2 Schools • 1 Mostly Online • 1 Campus
Wisconsin has two in-state universities offering Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs: Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Both prepare Pediatric Primary Care NPs, but Marquette is the state’s only option for Pediatric Acute Care and dual Primary/Acute Care preparation. Marquette also offers MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate pathways, while UW–Madison offers only a DNP.
Neither program is fully online. Marquette’s PNP programs are campus-based in Milwaukee, while UW–Madison follows a hybrid format with required on-campus meetings. Estimated tuition ranges from about $17K for Marquette’s shortest certificate to roughly $136K for UW–Madison’s nonresident DNP.
The biggest differences are:
- Marquette: Acute Care and dual-track preparation, three degree pathways, flat tuition regardless of residency.
- UW–Madison: Primary Care only, lower DNP tuition for Wisconsin residents, centrally coordinated clinical placements, and added research and neurodevelopmental disability training.
Compare each program’s specialty options, online format, campus commitment, cost, and degree pathways below.
Wisconsin PNP Program Comparison
| School | Tracks | Online Format | Campus Commitment | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
| Marquette University (Milwaukee) | Primary Care + Acute Care | Campus | Campus-based coursework in Milwaukee | $1,450 | MSN, Post-BSN DNP, Post-MSN DNP, Certificate | Acute Care or dual PC/AC certification eligibility |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Primary Care | Hybrid | On-campus meetings required for all courses | $1,473 | BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP | School-arranged placements and a primary care doctorate |
PNPPrograms.com Study Format Guide
- Online: Coursework is completed online with no regular campus attendance.
- Mostly Online: Classes are online, but students must attend one or more required campus visits or intensives.
- Hybrid: The curriculum combines scheduled online coursework with recurring on-campus classes or labs.
- Campus: Most instruction is delivered in person on campus.
These study format classifications reflect each program’s actual attendance requirements and clinical expectations, rather than the terminology used in university marketing material
Wisconsin PNP Programs at a Glance
Programs
- Schools: 2
- Primary Care: Both schools
- Acute Care: Marquette only
- Dual PC/AC: Marquette only
Degrees
- MSN: Marquette only
- DNP: Both schools
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Marquette only
Key Facts
- Delivery: Campus (Marquette); Hybrid (UW–Madison)
- Lowest tuition: ~$17K (Marquette Certificate)
- Accreditation: CCNE (both schools)
Choosing a PNP Program in Wisconsin
Only One Acute Care and Dual Option
Marquette is Wisconsin’s only school preparing students for the CPNP-AC exam and the state’s only dual Primary/Acute Care option. If your career goal includes pediatric emergency, inpatient, or critical care practice, Marquette is the only in-state pathway.
Degree Options
Marquette offers MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate pathways. UW–Madison offers only a DNP. Nurses seeking a master’s degree or a certificate to add pediatric certification have only one in-state choice.
Cost Depends on Residency
UW–Madison is generally the lower-cost DNP for Wisconsin residents, while Marquette’s private tuition becomes more competitive for nonresidents because it charges the same rate regardless of residency. UW–Madison assistantships can further reduce costs through tuition remission.
Campus Commitment
Neither Wisconsin program is fully online. Marquette is campus-based in Milwaukee, while UW–Madison follows a hybrid model with required campus meetings and Wisconsin clinical placements. Students who need greater flexibility should also compare national online PNP programs.
Wisconsin BSN-to-MSN PNP Programs
Only Marquette offers a master’s-level PNP pathway in Wisconsin, available in Primary Care, Acute Care, and dual primary/acute care versions. All three are campus-based and paced part-time at 3–6 credits per term.
With only one in-state option, applicants should also review national BSN-to-MSN PNP programs.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| Marquette University | Primary Care | $61K (42 credits) | 2.5–4.5 yrs | Not clearly stated |
| Marquette University | Acute Care | $61K (42 credits) | 2.5–4.5 yrs | Not clearly stated |
| Marquette University | Dual (PC/AC) | $70K (48 credits) | 3–5 yrs | 500 primary + 500 acute, plus a 250-hour residency |
Wisconsin BSN-to-DNP PNP Programs
Both Wisconsin schools offer a doctoral entry point for BSN-prepared nurses. Marquette’s Post-BSN DNP is available in all three pediatric tracks; UW–Madison’s post-BS DNP is Primary Care only and follows a fixed cohort sequence with fall entry. This is the only degree level where Wisconsin applicants have a genuine in-state choice.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Primary Care | $85K resident | 3 yrs | 1,000 total hrs |
| Marquette University | Primary Care | $100K (69 credits) | 4–7 yrs | Not clearly stated |
| Marquette University | Acute Care | $100K (69 credits) | 4–7 yrs | Not clearly stated |
| Marquette University | Dual (PC/AC) | $113K (78 credits) | 4.5–8 yrs | 500 primary + 500 acute, plus a 250-hour residency |
- Lowest estimated tuition: UW–Madison at roughly $85K for Wisconsin residents.
- Shortest completion: UW–Madison’s three-year full-time plan, versus 4–8 years at Marquette’s part-time pace.
- Direct clinical hours differ in kind. UW–Madison’s 1,000-hour figure is half clinical leadership tied to the DNP project; direct patient care is 500 hours.
Wisconsin MSN-to-DNP PNP Programs
Both schools list a doctoral completion route for master’s-prepared nurses. UW–Madison’s post-MS DNP is fully documented and explicitly a doctoral completion pathway rather than PNP preparation. Marquette states that Post-MSN DNP tracks are offered, but publishes no tuition, duration, or clinical hour figures for them.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Primary Care | $47K resident | ~2 yrs | 500 clinical leadership hours |
| Marquette University | Not clearly stated | $1,450 per credit; credit count not published | Individualized | Tailored to individual objectives |
- Lowest estimated tuition: UW–Madison at roughly $47K for residents — the least expensive documented degree pathway in the state.
Wisconsin Post-Master’s Certificate PNP Programs
Marquette is the only Wisconsin school offering a Post-Master’s Certificate in pediatrics, available in all three tracks. Credit counts and cost are set individually at admission through transcript review, so totals vary widely.
Because this is the state’s only option, applicants should also compare national Post-Master’s Certificate PNP programs.
| School | Track | Estimated Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| Marquette University | Primary Care | $17K–$44K (12–30 credits) | 1–3 yrs | Determined individually |
| Marquette University | Acute Care | $17K–$44K (12–30 credits) | 1–3 yrs | Determined individually |
| Marquette University | Dual (PC/AC) | $17K–$57K (12–39 credits) | 1–4 yrs | Determined individually |
- Lowest published tuition in the state at the 12-credit minimum, though the actual figure is unknown until a plan of study is negotiated.
- Best suited to APRNs in another population focus whose completed advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment coursework can reduce required credits.
More Online PNP Programs
Maryville University PNP Programs
St. Louis | $900 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN to DNP / BSN to MSN / DNP
Maryville University provides 100% online PNP degree and certificate options for Wisconsin nurses across MSN, BSN-to-DNP, DNP-NP, and Post-Master’s Certificate tracks with six start dates per year. Designed with no GRE requirement and self-arranged local clinical placement flexibility, the programs require 750 clinical hours focused on health promotion, well-child visits, and complex pediatric condition management. Billed at $900 to $995 per credit hour, Maryville prepares Wisconsin graduates for strong national board certification pass rates while advancing their advanced practice expertise.
Purdue University PNP Programs
West Lafayette | $500 to $600 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
Purdue University’s School of Nursing invites registered nurses in Wisconsin to enroll in its distance-oriented MS, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate Primary Care PNP tracks. Featuring estimated tuition between $15,000 and $30,000, the hybrid format combines online coursework with 630 to 1,000+ supervised clinical hours spanning infant through young adult care. Wisconsin practitioners receive targeted instruction in advanced pharmacotherapeutics, diagnostics, and system leadership while completing required clinical preceptorships in approved local facilities.
Rasmussen University PNP Programs
Bloomington | $915 cpc | Certificate / BSN to MSN
Rasmussen University delivers MSN-NP and Post-Graduate Certificate options in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) practice through a flexible online competency-based model accessible to Wisconsin healthcare providers. The curriculum blends self-paced coursework in pediatric health promotion and complex care with four local community-based practicums and a single on-campus weekend residency. Spanning 21 to 27 months with total estimated tuition and fees of $29,087 to $51,130, these CCNE-accredited programs allow Wisconsin nurses to advance their clinical credentials without weekly deadline pressures.
Walden University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Minneapolis | $785 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
Walden University offers online DNP, MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate tracks in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) practice for registered nurses residing in Wisconsin. Delivered in a quarter-credit format, the program features virtual skills labs, case-based reviews, and Practicum Pledge® field placement support to assist Wisconsin students with local clinical matches. With estimated total tuition ranging from ~$35,690 for the certificate to ~$76,415 for the DNP, Wisconsin RNs can gain specialized clinical preparation in child growth, acute and chronic disease management, and primary health promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PNP programs are available in Wisconsin?
Two. Marquette University in Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin–Madison both offer Pediatric Nurse Practitioner preparation.
Does Wisconsin offer an Acute Care PNP program?
Yes, at Marquette University only. Marquette offers a standalone Acute Care track and a dual primary/acute care track, both leading to PNCB certification eligibility. UW–Madison prepares graduates for the CPNP-PC exam only.
Are any Wisconsin PNP programs fully online?
No. Marquette’s PNP tracks are campus-based, and UW–Madison is hybrid with on-campus meetings required for all courses. Nurses who need fully online delivery will need to compare national programs.
Which Wisconsin PNP program has the lowest estimated tuition?
Marquette’s Post-Master’s Certificate starts around $17K at the 12-credit minimum, but the final figure depends on transcript review. Among documented degree pathways, UW–Madison’s post-MS DNP is roughly $47K for residents, and its post-BS DNP is roughly $85K for residents versus $100K for Marquette’s single-population DNP. Marquette’s MSN tracks run about $61K.
Which Wisconsin schools offer a DNP?
Both. Marquette offers a Post-BSN DNP in all three tracks plus Post-MSN DNP tracks; UW–Madison offers post-BS and post-MS DNP entry in primary care. Only Marquette offers an MSN or a Post-Master’s Certificate.
Are campus visits required?
Yes at both schools. Marquette’s PNP tracks are campus programs in Milwaukee. UW–Madison requires on-campus meetings for every course, though the cadence is not published.
Can students complete clinical hours near home?
Only within Wisconsin, and with limits. UW–Madison arranges rotations at Wisconsin sites statewide and attempts to honor requests near a student’s home community, and requires an unencumbered Wisconsin RN license by program start. Marquette’s clinical network is anchored to Children’s Wisconsin and southeastern Wisconsin, with additional sites in northern Illinois, and requires a Wisconsin or eNLC license at admission.