education and simulation equipment.

At the same time, diverse student bodies require more advising and support resources from schools so students can balance obligations while progressing through rigorous coursework. "We partner with healthcare employers who provide tuition assistance for their employees in our programs" said Ruth Reif from Moraine Park Technical College. "This helps working parents and career changers access LPN education."

Ongoing challenges highlight needs for investments in quality education supporting this vital workforce providing care and comfort at patients‘ bedsides.

Milwaukee Career College

A private college based in Milwaukee focused specifically on healthcare careers.

• Accreditation: Accredited by ABHES
• Degree Options:
  • Practical nursing diploma
• Program Highlights:
  • Just 12 months to complete
  • Small classes of 15 students
  • Dedicated job placement assistance
  • Graduate employment rate of 85%
• Tuition Fees:
  • $16,900 total diploma program cost
  • Private student loans available
  • Limited scholarships for graduating HS seniors

    
    Average Annual LPN Program Tuition & Fees 2022/2023

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)*

"Our practical nursing diploma program is designed for working adults making a career change." said Madeline Szymanski, Nursing Program Director. "We understand our students‘ unique needs. Our advising office helps students navigate personal challenges that come up."

[Learn more about Milwaukee Career College‘s LPN program](https://mkecc.edu/programs/lpn-diploma/)  

## Bryant & Stratton College
This private college offers a flexible LPN program at four Milwaukee-area campuses.  

- **Accreditation:** Accredited by ABHES
- **Degree Options:** 
  - Practical nursing diploma
- **Program Highlights:**
  - Day and evening course schedules
  - Also available fully online 
  - Interest-free payment plan options 
- **Tuition Fees:**
  - $18,995 total program cost

LPN Program Course Requirements Comparison Milwaukee Programs

"Many students choose Bryant & Stratton because of the flexibility to take courses online." said Carla Anderson, Nursing Advisor. "This allows students to progress toward their LPN diploma while working or caring for family."  

The new LPN diploma program launched in 2021, so graduate career outcome data is not yet available. Bryant & Stratton College nursing graduates reflect high NCLEX exam pass rates across their multiple campus locations.

[Learn more about Bryant & Stratton College‘s practical nursing diploma program](https://www.bryantstratton.edu/programs/medical-assisting-and-administration/practical-nursing-diploma)

## Preparing for the LPN Licensing Exam

After completing an accredited LPN program with required clinical hours, nursing graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to obtain licensure. This computerized exam tests students‘ competencies in various aspects of nursing care. Reviewing material from across all nursing courses along with taking practice tests helps build exam confidence. 

The NCLEX-PN test plan covers four major categories:

- Safe and effective care environment 
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity 
- Physiological integrity

School advisors as well as NCLEX guidebooks provide tips to registering for tests, managing time effectively during the exam session and employing savvy guessing strategies.  

Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland invites recent graduates back to speak with students about their experiences studying for and passing the challenging three-hour exam. Hearing first-hand accounts helps motivate students prepare vigorously.  

## Lakeshore Technical College LPN Program   

At Lakeshore Technical College located outside of Manitowoc, students receive hands-on practical nursing education at the college‘s dedicated Health Science Center.

- **Accreditation:** Accredited by ABHES; board approved 
- **Degree Options:** 
  - Practical nursing diploma
  - Nursing associate degree  
- **Program Highlights:**
  - Simulation lab with high-fidelity manikins
  - Integrated nursing student cohort for peer support
  - Strong record with 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate
- **Tuition Fees:** 
  - $5,685 diploma
  - $11,365 nursing associate degree  
- **Program Format:** Offered on weekday early morning schedule
- **Career Outcomes:** 100% graduate employment rate

The college is expanding LPN program capacity starting in 2023 with seating for 24 additional students per cohort on the main Cleveland campus as well as a new cohort site in Manitowoc. "We work closely with our health system partners to meet growing workforce demands." said Ruth Hoppe, Practical Nursing Chairperson. "Our students graduate job-ready after learning through extensive clinical rotations."

[Learn more about Lakeshore Technical College‘s nursing programs](https://gotoltc.edu/academics/departments/nursing)  

## Key Takeaways When Choosing an LPN Program

1. Look for accredited programs approved by the WI Board of Nursing to enable licensing after graduation. 

2. Evaluate program types, lengths, formats and costs to find the best match for your situation.

3. Prioritize programs featuring 400+ hours of hands-on clinical experience in patient care settings.  

4. Consider schools with proven job placement rates and relationships with area healthcare employers.

5. Identify programs offering robust advising services to help guide you on your career path.   

Starting an exciting, meaningful nursing career is within your reach. Visit campuses, connect with advisors and financial aid staff and picture yourself providing compassionate care as an LPN improving lives in the Milwaukee community.