Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin: Review Schools & Program Info

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.

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

By now, you have learned almost everything you need to know to start your CNA journey in Wisconsin. But before you enroll in a class, let’s explore your career and salary outlook.

The national demand for CNAs is projected to grow 4.2% over the next ten years. However, the outlook for CNAs within the state of Wisconsin is not as promising. Here, the profession is actually projected to shrink by 2.6% over the same period. This means that Wisconsin CNAs could have a difficult time finding a job, so consider researching job openings local to where you intend to work. Overall, CNAs in the state can expect to earn a reasonable annual salary ranging from $35,220 (10th percentile) to $45,910 (90th percentile). Some cities may pay a bit more than this. For example, those in the 90th percentile in Racine earn $51,270 annually. To compare figures for other cities, refer to the following tables.