Nursing - Associate Degree Career Outlook

ADN Graduates

Updated 3-19-2025

• Information for RN Eligible & LPN-Eligible Students
  • ADN Graduates must have completed all required ADN program coursework with a grade point of 2.0 or better. 
  • To be eligible for PN NCLEX exam, you must have completed the required first two semesters of the ADN program coursework with a grade point of 2.0 or better.
• Timeline and Authorization to Test (ATT) for May 2025 graduates
  • The process of auditing and conferring degrees takes time. 
  • Timeline:
    • Northwood Tech classes end/confer date:  May 16, 2025 (If you graduated or completed the PN milestone other than May 2025, you can find your confer date on your official transcript.)
    • Northwood Tech grades are due:  May 27, 2025
    • Northwood Tech requires 15 business days to audit/confer degrees and provide graduation information to Boards of Nursing: June 17, 2025
    • Boards of Nursing (BON) require a minimum of 3 weeks to process applications after receiving graduation confirmation: July 8, 2025. Per BON:  The process and approval timeline will vary based on the application type and peak application submission timeframes. Your status will be continuously updated with changes; refer to your status. 
    • You may receive your ATT from Pearson VUE before the college confirms your eligibility to sit for RN or PN NCLEX.
• NCLEX application (Pearson VUE)
  • NCSBN provides additional information about the exam. This is a great place to start if you have questions about the exam. NCLEX Information Flyer
  • When you're ready, register (or sign in if you have an existing account) with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX. (Do this before completing a state licensure application.)
  • If you have trouble registering or signing in, contact Pearson VUE.
  • Additional Information (You may need this during the application process.):
    • Northwood Tech PN Program Code:  US50100300
    • Northwood Tech RN Program Code:  US50407200
    • City and State of School of Nursing:  RICE LAKE WI (even if you attended/graduated from another campus)
    • To request testing accommodations, contact your nursing regulatory body for more information.
• Wisconsin Licensure by Examination Application (RN and LPN Licensure)

  • Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX before starting your application for state licensure.

  • The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (WI DSPS) requires all applicants to apply via LicensE. Please refer to the LicensE Applicant User Guide for instructions and assistance.  

  • Questions, concerns, error messages, etc., about the process or Customer Portal should be directed to DSPS.

  • Additional Licensure Information (You may need this during the application process.):
    • Northwood Tech PN Program Code:  US50100300
    • Northwood Tech RN Program Code:  US50407200
    • Nursing School Name, City, and State: Northwood Technical College RICE LAKE WI (even if you attended/graduated from another campus)
    • Testing Accommodations: If LicensE does not provide specific instructions, you will need to contact WI DSPS
    • You should apply for a single-state WI license (not a multi-state license). Applying for a multi-state license takes longer, has additional requirements such as fingerprinting, and still will not allow you to work in MN, as MN does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
    • Type of Degree/Program: 
      • RN (ADN)
      • LPN - completed the portion of the RN program needed to obtain a certificate of completion in practical nursing
  • After degrees have been conferred and PN milestones have been verified, the Registrar's office will provide the required information to WI DSPS or the MN Board of Nursing to confirm exam eligibility.
• Minnesota Licensure by Examination Application (RN and LPN Licensure)
  • Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX before starting your application for state licensure.
  • Apply online for Minnesota RN or PN Licensure by Examination. This link also includes additional licensure information and requirements.
  • Questions, concerns, error messages, etc., about the process or Customer Portal should be directed to the Minnesota Board of Nursing (MN BON).
  • Additional Licensure Information (You may need this during the application process.):
    • Northwood Tech PN Program Code:  US50100300
    • Northwood Tech RN Program Code:  US50407200
    • Nursing School Name, City, and State: Northwood Technical College RICE LAKE WI (even if you attended/graduated from another campus)
    • Testing Accommodations: You can request accommodations during the MN application process.
    • Type of Degree/Program: 
      • RN (ADN)
      • LPN - completed the portion of the RN program needed to obtain a certificate of completion in practical nursing
  • Northwood Technical College will need to confirm your Licensure eligibility. You must complete the correct MN Confirmation of Program Completion form and email it as a PDF only to the Registrar at registrar@northwoodtech.edu
    • RN applicants (graduates of the ADN program) use this form: MN Confirmation of Program Completion 05-2025 Grads RN
    • PN applicants (eligible to take the PN NCLEX by completing a portion of the ADN program) use this form: MN Confirmation of Program Completion 05-2025 Students PN
  • After degrees have been conferred and PN milestones have been verified, the Registrar's office will provide the required information to WI DSPS or the MN Board of Nursing to confirm exam eligibility.
• Additional Licensure Information
  • If you want to apply for licensure in a state other than Wisconsin or Minnesota, refer to that state's Board of Nursing website for information.
  • If you are currently licensed in another state and want to apply for licensure in Wisconsin or Minnesota, refer to the applicable state website and search for Licensure via Endorsement.
  • Transcripts are not required when applying for Licensure by Exam.