17 Best CNA Programs & Classes in Wisconsin [2025]

1. Bellin College

3201 Eaton Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 433-6699

Bellin College's Nursing Assistant program blends rigorous classroom instruction with hands-on lab training and a state-approved clinical practicum to fulfill Wisconsin DHS standards. Offered in fall, spring and summer terms, the curriculum awards three college credits and is reviewed biennially by the Office of Caregiver Quality. Small cohorts learn in the Health Sciences building under expert faculty, ensuring personalized mentorship and mastery of essential competencies.

Across 90 contact hours-including a mandatory 16-hour practicum at local hospitals or nursing homes-students develop proficiency in body mechanics, vital signs, patient safety, ethical caregiving and restorative care. With strict attendance requirements, comprehensive technical standards guidance and access to modern simulation labs, the program prepares graduates to excel on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The fee covers all textbooks and supplies; students are responsible for scrubs and state testing fees.

• Cost: $747
• Program Length: 90 contact hours over 6-8 weeks
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; documented immunization history; two-step TB test; Technical Standards Inventory; caregiver background check

2. Blackhawk Technical College

6004 S County Road G, Janesville, WI 53546 (608) 757-7750

Blackhawk Technical College offers a rigorous 90-hour Nursing Assistant technical diploma that integrates classroom lectures, campus lab simulations, and a supervised clinical practicum at accredited healthcare agencies. Accredited by the Wisconsin DHS Bureau of Quality Assurance, the curriculum emphasizes essential competencies-personal care, infection control, communication, ethical practice-and culminates in eligibility to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.

Delivered at both the Beloit-Janesville and Monroe campuses, the program features multiple learning modalities-including in-person, synchronous live online, asynchronous online anytime, and MyEdChoice-so you can tailor instruction to your schedule. Under the guidance of experienced faculty and through hands-on practice in real-world settings, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to launch a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

• Cost: $379
• Program Length: 90 hours
• Prerequisites: Age 16+; Background Check; High School Diploma or Equivalent

3. Bryant & Stratton College

5960 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217 1-866-948-0571

Bryant & Stratton College offers a focused, 75-hour Nurse Aide Certificate program in Wisconsin that blends 59 hours of theory and lab instruction with 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Designed to align with state training standards, the curriculum equips students with essential competencies-communication, activities of daily living, basic restorative techniques, and dementia care-preparing graduates to sit for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry certification exam.

With small class sizes on the Glendale campus, you'll receive personalized guidance from experienced nurse educators in modern classrooms and skills labs. Supervised rotations at partner long-term care facilities reinforce hands-on proficiency, while Bryant & Stratton's dedicated student support services assist with exam registration and early career placement.

• Cost: Not specified
• Program Length: 75 hours
• Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; Minimum age 18; Background Check; TB Test; Immunizations

4. Carthage College

2001 Alford Park Dr, Kenosha, WI 53140 (262) 551-8500

Carthage College's Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program equips students with foundational caregiving skills through a concentrated cohort model. Over one month, learners master activities of daily living-bathing, dressing, feeding-and essential nursing procedures in the on-campus Nursing Learning Lab. Two full-day clinical rotations at partner healthcare facilities reinforce hands-on competencies under faculty supervision.

Classes run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with clinical days from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Instruction covers all OBRA-required content and prepares students for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry exam. Graduates earn two general education credits upon program completion.

• Cost: $850
• Program Length: 1 month (3 weeks instruction + 2 clinical days)
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; high school diploma or GED; immunization records; background check

5. Chippewa Valley Technical College

600 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 833-6300

Chippewa Valley Technical College's 2-credit Nursing Assistant technical diploma combines classroom lecture, lab simulations, and supervised clinical practice in long-term care facilities at its Eau Claire and River Falls campuses. Over 14 weeks or less, you'll study basic body function and structure, nutrition, nursing care procedures, and ethical and legal considerations while gaining hands-on experience in actual healthcare settings. You'll master data collection, patient safeguarding, assistance with activities of daily living, and effective communication skills.

As a WisCaregiver Careers partner, this program prepares you for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam and entry-level roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Clinical Care Technician, and Hospice CNA. The technical diploma also provides stackable credentials within CVTC's career pathway, with credits that transfer directly into the Nursing associate degree and serve as prerequisites for advanced health programs. Flexible start months and face-to-face instruction ensure you complete your diploma quickly and enter the workforce with confidence.

• Cost: $366
• Program Length: 14 weeks or less
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent

6. Fox Valley Technical College

1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton, WI 54914 (920) 735-5774

Fox Valley Technical College offers a 120-hour, 3-credit Nursing Assistant technical diploma program across six northeastern Wisconsin campuses, including Appleton, Oshkosh, and Waupaca. This intensive curriculum combines classroom instruction and hands-on lab practice with a supervised 16-hour clinical rotation, teaching personal care tasks-bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility assistance-alongside vital signs measurement, restorative and dementia care. Graduates complete the requirements to sit for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide competency exam.

Available in both full-time and accelerated formats, the program offers flexible scheduling and prior learning assessments for experienced candidates. Current program demand and state residency regulations limit enrollment to Wisconsin residents. Upon completion, students qualify for certification and can pursue roles as CNAs in hospitals, long-term care, home health, and other healthcare settings.

• Cost: $529.75
• Program Length: 120 hours (7-week summer schedule)
• Prerequisites: Nursing Assistant Functional Ability form; background check; health requirements (TB test; immunizations)

7. Gateway Technical College

3520 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144 1-800-247-7122

Gateway Technical College's 75-hour Nursing Assistant technical diploma prepares you for immediate entry into healthcare settings-hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies-where you'll assist registered nurses by providing personal care, monitoring nutrition and hygiene, and taking vital signs. Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the curriculum combines targeted classroom instruction with hands-on patient simulation labs that mirror real-world care environments. Upon completion, you're eligible to sit for the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation.

Training occurs across the Elkhorn, Kenosha, and Racine campuses using state-of-the-art equipment-mechanical lifts, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and vital-sign monitors-under the supervision of licensed nurses. You'll also join Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) to expand your professional network and explore advanced pathways in nursing, physician assistant studies, or physical therapy. Although financial aid is not available, the program's efficient structure and modest cost position graduates for rapid hire in a growing field.

• Cost: $585 (Tuition & Fees: $352; Books & Supplies: $233)
• Program Length: 75 hours
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; demonstration of reading readiness (HS diploma/GED; 2.6 HS GPA; or minimum test scores-15 ACT Reading, 19 SAT Reading, 237 Accuplacer Reading); Background check; Acknowledgment of program technical standards

8. Lakeshore Technical College (LTC)

1290 North Avenue, Cleveland, WI 53015 (920) 693-1366

Lakeshore Technical College's hybrid Nursing Assistant technical diploma spans one semester (approximately 14-16 weeks) and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. With multiple start dates year-round, you'll learn foundational patient-care skills through a blend of online coursework, on-campus labs, and hands-on clinical experiences. The program prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam and can serve as the first step toward an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing.

Under the guidance of licensed nursing faculty and in partnership with local healthcare facilities, you'll develop proficiency in infection control, vital-signs monitoring, body mechanics, and direct-care techniques. Small cohort sizes and dedicated admissions support ensure you gain the clinical competence and professional communication skills needed for entry-level employment in hospitals, long-term care, and other care settings.

• Cost: $659.44 (includes tuition and supplies)
• Program Length: One semester (approx. 14-16 weeks)
• Prerequisites: Submission of application; completion of background information disclosure; Student Success Questionnaire; Technical Standards form; Nursing Assistant Handbook

9. Madison College

1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704 (608) 246-6100

Madison College offers a 3-credit Nursing Assistant technical diploma delivered over one semester as a hybrid program, combining online modules, in-person labs, and closely supervised clinical experiences in local healthcare settings. Designed to meet Wisconsin Department of Health Services nurse aide training standards, the curriculum covers communication skills, basic nursing techniques, client rights, dementia care, and personal care practices. It prepares students to sit for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry exam.

With expert instruction and hands-on training, students engage in classroom learning, skills-lab practice, and clinical rotations at Madison College's Truax and Goodman South campuses, as well as regional sites in Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown, and Fort Atkinson. Mandatory full attendance for all course components ensures competency mastery, and credits earned may ladder into the Practical Nurse diploma or Nursing Associate degree programs, supporting seamless progression in the nursing profession.

• Cost: $644.67 (estimated)
• Program Length: Finish diploma in 1 semester
• Prerequisites: Background check; documentation of required immunizations

10. Mid-State Technical College (MSTC)

500 32nd Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 715-422-5300

Mid-State's Nursing Assistant technical diploma is an 81-hour, state-approved training and competency evaluation program recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Delivered in a blended format, the curriculum combines interactive online coursework with hands-on lab sessions in the Healthcare Simulation Center and a 27-hour clinical practicum at local care facilities. Students build proficiency in patient communication, safe care techniques, and ethical practice under the guidance of experienced faculty.

Small cohort sizes ensure personalized instruction and ample practice opportunities. Flexible scheduling-including 8- and 16-week sessions, daytime or evening offerings-across four campuses accommodates diverse learner needs. Upon completion, students earn two college credits, satisfy Wisconsin nurse aide requirements, and qualify to sit for the state certification exam and immediate registry placement.

• Cost: $1,079.41 (tuition & fees; books; supplies, uniforms, and exam fees)
• Program Length: 81 hours (54 lecture/lab + 27 clinical practicum)
• Prerequisites: HS GPA 2.0+ or qualifying ACT/TABE/Accuplacer scores; background-disclosure form + $15 caregiver check; age 16+; completion of online orientation quiz

11. Northcentral Technical College

1000 W. Campus Dr., Wausau, WI 54401 715-675-3331

Northcentral Technical College offers a state-approved, 3-credit Nursing Assistant technical diploma that fuses foundational theory with immersive, hands-on training. Students complete 120 contact hours of lecture and lab simulations in campus simulation suites before undertaking a supervised clinical practicum at affiliated long-term care facilities. Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the curriculum covers resident care, vital sign monitoring, infection control, and safe patient handling. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam and pursue careers as Nursing Assistants or Home Health Aides.

Delivered across six regional campuses with partial online delivery options, this program accommodates diverse schedules and learning preferences. Recognized as a preparatory course for the Nursing Associate Degree, it qualifies pre-nursing students for federal financial aid when taken alongside required nursing credits. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, Northcentral Technical College equips you for compassionate, person-centered care and seamless progression into advanced nursing pathways.

• Cost: $563 (Tuition & Fees: $511; Books & Supplies: $52)
• Program Length: 120 hours
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; High school diploma or equivalent; Criminal background check; Health record (immunizations, TB screening)

12. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54303 (920) 498-7141

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers a focused 3-credit Nursing Assistant technical diploma designed to prepare students for inclusion on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Approved by the Office of Caregiver Quality within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the program boasts a competency exam pass rate above the state average and frequently leads to employment offers during clinical rotations. With delivery options-including day, evening, part-time and weekend-across multiple regional campuses, NWTC ensures flexible access and expert instruction from faculty with extensive elder-care experience.

The curriculum integrates classroom theory, hands-on skills labs and supervised clinical rotations in acute care, long-term care and home-health settings. Students develop proficiency in communication, basic nursing and personal care, dementia care, and restorative techniques under licensed-nurse supervision. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation, and all credits apply toward NWTC's Nursing - Associate Degree pathway.

• Cost: $752 (estimated in-state tuition, books & supplies)
• Program Length: Two semesters
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; caregiver background check & disclosure; TB test & required immunizations; photo ID on first day

13. Northwood Technical College

2100 Beaser Ave, Ashland, WI 54806 (715) 246-1857

Northwood Technical College offers a comprehensive 2-credit, 90-hour Nursing Assistant technical diploma program that combines classroom instruction, campus lab simulations, and clinical rotations at approved partner sites. Recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, this program equips students with essential competencies-including patient hygiene, mobility assistance, vital signs monitoring, infection control, and legal/ethical responsibilities-and thoroughly prepares students to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam for inclusion on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.

Delivered year-round with multiple start dates across Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior campuses (plus outreach centers in Hayward and Shell Lake), the program features small cohort sizes and expert faculty-led instruction in cutting-edge simulation labs and real-world care environments. Financial assistance opportunities are available through the WisCaregiver Careers and West Cap Nursing Skills programs, ensuring trainees have the support needed to launch rewarding careers as nursing assistants in long-term care, hospitals, home health, assisted living, and other healthcare settings.

• Cost: $341 (tuition estimate; does not include fees, books, supplies, or uniforms)
• Program Length: 6 weeks (90 hours)
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; High school diploma or GED; Background Check; Immunization Records

14. Nicolet Area Technical College

5364 College Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-365-4410

Nicolet Area Technical College offers a comprehensive 118-hour nursing assistant technical diploma that blends interactive classroom instruction, hands-on lab practice in its Health Simulation Center, and supervised clinical experience at local long-term care facilities. Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health, the curriculum covers all OBRA-required content and prepares students for success on the state registry exam.

With small cohorts and expert faculty mentorship, the program emphasizes real-world patient care through state-of-the-art simulation scenarios and community-based clinical partnerships. Students build proficiency in core CNA duties-bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, vital sign measurement, ambulation-and hone professional communication, ethical practice, and documentation skills under nurse supervision.

• Cost: $669 (estimated tuition and books & supplies)
• Program Length: 118 hours (approx. 8 weeks)
• Prerequisites: Background Check; Clinical Requirements

15. Southwest Technical College

1800 Bronson Boulevard, Fennimore, WI 53809 (608) 822-2667

Southwest Technical College offers an 81-hour Nursing Assistant technical diploma program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The curriculum meets state and federal training and testing requirements, blending online theory with on-campus skill-lab sessions and clinical rotations in partnering care facilities. Students aged 16 and older develop proficiency in resident care, safety protocols, infection control, communication, and ethical responsibilities. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) written and skills exams.

Flexible delivery options include part-time fall and spring cohorts and full-time summer sessions, all supported through Charger Tech 360, which provides each student with an HP EliteBook laptop and dedicated technical assistance. Small cohort sizes ensure personalized instruction, while varied clinical assignments in local healthcare settings foster real-world experience. Upon completion, students benefit from Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center job-placement services and transfer agreements for seamless progression into advanced nursing pathways.

• Cost: $550 (includes tuition and $100 technology fee; additional expenses for physical exam, uniforms, and travel)
• Program Length: 81 hours (approximately 9 weeks)
• Prerequisites: Minimum age 16; high school diploma or GED; Functional Ability Form; Background Information Disclosure; Immunizations (TB skin test, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella); Physical Exam

16. Waukesha County Technical College

327 E Broadway, Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 691-5425

WCTC's Nurse Assistant technical diploma delivers a 2-credit credential with year-round start dates. You choose from on-campus, hybrid, daytime, evening, or weekend formats. Qualified graduates may enroll in the Certified Medication Assistant course.

You complete 75 hours of instruction through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on lab practice. Then you perform supervised clinical rotations in nursing homes or hospitals. The curriculum meets Wisconsin DHS training standards and prepares you for the state CNA registry exam.

• Cost: $300 (estimated tuition; additional fees apply for uniform, immunizations/testing, background check, and certification)
• Program Length: 75 hours (approximately 6 weeks)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED; background check; immunization/testing compliance; completion of health questionnaire

17. Western Technical College

400 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601 (608) 785-9200

Western Technical College offers a focused Nursing Assistant technical diploma recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Over 81 contact hours, the program combines classroom instruction, lab simulation in the Nursing Learning Lab, and clinical practice at approved healthcare facilities. You will develop foundational skills in communication, basic nursing and personal care, activities of daily living, vital sign measurement, and respectful support for clients with diverse needs, including dementia care.

Designed for flexibility, the program begins each term in Fall, Spring, and Summer and follows a 7-week session format. Small cohorts ensure personalized instruction and hands-on skill mastery. Successful completion makes you eligible to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation and join the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, opening doors to employment in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other care settings.

• Cost: $328.30 (estimated total; includes tuition, fees, and materials)
• Program Length: 7 weeks (81 contact hours)
• Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED; Background Check; Immunization (including TB test)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

1 West Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (414) 507-0013
Email: DHSWIDQA_NATCEP@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Headmaster, LLP

PO Box 6609
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (888) 401-0465
Fax: (406) 442-3357
Email: hdmaster@hdmaster.com
Registry Search Link

Conclusion

To launch your CNA career in Wisconsin, complete a DHS-approved program and pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam. With thousands of openings each year and competitive wages, choose a program from this list and begin your CNA journey today.