Healthcare Recruiting
Wisconsin CRNA License 2026: APRN Requirements, Full Practice Authority, Salary
Wisconsin adopted full practice authority for all APRNs including CRNAs in 2024. No physician supervision or collaborative agreement is required by state law. Wisconsin has opted out of the federal Medicare CRNA supervision requirement. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay feature strong ACT and CRNA-independent employment across a mix of academic and community health systems. Wisconsin's cost of living advantage over coastal markets makes it consistently competitive for recruiting experienced CRNAs.
Practice Model
- Full Practice Authority adopted 2024 — no supervision or collaboration agreement required
- Wisconsin has opted out of federal Medicare CRNA supervision requirement
- ACT model: Froedtert Health / Medical College of Wisconsin, UW Health (Madison)
- CRNA-independent model: Ascension, Advocate Aurora community hospitals, rural CAH facilities
- Rural Northern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley rely heavily on CRNA-only anesthesia
Application Requirements
- Active Wisconsin RN license (compact or WI-issued)
- Current NBCRNA certification
- Official nurse anesthesia program documentation
- Completed dsps.wi.gov application + $82 fee
- Criminal background check
Processing Timeline
Wisconsin Board of Nursing processes APRN applications in 6–8 weeks from complete submission. The DSPS online portal is efficient; complete applications with timely background check results process without significant delays.
CRNA Salary in Wisconsin (2026)
| Market | Avg CRNA Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $190,000–$220,000 | Froedtert, Advocate Aurora, Ascension; both ACT and independent |
| Madison | $192,000–$222,000 | UW Health, SSM Health St. Mary's; university market; academic premium |
| Green Bay / Fox Valley | $188,000–$215,000 | Bellin Health, Ascension; CRNA-independent model predominates |
| Wausau / Central WI | $188,000–$212,000 | Aspirus Health; CRNA-independent; low COL; excellent quality of life |
| Rural / Northern WI | $193,000–$222,000 | CAH facilities; CRNA-only; signing bonuses $15K–$30K common |
Top Employers in Wisconsin
- Froedtert Health / Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee; academic ACT model; CRNA fellowship/residency program
- UW Health — Madison; academic medical center; ACT model; research affiliation
- Advocate Aurora Health — Milwaukee + statewide; large community CRNA program; CRNA-independent at most sites
- Ascension Health — Statewide; Catholic health system; CRNA-independent model at community hospitals
- Aspirus Health — Wausau + Northern WI; CRNA-focused anesthesia across rural network
What We See at Ava Health
Wisconsin offers an exceptional quality-of-life value proposition for CRNAs. Salaries are in the $188K–$222K range with a cost of living 25–40% below coastal markets — particularly for housing. The 2024 FPA adoption removed the last friction for independent CRNA practice in Wisconsin. Northern Wisconsin rural markets (Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River) have persistent CRNA shortages that community hospitals address with competitive signing bonuses and flexible scheduling.
Related: CRNA Salary by State 2026, NP License Wisconsin 2026, CRNA License Minnesota 2026.
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