Points of interest…
- Gateway's 2027 CNA tuition is $370, with $248 for books.
- Wisconsin requires supervised clinical hours; no fully online CNA course exists.
- KUSD juniors and seniors can earn CNA credit through Gateway.
Gateway Technical College sets the local tuition baseline at $370 in 2026 nursing assistant fees, but the real Kenosha choice is in-city convenience versus commuting to Racine or to the Nursing Schools in Milwaukee, where evening and accelerated sections are easier to find. Most students finish in one term, though Gateway's accelerated scheduling can shorten that.
Employer-sponsored training can erase tuition under federal and Wisconsin reimbursement rules; private options may charge more for the same credential. Wisconsin's training-hour floor and nurse aide competency exam apply regardless of campus.
Because every approved program must appear on the Wisconsin DHS NATCEP list, employers tend to check approval status before they weigh the campus name.
Kenosha-Area CNA Schools, Ranked for 2027
Below are the top CNA programs serving Kenosha students, ranked by accreditation status, affordability, completions, and program fit. Because fewer than three CNA providers sit within a 75-mile drive of Kenosha, this year's list extends the radius to compare strong Wisconsin technical college options; Gateway Technical College leads as the only ranked provider with a campus in Kenosha. Kenosha also has Carthage College's $850 one-month CNA course, but it is not part of this technical college ranking.
Factors considered
- First-year retention
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Program-level completion counts
- Net price after aid
- State approval and accreditation
Data sources
- BEA state price parities, used to adjust tuition — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gateway Technical College | Kenosha, WI | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | Local Kenosha high-schooler pathway | |
Gateway Technical College is Kenosha's only ranked CNA provider. Its 75-hour campus program includes simulation labs, costs about $599, and offers a Kenosha Unified dual-credit pathway. Gateway's overall graduation rate is 51%, with net price after aid around $12,928. ACEN accredited
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| #2 | Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.) | Milwaukee-area commuters needing in-person labs | |
Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee is the closest Milwaukee-area option. The 82-hour CNA course is ACEN accredited, with day, evening, and weekend sections and net price after aid around $11,101. WCTC's overall graduation rate is 44%. ACEN accredited
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| #3 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious students needing multiple campuses | |
Moraine Park Technical College offers the lowest tuition on this list at $357. The 78-hour campus program runs at three locations, with net price after aid about $9,268. Moraine Park's overall graduation rate is 57%.
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| #4 | Northwood Technical College | Rice Lake, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northwood Technical College is a statewide choice with a 90-hour program approved by Wisconsin DHS. Multiple start dates and campuses keep it flexible; net price after aid is about $8,989. Northwood's overall graduation rate is 56%.
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| #5 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore, WI | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College provides a campus-based nursing assistant certificate open to ages 16 and older. It meets state and federal requirements and feeds into the nursing associate degree; net price after aid is about $12,896. Southwest Tech's overall graduation rate is 66%.
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| #6 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Mid-State Technical College blends hybrid and in-person CNA training with an 81-hour format and 27 clinical hours. Total cost runs about $445 to $457; net price after aid is around $10,873. Mid-State's overall graduation rate is 52%.
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| #7 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is an ACEN-accredited option with day, evening, and weekend sections. The program requires an 80% minimum pass rate, and net price after aid is about $9,918. NWTC's overall graduation rate is 51%. ACEN accredited
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| #8 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Chippewa Valley Technical College offers a 14-week or shorter CNA diploma with hybrid delivery. Estimated cost is $423, and net price after aid is about $12,285. CVTC's overall graduation rate is 50%. ACEN accredited
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| #9 | Nicolet Area Technical College | Rhinelander, WI | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Nicolet College runs a 118-hour DHS-approved CNA program with $589 tuition. Campus-based clinicals and flexible terms keep it accessible; net price after aid is about $8,255. Nicolet's overall graduation rate is 44%.
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| #10 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northcentral Technical College offers a 120-hour CNA diploma recognized by Wisconsin DHS. Hybrid formats and multiple campuses add flexibility; net price after aid is about $10,303. Northcentral's overall graduation rate is 45%.
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Fast Answers Before You Enroll
These are the questions Kenosha students ask most before choosing a CNA program. Answers are short so you can compare options quickly, and each one directs you to the fuller section below.
Most Kenosha-area programs run 4 to 12 weeks, depending on schedule. After finishing, you still need to schedule and pass the state competency exam, so total time often lands around 6 to 16 weeks.
Gateway Technical College's current CNA tuition and fees are listed in the cost table below. In-district, out-of-district, and online rates differ, so check that table for the current range and always confirm pricing before enrolling.
Yes, in some cases. Employer sponsorship or workforce grants can cover tuition, but free CNA training programs are not guaranteed and usually come with work commitments. See the free training section below for current Kenosha options and eligibility.
Yes, but only partly. State-approved CNA programs in Wisconsin may deliver classroom theory online or in hybrid form, but labs and clinicals must still be completed in person.3 Do not enroll in a fully online course.
The salary section below lists the current Kenosha-area figure, and pay varies by employer, shift, and experience. Local numbers can differ from statewide averages, so check that section before comparing offers.
What CNA Training Costs in Kenosha, Line by Line
For cna program tuition kenosha wi, Gateway Technical College's Nursing Assistant program is the local baseline. Published 2026 estimates put tuition and fees at $370, books and supplies at $248, and the application fee at $30. A budget of at least $648 covers only those documented costs; required background checks, uniforms, medical documentation, TB testing, CPR if required, and the Wisconsin competency exam can push the total higher because their current dollar amounts are not consistently published.
| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Who Charges It | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees (2026) | $370 | Gateway Technical College | 2026 estimate |
| Books and supplies (2026) | $248 | Gateway Technical College | 2026 estimate |
| Application fee (2026) | $30 | Gateway Technical College | Required |
| Background check (2026) | Not stated | Not specified | Required |
| Uniform (2026) | Not stated | Student purchases | Required; navy top and blue bottom required district-wide |
| Medical Documentation Manager (2026) | Not stated | Gateway Technical College | May be required |
| TB test and health screening (2026) | Not stated | Clinical site or health provider | Not published for 2026; site-specific and may change |
| Competency exam fee (2026) | $125 | State of Wisconsin | A separate 2026 source reports $115 |
| CPR certification (if required) | Not stated | Not specified | Not established for Gateway's 543-300 in 2026; clinical sites may require |
Getting Paid to Train: Employer-Sponsored and Free CNA Options
Federal rule 42 CFR 483.152 bars nursing facilities from charging aides for CNA training programs if they were employed, or offered a job, when the course began, or if they are hired within 12 months of finishing it.2 Wisconsin applies a 365-day window, and only Medicaid-certified nursing facilities can request reimbursement from the state.1 The rule covers nursing facilities, not hospitals, so it does not oblige Aurora or Froedtert South to fund anyone's course.2
Employers worth calling
Froedtert South partners with Carthage College , one of the nursing programs in Kenosha WI , on a one-month CNA program listed as free, with graduates committing to work for Froedtert South. Froedtert Hospital Kenosha (262-564-2757) is also listed as free and employer-sponsored. It is unclear whether these are the same program, and 2026 openings are unverified, so confirm directly. Aurora is a local CNA employer, but no current paid-training program is established. Kenosha County nursing homes such as Brookside Care Center, Waters Edge Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Clairidge House hire aides, so ask each about trainee positions or reimbursement after hire.
Workforce grants
WIOA tuition help may be available through the Kenosha County Job Center and the regional workforce board. No 2026 funding amounts, eligibility rules, or approved providers are confirmed, so ask a career counselor before enrolling.
Read the fine print
"Free" usually means a work commitment. Before signing, confirm the required commitment length, the penalty for leaving early, and whether you would repay the tuition.
Related Articles
Wisconsin's Rules: Training Hours, Clinicals, and the Competency Exam
Wisconsin's legal minimum for nurse aide training is lower than many program listings suggest, so it helps to know the actual floor before you compare nursing schools in Wisconsin.
Training Hours and Clinicals
A state-approved nurse aide training program must run at least 75 hours, matching the federal minimum. At least 16 of those hours are supervised clinical practice in an approved care setting. The first 16 hours must be classroom instruction before you provide any care to residents. The 120-hour figure reflects Wisconsin's out-of-state reciprocity pathway, which requires 32 clinical hours; it is not the legal minimum for initial training.
The Competency Exam
Wisconsin contracts with Headmaster (sometimes listed as D&S Diversified Technologies) to run testing through its TestMaster Universe portal. The CNA certification exam has two required parts: a knowledge test, taken in written or oral form, and a hands-on skills demonstration. The exam fee is separate from tuition. Check Headmaster's site for the current amount.
If you fail one part, you retake only that part, and there is no cap on attempts. You must pass within one year of completing training. DHS also expects aides hired full-time to pass within 120 days of starting the job.
Staying on the Registry
Passing places you on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry for 24 months. To renew, you need at least 8 hours of paid, hands-on aide work under RN or LPN supervision in that period. You report that work through TestMaster Universe, and DHS says renewal can begin within 60 days of expiration. If your eligibility lapses, you must pass both exam parts again, but you do not have to retrain.
Most students finish fast-track CNA programs in a matter of weeks, then spend a few more weeks testing and getting listed.
Hybrid, Evening, or Accelerated: Comparing Kenosha CNA Schedules
No legitimate Wisconsin CNA program is fully online; the state requires supervised in-person clinical hours. Gateway Technical College offers day, evening, and accelerated or hybrid sections at Kenosha, Racine, and Elkhorn campuses, so the real question is which schedule fits your life.
| Format | In-person component | Typical length | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha day (K-D) | May combine in-person, video conferencing, and online delivery; clinical and skills labs are in person. | Varies by term; not published by section. | Students who want daytime classes in Kenosha. |
| Kenosha evening (K-E) | May combine in-person, video conferencing, and online delivery; clinical and skills labs are in person. | Varies by term; not published by section. | Students who need evening classes in Kenosha. |
| Kenosha accelerated hybrid, weekday mornings (Summer 2026 Option A) | Theory is asynchronous 100% online; lab in person at Gateway Kenosha Campus; clinical in person at The Legacy at St. Joseph's. | 3 weeks (June 29 through July 16, 2026) | Students seeking a fast weekday morning section. |
| Kenosha accelerated hybrid, weekday afternoons (Summer 2026 Option B) | Theory is asynchronous 100% online; lab in person at Gateway Kenosha Campus; clinical in person at The Legacy at St. Joseph's. | 3 weeks (June 29 through July 16, 2026) | Students seeking a fast weekday afternoon section. |
| Racine or Elkhorn day/evening | May combine in-person, video conferencing, and online delivery; contact Gateway for current section schedules. | Varies by term. | Students who live or work closer to Racine or Elkhorn. |
CNA Routes for Kenosha High School Students
Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) juniors and seniors can take a nursing assistant course for high school and college credit before graduating, one of the earliest steps to become a nurse. There are two paths, both tied to Gateway Technical College.
Summer at Gateway
The summer course is Nursing Assistant 543-300 at the Kenosha Campus. Students must be 16 by the first day of class and have a 2.6 unweighted cumulative GPA at the end of sophomore year. KUSD does not provide transportation. Expect an estimated cost of about $322, including the $125 certification exam fee and a background check. Amounts vary, so confirm with your school counselor.
Start College Now
This state program covers fall and spring sessions only, for 11th and 12th graders in good standing. Deadlines are March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring, and a parent or guardian must sign. If the district approves the request, it pays tuition, course fees, and required books. Other charges, such as testing or supplies, may fall to the family, so ask who pays before enrolling.
What Students Earn
Completers receive 0.5 KUSD credit and 2 Gateway credits, plus a Gateway nursing prerequisite. Passing the state competency exam adds a spot on the Wisconsin nurse aide registry, an early milestone for nursing careers. Some clinical sites may require students to be 17 or 18.
What Nursing Assistants Earn Around Kenosha
After the Exam: Pass Rates, Early Earnings, and the Step up to LPN or RN
After you pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam, how do you know a CNA program actually prepares students for the test, and what comes next? Wisconsin DHS and the testing vendor, Wisconsin TestMaster Universe, do not publish first-attempt pass rates by training program or a verified statewide percentage. Some third-party estimates put the statewide first-time pass rate near 71%, but that figure is not published by Wisconsin DHS or the testing vendor. A few schools advertise their own rates, but those figures are not verifiable against official DHS or vendor data. Treat any program-reported number as a marketing claim and ask the school directly for its first-attempt pass rate and documentation.
Early earnings after CNA
Program-level earnings one year after completing are not yet available for the schools in this ranking. Avoid using college-wide or institution-wide earnings as a stand-in for CNA outcomes; those can include graduates from other programs. For a clearer earnings picture, look for schools that publish graduate-level data or talk to recent graduates.
Step up to LPN or RN
A CNA credential is often a prerequisite for nursing school. The typical path is CNA, then LPN Programs in Kenosha, then an ADN or RN route. Each step builds on the previous one and can open more clinical responsibility and pay. Browse statewide Top LPN Programs in Wisconsin when you are ready to compare schools beyond Kenosha.
