Overview: CRNA Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to 2 accredited nurse anesthesia programs, both offering the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Marquette University in Milwaukee and Edgewood University in Madison anchor the state's CRNA training pipeline, producing graduates who serve one of the Midwest's most stable and well-funded healthcare markets. With an average CRNA salary of $216,340 and a cost of living significantly below coastal states, Wisconsin offers strong purchasing power for anesthesia providers. Program costs range from $118,000 to $149,000, and the average acceptance rate sits at 16%, making admissions competitive but not prohibitively selective for well-prepared applicants.
Both programs run 36 months and emphasize clinical rotations across Wisconsin's diverse healthcare facilities. Milwaukee-based Marquette students train at Froedtert Hospital, Children's Wisconsin, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and Aurora/Advocate Health sites throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Edgewood students in Madison rotate through UW Health, SSM Health, and UnityPoint Health facilities, gaining exposure to both academic and community-based surgical settings. Graduates from either program enter a job market where CRNAs are the primary anesthesia providers in many rural and suburban hospitals, creating steady demand that extends well beyond the state's two largest metro areas.
Wisconsin's geographic position also works in favor of CRNA professionals. The state shares a border with Illinois, making the high-paying Chicago market accessible to graduates who settle in southeastern Wisconsin. Milwaukee is roughly 90 miles from downtown Chicago, and many CRNAs living in Kenosha or Racine commute to northern Illinois facilities for premium compensation. Meanwhile, the Madison corridor and Fox Valley region continue to grow in population and healthcare infrastructure, supporting long-term career stability for providers who choose to stay in-state.
Key Advantages of Wisconsin Programs
- Strong healthcare market: Wisconsin ranks among the top 15 states for hospital density, with over 120 acute care hospitals and a well-distributed network of critical access facilities serving rural communities
- Quality of life: Low crime rates, highly ranked public schools, four-season outdoor recreation, and affordable housing make Wisconsin one of the most livable states in the Midwest
- Proximity to Chicago: Southeastern Wisconsin residents can access the Chicago-area job market, where CRNA salaries regularly exceed $230,000, without the Illinois cost of living
- Major health systems: Aurora/Advocate Health, UW Health, Froedtert, Marshfield Clinic, and Gundersen Health provide stable, long-term employment with comprehensive benefits
- Rural demand: Northern and western Wisconsin face persistent anesthesia provider shortages, creating premium compensation opportunities for CRNAs willing to serve smaller communities
Program Considerations
- Limited program count: With only 2 programs, seat availability is constrained. Applicants may want to apply to both Wisconsin programs plus neighboring states to maximize their chances
- Practice authority: Wisconsin CRNAs practice under the direction of a physician, dentist, or podiatrist rather than full independent practice authority
- Tuition spread: A $31,000 gap separates the two programs, so cost-conscious candidates should weigh Marquette's lower tuition against Edgewood's Madison location and clinical site access
- Winter conditions: Clinical rotations may require driving in challenging winter weather, particularly for students rotating to sites outside the Milwaukee or Madison metros
Wisconsin CRNA Programs
CRNA Career Outlook in Wisconsin
Salary & Compensation
Wisconsin nurse anesthetists earn competitive salaries that, when adjusted for the state's moderate cost of living, deliver strong purchasing power. The state's healthcare economy is anchored by large nonprofit health systems that offer comprehensive compensation packages including retirement contributions, continuing education stipends, and relocation assistance.
- Average salary: $216,340/year ($104/hour)
- Salary range: $185,000 (entry-level) to $260,000+ (experienced, specialized roles)
- Milwaukee metro: $220,000 - $235,000 annually, with higher compensation at Froedtert, Aurora/Advocate, and Children's Wisconsin
- Madison area: $215,000 - $230,000 annually, driven by UW Health's academic medical center and SSM Health facilities
- Green Bay / Fox Valley: $205,000 - $220,000 annually, supported by HSHS, Bellin Health, and ThedaCare system demand
- Rural Wisconsin: $190,000 - $215,000 base salary, frequently supplemented with signing bonuses of $15,000 - $30,000 and relocation packages
- National comparison: Wisconsin CRNA salaries are approximately 7% above the national median, with a cost of living 5-8% below the national average, resulting in favorable real earnings
Job Market & Demand
Wisconsin's CRNA job market is consistently strong. The state's aging population generates increasing surgical volumes, while many of Wisconsin's 72 counties lack a single anesthesiologist, making CRNAs essential to maintaining access to surgical and procedural care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects CRNA employment to grow 38-40% nationally through 2033, and Wisconsin tracks this trend closely due to its reliance on CRNAs as primary anesthesia providers in community and critical access hospitals.
- Rural provider shortages: More than half of Wisconsin's counties are designated as health professional shortage areas for anesthesia, creating persistent demand for CRNAs
- Hospital expansions: Aurora/Advocate Health, UW Health, and Marshfield Clinic are all investing in new facilities and service lines that require additional anesthesia staffing
- Retirement wave: An estimated 10-12% of Wisconsin's active CRNAs will retire by 2028, opening positions across the state
- Ambulatory growth: Outpatient surgery centers in the Milwaukee, Madison, and Fox Valley corridors are expanding rapidly, creating new practice opportunities outside traditional hospital settings
- Cross-border demand: Southeastern Wisconsin CRNAs can access job openings in the northern Illinois market, effectively doubling the available positions within commuting distance
Top Employers & Practice Settings
Wisconsin CRNAs work across a range of settings that span the state's geography and healthcare delivery spectrum. The concentration of major health systems in Milwaukee and Madison provides stable employment, while rural and community hospitals depend on CRNAs as their primary or sole anesthesia providers.
- Aurora/Advocate Health: Wisconsin's largest health system with 15+ hospitals across eastern and southeastern Wisconsin, employing hundreds of CRNAs in both inpatient and ambulatory settings
- UW Health: The academic medical center of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, offering complex surgical cases, trauma care, and opportunities for clinical teaching and research
- Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin: Milwaukee's academic medical center and Level I trauma center, a major employer of CRNAs with exposure to high-acuity cases
- Marshfield Clinic Health System: A physician-led system spanning central and northern Wisconsin, with strong CRNA integration across its rural hospital network
- Gundersen Health System: Based in La Crosse, serving western Wisconsin and bordering regions of Minnesota and Iowa, with CRNAs playing a central role in anesthesia delivery
- Ascension Wisconsin: Operates multiple hospitals in the Milwaukee metro and southeastern Wisconsin, including Columbia St. Mary's and Wheaton Franciscan facilities
- HSHS / Prevea Health: Hospital Sisters Health System operates hospitals in Green Bay, Sheboygan, and Eau Claire, frequently recruiting CRNAs for both urban and rural sites
- Ambulatory surgery centers: Over 200 licensed ASCs in Wisconsin, many staffed primarily by CRNAs, particularly in orthopedic, ophthalmologic, and gastroenterology specialties
Wisconsin RN License Requirements
Before applying to either Wisconsin CRNA program, candidates must hold an active, unencumbered Wisconsin RN license. Wisconsin nursing licenses are managed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Board of Nursing. The state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs with a multistate license from a compact state to practice in Wisconsin without obtaining a separate Wisconsin license.
Requirements
- Graduation from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program (BSN required for CRNA program admission)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
- Criminal background check
- Official transcripts submitted to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing
- Completed application through the DSPS online licensing portal
- Verification of licensure from other states (if applying by endorsement)
Timeline & Costs
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks for initial licensure (faster if all documents submitted together)
- Application fee: $75 for initial RN licensure by examination
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (even-numbered years), with renewal fee of $66
- Continuing education: No mandatory CE hours for RN renewal in Wisconsin, though CRNA certification requires ongoing education
- Endorsement: Out-of-state RNs from non-compact states can apply by endorsement with active, equivalent license
- Nurse Licensure Compact: Wisconsin is an NLC member state; RNs with multistate licenses from other compact states can practice immediately
Board contact: Wisconsin Board of Nursing - DSPS
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Wisconsin CRNA students have access to state-specific and national funding sources that can reduce the total cost of education. With program tuition ranging from $118,000 to $149,000, strategic use of scholarships, employer assistance, and loan forgiveness programs can substantially improve the return on investment.
Wisconsin-Specific Programs
- Wisconsin Nurses Association Foundation Scholarships: Awards scholarships to Wisconsin nursing students pursuing advanced degrees, including doctoral-level anesthesia training. Applicants must be Wisconsin residents and WNA members.
- Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) Grants: State-administered financial aid programs for Wisconsin residents attending in-state institutions. Includes the Wisconsin Grant program for graduate students with demonstrated financial need.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: Major Wisconsin health systems including Aurora/Advocate Health, UW Health, Froedtert, and Marshfield Clinic offer tuition assistance programs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 annually for employees pursuing advanced nursing degrees.
- Marquette University institutional aid: Marquette offers graduate assistantships, diversity scholarships, and need-based grants to DNP students. The College of Nursing administers several named scholarships specifically for nurse anesthesia students.
- Wisconsin Rural Health Cooperative: Supports health professionals who commit to practicing in rural Wisconsin communities after graduation, with funding that can supplement other aid sources.
National Programs
- HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeships (NAT): Federal program that provides funding to institutions to support students in nurse anesthesia programs, designed to increase the CRNA workforce in underserved areas.
- AANA Foundation Scholarships: The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology awards approximately $297,000 annually through 100+ scholarships to student members nationwide, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
- National Health Service Corps (NHSC): Offers scholarship and loan repayment programs for providers who commit to practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
- Military educational benefits: Active duty, reserve, and veteran students can use GI Bill benefits, Yellow Ribbon programs, and military tuition assistance. Both Wisconsin programs participate in VA educational benefits.
Loan Forgiveness Options
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Up to $50,000 for a two-year commitment working in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area. Wisconsin has multiple qualifying sites, particularly in northern and western counties.
- NURSE Corps Loan Repayment: Covers up to 85% of qualifying nursing education debt for practitioners who work at eligible Critical Shortage Facilities over a two- to three-year commitment.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): CRNAs employed by nonprofit hospitals or government facilities qualify for federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying monthly payments. Most Wisconsin health systems are nonprofit, making a large share of CRNA positions eligible.
- Wisconsin Health Professions Loan Assistance Program: For healthcare providers serving in underserved areas of Wisconsin. Offers loan repayment assistance for qualifying providers who commit to multi-year practice in designated shortage communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CRNA programs cost in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin CRNA programs range from $118,000 (Marquette University) to $149,000 (Edgewood University), with an average around $133,500. Both programs award the DNP degree and require 36 months of full-time study. Marquette's lower tuition, combined with its extensive clinical partnerships at Froedtert, Children's Wisconsin, and Aurora/Advocate Health sites, makes it the more cost-effective option. However, Edgewood's Madison location provides access to UW Health's academic medical center and lower living expenses compared to Milwaukee. When evaluating total cost, factor in housing, transportation, and the fact that both programs require students to stop working as RNs during clinical rotations.
What is the average CRNA salary in Wisconsin?
The average CRNA salary in Wisconsin is $216,340 per year ($104/hour), according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries vary by region: Milwaukee metro CRNAs earn $220,000-$235,000, Madison area practitioners average $215,000-$230,000 (boosted by UW Health's academic medical center), and the Green Bay/Fox Valley corridor pays $205,000-$220,000. Entry-level positions typically start around $185,000, while experienced CRNAs in leadership or specialized roles can exceed $260,000. Rural hospitals in northern and western Wisconsin frequently offer signing bonuses of $15,000-$30,000 and relocation assistance to attract providers. When adjusted for Wisconsin's below-average cost of living, real purchasing power is among the strongest in the Midwest.
Which Wisconsin CRNA program is more affordable?
Marquette University in Milwaukee is the more affordable option at $118,000 total program cost, which is $31,000 less than Edgewood University's $149,000. Beyond tuition, consider the full financial picture. Milwaukee and Madison have comparable housing costs, though Madison's rental market has tightened in recent years. Marquette's larger urban setting provides more part-time employment options for spouses and family members. Both programs offer access to institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Students should also weigh clinical site quality and proximity, as commuting costs can add up over a 36-month program.
How competitive are Wisconsin CRNA programs?
Wisconsin CRNA programs have a 16% average acceptance rate, placing them in the competitive range nationally. Edgewood University is slightly more selective at 15%, while Marquette accepts 17% of applicants. With only two programs and limited seats, applicants should prepare thoroughly. Competitive candidates typically present a BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, 1-2 years of critical care experience in an ICU or similar high-acuity setting, current CCRN certification, solid GRE scores, and documented shadowing hours with a practicing CRNA. Letters of recommendation from CRNA supervisors and ICU charge nurses strengthen applications significantly. Applying to programs in neighboring states (Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan) as backups is a prudent strategy given the limited in-state seats.
Do Wisconsin CRNAs have full practice authority?
Wisconsin does not currently grant CRNAs full practice authority. State law requires CRNAs to practice under the direction of a physician, dentist, or podiatrist. In practical terms, many Wisconsin CRNAs exercise significant day-to-day autonomy, particularly in rural hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers where they may be the sole anesthesia provider on site. The Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists (WIANA) continues to advocate for legislative changes that would expand CRNA scope of practice and remove supervisory requirements. Despite the current regulatory framework, CRNAs remain highly valued across the state and provide the majority of anesthesia care in Wisconsin's community and critical access hospitals.
How long does it take to become a CRNA in Wisconsin?
The total pathway from high school to CRNA practice in Wisconsin typically takes 7-9 years. This includes 4 years for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 1-2 years of critical care nursing experience in an ICU or equivalent high-acuity environment, and 36 months (3 years) in either Marquette's or Edgewood's DNP nurse anesthesia program. After graduation, candidates must pass the National Certification Examination (NCE), which adds approximately 2-3 months. The Wisconsin RN license, needed before starting ICU experience, processes in 4-8 weeks through DSPS. Nurses with prior healthcare experience or those who complete accelerated BSN programs may reach CRNA practice closer to the 7-year mark.
Related State Programs
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