Madison College - Truax Campus
1701 Wright Street
Nursing Assistant
- Duration:
- 3 credits (1 semester)
- Phone:
- (608) 246-6780
CNA Classes in Madison, WI
6 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Madison. Tuition ranges from $725 to $1,500. 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 Madison
6
Tuition Range
$725 to $1,500
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
All CNA Programs in Madison
Madison College - Truax Campus
1701 Wright Street
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- 1 semester (3 credits)
- Cost:
- $726.99
- Phone:
- (608) 246-6100
Madison College - Goodman South Campus
2429 Perry Street
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- 1 semester (3 credits)
- Cost:
- $726.99
- Phone:
- (608) 258-2440
Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation
3001 W. Beltline Highway, Suite 305
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- 6-8 weeks (hybrid)
- Cost:
- Approximately $1,500
- Phone:
- (608) 417-3500
Neway Directions
3001 W. Beltline Hwy, Suite 100
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- 3 weeks full-time / 6 weeks part-time
- Cost:
- $975
- Phone:
- (608) 221-1920
Quality CNA Training - Madison
5218 E. Terrace Drive
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Duration:
- Approximately 6 weeks
- Cost:
- $725
- Phone:
- (715) 902-1746
Becoming a CNA in Wisconsin
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Madison
How many CNA training programs are available in Madison, WI?
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Our directory lists 6 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Madison, 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.
How much does CNA training cost in Madison?
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Published tuition for CNA programs in Madison ranges from $725 to $1,500. Quality CNA Training - Madison lists the lowest tuition at $725. 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.
What is the fastest CNA program in Madison?
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Neway Directions offers the shortest published program in Madison at 3 weeks full-time / 6 weeks part-time. 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 state-approved training, so any accelerated program must compress the required hours into a shorter calendar window through full-time scheduling. Call (608) 221-1920 for current cohort start dates.
How do I become a CNA in Madison, WI?
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To work as a CNA in Madison, 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.
Are there free CNA classes in Madison?
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No Madison 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.