Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin: Review Schools & Program Info
Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) through a flexible online program with hands-on training is a quick and effective choice. In this guide to the best online CNA classes in Wisconsin, you’ll learn about programs and get step-by-step instructions to secure your future career.
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Insight into Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin
Online CNA classes in Wisconsin offer a fast, affordable entry into allied healthcare, with some programs lasting as little as four weeks. These programs often deliver coursework online before transitioning students into required in-person labs and clinical training.
Most CNA programs are designed for beginners and have minimal admissions requirements, making them accessible to a wide range of students. Typical expectations include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Proof of immunizations and background clearance
- Meeting minimum age requirements
This guide walks you through what to expect from CNA training and the job market after certification. To get you started, we’ve highlighted several high-quality Wisconsin CNA programs with online components so you can see how these programs are structured in practice.
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 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
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- 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 enter the workforce upon passing the test. 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: $445.15
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: $306 (residents) | $459 (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.
The 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 not offered in Wisconsin and are rare in general, you may be able to find some 4-week CNA classes in Wisconsin. CNA programs aren’t 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?
Tuition is often free or heavily discounted for high school students, though they are still expected to pay for books, uniforms, and the certification test.
However, Wisconsin has a special nursing home partnership program called WisCaregiver Careers. Students get hired at nursing homes, and 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?
Most likely not. By law, all students attending a CNA program must have a background check. If you have questions about crimes that may affect your eligibility, you might want to do 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?
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 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
Nursing Assistants
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $37,900 | $45,130 | $50,650 |
| Appleton, WI | $37,260 | $44,760 | $49,510 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $36,180 | $44,250 | $48,760 |
| Eau Claire, WI | $36,950 | $43,150 | $50,530 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $37,740 | $44,490 | $48,630 |
| Green Bay, WI | $37,630 | $43,450 | $47,260 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | $35,290 | $39,730 | $46,460 |
| Kenosha, WI | $38,510 | $46,220 | $50,310 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $37,530 | $43,510 | $47,220 |
| Madison, WI | $39,470 | $45,260 | $55,990 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $38,850 | $45,690 | $49,160 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $39,510 | $48,020 | $56,090 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $38,370 | $44,590 | $48,480 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $37,940 | $45,710 | $53,740 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $38,340 | $47,050 | $48,990 |
| Wausau, WI | $37,150 | $43,660 | $48,000 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 16 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Nursing Assistants
| 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
Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Wisconsin
Northwood Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Rice Lake, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $5,261Avg. Aid Amount
- 8/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northwood Technical College
- Year-round Nursing Assistant classes available across multiple campuses and formats, including flexible hybrid lecture and in-person labs.
- Small class size capped at 16 students, providing more individualized instruction and support during labs and clinicals.
- Program serves as a prerequisite to the Associate Degree Nursing program, creating a clear pathway to advanced nursing credentials and career advancement.
Program Details
- Location: Rice Lake, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $5,261Avg. Aid Amount
- 8/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Western Technical College
Program Details
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 40%Students W/ Aid
- $5,924Avg. Aid Amount
- 9/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Technical College
- The program offers affordable entry with an estimated cost of just $354 and no financial aid eligibility.
- Students can access scholarship support through Western Foundation funding for CNA tuition-related financial need.
- Completers gain state-recognized certification and eligibility for the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, expanding employment opportunities.
Program Details
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- ACCSCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 40%Students W/ Aid
- $5,924Avg. Aid Amount
- 9/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Madison Area Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Madison, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 27%Students W/ Aid
- $5,156Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Madison Area Technical College
- The Nursing Assistant program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, making graduates immediately eligible for Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry testing and recognized employment in multiple healthcare settings.
- Madison College has received a grant that fully covers tuition and classroom supplies for eligible Nursing Assistant students at its Watertown campus, significantly lowering upfront training costs.
- Specialized pathways such as the Caminos ESL-supported CNA track offer scholarships, case-management support, and employer networking, enhancing access and job readiness for diverse learners.
Program Details
- Location: Madison, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 27%Students W/ Aid
- $5,156Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Mid-State Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 30%Students W/ Aid
- $5,221Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mid-State Technical College
- Tuition‑friendly short‑term program with total estimated cost around $445, minimizing financial barrier to entry.
- Hands‑on training in realistic campus labs plus 27‑hour clinical practicum for direct patient experience.
- Recognized Wisconsin nurse aide training and competency program, preparing graduates for state certification and immediate employment.
Program Details
- Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 30%Students W/ Aid
- $5,221Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Lakeshore Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 28%Students W/ Aid
- $4,428Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lakeshore Technical College
- Tuition is highly affordable, with a low overall program cost and free required textbooks.
- Students benefit from supervised clinical training in multiple local healthcare facilities, building strong hands-on experience.
- Frequent start dates and accelerated completion let students begin conveniently and become exam-eligible in one semester or less.
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 28%Students W/ Aid
- $4,428Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Fennimore, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 38%Students W/ Aid
- $4,409Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Summer Nursing Assistant classes are accelerated and fast-paced, allowing completion in just 4–5 weeks.
- The course combines flexible online theory, on-campus lab skills, and real-world clinical experience in a long-term care facility.
- Program approval by Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Family Services prepares students to meet state and federally regulated CNA competencies.
Program Details
- Location: Fennimore, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 38%Students W/ Aid
- $4,409Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Moraine Park Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Fond du Lac, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 24%Students W/ Aid
- $4,544Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Moraine Park Technical College
- Tuition for the Nursing Assistant program can be fully covered with no charge for tuition.
- Students train directly with local health care partners, gaining clinical experience and strong hiring pathways in area facilities.
- Graduates become eligible for the Wisconsin Nursing Assistant competency exam and Nurse Aide Registry, unlocking employment across multiple care settings.
Program Details
- Location: Fond du Lac, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 24%Students W/ Aid
- $4,544Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 28%Students W/ Aid
- $4,705Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- NWTC Nursing Assistant graduates consistently exceed the Wisconsin average pass rate on the state competency exam.
- Many students receive employment offers during their clinical experience, reflecting strong employer connections and real-world placement opportunities.
- All Nursing Assistant faculty have extensive experience caring for elderly clients, providing expert, specialized instruction and mentorship.
Program Details
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 28%Students W/ Aid
- $4,705Avg. Aid Amount
- 17/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Northcentral Technical College
Program Details
- Location: Wausau, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 24%Students W/ Aid
- $4,286Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northcentral Technical College
- Recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the program leads directly to state CNA certification eligibility.
- Serves as a required prerequisite for NTC’s Nursing Associate Degree and enables roles like Medication Assistant or Student Nurse Intern while studying.
- Offers affordable, hybrid training with online, lab, and clinical instruction at local nursing homes and hospitals, with eligibility for federal student loans for qualified pre-nursing students.
Program Details
- Location: Wausau, WI
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 24%Students W/ Aid
- $4,286Avg. Aid Amount
- 18/1Student/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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