Madison College CNA Program

Madison College’s Nursing Assistant program offers a quick and practical pathway to start your healthcare career in Madison, Wisconsin. This 3-credit technical diploma prepares you to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly, exploring healthcare as a career option, or planning to continue your education in nursing, this program provides essential skills and hands-on training that will make you job-ready while preparing you for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry certification exam.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 3 credits, can be completed in less than one semester
• Cost of Program: $656.19 (estimated program cost)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services as a nurse aide training program
• State Exam Pass Rate: Please contact the program directly for current pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Classes available at multiple campuses (Madison-Truax, Madison-Goodman South, Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown, and Fort Atkinson) with some online/some in-person delivery method

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Madison College Nursing Assistant program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory work. Students learn communication skills, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, clients’ rights, and care of clients with dementia. The program focuses on practical skills that prepare students to be the backbone of nursing homes, helping people with their daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and safely transferring patients. The coursework is designed to quickly develop skills through a combination of classroom theory and practical application.

Clinical Experience

Following classroom instruction, students participate in closely supervised clinical experiences with direct client care. This hands-on training allows students to apply their classroom learning in real healthcare settings. The program structure includes laboratory work followed by clinical experiences where students can practice their skills under supervision. This practical component is essential for developing confidence and competence in patient care.

Exam Preparation

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry certification. The program is designed to prepare students for this certification exam, which is required for employment as a nursing assistant in Wisconsin. The coursework directly aligns with the certification requirements, ensuring students have the knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam and enter the workforce.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the Madison College Nursing Assistant program, you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age prior to the first day of class (some clinical sites require students to be 17 or 18 years old)
• Create a Madison College student account
• Complete a background check through CastleBranch (Package Code MJ17, cost is $54.19 + $1.99 processing fee for Summer/Fall 2025) or Viewpoint Screening (for Spring 2026 and beyond)
• Complete and submit a Background Information Disclosure Form
• Complete all health requirements including:
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccinations or positive titer
  • Varicella vaccinations or positive titer
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Vaccine (TDAP) within the past 10 years
  • COVID-19 vaccine complete series
  • Current seasonal influenza vaccine (for fall and spring semesters)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Have health/accident insurance (student accident insurance available for $15/semester if needed)

Note: You will not be able to register for the course until all health requirements are completed and approved.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Madison College offers the Nursing Assistant program at multiple locations to serve students throughout the region:

• Madison – Truax Campus
• Madison – Goodman South Campus
• Reedsburg Campus
• Portage Campus
• Watertown Campus
• Fort Atkinson Campus

The program delivery is described as “Some Online/Some In Person,” offering a blended learning approach. Classes are available during fall, spring, and summer semesters, providing multiple entry points throughout the year.

Madison College also offers a Nursing Assistant Pre-Registration Workshop to help students complete the necessary steps to prepare for the program. These workshops provide assistance with creating accounts, navigating the health requirements, and connecting with nursing faculty.

Please note that 100% attendance is mandatory for all portions of this course, and students should not register for a course if they expect any absences.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The estimated program cost for the Nursing Assistant program at Madison College is $656.19. This technical diploma program is not eligible for financial aid.

Additional expenses include:

• CastleBranch or Viewpoint Screening account for background check and health screening: $54.19 + $1.99 processing fee
• Nursing Assistant Supply Kit (available from the Madison College bookstore)
• Uniform (solid-color scrubs)
• Clean impermeable shoes
• Watch with second hand
• Health/accident insurance (required, $15/semester for student accident insurance if needed)

For bilingual students, the Goodman Foundation offers a limited number of scholarships to students who participate in a Nursing Assistant class at the Goodman South Campus. Students must show proof of financial need (Badger Care, Food Share or income) or belong to an ethnic/racial underrepresented group. For questions or application inquiries, contact the Goodman South Campus Manager at [email protected].

How to Apply

To apply to the Madison College Nursing Assistant program, follow these steps:

1. Create a Madison College student account
2. Purchase a Background Check and Health Screening package:
   • For Summer or Fall 2025: Create a CastleBranch account using Package Code MJ17 ($54.19 + $1.99 processing fee)
   • For Spring 2026 and beyond: Create a Viewpoint Screening account (available beginning October 1, 2025)
3. Complete and submit the Background Information Disclosure Form
4. Complete all required health screenings and immunizations according to the Nursing Assistant Program Health Requirements Checklist
5. Upload all documentation to your CastleBranch or Viewpoint account
6. Wait for approval email confirming all requirements are complete
7. Register for the Nursing Assistant course

For high school students taking the nursing assistant course through Start College Now, there are additional steps. Contact Early College Programs and Partnerships at 608.243.4595 for more information.

Madison College also offers Nursing Assistant Pre-Registration Workshops that provide assistance with completing these steps. These workshops help students create accounts, navigate the health requirements process, and connect with nursing faculty.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Madison College (Madison Area Technical College)
• Main Campus Address: 1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704
• Program Locations:
  • Madison – Truax Campus: 1705 Hoffman Street, Madison, WI 53704
  • Madison – Goodman South Campus
  • Reedsburg Campus
  • Portage Campus
  • Watertown Campus
  • Fort Atkinson Campus
• Phone Number: 608.246.6780
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: madisoncollege.edu/academics/programs/nursing-assistant

School of Nursing Office Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 4:30 pm
• Friday: 8 am – 4:30 pm (Virtual)

Additional Resources

Madison College provides several resources to help students navigate the Nursing Assistant program:

• School of Nursing Student Handbook: A comprehensive guide to the nursing program’s requirements, policies, and procedures. Available for download as a PDF from the program website.
• Nursing Assistant Program Health Requirements Checklist: Detailed information about required immunizations and health documentation.
• Nursing Assistant Program FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the program, from course information to uniforms, books, supplies, certification, and more.
• Background Information Disclosure Form: Required form for the background check process.

For bilingual Spanish/English students, the Caminos CNA program is available through Centro Hispano of Dane County. This collaborative effort between Madison College and the United Way HIRE Initiative offers a 4-month college-level CNA training for Dane County residents, enhancing digital and financial literacy, employment preparedness, and providing professional development guidance.

Summary and Next Steps

Madison College’s Nursing Assistant program provides a quick and practical path to start your healthcare career in Madison, Wisconsin. In less than one semester, you can gain the essential skills needed to work as a certified nursing assistant in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The program’s combination of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience prepares you for immediate employment while also laying the foundation for further education in nursing if desired.

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