Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
Nursing Assistant
- Duration:
- 81 hours (2 credits)
- Cost:
- $336
- Phone:
- (608) 785-9200
1 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training program in La Crosse. Tuition ranges from $336. Wisconsin requires 120 hours minimum at most technical colleges (Wisconsin's federal minimum is 75 hours, but the state's technical college system standard is 120 hours) of training and uses D&SDT-Headmaster (delivers testing); Pearson VUE historically supported registry services for Wisconsin DHS for the competency exam.
Programs in La Crosse
1
Tuition Range
$336
State Required Hours
120 hours minimum at most technical colleges (Wisconsin's federal minimum is 75 hours, but the state's technical college system standard is 120 hours)
Exam Vendor
D&SDT-Headmaster (delivers testing); Pearson VUE historically supported registry services for Wisconsin DHS
400 7th Street North
Nursing Assistant
Becoming a CNA in Wisconsin starts with a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Office of Caregiver Quality. The federal floor in Wisconsin is 75 hours, but most graduates actually train through the Wisconsin Technical College System, which delivers a 120-hour curriculum that exceeds federal standards and is widely accepted by hospitals, long-term care chains, and the WisCaregiver Careers program that subsidizes training in exchange for an employment commitment.
Our directory lists 1 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training program in La Crosse, WI. All programs must meet Wisconsin's minimum of 120 hours minimum at most technical colleges (Wisconsin's federal minimum is 75 hours, but the state's technical college system standard is 120 hours) and prepare graduates to sit for the D&SDT-Headmaster (delivers testing); Pearson VUE historically supported registry services for Wisconsin DHS competency exam.
Published tuition for CNA programs in La Crosse ranges from $336. Western Technical College lists the lowest tuition at $336. Total out-of-pocket cost also includes the state exam fee ($137.75 total ($35.70 written knowledge + $102.05 skills; audio version of knowledge exam is $40.95) - effective June 7, 2025 pricing), background check, and uniforms.
To work as a CNA in La Crosse, you must meet a Wisconsin-approved training program of at least 120 hours minimum at most technical colleges (Wisconsin's federal minimum is 75 hours, but the state's technical college system standard is 120 hours), pass the D&SDT-Headmaster (delivers testing); Pearson VUE historically supported registry services for Wisconsin DHS competency exam (Two-part state competency evaluation: a Knowledge Exam (written or audio multiple-choice) and a hands-on Skills Test on five randomly selected nurse aide skills), and clear a Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check, including a Department of Justice criminal history search, Wisconsin Department of Health Services misconduct registry check, and an FBI fingerprint-based background check for applicants who have lived outside Wisconsin in the last three years. Most candidates complete the full process in 6-12 weeks from enrolling in a program to appearing on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
No La Crosse program on our directory currently advertises free tuition, but many Wisconsin nursing facilities pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Ask local long-term care employers about employer-sponsored training programs, and check the American Red Cross and Job Corps for additional pathways.