You’re a natural born helper – and it’s a rare gift. There’s a growing need for people with your skills and your compassion.
nurses gather around patient
92%
Job Placement
92% job placement within six months of graduation.
97%
Student Satisfaction
97% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
$39k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $38,796.
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

$625.65
  • Program Overview

    The Nursing Assistant program at Madison College prepares students for employment as nursing assistants. Students learn:

    • Communication skills
    • Basic nursing and personal care skills
    • Client rights
    • Care of clients with dementia

    Please note that prior to registration, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required immunizations. Please see the Admission tab for details about these registration requirements.

    The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a nurse aide training program. 

    This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.

    The Goodman Foundation is offering 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/application inquiries, please contact SouthScholarships@madisoncollege.edu, Goodman South Campus Manager.

    Bilingual students may also choose to 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-moth 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 be able to complete a bridge course prior to the start of the core Nursing Assistant course, learn strategies such as; study skills, note taking, test taking, and much more. Please visit the link for more information: Caminos CNA Program.

    Program Details

    Nursing Assistant classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

    • Madison - Truax
    • Madison - South
    • Fort Atkinson
    • Portage
    • Reedsburg
    • Watertown

    100 percent attendance is mandatory for all portions of this course. Please disregard any statements that portions of this course are optional.

    Career

    Graduates of the Nursing Assistant program at Madison Area Technical College can seek employment as the following:

    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
    • Nursing Assistant
    • Nurse Aide
    • Home Health Aide
    • Psychiatric Aide

    Upon successful competency testing, Nursing Assistants may find employment in:

    • Nursing Homes
    • Hospitals
    • Home Health Agencies
    • Hospices

    Resources

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 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 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 have the most current COVID vaccine.  Please view Frequently Asked Questions for further details. Ensure that your CastleBranch accounts are up to date and include documentation of your COVID vaccine.
    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 Teri Gorder: tgorder@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.

      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 to discuss options. 

      nursing@madisoncollege.edu 

    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.

  • 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

      202020212022
      Number of Program Graduates598502480
      Number of Surveys Sent585502478
      Number of Surveys Returned296340320
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment22311489
      Percent Available for Employment75.30%39.60%33.10%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market23.30%76.40%84.40%
      Available for Employment

      202020212022
      Graduates Employed20510483
      Percent of Graduates Employed91.90%91.20%93.30%
      Employed in Related Occupation1647458
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation80.00%71.20%69.90%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation373025
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation18.00%28.80%30.10%
      Employed - No Response400
      Percent Employed - No Response2.00%0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment18106
      Percent Seeking Employment8.10%8.80%6.70%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202020212022
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.63.63.6
      Number of Satisfaction Responses292282268
      Very Satisfied (4)192162168
      Percent Very Satisfied65.80%57.40%62.70%
      Satisfied (3)9411696
      Percent Satisfied32.20%41.10%35.80%
      Unsatisfied (2)432
      Percent Unsatisfied1.40%1.10%0.70%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)212
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.70%0.40%0.70%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202020212022
      Number of Primary Reason Responses296334319
      Preparation for Getting a Job8970106
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job30.10%21.00%33.20%
      Career Change394327
      Percent Career Change13.20%12.90%8.50%
      Improvement of Existing Skills7144
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills2.40%4.20%1.30%
      Preparation for Further Education151199164
      Percent Preparation for Further Education51.00%59.60%51.40%
      Personal Interest9810
      Percent Personal Interest3.00%2.40%3.10%
      Other108
      Percent Other0.30%0.00%2.50%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202020212022
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses20110483
      Before Enrollment464417
      Percent Before Enrollment22.90%42.30%20.50%
      While Attending the College451811
      Percent While Attending the College22.40%17.30%13.30%
      After Training at the College1104255
      Percent After Training at the College54.70%40.40%66.30%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202020212022
      Number of Employment Location Responses1658564
      In College District1527456
      Percent In College District92.10%87.10%87.50%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin453
      Percent Outside Wisconsin2.40%5.90%4.70%
      Employer Location Unknown965
      Percent Location Unknown5.50%7.10%7.80%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202020212022
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count463923
      Average Monthly Wage$2,584$2,967$3,233
      Average Hourly Wage$15.03$17.25$18.80
      Average Work Hours per Week40.740.440.5
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count932631
      Average Hourly Wage$14.84$16.88$18.31
      Average Work Hours per Week22.324.323.9
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Adult Day CenterScheduling & Certified Nursing Assistant
      All One StaffingCertified Nursing AssistantPortage
      Attic Angel PlaceCertified Nursing AssistantMiddleton
      Capitol Lakes Retirement CommunityCertified Nursing Assistant
      Carrington Place of St. PeteNurse AssistantSt PetersburgFL
      Columbus Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterNursing AssistantColumbus
      Crossroads Care CenterCertified Nursing AssistantSun Prairie
      Divine Savior HealthcareCertified Nursing AssistantPortage
      Divine Savior HealthcareOB TechnicianPortage
      HCA HealthcarePatient Care TechnicianDenverCO
      Kettle Park Senior LivingCertified Nursing AssistantStoughton
      Knights Staffing LLCCEO
      Madison Medical AffiliatesNursing AssistantMequon
      Mercy Health SystemCertified Nursing AssistantJanesville
      Meriter HospitalPatient Assistant
      Meriter HospitalCertified Nursing Assistant
      Meriter HospitalCertified Nursing Assistant Med/Surg Floor
      Oak Park Place of MadisonPersonal Care Assistant
      Oak Park Place of MadisonCertified Nursing Assistant3
      Schmitt Woodland HillsCertified Nursing AssistantRichland Center
      Select Specialty HospitalCertified Nursing Assistant
      Senior HelpersCertified Nursing Assistant
      SSM HealthCertified Nursing Assistant
      St Clare Hospital & Health ServicesCertified Nursing AssistantBaraboo2
      St Mary's / Dean VenturesClinical Partner II
      St Mary's / Dean VenturesCertified Nursing Assistant
      State of WisconsinState Disability Examiner
      Sun Prairie Health Care CenterCertified Nursing AssistantSun Prairie
      Tennyson Senior LivingCertified Nursing Assistant
      The Villa at Middleton VillageCertified Nursing AssistantMiddleton
      Unity Point Health-MeriterNursing Assistant2
      UVA HealthScribeCharlottesvilleVA
      UW HealthIn-Patient Nursing Assistant
      UW HealthCertified Nursing Assistant2
      UW HealthStudent Help Technician
      UW HealthNursing Assistant10
      VA Medical CenterCertified Nursing Assistant
      VA Medical CenterMedical Support Assistant
      Watertown Regional Medical CenterCertified Nursing Assistant/TechnicianWatertown

      * - 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)