Get answers to common questions about the Nursing Assistant course at Madison College.

Course Information

What are my options if I am unable to attend all scheduled class times?

  • The Nursing Assistant course is regulated by the Department of Health Services, including the course content and number of required hours.
  • Successful completion requires students to complete the full 99 course hours in the classroom, skills lab and clinical setting.
  • You should not register for a course if you cannot commit to attending all assigned hours.

What does “instructional component hybrid” mean?

  • The 50 hours of face-to-face classroom time is replaced with online activities, via Brightspace.
  • Students do not meet face-to-face.
  • The work is not self-paced however, and has strict deadlines to keep you on pace with the course.

What does “instructional component accelerated” mean?

  • The 99 hour course is compressed into 3-4 weeks (instead of 9-10).
  • You will need to commit to intense focus and time commitment to complete the course successfully.
  • The classroom portion is in a hybrid/online format. You need strong computer and online course work skills.

Can I register if I haven't completed my second TB skin test?

No. All health screening requirements must be fully complete and approved prior to registration.

Uniforms

What is the Nursing Assistant uniform requirement?

Dress Code Policy

*Clinical site dress code must be followed.

Dress Code for ALL Supervised Practical Training 

Hair: all hair including facial hair must be clean, neat, and contained to maintain infection control. Appropriate cultural/medical/religious head coverings may be worn. It is expected that the head covering will maintain infection control standards.  

 Nails: short (do not extend beyond the fingertips), neat, smooth, and clean. No artificial nails, nail polish, attachments, embellishments, extensions, or embedded jewelry allowed. Nail polish must be well-maintained with no chips, cracks, flaking, etc.

 No gum chewing. 

 Good personal hygiene: no foul or strong odors, including perfumes, colognes, or highly scented powders, lotions, or deodorants. No odor of smoking. 

 Jewelry: A non-recording, non-transmitting watch with a sweep second hand is required and is the only jewelry to be worn on the arms. One ring allowed. Maximum of one single, small, post earring per lobe. Small, post earrings only. Ear gauges must be clear or the skin tone of the wearer. Ear gauges must be a solid plug without imagery or words. No facial rings or hoops. No protruding facial jewelry. Small necklaces must be worn inside of tops and at own risk.  

 Tattoos: Students will conform to the dress code of the clinical site. Students will cover any tattoos when directed by the instructor. This could include but not limited to obscene, offensive, discriminatory language or imagery. 

 Modest application of make-up is acceptable, if desired. Permanent eyelash extensions only allowed. 

  Shoes: Clean, closed toe and closed back shoes. No clogs, sandals, or platform soles. Water- and slip-resistant; safe for all health care environment activities and conditions. 

  Socks or stockings must be worn. 

  Appropriate undergarments must be worn. Underwear is not visible through or around clothing. 

 Professional appearance is required at all times. 

  • Scrub tops need to cover breasts, including when bending at the waist. An additional top may be worn underneath. 
  • Scrub tops and bottoms need to meet when bending at the waist. Exposed underwear or skin is not allowed. 
  • Scrub pants cannot touch the floor, as they quickly become soiled and worn, representing a safety and infection control issue. 
  • Skirt and dress hemlines should be between two inches below the knee and the top of the shoes. 
  • Scrubs should be neat (without wrinkles) and clean (without stains and odors). 

Any religious, cultural, or medical exceptions must be pre-approved by the program director. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the program director for approval. 

Students not in compliance with the dress code may result in dismissal from lab or clinical. Please reach out to the Program Director if there are barriers related to dress code. 

Books and Supplies

Where can I purchase the textbook and required Nursing Assistant Supply Kit?

The Nursing Assistant textbook is now included in the leased text program at the college.

Please visit the Bookstore or call 608.246.6016 and order the book for your class section.

The Nursing Assistant Supply Kit and Workbook can be purchased at the bookstore.

Certification and Exams

I took the Nursing Assistant course, but did not take the certification exam. What do I need to do now?

If testing is not completed within one year from the date on your Nursing Assistant course certificate, you can reachout to Headmaster for consideration of a waiver.

How do I obtain another Certificate of Completion?

For proof of program completion for reasons other than the initial competency testing, please obtain an official transcript.

How do I apply to take the competency exam?

  • Your instructor will pre-enroll you in the Headmaster TMU when you start your Nursing Assistant class and then change your status to ‘Complete’ once you successfully finish all course requirements.
  • Enrollment information will be sent to your Madison College email address from Headmaster (please check your Junk and Spam folders).
  • You must complete your application by logging in through the Headmaster TMU.
  • The certification exam fees are: Knowledge Exam is $35.70. The audio version of the Knowledge Exam is $40.95 and the Skills Test is $102.05.(retake exam fees differ). THIS IS NOT included in your Nursing Assistant course tuition.

Nurse Aide Registry

I was placed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry several years ago, but my certification expired. How do I renew my status on the Nurse Aide Registry?

When you are placed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, you are provided two types of eligibility: Federal and State.

Federal eligibility must be maintained to work in any Medicare and/or Medicaid certified nursing home, home health agency or hospice. You must have been employed as a CNA for at least 8-hours in the previous 24-months to maintain your Federal eligibility. Renewal information will be provided to you through Headmaster.

Even if Federal eligibility lapses, you always retain your status as a nurse aide and may work in hospitals, including critical access hospitals and facilities that are not certified as Medicaid providers, including nursing homes, facilities that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities, home health agencies, hospices and assisted living facilities.

Federal eligibility can be restored by retesting with Headmaster. Registration can be done through the Headmaster TMU.