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Program Overview
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of nursing homes, helping people with their daily living activities such as getting someone up, bathed, dressed, helping them with feeding and transferring them from place to place safely.
The Nursing Assistant technical diploma will prepare you for work as a nursing assistant in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Graduates of this program can seek employment as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), nursing assistant, nurse aide, home health aide or psychiatric aide.
This program is also for anyone responsible for caring for someone with health issues who wants to learn how to administer care safely.
Learn in Your Community
This short program involves only one 3-credit class you can complete in less than one semester. You’ll learn communication skills, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, clients’ rights and care of clients with dementia.
The coursework combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory work, followed by closely supervised clinical experiences with direct client care to help you quickly develop your skills.
You can take the nursing assistant class in Madison at our Truax or Goodman South campus or regionally in Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson.
Nursing Assistant Program Details
100% attendance is mandatory for all portions of this course. Please disregard any statements that portions of this course are optional.
The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a nurse aide training program.
Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry certification.
This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
The Nursing Assistant program prepares students for careers as nursing assistants and provides a foundation for other health-related programs. Goodman Foundation Scholarships
The Goodman Foundation offers 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 or application inquiries, please contact the Goodman South Campus Manager at southscholarships@madisoncollege.edu.
English/Spanish Bilingual Students
Bilingual students may also complete the Nursing Assistant program through the Centro Hispano of Dane County. The Caminos CNA program, a collaborative effort between Madison College and the United Way HIRE Initiative, is a 4-month college-level CNA training for Dane County residents. Participating in this program will enhance your digital and financial literacy, boost your preparedness for employment, provide professional development guidance, and offer practical hands-on training. You will connect with potential employers and explore various career opportunities throughout the duration of your program.
You will have access to complete a bridge course before the start of the core Nursing Assistant course, learning strategies such as study skills, note taking, test taking, and much more. Please visit the Caminos CNA Program website for more details.
Your Credits Allow You to Ladder Up!
Your Madison College nursing assistant credits will transfer to the Practical Nurse diploma or Nursing Associate Degree programs if you wish to continue your education to further your nursing career.
How to Get Started
Please note that you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required immunizations before you can register for the course.
Please see the Admission tab below for details about the registration requirements and the steps to get started.
Additional Nursing Program Resources
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Nursing Assistant program, from course information to uniforms, books and supplies, certification and more.
Download the School of Nursing Student Handbook (PDF) to learn more about the nursing program’s requirements, policies, procedures and more.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 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.
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Admission
Be sure to understand the Nursing Program Functional Abilities necessary for the nursing assistant coursework.
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).
Create a Madison College Student Account
Create a Madison College Student Account (if you do not already have one).
Background Check and Health Screening Package
Complete these required background check and health screening steps.
1. Purchase a Background Check and Health Screening
You will need to purchase a Castlebranch Account (if you are taking Nursing Assistant Summer or Fall 2025). Madison College is transitioning to Viewpoint Screening for students taking Nursing Assistant Spring 2026 and after. Beginning October 1, 2025, you will be able to create a Viewpoint Screening Account.
For students wanting to take nursing assistant in the Summer or Fall semester 2025, please purchase and create a CastleBranch account using Package Code MJ17. The cost for the background check and health screening package is $54.19 + $1.99 processing fee.
2. Background Information Disclosure Form
Print and complete the Background Information Disclosure Form (PDF).
See our Health and Nursing Programs Policies page to learn more about the background check process.
3. Nursing Assistant Program Health Requirements Checklist
Refer to the Nursing Assistant Program Health Requirements Checklist (PDF) Use this document to complete the mandatory health requirements. If you are having trouble 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.
4. Upload Background Check and Health Screening
Scan, save and upload your complete Background Information Disclosure (BID) and Health Screening forms to your account; be sure to include any supporting lab reports or immunization documentation.
5. Health/Accident Insurance
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.
Learn more about the Student Accident Insurance Plan at gallagherstudent.com.
6. Check Your Email for "To Do" Messages
After uploading the required documents, be sure to check your email account for any 'to do' messages. Read your background check results carefully.
7. When Health Screening Requirements Are Complete
When all requirements are completed and marked complete, you will receive an email notifying you are approved to register.
8. Course Enrollment 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 at nursing@madisoncollege.edu to discuss options.
Important Information About Attending Class
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 Madison College 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 the Nursing Assistant program FAQ)
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.
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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
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 481 447 560 Number of Surveys Sent 478 447 560 Number of Surveys Returned 320 299 387 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 89 86 145 Percent Available for Employment 27.8% 28.8% 37.5% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 70.9% 69.9% 61.0% Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 83 80 129 Percent of Graduates Employed 93.3% 93.0% 89.0% Employed in Related Occupation 58 56 80 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 69.9% 70.0% 62.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 25 23 44 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 30.1% 28.8% 34.1% Employed - No Response 0 1 5 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 1.3% 3.9% Seeking Employment 6 6 16 Percent Seeking Employment 6.7% 7.0% 11.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.6 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 268 245 291 Very Satisfied (4) 168 160 178 Percent Very Satisfied 62.7% 65.3% 61.2% Satisfied (3) 96 82 102 Percent Satisfied 35.8% 33.5% 35.1% Unsatisfied (2) 2 2 6 Percent Unsatisfied 0.7% 0.8% 2.1% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.7% 0.4% 1.7% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 319 298 384 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 2.5% 0.0% 1.3% When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 83 79 124 Before Enrollment 17 35 42 Percent Before Enrollment 20.5% 44.3% 33.9% While Attending the College 11 13 23 Percent While Attending the College 13.3% 16.5% 18.5% After Training at the College 55 31 59 Percent After Training at the College 66.3% 39.2% 47.6% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 87 84 135 In College District 56 65 107 Percent In College District 64.4% 77.4% 79.3% In Wisconsin, Not in District 23 6 12 Percent of In Wisconsin 26.4% 7.1% 8.9% Outside of Wisconsin 3 1 3 Percent Outside Wisconsin 3.4% 1.2% 2.2% Employer Location Unknown 5 12 13 Percent Location Unknown 5.7% 14.3% 9.6% Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 23 26 32 Average Monthly Wage $3,233 $3,667 $3,352 Average Hourly Wage $18.80 $21.32 $19.49 Average Work Hours per Week 40.5 42.1 41.8 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 31 19 38 Average Hourly Wage $18.31 $19.35 $19.53 Average Work Hours per Week 23.9 21.3 22.4 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Agrace HospiceCare Certified Nursing Assistant Fitchburg 3 Alden Estates Of Jefferson Certified Nursing Assistant Jefferson All Saints Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant APEX Adult Family Homes Caregiver At Your Service Caregiver Oconomowoc Aurora Health Center Certified Nursing Assistant Oconomowoc Belmont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Certified Nursing Assistant Beloit Health & Rehabilitation Center Certified Nursing Assistant Beloit Birch Creek Post Acute & Rehabilitation Certified Nursing Assistant Tacoma WA Brightstar Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant Brightstar Healthcare CNA In-Home Care Baraboo Caring Hearts Assisted Living Certified Nursing Assistant Poynette Crest View Nursing Home Certified Nursing Assistant New Lisbon Dane Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant Lodi Edgewater Spa Manager Fort Health & Rehabilitation Certified Nursing Assistant Fort Atkinson 3 Fortrea Clinical Trials Research Technician Fountain Head Homes Certified Nursing Assistant DeForest 2 Four Winds Manor Certified Nursing Assistant Verona Glenwood at Mulberry Caregiver Whitewater Gundersen St Joseph Certified Nursing Assistant Hillsboro Hanna Medical Clinic Medical Assistant Middleton Harmony Hills Assisted Living Caregiver Loganville Hartland Country Village Certified Nursing Assistant Black Earth Home Again Assisted Living Certified Nursing Assistant Columbus Home Instead Senior Care Lead Care Professional Home Instead Senior Care Caretaker CNA Lilac Springs Assisted Living Center Certified Nursing Assistant Lake Mills Madison Metropolitan School District Assistant Nurse Maplewood Nursing Home Certified Nursing Assistant Sauk City 2 Maplewood Nursing Home Resident Assistant Sauk City Mendota Mental Health Institute Patient Care Technician Meriter Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant 2 Noel Manor Retirement Living Resident Assistant Verona Oak Park Place of Madison Certified Nursing Assistant 2 Oakwood Village Certified Nursing Assistant 2 Sevita Direct Support Professional Left Blank LEFT BLANK Shorehaven Health & Rehabilitation Center Certified Nursing Assistant Oconomowoc Skaalen Retirement Services Certified Nursing Assistant Stoughton SSM Health EMT Middleton St Clare Hospital & Health Services Certified Nursing Assistant Baraboo Sun Prairie Senior Living Certified Nursing Assistant Sun Prairie Sunset Ridge Assisted Living Certified Nursing Assistant Johnson Creek Target Stores Crew Member UW - Madison Nursing Assistant UW Health Hospital & Clinics Nursing Care Partner UW Health Hospital & Clinics Nursing Assistant 8 UW Health Hospital & Clinics Medical Assistant 2 UW Health Hospital & Clinics Certified Nursing Assistant 8 UW Health Hospital & Clinics Postdoctoral Research Associate Watertown Healthcare Center Certified Nursing Assistant Watertown Watertown Regional Medical Center Environmental Services 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
Start your nursing career quickly. Our 3-credit course will prepare you for work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
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