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Program Overview
The Nursing Assistant program at Madison College prepares students for employment as nursing assistants. Students learn:
- Communication skills
- Basic nursing and personal care skills
- Client rights
- Care of clients with dementia
Please note that prior to registration, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required immunizations. Please see the Admission tab for details about these registration requirements.
The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a nurse aide training program.
This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
The Goodman Foundation is offering a limited number of scholarships to students who participate in a Nursing Assistant class at the Goodman South Campus. In addition, students must show proof of financial need (Badger Care, Food Share or income) or belong to an ethnic/racial underrepresented group. For questions/application inquiries, please contact boboboyles@madisoncollege.edu, Goodman South Campus Manager.
Program Details
Nursing Assistant classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
- Madison - South
- Fort Atkinson
- Portage
- Reedsburg
- Watertown
100 percent attendance is mandatory for all portions of this course. Please disregard any statements that portions of this course are optional.
Career
Graduates of the Nursing Assistant program at Madison Area Technical College can seek employment as the following:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Nursing Assistant
- Nurse Aide
- Home Health Aide
- Psychiatric Aide
Upon successful competency testing, Nursing Assistants may find employment in:
- Nursing Homes
- Hospitals
- Home Health Agencies
- Hospices
Resources
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2023-2024 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Fall, Spring or Summer Semester -
Admission
Be sure to understand the essential functions necessary for Nursing Assistant courses.
All registration requirements listed below must be complete, prior to enrolling in a Nursing Assistant course. (This process will take on average 2-8 weeks to complete).
1. Create a Madison College Student Account (if you do not already have one).
2. Background Check and Health Screening
- Purchase and create an account on CastleBranch, using Package Code MJ17. The cost for the background check and health screening document manager is $47.20
- You do not need to purchase the $12 ID card that is offered.
- You do not need to purchase the Urine Drug Test (MJ17dt) for enrollment. That requirement is specific to a limited number of clinical sites. Any students who must complete the Urine Drug Testing will be notified after their class starts and provided a deadline for completion.
- Print and complete the Background Information Disclosure Form. Learn more about the background check process.
- Refer to the Nursing Assistant Program Health Requirements Checklist (pdf) (also found within your CastleBranch account). Use this document to complete the mandatory health requirements. If you are having troubles reading this pdf, please contact the School of Nursing at (608)246-6780.Note: depending on your vaccination history, you may need updated immunizations or titers (blood draws) to demonstrate your immunity. Tuberculosis (TB) testing may take up to four clinic visits.
Madison College School of Nursing has updated the health requirements for all students to include COVID vaccination and Covid Booster. Please view Frequently Asked Questions for further details. Ensure that your CastleBranch accounts are up to date and include documentation of both doses of the vaccine (or the one Johnson and Johnson). - Scan, save and upload your complete Background Information Disclosure (BID) and Health Screening forms to your CastleBranch account; be sure to include any supporting lab reports or immunization documentation. For assistance with scanning and uploading your documents, please visit any campus library.
- Health/accident insurance is required to take this course. If you do not have your own comprehensive health insurance, you may purchase student accident insurance. The accident insurance is $15/semester.
- After uploading the required documents, be sure to check your email account for any 'to do' messages from CastleBranch. Read your background check results carefully.
Questions on the status of your documents? Please contact CastleBranch at (888) 666-7788. - When all requirements in your CastleBranch account are marked complete, you will receive an email notifying you are approved to register. If you receive a rejection on your Influenza immunization, please contact the School of Nursing.
- The School of Nursing requires an initial COVID Vaccine series and COVID Booster shot. Not having the COVID booster will limit or eliminate a student’s clinical experience opportunities.
A School of Nursing COVID vaccine waiver may be possible. Contact Marie E Dusio: mdusio@MadisonCollege.edu. Clinical sites have the right to reject any Madison College School of Nursing waiver, may have their own waiver process, or refuse participation of any student who does not meet their requirements.
The School of Nursing’s Enrollment Requirements (health, background, etc.) are designed to adhere to current evidence-based practice guidelines and regulatory requirements to provide a safe environment for all. Please review the Class Notes for the classes you prefer, as age restrictions, additional requirements, and other enrollment related information specific to that schedule are included. Exceptions to withdrawal or refund policies cannot be made for failure to meet criteria in the Class Notes. If there is an Enrollment Requirement you cannot meet, please contact us to discuss options.
Important Information
- Log in to the Blackboard course site at least three days prior to your first day of class to familiarize yourself
- You are not allowed to miss any class, lab or clinical time. Do not register for a course if you expect any absences.
- Purchase your textbook and Nursing Assistant Supply Kit from the bookstore or regional campus front office, no later than the first day of class.
- Other required supplies to purchase: Uniform, shoes, watch with second hand, etc. (See dress code in Nursing Assistant program student handbook)
- Solid-color scrubs and clean impermeable shoes are required for lab and clinical.
- If you need to drop the course, you must do so before the first day to receive a full refund.
- You must be at least 16 years of age prior to the first day of class. Some clinical sites require you to be 17 or 18 years old; this will be noted in course details.
In high school? If you are taking a nursing assistant course through your high school or through Start College Now, there are additional steps to this process. Please see your school representative for more information. All requirements listed above are still required prior to enrollment.
Questions about Start College Now? Please contact Early College Programs and Partnerships at (608) 243-4595.
- Purchase and create an account on CastleBranch, using Package Code MJ17. The cost for the background check and health screening document manager is $47.20
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Career Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant program, students are eligible for competency testing for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Placement on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry is required for employment.
Students who successfully complete the Nursing Assistant course will be prepared to:
- Communicate and interact effectively with clients, family and co-workers.
- Provide care that shows recognition of client rights and the role of state and federal agencies regarding abuse, neglect and misappropriation.
- Report and record observations promptly and accurately to proper persons.
- Incorporate into practice the ethical and legal responsibilities of the NA/HHA.
- Provide safe care to a diverse population, meeting personal, physical and psychosocial client needs.
- Assist with client rehabilitation and restorative care, promoting independence.
- Provide for resident personal care and hygiene.
- Assist clients with long-term, disabling conditions including dementia, always focusing on the strengths of the client.
- Care for clients under licensed supervision.
- Take the WI NA Competency evaluation.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2020 2021 2022 Number of Program Graduates 598 502 480 Number of Surveys Sent 585 502 478 Number of Surveys Returned 296 340 320 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 223 114 89 Percent Available for Employment 75.30% 39.60% 33.10% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 23.30% 76.40% 84.40% Available for Employment
2020 2021 2022 Graduates Employed 205 104 83 Percent of Graduates Employed 91.90% 91.20% 93.30% Employed in Related Occupation 164 74 58 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 80.00% 71.20% 69.90% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 37 30 25 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 18.00% 28.80% 30.10% Employed - No Response 4 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 2.00% 0.00% 0.00% Seeking Employment 18 10 6 Percent Seeking Employment 8.10% 8.80% 6.70% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2020 2021 2022 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.6 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 292 282 268 Very Satisfied (4) 192 162 168 Percent Very Satisfied 65.80% 57.40% 62.70% Satisfied (3) 94 116 96 Percent Satisfied 32.20% 41.10% 35.80% Unsatisfied (2) 4 3 2 Percent Unsatisfied 1.40% 1.10% 0.70% Very Unsatisfed (1) 2 1 2 Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.70% 0.40% 0.70% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2020 2021 2022 Number of Primary Reason Responses 296 334 319 Preparation for Getting a Job 89 70 106 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 30.10% 21.00% 33.20% Career Change 39 43 27 Percent Career Change 13.20% 12.90% 8.50% Improvement of Existing Skills 7 14 4 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 2.40% 4.20% 1.30% Preparation for Further Education 151 199 164 Percent Preparation for Further Education 51.00% 59.60% 51.40% Personal Interest 9 8 10 Percent Personal Interest 3.00% 2.40% 3.10% Other 1 0 8 Percent Other 0.30% 0.00% 2.50% When Employment was Obtained
2020 2021 2022 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 201 104 83 Before Enrollment 46 44 17 Percent Before Enrollment 22.90% 42.30% 20.50% While Attending the College 45 18 11 Percent While Attending the College 22.40% 17.30% 13.30% After Training at the College 110 42 55 Percent After Training at the College 54.70% 40.40% 66.30% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2020 2021 2022 Number of Employment Location Responses 165 85 64 In College District 152 74 56 Percent In College District 92.10% 87.10% 87.50% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Outside of Wisconsin 4 5 3 Percent Outside Wisconsin 2.40% 5.90% 4.70% Employer Location Unknown 9 6 5 Percent Location Unknown 5.50% 7.10% 7.80% Salary Trend 2020 2021 2022 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 46 39 23 Average Monthly Wage $2,584 $2,967 $3,233 Average Hourly Wage $15.03 $17.25 $18.80 Average Work Hours per Week 40.7 40.4 40.5 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 93 26 31 Average Hourly Wage $14.84 $16.88 $18.31 Average Work Hours per Week 22.3 24.3 23.9 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Adult Day Center Scheduling & Certified Nursing Assistant All One Staffing Certified Nursing Assistant Portage Attic Angel Place Certified Nursing Assistant Middleton Capitol Lakes Retirement Community Certified Nursing Assistant Carrington Place of St. Pete Nurse Assistant St Petersburg FL Columbus Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Nursing Assistant Columbus Crossroads Care Center Certified Nursing Assistant Sun Prairie Divine Savior Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant Portage Divine Savior Healthcare OB Technician Portage HCA Healthcare Patient Care Technician Denver CO Kettle Park Senior Living Certified Nursing Assistant Stoughton Knights Staffing LLC CEO Madison Medical Affiliates Nursing Assistant Mequon Mercy Health System Certified Nursing Assistant Janesville Meriter Hospital Patient Assistant Meriter Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant Meriter Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant Med/Surg Floor Oak Park Place of Madison Personal Care Assistant Oak Park Place of Madison Certified Nursing Assistant 3 Schmitt Woodland Hills Certified Nursing Assistant Richland Center Select Specialty Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant Senior Helpers Certified Nursing Assistant SSM Health Certified Nursing Assistant St Clare Hospital & Health Services Certified Nursing Assistant Baraboo 2 St Mary's / Dean Ventures Clinical Partner II St Mary's / Dean Ventures Certified Nursing Assistant State of Wisconsin State Disability Examiner Sun Prairie Health Care Center Certified Nursing Assistant Sun Prairie Tennyson Senior Living Certified Nursing Assistant The Villa at Middleton Village Certified Nursing Assistant Middleton Unity Point Health-Meriter Nursing Assistant 2 UVA Health Scribe Charlottesville VA UW Health In-Patient Nursing Assistant UW Health Certified Nursing Assistant 2 UW Health Student Help Technician UW Health Nursing Assistant 10 VA Medical Center Certified Nursing Assistant VA Medical Center Medical Support Assistant Watertown Regional Medical Center Certified Nursing Assistant/Technician Watertown * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
You’re a natural born helper – and it’s a rare gift. There’s a growing need for people with your skills and your compassion.
Nursing Assistant
Program Number: 305431
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Health Sciences
Delivery Method:
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
3 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 semester