Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 24, 2025
Certified Nursing Assistant programs teach entry-level caregivers to work under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. CNAs act as the essential frontline caregivers in Wisconsin hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and home health agencies. The care team relies on CNAs to provide patients with safety while assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, and movement as well as monitoring vital signs before reporting any concerns to nursing staff.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Public 2-Year - mstc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mid-State Technical College's Nursing Assistant program offers a hybrid learning model, combining online coursework with hands-on campus labs and a 27-hour clinical practicum. This 81-hour technical diploma prepares students for state certification, focusing on essential patient care skills at an affordable cost of $445.15. With part-time daytime and evening options available at multiple locations, it provides a flexible and fast-track entry into healthcare careers, emphasizing practical training for compassionate service.
Janesville, WI - Public 2-Year - blackhawk.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Blackhawk Technical College's Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma is a 90-hour program that equips students for essential healthcare roles through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and clinical practicums. It prepares graduates for the NNAAP exam, focusing on patient care, communication, and ethical practices in diverse settings. With an affordable tuition of $379 and a median wage of $42,600, this accredited program by Wisconsin DHS offers flexible learning options, including campus and online formats, and requires a background check for enrollment.
Fennimore, WI - Public 2-Year - swtc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant technical diploma program, requiring 81 total training hours with a state-approved curriculum. It includes online theory and hands-on skills training, plus a nursing home clinical component, preparing students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam and Wisconsin certification. Open to individuals aged 16 and older, the program provides flexible part-time and full-time scheduling options, ideal for those with strong communication skills and a passion for healthcare, no prior experience needed.
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - madisoncollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Madison Area Technical College offers a Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma as a hybrid program that can be completed in one semester for an estimated cost of $656.19. This 3-credit course provides comprehensive training in patient care, communication, and professional ethics, including hands-on clinical and lab experiences. Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, it prepares students for the CNA certification exam and entry into healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes, with no entrance exam required. The program serves as a stepping stone to further nursing education and is available at multiple campus locations.
Fond du Lac, WI - Public 2-Year - morainepark.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Moraine Park Technical College's Nursing Assistant Program offers a quick 78-hour, 2-credit technical diploma with no entrance exam required. It focuses on essential patient care skills, including communication and safety, preparing graduates for immediate employment in settings like nursing homes and hospitals. The program meets Wisconsin DHS requirements, costs $357.40 with no textbook fees, and includes clinical placements. Graduates are eligible for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry and earn a median salary of $34,837. Available at multiple campuses with partial online delivery, it's open to students aged 16 and older.
State regulations prevent fully online CNA training because students need to demonstrate direct-care skills in person. The delivery method of many schools combines online learning with face-to-face instruction. Students use virtual learning platforms for theoretical modules such as lectures, quizzes, and reading assignments which they can complete at home. The clinical hours and skills demonstrations take place in person at campus laboratories and healthcare facilities because instructors need to verify students’ proficiency. The educational programs at the school offer flexible scheduling through evening classes and weekend classes as well as accelerated daytime classes to support students who need to balance work or family responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College |
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| Chippewa Valley Technical College |
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| Blackhawk Technical College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a 75-hour DHS-approved CNA program (including 16+ supervised clinical hours) or verify 2,088 hours of qualifying employment, provide photo ID, SSN, and cleared background/health screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | 75 total hours combining classroom theory, skills lab, and supervised clinical practice |
| Fees | Exam fees via TMU ($125 for written+skills, $130 for oral+skills, written-only ≈ $32, oral-only ≈ $37) |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the knowledge test (written or oral) and the practical skills evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Registry updated by 7 pm the next business day after passing |
| Renewal Requirements | Every 24 months, log eight hours of paid nurse-aide work under RN/LPN supervision in TMU, no renewal fee |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via TMU with proof of training or work history, upon approval, added to Wisconsin’s registry without retesting |
CNA wages in Wisconsin span between the mid-teens to twenty dollars per hour which produces annual earnings close to thirty-seven thousand dollars and overtime payments and shift differentials increase their take-home pay. The highest compensation rates in Wisconsin hospitals exist in urban locations such as Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay yet rural healthcare facilities provide lower salaries with reduced living expenses. The aging population and increasing long-term-care requirements sustain steady demand for CNA services. Healthcare facilities maintain constant job listings because they experience employee turnover and expanded service requirements. The economy predicts ongoing expansion of entry-level nursing positions which creates numerous job opportunities for CNAs in multiple care settings.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Wisconsin | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $37,000 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $17.85 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$46,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $37,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$31,500 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~8,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-State Technical College |
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| Moraine Park Technical College |
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| Chippewa Valley Technical College |
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The foundation for professional advancement exists through CNA experience. Technical colleges throughout Wisconsin extend nursing program admission benefits to candidates who maintain active aide certification and demonstrate work experience. Hospitals provide educational benefits including tuition payment assistance and flexible schedules and internal scholarship opportunities to their aides who want to earn higher credentials. Some long-term-care organizations establish partnerships with colleges to provide LPN or RN education directly at their facilities so employees can continue their studies without leaving work. Former CNAs who obtain additional education can expect higher pay along with enhanced responsibilities as they gain lifelong career possibilities throughout Wisconsin’s healthcare infrastructure.
Additional Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
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