Waukesha County Technical College
Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Program Information

Degree Type

3-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code

30-543-1

Time to Degree

109 hours

Start Date

Year-Round

How You'll Learn

On Campus

Daytime

Evening

Weekend

Program OverviewImportant DatesProgram Cost

Learn fundamental nursing assistant skills through lectures, demonstrations and skills practice in this 109-hour program. After mastering the skills, complete training in a nursing home or hospital setting under the supervision of an instructor. Certified Medication Assistant course is available for qualified CNAs.

Fall registration:

Fall registration begins July 7 (7 a.m.: web; 8 a.m.: phone, in-person)

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Any computer or tablet
  • Uniform: $100
  • Immunizations/testing: $65
  • Background check: $20
  • Certification test: $120

How To Apply

Ready to get started? Complete the steps listed below:

1

Create Account

Set up a WCTC student account to get your username and ID.

2

Before You Register

Waukesha County Technical College
Attn: Nursing Assistant Program, H-101
800 Main St.
Pewaukee, WI 53072

  • Upon receipt of your application and $20, WCTC will run your background check through the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Allow five business days for processing. 

Please note that if you have lived outside of Wisconsin within the last three years, you will need to obtain a background check from the state in which you lived. You may either submit this via email to cnainformation@wctc.edu or include a hard copy with your application.

Once your background check is complete, you will be granted a registration permit and will be notified by email.

3

Register for the CNA Course

Find upcoming courses through our Course Search tool. Select your desired term, search "Nursing Assistant," then select "Find Courses." Explore offerings to find the course that works for your schedule. There are three ways to register:

1. Online (recommended):

  • Log into MyWCTC. If you are unable to log in, please contact the Service Desk at 262.691.5555.
  • Select "MyWCTC Account."
  • Select "Student Services."
  • Select "Registration."
  • Select "Add/Drop Classes."
  • Select "Term."
  • Follow the steps to register.

- OR -

2. Phone: Call 262.691.5578 to register.

- OR -

3. In Person: Stop by the Enrollment Center on the first floor of the College Center to register in person. Bring your registration form.

4

Important Reminders

  • Health Requirements (2-step TB test and flu vaccine): Please complete the required immunizations prior to the start of your class. Bring your signed Health Requirements form to class with you on the first day and give to your instructor.
  • Purchase CNA Supplies: 
    • Textbook: Nursing Assisting: A Foundation in Caregiving, 5th Edition, by Diana Dugan
    • Scrubs: Royal blue
    • Shoes: Mostly white, not open-back or Crocs of any kind
    • Watch: MUST be traditional, old-fashioned analog watch (with second hand). Digital watches not permitted (per state guidelines)
  • Review and Sign the COVID-19 Self-Acknowledgment form:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out when courses are offered?

Find upcoming courses through our Course Search tool. Select your desired term, search "Nursing Assistant," then select "Find Courses." Once you find the list of courses, select "view schedule" to see when the course meets.

Can I do a Quantiferon blood test in place of a 2-Step TB test?

Yes, but be aware of the cost difference.

Can I complete my health requirements at another health facility?

Yes, but we encourage using designated ProHealth Care sites. These facilities manage health requirements for all of WCTC's School of Health. They are most familiar with our forms. If you go to another site, be sure they follow the timing of the TB test explained on the health requirement form.

What if I do not want to receive the flu vaccine?

All of our clinical sites require the flu vaccine between October 1 and March 31. If you do not want to receive the flu vaccine, you would need to register for a course that does not take place within this time frame.

Why can't I register for a course?

Have you submitted your Nursing Assistant Application, Background Information Disclosure Form and $20 fee to the Nursing Assistant Program Office? Have you completed one of the required prerequisites for the course? Please contact Registration if you are unsure at 262.691.5578.

What is a hybrid course?

A hybrid course is a fast-paced course where the material is learned through self-study. Practice tests will be taken online. You must have access to a computer to participate in a hybrid course. There are face-to-face class times for tests, lab and clinical.

How do I know if a course's clinical is held in a hospital or nursing home setting?

You will find this in the information when you view the course schedule. All clinicals are held in a nursing home unless identified as a hospital setting. Please note, there are different health requirement forms for each setting.

What if I need to miss a portion of the class?

All class time is required by the State of Wisconsin. You must plan to attend all course time.

Where do I find the course syllabus?

You will receive and review the course syllabus on your first day of class.

Program Details

Program Questions

262.691.5425
Sherry Trainer

General Questions

We'd love to help! Connect with our Outreach team by filling out our online form or by email at outreach@wctc.edu.

If you are interested in getting an introduction to the nursing field and learning basic skills, the Nursing Assistant program may be right for you. Those working as Nursing Assistants have compassion for others, and possess strong time management, organizational and communication skills. Many who complete the Nursing Assistant program continue their studies to become a registered nurse.

  • Nursing Assistant
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

The students enrolled in the Nursing Assistant program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Nursing Assistant program are representative of those found in the Nursing Assistant profession.

Review the Nursing Assistant Technical Standards.

$27,400 – $35,300 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

This program is not eligible for financial aid.

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various COVID-19 safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Required protocols and measures may include, but are not limited to, receipt of COVID-19 vaccination and proof of same and testing or serial testing for COVID-19. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Development Office.

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