Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin: Review Schools & Program Info
If you’re thinking about launching a career in healthcare but don’t want to spend years in school, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Wisconsin can be quick and effective alternative. With these flexible online programs, you’ll have the best of both worlds: freedom to complete classwork on your schedule and hands-on training through campus labs and clinicals. Here’s your guide to the best online CNA classes in Wisconsin. Read on to learn about programs, salary expectations, and get step-by-step instructions to secure your future career.
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An Insight into Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin
Looking for a practical and fast way to break into the allied healthcare field? Online CNA classes in Wisconsin are typically short — often accomplishable in just four weeks —and relatively inexpensive. This makes it a great option for adults who are looking to complete classwork remotely before jumping into the in-person learning labs and clinical experience you’ll need to become a CNA.
Typically, these programs have a low barrier for admission as CNA positions are considered entry-level. So, if you are worried about prerequisites or GPA requirements, don’t be. Most programs will admit you if you have a high school diploma or GED, proof of immunization, and meet the age requirement.
Wherever you are coming from, this guide will help you know what to expect from your program and your career search once you’ve been certified. To start you off, we’ve collected details about some high-quality online CNA classes in Wisconsin to give you an idea of what a typical program looks like.
Nursing Assistant – Blackhawk Technical College
The 90-hour Nursing Assistant course at Blackhawk Technical College aims to be as flexible as possible for students with work and family responsibilities. The course is offered in a hybrid format, with lab requirements available to be completed during open hours in the campus lab. The curriculum includes classroom lectures, campus lab experiences, and a clinical practicum, where students work at healthcare agencies with patients and residents.Prior to enrolling in this program, students must complete a placement exam, a criminal background check, and immunization requirements.
BTC’s CNA program is accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Bureau of Quality Assurance.
Duration: One semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $379
Admissions Requirements:
- Placement exam
- Criminal background check
- Proof of immunizations
Curriculum:
- Communicate effectively with clients, family, and co-workers
- Protect the rights of clients
- Demonstrate ethical and legal responsibilities
- Work cooperatively in a team environment
- Provide holistic, safe care to diverse populations
- Demonstrate reporting and documentation
- Assist clients with rehabilitation and restorative care
- Provide safe care with acute and chronic health conditions
- Complete educational requirements for WI NA competency evaluation
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma – Mid-State Technical College
The nursing assistant technical diploma from Mid-State Technical College is a single two-credit hybrid course available during the day or evening. Students can choose between an eight-week or 16-week format. The 120-hour program includes online learning, campus lab experiences, and a 30-hour clinical practicum with patients and residents. Program start dates occur in the spring and fall.
Upon completion, students will be eligible to take the CNA certification exam and continue on to additional education or the workforce. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services has approved this program as a nurse-aide training and a competency evaluation program.
Duration: Eight to 16 weeks
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $513.66
Admissions Requirements:
- High school GPA of 2.0 or above
- Caregiver background check
- 16+ years of age
Curriculum:
- Basic nursing skills
- Infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Patient care fundamentals
- Clinical rotations in local healthcare settings
Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Waukesha County Technical College
Students can begin pursuing their 99-hour CNA technical diploma in the spring, summer, or fall at Waukesha County Technical College. The two-credit course will help students learn fundamental nursing assistant skills through lectures, demonstrations, and skills practice. After mastering the skills, students will complete training in a nursing home or hospital setting under the supervision of an instructor. Qualified CNA students will also be eligible for the Medication Assistant certification course, which is offered separately. High school juniors and seniors are also eligible to apply for this program and receive job-ready training.
Duration: One semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $300 (residents) | $450 (non-residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Caregiver background check
- Proof of vaccinations
Curriculum:
- Grooming, Bathing, and Feeding
- Infection control
- Transportation of Patients
- Mobility for Elderly Patients
- The Structure and Function of the Human Body
- Clinical rotations in local healthcare settings
Get Answers: CNA Student FAQs
If all the insight above has you asking even more questions about your future as a CNA, you’re not alone. We’ve compiled some of the most asked questions from our readers about online CNA classes in Wisconsin. Our answers below will provide you with in-depth information on accelerated CNA programs, free programs, and accreditation/approval.
Are there any 2-week CNA classes in Wisconsin offered online?
While 2-week CNA classes are rare, you may be able to find some 4-week CNA classes in Wisconsin. As for online study, CNA programs aren’t usually fully online because of hands-on learning requirements in labs and clinical experiences. However, there are aspects of online CNA classes that are built to be flexible. Many CNA classes in Wisconsin are available during the day, in the evenings, or on the weekends, and most use a hybrid approach, with course instruction online and labs and clinical experiences in person. You’ll just want to take steps to stay motivated for the online components of your CNA program.
Are there free CNA classes in Wisconsin?
One downside to taking a CNA certification course through a college is that they’re rarely eligible for financial aid — though some scholarship options are available. Tuition is often free or heavily discounted for high school students, though students are still expected to pay for books, uniforms, and the certification test. However, Wisconsin has a special nursing home partnership program called WisCaregiver Careers. It helps students get hired at nursing homes, and then the employers participating in the WisCaregiver Career program pay for a nationally recognized CNA training option that lasts between four and 12 weeks — depending on class size, your availability, and region.
Are Wisconsin CNA classes accredited/approved?
In short, no. While the school you take CNA classes at may be accredited by a regional accrediting institution, the word “accredited” isn’t typically used when referring to CNA programs. Each state has a list of approved CNA programs that students must graduate from to qualify for CNA certification. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Division of Quality Assurance must approve CNA training programs. If you take a CNA course through a community college, most of these programs take place at an institutionally accredited school.
Can you be a CNA with a felony in Wisconsin?
By law, all students attending a CNA program must have a background check. If you have questions about the crimes that may affect your eligibility, you might want to start with doing a thorough background check on yourself to see what is included on your record. A criminal conviction, whether felony or misdemeanor, will trigger the need for further investigation of your application. Issues that come up on a background check will be handled on a case-by-case basis. However, state boards must issue a Denial of Licensure if you have been convicted of crimes such as homicide, abuse, or sexual assault.
Can you take the CNA test without classes in Wisconsin?
The short answer is no. To be certified as a nursing assistant, students must receive a certain number of hours in classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experiences. Proof of this education is required in order to schedule a time to take the certification test.
The good news is most CNA programs take between just 8 and 16 weeks in Wisconsin, depending on the program that you choose. For example, Mid-State Technical College’s CNA program lasts eight to 16 weeks, and Chippewa Valley Technical College has a CNA program that lasts 14 weeks.
CNA Salary & Career Path in Wisconsin
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Wisconsin | $37,040 | $43,250 | $48,200 |
| Appleton, WI | $36,790 | $39,900 | $47,210 |
| Eau Claire, WI | $36,770 | $41,810 | $48,180 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $37,390 | $44,260 | $46,580 |
| Green Bay, WI | $37,570 | $42,760 | $45,510 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | $36,840 | $43,760 | $49,420 |
| Kenosha, WI | $37,930 | $44,850 | $47,320 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $37,560 | $41,460 | $47,430 |
| Madison, WI | $38,290 | $43,620 | $53,560 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $37,990 | $44,370 | $47,730 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $37,040 | $40,130 | $47,060 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $36,470 | $40,750 | $54,250 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $37,980 | $45,660 | $47,580 |
| Wausau, WI | $35,510 | $37,770 | $46,630 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Wisconsin | 27,230 | 26,510 | -720 | -2.60% | 3,730 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,421 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Madison Area Technical College
- Madison College’s Nursing Assistant program can be completed in less than one semester through a concise 3-credit course combining classroom learning, hands-on lab work, and supervised clinical experiences for rapid skill development.
- The program offers regional access in multiple locations including Madison’s Truax and Goodman South campuses, as well as Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown, and Fort Atkinson, enhancing convenience and community-based learning.
- Partnerships with local school districts allow high school students to earn dual credit and gain valuable healthcare certifications early, providing a seamless start to healthcare careers with recognized credentials.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,421 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ACCSC Accreditation
- $1,923 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Technical College
- Western Technical College’s Nursing Assistant program offers multiple start dates throughout the year with flexible daytime, evening, and weekend class schedules to accommodate diverse student needs.
- The program includes hands-on clinical experience in local long-term care facilities, promoting real-world skill application and strong connections with regional healthcare employers.
- Successful graduates become eligible to take the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency evaluation, which enables immediate access to a wide variety of healthcare employment opportunities through inclusion on the state Nurse Aide Registry.
Program Details
- ACCSC Accreditation
- $1,923 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Mid-State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,366 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mid-State Technical College
- Mid-State Technical College's Nursing Assistant program offers a 27-hour clinical practicum with direct patient care under experienced professional supervision, ensuring hands-on, practical training.
- The program emphasizes ethical, legal, and holistic care skills tailored to diverse populations, preparing students for state and federally mandated competency evaluations.
- Students who pass the CNA Licensure Exam through MSTC are eligible for reimbursement from Stevens Point Area Senior High, providing a financial incentive and support for exam success.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,366 Avg. Aid Amount
- 43% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $895 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Southwestern Texas College offers clinical externships that provide real-world healthcare experience in physician offices or clinics, enhancing practical skills and employability.
- The program includes a comprehensive screening process with required TB tests, Hepatitis B vaccination, criminal background checks, and physician health approval, ensuring students meet healthcare employer standards.
- The curriculum combines classroom instruction with off-site externship training, delivering a balanced learning experience that prepares students effectively for immediate employment in healthcare settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $895 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,109 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lakeshore Technical College
- Lakeshore Technical College’s Nursing Assistant program offers accelerated completion, enabling students to quickly prepare for state certification in Wisconsin.
- The program includes supervised clinical training at local healthcare facilities, boosting practical skills and employment readiness.
- Students benefit from experienced faculty focused on preparing candidates specifically for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam, enhancing certification success.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,109 Avg. Aid Amount
- 63% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- The Nursing Assistant program at Northwest Technical College offers a flexible hybrid format with most coursework online and only four in-person clinical days, allowing students to balance learning with other commitments.
- Completion of the Nursing Assistant course is a required stepping stone for admission into Practical Nursing and RN degree programs, providing a clear and accelerated pathway for career advancement in nursing.
- The program is cost-effective with a low total estimated tuition (~$1,068), making state-approved training and eligibility for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant competency exam accessible to many students.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,394 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northcentral Technical College
- The Nursing Assistant program is eligible for Federal Direct Student Loans for pre-Nursing students who meet enrollment and FAFSA requirements, helping ease financial barriers.
- It offers a combination of face-to-face, hybrid classroom, lab, and clinical instruction across various local healthcare facilities, providing diverse, hands-on learning opportunities.
- Completion of the program qualifies students to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Certification Exam, a critical step toward employment and advancement in healthcare careers.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,389 Avg. Aid Amount
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $987 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fox Valley Technical College
- The FVTC Nursing Assistant program offers an accelerated format that condenses course content into a shorter time frame, allowing students to complete training faster through focused in-person and online instruction.
- Prior to registration, students complete a streamlined two-step pre-application process that ensures all clinical and health requirements are met, simplifying enrollment and preparation for clinical placements.
- Students receive a no-cost electronic Nursing Assistant open educational resource via Blackboard, providing accessible, up-to-date study materials without added textbook expenses.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $987 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee, WIProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,431 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Waukesha County Technical College
- WCTC’s Nursing Assistant program offers clinical training placements in nursing homes or hospitals under instructor supervision, ensuring real-world experience before certification.
- Qualified CNAs can advance by taking the Certified Medication Assistant course, providing specialized career progression within the program.
- The program provides multiple flexible learning formats including on-campus, hybrid, daytime, evening, and weekend classes, accommodating diverse student schedules.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,431 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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