Get CNA Certified in Wisconsin
Want to become a CNA in Wisconsin?
Job Growth:
CNA jobs are projected to grow 11% by 2026. Bloomington, Wisconsin has the highest level of employment in the state with 20,000 CNAs employed.
Salary:
Wisconsin is ranked top 18% for CNA wages, which average at $14/hour, but the top 10% of the nation’s nurse aides earn $50,000.
Requirements:
To become a registered CNA, you must graduate from an accredited course, some as short as 4 weeks, and pass the state exam.
What are the CNA requirements in Wisconsin? Here’s how to prepare for your CNA state exam and how to become a Certified Nurse Assistant in Wisconsin.
What is a Certified Nurse Aide?
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs), or also known as Certified Nursing Assistants are essential to the healthcare team. They work alongside doctors and registered nurses to deliver care in hospitals and private nursing facilities. CNAs are responsible for the basic, everyday care such as dispensing medication, reporting heath concerns, tending to a patient’s hygiene, and recording blood pressure. This rewarding career helps improve the healthcare experience for all patients.
CNA Requirements in Wisconsin
Be at least 18 years old
Be in good physical health
Up-to-date immunization records
Pass a criminal background check
Graduate from a Certified Nursing Assistant School in Wisconsin
Pass the State Exam
Register as a Certified CNA
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How to Become a CNA in Wisconsin
To start a CNA training program, you need to be at least 18 years old. There is no minimum education requirement for nurse aides such as a high school diploma or a GED. Trainees with specific criminal convictions will not be allowed to practice as a CNA. The Wisconsin Department of Health approves nurse aide training, and also has a list of approved in-service education programs. Each program must include a total number of 120 training hours, including 60 classroom hours and 60 hands-on training hours at a nursing facility. The majority of these programs can be found at local community colleges, trade schools, or even the American Red Cross. You can find local CNA classes near you as well as CNA classes online.
The program can be completed in 6-15 weeks, although there are some accelerated programs that offer 4-week CNA classes as well. Students are under direct supervision during training and their program instructors must be licensed for nursing in state, have a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience, and must have either completed a course on how to teach adults or have verifiable experience teaching adults or supervising nurse aides.
Once the training is complete, you are eligible to apply for CNA certification, which allows you to sign up to take the official CNA examination. It’s recommended you take a free CNA practice exam to prepare. You must take the exam at a certified testing center such as the American Red Cross or one of the Pearson VUE testing sites.
Below you can also find city-specific information within Wisconsin on how to become a CNA:
A Closer Look at CNA Training
A typical CNA program in Wisconsin will include 32 hours of training before administering direct care for patients. Introductory hours consist of communication, infection control, patients’ rights, and safety procedures such as the Heimlich maneuver. You can expect to take CNA classes that cover topics such as:
Fluids and Meals
Anatomy
Ethics
Mental Health
Dementia & Cognitive Changes
Emergency Procedures
Dressing & Bathing
Infection Control
Medication
Restorative Services
Patients’ Rights
The CNA Training Program can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the program. For example, the American Red Cross program costs $1,300. However, these fees do not include classroom materials, uniforms, or textbooks. Some facilities, such as adult education centers, and nursing homes, offer free CNA classes, while others accept financial aid and payment plans. You can also apply for your employer to reimburse your training or supplement your certification with on-the-job training.
The CNA Test in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s CNA state exam is distributed by D & S Diversified Technologies LLC Headmaster, and they provide a multitude of information to help you succeed in the examination process, including a CNA Candidate Handbook that offers test study guides, and frequently asked questions about the CNA program in Wisconsin.
In order to schedule the Wisconsin Nurse Aide competency examination, you must have successfully completed a state approved nurse aide training program, or have a Department of Health approval letter. After CNA training is complete, your training instructor will enter the date you completed your training and your registration information to TestMaster University (TMU) in the Wisconsin CNA Testing and Registry website. You will receive an email from TMU with your username and password, create a profile and select your test location and date. If you have issues with a login, call (888) 401-0462.
The CNA test in Wisconsin is comprised of 2 portions: a written (or oral) exam, and a clinical skills evaluation. Both are administered on the same day. The written exam has 75 multiple choice questions in English and you will have 60 minutes to complete it. If English is your second language, you are able to opt out and take the written exam orally. You can take CNA classes en español as well. The oral exam consists of 67 multiple-choice questions, the remaining 8 questions will have to be answered without oral assistance to assess your English reading comprehension. You must get a 71% or higher to pass.
The skills examination requires the nurse aide evaluator to supervise you performing 3-4 skills randomly selected from a list of 34 skills in 30 minutes or less. You must perform 3 of the 4 skills correctly to pass. In addition you will have to successfully administer 3 randomly selected tasks from the Skills Task Listing. You must have a score of 80% or better on each skill/task, and you must perform all of the steps listed in bold to qualify. For more information on the skills and tasks, refer to the Candidate Handbook.
If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, it is possible to retake the exam. You are eligible to retake the exam as many times as needed within the window of one year completion from your CNA training program, after that window is closed you will have to reapply for a new CNA training program.
Once you complete the exam you will receive an email from TMU with your test results.
CNA Exam Cost Broken Down:
$125 - Written & Skills Evaluation
$130 - Oral & Skills Evaluation
$32 - Written Exam only
$37 - Oral Exam only
$93 - Skills Exam only
On the Day of the Exam, Plan to Bring:
One form of current identification with a photo I.D.
Social Security card
Non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the clinical evaluation
Three No. 2 pencils and eraser
A watch with a second hand
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CNA Jobs in Wisconsin
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, more than 60,000 CNAs are currently registered in the state. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the Milwaukee metropolitan area employs just over 10,000 CNAs, with wages starting at $30,000 a year.
The top 10% of CNAs in Wisconsin can make $40,000 annually, and nursing assistant jobs are relatively easy to find. Due to the ability for increased training opportunities and further career advancements, there is a high turn-around rate for CNAs, as many use their work experience to start the accreditation process needed to become Registered Nurses. Working as a CNA is not only rewarding, but also offers job stability and immense growth opportunities.
There are over 500 registered nursing homes and 200 hospitals in the state of Wisconsin that offer CNA employment.
The remainder jobs are at hospitals, medical offices, facilities for elderly, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and even film and television housing facilities. CNAs play a such vital role in patient care, that the growth of CNA jobs is projected to grow 11% by 2026. An aging population will significantly increase nurse aide jobs. You may also work at a nursing facility for a maximum of 4 months while you are enrolled in your training program.
CNA Job Advancement
An entry-level position in the medical field, CNAs are given many opportunities to promote. CNAs work with a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and directly under a Registered Nurse (RN), so they are rewarded by seeing firsthand what it looks like to reach that next level. To become a LPN, a CNA can apply for a bridge course that can be found at a community college or a vocational training school that can either be offered online or on-campus. Typically this training includes a 6-24 week class with 75 hours of training, however many current CNAs are able to use their work hours to apply to training, making it very easy to promote. Wisconsin has such a turnaround in CNA jobs advancement, that thousands of CNA jobs will open annually because of it. You may also join an association for resources and to help advance your career, such as the Wisconsin Nurses Association.
And for current news, CNA tips, and job information, become a regular reader of our CNA Blog.
Renew a CNA Certification in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (WNAR) lists the names of CNAS that have successfully completed the required training and examination process to work as a nurse aide in Wisconsin. Once placed in the WNAR, it is your responsibility to keep your information updated so that you receive your renewal alerts in a timely manner. You can do this by logging in to TestMaster Universe (TMU). The state of Wisconsin requires you to renew a CNA license every 24 months. In order to be eligible for renewal, you must have worked for at least 8 paid hours as a nurse aide at a registered health care setting, such as a nursing home or hospital.
If you are a registered CNA from another state and would like to apply for out-of-state transfers, you must first register with WNAR. You do this by completing an out-of-state application on the D&SDT site or by calling (888) 401-0465.
For all applications and renewals, it is highly suggested that you begin the process 3 months prior.
The state’s Department of Public Health also has a Nurse Aide Registry in Wisconsin. A registered CNA must graduate from an accredited program and have an active license.
For additional information about state licensing, renewal, and certification contact:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Division of Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701-2969
Phone: (608) 261-8319
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State-Approved Nursing Assistant Programs in Wisconsin
Agnesian Health Care
430 E. Division Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Contact: Peggy McArdle
Amber House, Inc.
7414 West Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53218
Contact: Carmen Martin
Aurora Healthcare-Southern Lakes
36500 Aurora Drive
Summit, WI 53066
Contact: Brian Ostopowic
Aurora Medical Center-Grafton
975 Port Washington
Grafton, WI 53024
Contact: Patricia Stockhausen
Aurora Medical Center-Oshkosh
855 N. Westhaven Dive
Oshkosh, WI 54904
Contact: Priscilla Navis-Buteyn
Aurora NA Education Center
3033 South 27th St. Suite 105
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Contact: Bette Schubert
Blackhawk Technical College
P.O. Box 5009
Janesville, WI 53547
Contact: Moira Lafayette
Cedar Community
5595 County Road Z
West Bend, WI 53095
Contact: Denise Wetzel
Center for Health Education/CHES
3001 W. Beltline, Suite 305
Madison, WI 53713
Contact: Elizabeth Mullikin
Central Wisconsin Center
317 Knutson Drive
Madison, WI 53704
Contact: Cynthia Leeder
Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 West Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Contact: Myra Sandquist-Rueter
Clarity Home Care
424 Washington Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Contact: Ciara Knodl
Clearview
198 County Road DF
Juneau, WI 53039
Contact: Dina Statz
Dove Healthcare-Bloomer
1405 Truax Blvd
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Contact: Juliane Ader
Dove Healthcare-Osseo
51019 Ridge View Road
Osseo, WI 54758
Contact: Juliane Ader
Dove Heathcare-West
1405 Truax Blvd
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Contact: Kendall Rosemeyer
Fox Valley Technical College
1825 N. Bluemound Drive
Appleton, WI 54913
Contact: Barb Tuchscherer
Gateway Technical College
3520 30th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53144
Contact: Julie Capelli
Gateway Technical College-Elkhorn
400 County Road H
Elkhorn, WI 53121
Contact: Kristine Mueller
Gateway Technical College-Racine
1001 Sounth Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
Contact: Julie Capelli
Grenway Manor
501 South Winsted
Spring Green, WI 53588
Contact: Heidi Roberts
Hayward Health Services
10775 Nyman Avenue
Hayward, WI 54843
Contact: Rachel Boles
J. Johnson Educational Center
7905 W. Appleton Ave, 202
Milwaukee, WI 53218
Contact: Joan Johnson
Lakeshore Technical College
1290 North Avenue
Cleveland, WI 53015
Contact: Christopher Schatz
Madison College
1701 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53703
Contact: Lisa Greenwood
Madison College-Fort Atkinson
827 Banker Road
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Contact: Lisa Greenwood
Madison College-Portage
330 W. Collins St.
Portage, WI 53901
Contact: Lisa Greenwood
Madison College-Reedsburg
300 Alexander Avenue
Reedsburg, WI 53959
Contact: Lisa Greenwood
Madison College-Watertown
1300 W. Main Street
Watertown, WI 53098
Contact: Lisa Greenwood
Maryhill Manor
501 Madison Avenue
Niagara, WI 54151
Contact: Patricia Sparapani
Mendota Mental Health
301 Troy Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Contact: Martha Crawford
Midstate Technical College
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Contact: Lisa Whitley
Milwaukee Area Technical College
700 West State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Contact: Lanetha Little
Moraine Park Technical College-Beaver Dam
700 Gould Street
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Contact: Jodie Dolinar
Moraine Park Technical College-Fond du Lac
235 N National Avenue
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Contact: Jodie Dolinar
Moraine Park Technical College-West Bend
2151 N. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53090
Contact: Jodie Dolinar
Neway Directions
6400 Gisholt Drive Suite 102
Madison, WI 53713
Contact: Jenna Ruehlow-Haney
Nicolet Technical College
P.O. Box 518
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Contact: Joseph Placek
NorthCentral Technical College: Accelerated
1000 Campus Drive
Wausau, WI 54401
Contact: Candace Weinzinger
NorthCentral Technical College
1000 Campus Drive
Wausau, WI 54401
Contact: Candace Weinzinger
Northeast Technical College
P. O. Box 19042
Green Bay, WI 54307
Contact: Cynthia Theys
Oakwood Villa
2512 New Pine Road
Altoona, WI 54720
Contact: Tonya McCarthy-Smith
Paramount 360
2020 South 54th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53219
Contact: Marcus Burris
Park Manor
172 Lawrence Avenue
Park Falls, WI 54552
Contact: Karen Haegerl
Pine View Care Center
400 County Road R
Black River Falls, WI 54615
Contact: Joseph Gates
Pioneer Court
2122 Pioneer Drive
Janesville, WI 53511
Contact: Tammy Bailey
Plum City Care Center
301 Cherry Avenue West
Plum City, WI 54761
Contact: Carla Hunter
Quality Healthcare Options
7425 Harwood Avenue
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Contact: Kathy O'Boyle
Quality CNA Training LLC-Manitowoc
2021 S. Alverno Road
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training LLC-Kaukauna
316 East 14th Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training LLC-Monona
5301 Monona Drive
Monona, WI 54716
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training, LLC-LaCrosse
2501 Shelby Road
LaCrosse, WI 54601
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training, LLC-New Glarus
700 2nd Avenue
New Glarus, WI 53574
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training LLC-Herzing Madison
9591 Ash Lane
Fremont, WI 54940
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training, LLC-Fond du Lac
680 Prairie Road
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training LLC-Green Bay
210 S. Oneida Street
Green Bay, WI 54303
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Quality CNA Training LLC-Waupaca
E2325 King Road
Waupaca, WI 54981
Contact: Paulene Kipke
Randolph Health Services
502 S. High Street
Randolph, WI 53956
Contact: Sally Borzik
Sheboygan Senior Center
3505 County Road R
Sheboygan, WI 53803
Contact: Jill Hand
Southern Wisconsin Center
21425 Spring Street
Union Grove, WI 53182
Contact: Robin Nowakowski
Southwest Technical College
Highway 18 East
Fennimore, WI 53809
Contact: Jill Henry
St. Croix Health Care Center
1445 North 4th Street
New Richmond, WI 54017
Contact: Sandy Hackenmueller
St. Mary's at Felician Village
2005 Division Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Contact: Joan Smaglik
Trempleau County Health Care Center
W20298 State Road 121
Whitehall, WI 54773
Contact: Terri Sommer
Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation
300 Villa Drive
Hurley, WI 54534
Contact: Lauren Snyder
Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main Street SO 219
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Contact: Laura Edwards
Waunakee Manor
801 South Klein
Waunakee, WI 5597
Contact: Jane George
Western Technical College
400 Seventh Street North
LaCrosse, WI 54602
Contact: Joan Miskis
WI/IL Senior Housing DBA Ingleside Manor
407 North 8th Street
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572
Contact: Marsha Miyagawa
Winnebago Mental Health Institute
P.O. Box 9
Butler, WI 54986
Contact: Dawn Stueber
Wisconsin CNA Training Center
1091 Jacobsen Road
Neenah, WI 54956
Contact: Christina Rawlins
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
505 Pine Ridge Drive
Shell Lake, WI 54871
Contact: Kathy Kitter-Carey
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Ashland
2100 Beaser Avenue
Ashland, WI 54806
Contact: Kathy Kitter-Carey
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-New Richmond
1019 South Knowles Avenue
New Richmond, WI 54017
Contact: Kathy Kitter-Carey
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Superior
600 N 21st Street
Superior, WI 54880
Contact: Kathy Kitter-Carey
Wisconsin Veterans Home-King
N2665 County Road GG
King, WI 54946
Contact: Leann Turzinski
Wissota Health and Regional Vent
7490 156th Street
Contact: Sarah North