Start your nursing career quickly. Our 3-credit course will prepare you for work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
nursing student applying newly-learned techniques on clients in clinical settings
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
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Estimated Program Cost
$644.67
  • 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.

    nursing students practicing on a medical mannequin
    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.

  • 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.

    Fall, Spring or Summer Semester
    30-543-300
    3 credits
  • 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.

  • 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

      202220232024
      Number of Program Graduates481447560
      Number of Surveys Sent478447560
      Number of Surveys Returned320299387
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment8986145
      Percent Available for Employment27.8%28.8%37.5%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market70.9%69.9%61.0%
      Available for Employment

      202220232024
      Graduates Employed8380129
      Percent of Graduates Employed93.3%93.0%89.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation585680
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation69.9%70.0%62.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation252344
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation30.1%28.8%34.1%
      Employed - No Response015
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%1.3%3.9%
      Seeking Employment6616
      Percent Seeking Employment6.7%7.0%11.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202220232024
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.63.63.6
      Number of Satisfaction Responses268245291
      Very Satisfied (4)168160178
      Percent Very Satisfied62.7%65.3%61.2%
      Satisfied (3)9682102
      Percent Satisfied35.8%33.5%35.1%
      Unsatisfied (2)226
      Percent Unsatisfied0.7%0.8%2.1%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.7%0.4%1.7%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202220232024
      Number of Primary Reason Responses319298384
      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 Other2.5%0.0%1.3%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202220232024
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses8379124
      Before Enrollment173542
      Percent Before Enrollment20.5%44.3%33.9%
      While Attending the College111323
      Percent While Attending the College13.3%16.5%18.5%
      After Training at the College553159
      Percent After Training at the College66.3%39.2%47.6%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202220232024
      Number of Employment Location Responses8784135
      In College District5665107
      Percent In College District64.4%77.4%79.3%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District23612
      Percent of In Wisconsin26.4%7.1%8.9%
      Outside of Wisconsin313
      Percent Outside Wisconsin3.4%1.2%2.2%
      Employer Location Unknown51213
      Percent Location Unknown5.7%14.3%9.6%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202220232024
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count232632
      Average Monthly Wage$3,233$3,667$3,352
      Average Hourly Wage$18.80$21.32$19.49
      Average Work Hours per Week40.542.141.8
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count311938
      Average Hourly Wage$18.31$19.35$19.53
      Average Work Hours per Week23.921.322.4
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Agrace HospiceCareCertified Nursing AssistantFitchburg3
      Alden Estates Of JeffersonCertified Nursing AssistantJefferson
      All Saints HealthcareCertified Nursing Assistant
      APEX Adult Family HomesCaregiver
      At Your ServiceCaregiverOconomowoc
      Aurora Health CenterCertified Nursing AssistantOconomowoc
      Belmont Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterCertified Nursing Assistant
      Beloit Health & Rehabilitation CenterCertified Nursing AssistantBeloit
      Birch Creek Post Acute & RehabilitationCertified Nursing AssistantTacomaWA
      Brightstar HealthcareCertified Nursing Assistant
      Brightstar HealthcareCNA In-Home CareBaraboo
      Caring Hearts Assisted LivingCertified Nursing AssistantPoynette
      Crest View Nursing HomeCertified Nursing AssistantNew Lisbon
      Dane HealthcareCertified Nursing AssistantLodi
      Edgewater SpaManager
      Fort Health & RehabilitationCertified Nursing AssistantFort Atkinson3
      Fortrea Clinical TrialsResearch Technician
      Fountain Head HomesCertified Nursing AssistantDeForest2
      Four Winds ManorCertified Nursing AssistantVerona
      Glenwood at MulberryCaregiverWhitewater
      Gundersen St JosephCertified Nursing AssistantHillsboro
      Hanna Medical ClinicMedical AssistantMiddleton
      Harmony Hills Assisted LivingCaregiverLoganville
      Hartland Country VillageCertified Nursing AssistantBlack Earth
      Home Again Assisted LivingCertified Nursing AssistantColumbus
      Home Instead Senior CareLead Care Professional
      Home Instead Senior CareCaretaker CNA
      Lilac Springs Assisted Living CenterCertified Nursing AssistantLake Mills
      Madison Metropolitan School DistrictAssistant Nurse
      Maplewood Nursing HomeCertified Nursing AssistantSauk City2
      Maplewood Nursing HomeResident AssistantSauk City
      Mendota Mental Health InstitutePatient Care Technician
      Meriter HospitalCertified Nursing Assistant2
      Noel Manor Retirement LivingResident AssistantVerona
      Oak Park Place of MadisonCertified Nursing Assistant2
      Oakwood VillageCertified Nursing Assistant2
      SevitaDirect Support ProfessionalLeft BlankLEFT BLANK
      Shorehaven Health & Rehabilitation CenterCertified Nursing AssistantOconomowoc
      Skaalen Retirement ServicesCertified Nursing AssistantStoughton
      SSM HealthEMTMiddleton
      St Clare Hospital & Health ServicesCertified Nursing AssistantBaraboo
      Sun Prairie Senior LivingCertified Nursing AssistantSun Prairie
      Sunset Ridge Assisted LivingCertified Nursing AssistantJohnson Creek
      Target StoresCrew Member
      UW - MadisonNursing Assistant
      UW Health Hospital & ClinicsNursing Care Partner
      UW Health Hospital & ClinicsNursing Assistant8
      UW Health Hospital & ClinicsMedical Assistant2
      UW Health Hospital & ClinicsCertified Nursing Assistant8
      UW Health Hospital & ClinicsPostdoctoral Research Associate
      Watertown Healthcare CenterCertified Nursing AssistantWatertown
      Watertown Regional Medical CenterEnvironmental ServicesWatertown

      * - 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)