CNA Training in Wisconsin

Complete CNA certification training in 3 months to become a licensed nursing assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA, is a professional in the medical field who provides personal care to patients. This care may include ambulation, bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming, and transfers, as well as other related tasks. The typical CNA works with nurses in a nursing home or hospital setting. In Wisconsin, CNAs are often referred to as Nurse Aides, and are in high demand because long-term care facilities are experiencing a shortage of entry-level healthcare providers. On average, full-time CNAs in Wisconsin earn about $24,000 plus benefits. Compared with the rest of the country, this is a slightly below-average salary, but the low cost of living in Wisconsin helps account for the difference. Wisconsin CNAs must be at least 16 years old and achieve a CNA technical diploma from an accredited institution. Many schools offer training for this type of certification in Wisconsin. What follows is an in-depth look at two such programs.

How Can I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?

Browse our list of Wisconsin schools that offer CNA training courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Nurse aide programs are usually offered at community colleges, junior colleges, trade schools and technical/vocational schools. Our directory includes as many CNA programs as possible, but is not complete as there may be additional CNA programs that are not listed here. Many long-term care facilities offer CNA training to current employees and trainees. In many cases these programs are not widely advertised, but can be discovered by contacting the facilities directly. Use our custom school search tool to identify CNA training programs near you with open enrollment.

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How to Become a CNA in Wisconsin

Like the Milwaukee program, the Madison CNA technical diploma is approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing. The Madison Area Technical College, however, has a good relationship with the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison. This facilitates transfers to 4-year bachelor’s degree programs and further study of nursing. CNA students choosing this path may become registered nurses (RNs) and may use CNA credits toward an associate’s degree in nursing. RNs supervise CNAs, also working in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home care facilities, and nursing homes. They differ in that RNs may provide guidance for medical treatments. They can also perform diagnostic analysis to diagnose patients under their care.

Can I Transfer My CNA License to Wisconsin?

If you are a certified nursing assistant from another state and have just moved to Wisconsin you can apply to the Nursing Aide Registry in Wisconsin for what is called “reciprocity”. As long as you can provide verification that you completed a state approved CNA certification program, are currently certified in another state, and have worked as a CNA recently. You would not need to take the Wisconsin exam or training if you are granted reciprocity. CNA licenses usually need to be renewed every two years.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost? How Long Does it Take?

With about 19,000 students, the Milwaukee Area Technical College is a 2-year school that houses the CNA technical diploma program in the Health Occupations Division. At the core of this 3-credit program are basic nursing concepts. Its graduates assist home care patients and nursing home dwellers with both routine tasks and special needs. Since this program is acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its students may apply to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).

The slightly smaller Madison Area Technical College is also a 2-year school, and it educates about 15,000 students. The CNA technical diploma curriculum here is a 3-credit, 120-hour program that focuses on building fundamental nursing skills. Graduates of this school may work with patients with mental illnesses. In addition to understanding the essentials of personal care, these students are able to communicate comfortably with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers. Here, training goes beyond the classroom, as students undergo hands-on supervised clinical practice taking care of actual patients.

CNA Classes in Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin CNA Certification Requirements

– complete state approved CNA training program
– pass both parts of competency evaluation (written & skills)
– pass competency test within 24 months of completion of training

Wisconsin CNA Resources

Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry
Nurse Aide Employment Outlook 2010-2011
National Association of Health Care Assistants
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants