Chippewa Valley Technical College CNA Program

Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) offers a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program in Eau Claire, Wisconsin that prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare. This 86-hour technical diploma program provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to work as a nursing assistant in various healthcare settings. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to start your healthcare journey, a career changer seeking meaningful work, or someone exploring the nursing profession, this certified nursing assistant training program gives you a solid foundation while preparing you for the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 86 hours (2 credits), can be completed in 7-16 weeks depending on the section
• Cost of Program: $364.10 (Summer 2025) to $367.16 (Fall 2025)
• Accreditation: Recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a nurse-aide training program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for information about exam pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Blended learning format with multiple schedule options including morning (8 AM – 12 PM), afternoon (1 PM – 4 PM), and evening (4 PM – 8 PM) classes at both Eau Claire and River Falls locations

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The CVTC Nursing Assistant program combines classroom lectures with hands-on learning experiences. Students learn essential skills including communication, basic nursing assistant and personal care skills, attention to client’s rights, and care of clients with dementia. The curriculum covers basic body function and structure, nutrition, nursing care procedures, and ethical and legal considerations. These classroom sessions prepare students with the theoretical knowledge needed to provide quality patient care in various healthcare settings.

Clinical Experience

Following classroom instruction, students participate in clinical practice conducted in long-term care facilities. This hands-on experience gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real healthcare environments while under supervision. Clinical sites include locations such as Altoona, Augusta, Chippewa Falls, and River Falls, depending on the class section. During clinical rotations, students practice providing direct patient care, helping them build confidence and develop essential skills before entering the workforce.

Exam Preparation

The program is designed to prepare students for the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take this exam for inclusion on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, which is required for employment in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, CBRFs, assisted living centers, and homes for the developmentally disabled. The comprehensive training ensures students have the knowledge and practical skills needed to pass the certification exam and begin their healthcare careers.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the Nursing Assistant program at Chippewa Valley Technical College, you need to:

1. Complete an application to CVTC. The application process takes approximately 20 minutes and requires your social security number.
2. Pay a one-time nonrefundable application processing fee of $30 at the time of application.

The program has an open access policy, meaning no entrance exams or scores are required to enter the program. However, students should be aware of the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens when entering health programs at CVTC. Exposure to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDs through saliva and blood is possible with direct patient care as part of their education.

Please contact the program directly for more detailed information about specific health requirements or background check requirements.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

CVTC offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate various student needs:

• Summer 2025 Classes: 7-week courses beginning June 9, 2025, with options at both Eau Claire Health Education Center and River Falls locations
• Fall 2025 Classes: 16-week courses starting in late August, with multiple start dates and schedule options
• Class Times: Morning sessions (8 AM – 12 PM), afternoon sessions (1 PM – 4 PM), and evening sessions (4 PM – 8 PM)
• Clinical Rotations: Various locations including Altoona, Augusta, Chippewa Falls, and River Falls

The program is delivered in a blended format, combining face-to-face instruction with other learning methods. Each class section has a limited enrollment of 8 students, ensuring personalized attention and quality instruction. For specific class availability and current schedule options, you can search for upcoming courses on the CVTC course search website.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The cost of the Nursing Assistant program at CVTC is:

• Summer 2025 sections: $364.10
• Fall 2025 sections: $367.16

The estimated total program cost is $366, which includes tuition and fees. Some sections are noted as having “No Cost Books,” but please contact the program directly for more information about additional expenses such as uniforms or supplies.

While specific financial aid information for the Nursing Assistant program is not provided on their website, CVTC offers various financial assistance options for eligible programs, including:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Loans
• Work Study

For more details on financial aid eligibility and options, students should review the Financial Aid Checklist on the CVTC website or contact the financial aid office directly.

How to Apply

To apply to the Nursing Assistant program at Chippewa Valley Technical College:

1. Complete the online application at cvtc.edu/online-application
   • The application process takes approximately 20 minutes
   • You will need your social security number
   • A one-time nonrefundable application processing fee of $30 is required
2. Once accepted, check your class schedule and availability through the course search feature on the CVTC website
3. Register for your preferred class section based on schedule and location preferences

For high school juniors interested in applying, you may start applying for the following academic year starting on May 1.

If you are unable to complete the application online, you can request a paper or digital application to be emailed or mailed to you for completion.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Chippewa Valley Technical College
• Main Campus Address: 620 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
• Program Locations:
  • Eau Claire Health Education Center
  • River Falls
• Phone Number: 715-833-6300
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.cvtc.edu/academics/programs/nursing-assistant

For specific questions about the Nursing Assistant program, you can contact CVTC directly by phone, email, or through the online chat feature on their website.

Additional Resources

CVTC provides several resources to help prospective and current Nursing Assistant students:

• Course Search Tool: Search available Nursing Assistant course sections, schedules, and instructors at coursesearch.cvtc.edu
• Program Scorecard: Access detailed information about program outcomes, graduate employment, and industry data
• Credit for Prior Learning: Information about earning credit for previous educational or work experience in the field
• Career Pathways Guide: Learn how the Nursing Assistant program connects to other healthcare programs such as Practical Nursing (LPN) and Nursing (RN)

Summary and Next Steps

Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Nursing Assistant program offers a quick and effective path to start your healthcare career in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In as little as 7 weeks, you can complete the training needed to work as a nursing assistant in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare settings. With flexible scheduling options, experienced instructors, and hands-on clinical experience, CVTC prepares you for success on the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation.

This program also serves as an excellent foundation if you’re considering further education in nursing, as the credits apply toward CVTC’s Nursing associate degree. Graduates report an average starting salary of $36,852, with 73% finding employment in the industry after completion.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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