Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Degree Type

2-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code

30-543-1

Time to Degree

99 hours

Start Date

Year-Round

How You'll Learn

On Campus

Hybrid

Daytime

Evening

Weekend

Learn fundamental nursing assistant skills through lectures, demonstrations and skills practice in this 99-hour program. After mastering the skills, complete training in a nursing home or hospital setting under the supervision of an instructor. A Certified Medication Assistant course is available for qualified CNAs.

  • This program is currently accepting applications.
  • Fall registration begins May 17, 2023 (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: $50
  • Immunizations/testing: $36-$95
  • Caregiver Background check: $10
  • Certification test: $125

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

WCTC coordinates the placement of Nursing Assistant students at clinical sites while adhering to the clinical agencies’ background check requirements. WCTC submits student background checks to the clinical agencies, and the agency has the right to refuse clinical placement based on review of the background check.

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. Email the completed background check to NA@wctc.edu.

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 (COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine and 2-step TB test): 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. All health requirements are mandatory for any classes starting after January 15, 2022.
  • 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)

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.

Health requirements can be completed at any health facility, but we encourage using designated ProHealth Care sites. These facilities manage health requirements for all of WCTC's School of Health and are most familiar with our forms. If you go to another site, be sure they follow the timing of necessary tests and vaccinations as explained on the health requirement form.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Our clinical partners are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine or an approved medical or religious exemption. Please ensure you are fully vaccinated by the start of class. Your last immunization needs to be completed two weeks prior to the first day of class to ensure immunity. The booster is not required at this time.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or do not have an approved WCTC exemption will need to drop the class. Documentation of the COVID-19 vaccine includes either documentation from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) or a signed letter from the healthcare provider. A copy of the vaccination card is not an approved form of documentation.

Vaccine Waiver Information

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 complete the Religious Exemption Request Form.

Flu Vaccine

A flu vaccine is required for all students who are scheduled to be in a clinical site between October 1 and March 31. Should you receive a flu vaccine at a different site, either bring the receipt from this provider or have this provider sign the health requirement form.

TB Test

Proof of a 2-step Tuberculin skin test must be completed within 12 months prior to the start of class.

Please note that a 2-step TB skin test means that you get two skin tests, one to three weeks apart. This will require four trips to your doctor: two trips are to receive the skin tests, and two trips are to have the skin tests read.

If you have a positive TB skin test or have received the BCG vaccination, you will then need to have a Quantiferon blood test drawn. The blood test must be drawn within one year of the start of clinical. The Quantiferon blood test can be done in place of the 2-step TB test, but the test is generally more expensive.

Failure to comply with the above health requirements will result in the student being withdrawn from the class.

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
NA@wctc.edu

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.

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$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/or testing for COVID-19. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.

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