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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 at our Truax or Goodman South campuses in Madison or in Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown or Fort Atkinson.
Nursing Assistant Program Details
100% attendance is mandatory for all portions of this course.
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.
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.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 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 Nursing Program Functional Abilities necessary for the nursing assistant coursework.
All registration requirements listed below must be completed 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).
1. Purchase a Background Check and Health Portal through Viewpoint Screening
https://www.viewpointscreening.com/
Purchase the Background Check and Health Portal screening package for Nursing Assistant. Cost is $83.
DO NOT Purchase the Drug Test package.
2. 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. Please click the link below, and it will take you to the Gallagher Student website.
https://portal.gallagherstudent.com/
3. Check Your Email for Messages
After uploading the required documents, be sure to check your personal email account for any messages. Your Madison College email account does not become active until after enrollment.
4. When Health Screening Requirements Are Complete
When all requirements are completed and marked complete, you will receive an email to your personal email notifying you are approved to register.
5. 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 Brightspace 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 branch 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 to take the written and skills testing for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry through Headmaster.
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
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 447 560 789 Number of Surveys Sent 447 560 789 Number of Surveys Returned 299 387 561 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 86 145 226 Percent Available for Employment 28.8% 37.5% 40.3% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 69.9% 61.0% 57.2% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 80 129 208 Percent of Graduates Employed 93.0% 89.0% 92.0% Employed in Related Occupation 56 80 134 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 70.0% 62.0% 64.4% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 23 44 73 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 28.8% 34.1% 35.1% Employed - No Response 1 5 1 Percent Employed - No Response 1.3% 3.9% 0.5% Seeking Employment 6 16 18 Percent Seeking Employment 7.0% 11.0% 8.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.6 3.6 3.7 Number of Satisfaction Responses 245 291 453 Very Satisfied (4) 160 178 332 Percent Very Satisfied 65.3% 61.2% 73.3% Satisfied (3) 82 102 116 Percent Satisfied 33.5% 35.1% 25.6% Unsatisfied (2) 2 6 2 Percent Unsatisfied 0.8% 2.1% 0.4% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.4% 1.7% 0.7% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 298 384 561 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 0.0% 1.3% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 79 124 207 Before Enrollment 35 42 60 Percent Before Enrollment 44.3% 33.9% 29.0% While Attending the College 13 23 18 Percent While Attending the College 16.5% 18.5% 8.7% After Training at the College 31 59 129 Percent After Training at the College 39.2% 47.6% 62.3% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 84 135 222 In College District 65 107 177 Percent In College District 77.4% 79.3% 79.7% In Wisconsin, Not in District 6 12 17 Percent of In Wisconsin 7.1% 8.9% 7.7% Outside of Wisconsin 1 3 5 Percent Outside Wisconsin 1.2% 2.2% 2.3% Employer Location Unknown 12 13 23 Percent Location Unknown 14.3% 9.6% 10.4% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 26 32 50 Average Monthly Wage $3,667 $3,352 $3,863 Average Hourly Wage $21.32 $19.49 $22.46 Average Work Hours per Week 42.1 41.8 41.1 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 19 38 71 Average Hourly Wage $19.35 $19.53 $19.65 Average Work Hours per Week 21.3 22.4 20.3 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Agrace Hospice Care Certified Nursing Assistant Fitchburg Alden Estates Of Jefferson Certified Nursing Assistant Jefferson All Saints Healthcare Resident Assistant All Saints Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant Anderson Chiropractic Office Behavioral Technician Reedsburg Azura Memory Care And Assisted Living Certified Nursing Assistant Verona Azura Memory Care And Assisted Living Director Of Community Relations Verona Beehive Homes Of Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant Oregon Biomat Plasma Center Lead Technician Brightstar Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant Baraboo Central Wisconsin Center Certified Nursing Assistant 3 Clearview LTC & Rehabilitation Certified Nursing Assistant Juneau Clipboard Health Certified Nursing Assistant Columbia County Health Care Center Certified Nursing Assistant Wyocena 2 Columbus Health & Rehab Center Certified Nursing Assistant Columbus Community Living Alliance Caretaker Dimensions Living Jefferson Certified Nursing Assistant Jefferson Eastcastle Place Certified Nursing Assistant Milwaukee Elder Span Management Resident Assistant 2 Endeavor Health Certified Medical Assistant Chicago IL Evergreen Retirement Community Certified Nursing Assistant Oshkosh Fort Health & Rehabilitation ER Technician Fort Atkinson Fort Health & Rehabilitation Certified Nursing Assistant Fort Atkinson 6 Four Winds Manor Certified Nursing Assistant Verona Fresh Madison Market Grocery Store Shift Manager Greenway Manor Licensed Practical Nurse Spring Green Heart to Heart Adult Family Hoome Certified Nursing Assistant Heritage Homes Resident Assistant Watertown Ho-Chunk Nation Certified Nursing Assistant Baraboo Home Again Assisted Living Medical Passer Columbus Home Again Assisted Living Certified Nursing Assistant Cambridge Home Instead Senior Care At-Home Care Professional Illuminus Certified Nursing Assistant Watertown Interim Healthcare Certified Nursing Assistant Jahad Lewis Certified Nursing Assistant DeForest Jefferson Memory Care Certified Nursing Assistant Jefferson Kettle Park Senior Living Certified Nursing Assistant Stoughton 2 Koru Health Certified Nursing Assistant Oconomowoc Lake Mills Health Services Certified Nursing Assistant Lake Mills Lindengrove Health Care Center Certified Nursing Assistant Waukesha Macu's Comfort Care Direct Support Professional Maplewood Nursing Home Certified Nursing Assistant Sauk City 3 Memorial Hermann Hospital Operating Room Attendant Houston TX Mendota Mental Health Institute Psychiatric Care Technician Meridian Group Inc Certified Nursing Assistant Middleton WI Meriter Hospital Health Unit Coordinator Meriter Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant 2 Middleton Village Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Certified Nursing Assistant Middleton Mile Bluff Medical Center Certified Nursing Assistant Mauston Northwestern University Department Of Ophthalmology Research Study Assistant Chicago IL Oak Park Place of Baraboo Personal Care Assistant Baraboo Oak Park Place of Madison Nursing Assistant Oak Park Place of Madison Certified Nursing Assistant 7 Oakwood Village Certified Nursing Assistant 4 Oakwood Village Oakwood Village Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital ER Technician Oconomowoc Parkside Village Retirement Community Receptionist DeForest Prohealth Care Imaging Assistant Waukesha Sauk County Health Care Center Certified Nursing Assistant Reedsburg 2 Select Specialty Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant Select Specialty Hospital Nurse Technician Shorehaven Health & Rehabilitation Center Memory Care Aide Oconomowoc Shorehaven Health & Rehabilitation Center Caregiver Oconomowoc Shorehaven Health & Rehabilitation Center Certified Nursing Assistant Oconomowoc SSM Health Certified Nursing Assistant 2 SSM Health Therapy Aide SSM Health Nurse Aide St Clare Hospital & Health Services Certified Nursing Assistant Baraboo St Croix Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant Baraboo Superior Ambulance EMT The Rivers Assissted Living and Memory Care Certified Nursing Assistant Portage The View At Johnson Creek Certified Nursing Assistant Johnson Creek Unity Point Meriter Patient Care Technician Unity Point Meriter Certified Nursing Assistant 3 Unspecified Certified Nursing Assistant 3 Unspecified Certified Nursing Assistant DeForest Unspecified Home Health Aide Mayville Unspecified Certified Nursing Assistant Milwaukee UW Health Medication Access Specialist UW Health Surgical Technologist UW Health Patient Access Representative UW Health Nursing Assistant 6 UW Health Registered Nurse Apprentice UW Health Certified Nursing Assistant 6 UW Health East Madison Hospital Nursing Assistant Watertown Memorial Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant Watertown Watertown Memorial Hospital Inpatient Care Technician Watertown Waunakee Community School District Health Assistant Waunakee Waunakee Valley Senior Center Certified Nursing Assistant Waunakee 2 * - 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
