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.
nurses gather around patient
71%
Employed
71% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.
98%
Student Satisfaction
98% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
$36k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $35,604.
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
net price calculator sketch
What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Estimated Tuition

$605.91

$430.35 Tuition
$63.36 Materials/Supplemental Costs
$112.20 Other Costs
  • 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

  • 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
    30-543-300
    3 credits
  • 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

    1. 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.
    2. Print and complete the Background Information Disclosure Form. Learn more about the background check process.
    3. 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).
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. 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 Amy Broihahan at albroihahn@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

    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.

  • 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.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      201920202021
      Number of Program Graduates629598502
      Number of Surveys Sent621585502
      Number of Surveys Returned421296340
      Percent of Surveys Returned67.80%50.60%67.70%
      Available for Employment282223114
      Percent Available for Employment82.70%75.30%39.60%
      Not in Labor Market13469220
      Percent Not in Labor Market39.30%23.30%76.40%
      Available for Employment

      201920202021
      Graduates Employed260205104
      Percent of Graduates Employed92.20%91.90%91.20%
      Employed in Related Occupation18216474
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation70.00%80.00%71.20%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation743730
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation28.50%18.00%28.80%
      Employed - No Response440
      Percent Employed - No Response1.50%2.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment221810
      Percent Seeking Employment7.80%8.10%8.80%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      201920202021
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.63.63.6
      Number of Satisfaction Responses338292282
      Very Satisfied (4)203192162
      Percent Very Satisfied60.10%65.80%57.40%
      Satisfied (3)12794116
      Percent Satisfied37.60%32.20%41.10%
      Unsatisfied (2)443
      Percent Unsatisfied1.20%1.40%1.10%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)421
      Percent Very Unsatisfied1.20%0.70%0.40%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      201920202021
      Number of Primary Reason Responses418296334
      Preparation for Getting a Job968970
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job23.00%30.10%21.00%
      Career Change323943
      Percent Career Change7.70%13.20%12.90%
      Improvement of Existing Skills10714
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills2.40%2.40%4.20%
      Preparation for Further Education263151199
      Percent Preparation for Further Education62.90%51.00%59.60%
      Personal Interest1298
      Percent Personal Interest2.90%3.00%2.40%
      Other510
      Percent Other1.20%0.30%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      201920202021
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses253201104
      Before Enrollment774644
      Percent Before Enrollment30.40%22.90%42.30%
      While Attending the College544518
      Percent While Attending the College21.30%22.40%17.30%
      After Training at the College12211042
      Percent After Training at the College48.20%54.70%40.40%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      201920202021
      Number of Employment Location Responses265209110
      In College District21115274
      Percent In College District79.60%72.70%67.30%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District414425
      Percent of In Wisconsin15.50%21.10%22.70%
      Outside of Wisconsin645
      Percent Outside Wisconsin2.30%1.90%4.50%
      Employer Location Unknown796
      Percent Location Unknown2.60%4.30%5.50%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend201920202021
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count614639
      Average Monthly Wage$2,550$2,584$2,967
      Average Hourly Wage$14.83$15.03$17.25
      Average Work Hours per Week40.540.740.4
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count969326
      Average Hourly Wage$14.28$14.84$16.88
      Average Work Hours per Week22.322.324.3
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2021
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Advocate Aurora HealthcareCertified Nursing AssistantMilwaukee
      Attic Angel PlaceCertified Nursing AssistantMiddleton2
      Attic Angel PlaceNurse AideMiddleton
      Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic Urgent CareNursing AssistantOconomowoc
      CareBuilders at HomeCertified Nursing AssistantBarringtonIL
      Crossroads Care CenterNursing AssistantKenosha
      Crossroads Care CenterCertified Nursing AssistantSun Prairie
      Fort Health & RehabilitationCertified Nursing AssistantFort Atkinson
      Harmony Assisted Living CentersCertified Nursing AssistantMcFarland
      Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz CountyProgram AssistantScotts ValleyCA
      Home Again Assisted LivingCertified Nursing AssistantWaunukee
      Home Again Assisted LivingCertified Nursing AssistantCambridge
      Home Again Assisted LivingResident AssistantCambridge
      Independence VillageCertified Nursing AssistantRockfordIL
      Lisa HoonCaregiver
      Madison Metropolitan School DistrictBilingual Special Educational Assistant
      Noel ManorResident AssistantVerona
      Nova Home SupportBehavioral Health ManagerScotts ValleyCA
      Oak Park Place of BarabooCertified Nursing AssistantBaraboo
      Oak Park Place of MadisonPersonal Care Assistant
      Options In Community LivingDirect Support Professional
      Park View Health CenterNurse AideOshkosh
      Public Health Of Madison & Dane CountyCOVID Response Specialist - Bilingual
      Sauk County Health Care CenterCertified Nursing AssistantReedsburg
      Self-EmployedCaregiverFitchburg
      SSM HealthCertified Nursing Assistant6
      SSM HealthMedical AssistantWaunakee
      SSM HealthMedical AssistantBaraboo
      St Coletta Of WisconsinCertified Nursing AssistantJefferson
      St Coletta of WisconsinDirect Support ProfessionalJefferson
      Stoughton HealthNursing AssistantStoughton
      Tivoli At Divine Savior HealthcareCertified Nursing AssistantPortage
      Unity Point HealthNursing Assistant2
      Unity Point HealthCertified Nursing Assistant
      UW Health Hospitals & ClinicsNursing Assistant8
      UW Health Hospitals & ClinicsPatient Scheduling Representative
      UW Health Hospitals & ClinicsCertified Nursing Assistant5
      UW Health Hospitals & ClinicsMedical Assistant
      UW Health Hospitals & ClinicsRegistered Nurse
      VA Medical CenterCertified Nursing Assistant4
      VA Medical CenterNursing Assistant
      Villa at Middleton VillageNursing AssistantMiddleton
      Visiting AngelsCertified Nursing Assistant
      Watertown Regional Medical CenterCertified Nursing AssistantWatertown
      Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran SynodAdministrative AssistantWaukesha

      * - 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

Contact the School of Nursing

Madison Truax Campus
Health Building, 103

1705 Hoffman Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

nursing@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6780

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm (Virtual)