Nursing Assistant

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.