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
The Nursing Assistant program at Mid-State Technical College provides a fast-track pathway into healthcare, preparing students for critical patient care roles. In just 81 hours, learners gain hands-on skills through campus labs and clinical practicums, covering essential patient support techniques. With a low total program cost of $445.15 and multiple campus locations, this technical diploma offers an affordable entry point for those passionate about compassionate healthcare service.
Janesville, WI - Public 2-Year - blackhawk.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Blackhawk Technical College's Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma provides a comprehensive 90-hour training program preparing students for a critical healthcare role. Students gain practical skills through classroom lectures, campus lab experiences, and clinical practicums, ensuring readiness for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. With an estimated tuition of $379 and a median wage of $42,600, this program offers an affordable pathway into the healthcare sector. The curriculum emphasizes patient care, communication, ethical responsibilities, and working effectively in diverse healthcare environments.
Fennimore, WI - Public 2-Year - swtc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwest Tech's Nursing Assistant program provides comprehensive training for those seeking to start a rewarding healthcare career. In just 81 total hours, students learn essential skills to perform basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings. The technical diploma prepares graduates to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam and become certified in Wisconsin. Ideal for individuals 16 and older with strong communication skills and a passion for caring for others, this program offers flexible part-time and full-time options. No prior healthcare experience is required, making it an accessible pathway into the medical field.
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - madisoncollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Madison College's Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma offers a swift pathway into healthcare, providing a comprehensive 3-credit course that prepares students for certified nursing assistant roles. This hybrid program equips learners with essential skills in patient care, communication, and professional ethics, enabling quick entry into diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. With an affordable estimated program cost of $656.19, students can complete the diploma in just one semester, gaining practical skills through classroom instruction, laboratory work, and supervised clinical experiences. The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and provides a solid foundation for further nursing education.
Fond du Lac, WI - Public 2-Year - morainepark.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Moraine Park Technical College's Nursing Assistant program provides a fast-track entry into healthcare, offering comprehensive training in patient care over just 78 hours. Students learn critical skills in patient communication, ethical responsibilities, and safe care techniques, preparing them for immediate employment in diverse healthcare settings like nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers. The program guarantees Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry eligibility upon successful completion, with graduates earning a median salary of $34,837. Designed for learners 16 and older, the technical diploma requires minimal time investment while delivering significant career potential.
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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