To become a CNA (certified nursing assistant or certified nurse aide) in Wisconsin there are a series of steps you must go through, including attending state-approved CNA classes, accruing hours of direct care and clinical time, and passing the state CNA exam. Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin, and a location that has a constant need for skilled CNAs. If you are looking to find CNA classes in Milwaukee as a part of your educational or career plan, we’ve compiled a list of the top programs in the area to help you find the right program for you.
Highlights
- Over 9,000 CNAs are working in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, and West Allis metro area currently. This means lots of job opportunities for qualified CNAs.
- The average CNA salary in Milwaukee is 3.1% higher than the national average.
- With the availability of accelerated programs, it’s possible to earn your license in a matter of weeks and begin your new career as a nursing assistant.
CNA Requirements in Milwaukee
Like every state, Wisconsin had a minimum amount of CNA education hours that candidates must attend before being able to sit for the state’s CNA exam. In Wisconsin, that total is 75 hours with 16 hours of clinical work.
Additional requirements for being a certified CNA in Wisconsin include:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Demonstrate that you are in good physical health
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Pass a background checks
- Be fluent in English, or fluent in the dominant language used in the facility
- Proof of graduating from a state-certified CNA program
- Pass the state CNA exam
- Being listed on the Wisconsin state CNA registry
Top CNA Classes in Milwaukee
Now that you know what it takes to become a CNA in Wisconsin let’s look at the best programs in the area to help you on your way to becoming a nursing assistant.
1. Quality Healthcare Options
Individuals interested in becoming a CNA can join Quality Healthcare Options in Milwaukee for their education. With over 30 years of experience, they are the second largest training center for CNA, CBRF, and CPR certification in the state. Their instructors have a passion for teaching and a dedication to helping students succeed. The training emphasizes individualized preparation for a fulfilling career in healthcare. By becoming a part of their supportive community, individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Price: $1,045
Address: 7425 Harwood Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI, 53213
Phone: 414.475.7337
URL: https://www.qhotraining.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Day, evening, and weekend classes are available.
2. J. Johnson Education Center **Best Accelerated CNA Program
Get certified as a Nursing Assistant at J. Johnson Education Center in Milwaukee. Our comprehensive 59-hour course covers lectures, lab, and theory, plus 16 hours of clinical experience. Learn essential skills like bathing, dressing, positioning, and taking vital signs. Prepare for a career providing quality care in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Admissions requirements include being at least 16 years old, proficiency in English, a valid ID and Social Security Card, negative TB and Covid-19 test results, a seasonal flu shot (October 1st – April 30th only), physical ability to perform required tasks, a physician’s release for pregnancy, a drug-free status, no criminal convictions, and personal transportation.
Price: $1,200 – does not include state testing fee.
Address: 7905 W. Appleton Avenue, Suite 202
Milwaukee, WI 53218
Phone: 414.438.9392
URL: https://jjohnsoneducationcenter.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Accelerated program takes less than four weeks to complete.
3. Alliance Specialty Healthcare Services **Best Online CNA Class
Alliance Specialty Healthcare Services in Milwaukee offers CNA certification courses to individuals seeking to advance their careers in healthcare. With highly qualified educators who possess advanced degrees and over 20 years of experience in the industry, students receive exceptional training and education. The organization offers a wide range of customizable courses to ensure students receive relevant skills and knowledge. Real testimonials from past students attest to the success of the program, which includes a hybrid course format of 3 weeks of online learning and 1 week of in-person clinical practice.
Price: $1,890
Address: 4911 West Good Hope Road, Suite 102
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223
Phone: 800.387.5520
URL: https://alliancespecialtyhcs.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Online classes are available.
4. Standard of Excellence Education & Training Center
The Certified Nurse Aide program at Standard of Excellence Education & Training Center in Milwaukee provides high-quality education and skill training to prepare students for certification as a professional and competent member of the healthcare team. Upon graduation, students are equipped to take and pass the Wisconsin Certification exam and have the necessary skills for employment as a CNA. The program is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and requires the successful completion of 120-course hours in the classroom, skills lab, and clinical setting.
Price: Contact the school for current pricing
Address: 6914 West Appleton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Phone: 414.290.7597
URL: https://seetctraining.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Major focus on student engagement throughout the program.
5. Milwaukee Area Technical College **Best Low-Cost CNA Classes
Become an entry-level bedside caregiver with the CNA classes at Milwaukee Area Technical College. This one semester is offered year-round and is designed for individuals with a sincere concern for people, good physical and emotional health, excellent attendance record, effective communication skills, and a neat, well-groomed appearance. The course curriculum prepares students to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) and state nurse aide exams.
Price: $913
Address: 700 W. State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: 414.297.6282
URL: https://www.matc.edu/academics/academic-resources/four-year-transfer/dual-enrollment/cna-program.html
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Bilingual program is also offered.
6. Milwaukee Job Corps Center **Best Free CNA Classes
Milwaukee Job Corps Center offers a CNA program for students who are looking to pursue a career in the healthcare field. This program provides comprehensive training in various subject areas, including caring for patients, performing basic nursing responsibilities, controlling infections, and understanding safety and emergency procedures. The program also covers specialized care for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Graduates of this program can expect to work full-time in hospitals or long-term care facilities, providing basic care for patients of all ages. Candidates must meet state requirements, including a criminal background check and completion of a training program that meets federal content requirements. They must also complete the Career Preparation Period, meet basic academic requirements in math and reading, and register with the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
Price: $0
Address: 6665 N 60th St
Milwaukee, WI 53223
Phone: 414.353.5914
URL: https://www.jobcorps.gov/center/milwaukee-job-corps-center
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: 25-acre campus and convenient access by public transit from downtown Milwaukee.
7. Waukesha County Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College offers an 89-hour program that provides students with the opportunity to learn fundamental nursing assistant skills. The program consists of lectures, demonstrations, and skills practice, and is designed to prepare students for clinical training in a nursing home or hospital setting, under the supervision of an instructor. Upon completion of the program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work as a nursing assistant. Additionally, students who are qualified can also enroll in the Certified Medication Assistant course.
The college also offers hybrid courses, which are fast-paced and require self-study. Participants in these courses are required to have access to a computer, as practice tests will be taken online. There are also face-to-face class times for tests, lab work, and clinical sessions. The location of clinical sessions (whether in a hospital or nursing home setting) is indicated in the course schedule. It is important to note that all class time is required by the state and students are expected to attend all course time. The course syllabus will be provided and reviewed on the first day of class.
Price: $400
Address: 800 Main St.
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Phone: 262.691.5566
URL: https://www.wctc.edu/academics/programs/nursing-assistant/index.php
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Online hybrid CNA classes are available day, evening, and weekends.
8. Aurora Health
Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee offers a Wisconsin-approved CNA training program for individuals seeking certification as a nursing assistant. The program includes both classroom instruction and live clinical days, giving participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities of a CNA.
Classes are offered throughout the year with specific application deadlines, and the program lasts for 11 days and 88 hours, including 21 hours of clinical experience. Perfect attendance is a requirement for successful completion of the program and eligibility to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Exam.
To participate in the program, individuals must submit to a mandatory drug screen, physical exam, and criminal background checks, both in the state of Wisconsin and out-of-state if applicable. With class sizes of fewer than 20 students per session, admission into the program is highly competitive and only the most qualified applicants will be selected.
Price: $1,500
Address: 945 N. 12th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: 414.219.2000
URL: https://careers.aah.org/career-areas/training-programs/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: The program can be completed in as few as 11 days.
9. Wauwatosa Care Training Center
Wauwatosa Care Training Center offers affordable Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes in the Milwaukee area in collaboration with the Joan Johnson Education Center. Trained and qualified instructors lead the classes, providing students with hands-on learning through lectures, videos, and lab practices.
The program includes practice exams to help students understand and review any questions or skills before taking the final exam. Additionally, students have the opportunity to re-watch course videos and review content to ensure they are fully prepared.
The CNA course is designed to prepare students for nursing assistant certification in the State of Wisconsin and meets all current state requirements, including lectures, labs, theory, and clinical experience. Through the course, students will learn practical skills such as bathing, dressing, positioning, and vital signs.
Detailed course and registration information can be found on the Wauwatosa Care Training Center website. Classes are filled on a first-come/first-serve basis and a non-refundable deposit of $200 is required to reserve a spot.
Price: $1,200
Address: 353 N 121st Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone: 414.988.3332
URL: https://waukeshahomecare.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Re-watchable course videos and practice exams are available.
10. Milwaukee Red Cross
The Milwaukee Red Cross offers Nurse Assistant Training, a program that combines theory, practical skills, and clinical experience to prepare individuals for the state certification exam. With over 30 years of experience and a 90% graduation rate, the Red Cross is a trusted and respected provider of nurse assistant training.
The program features a blended learning approach, combining online instruction with hands-on experience. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering both care skills and communication/interpersonal skills, and includes resources such as online test prep to help students succeed.
Price: $1,250
Address: 2600 West Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: 414.342.8680
URL: https://www.redcross.org/local/wisconsin/about-us/locations/southeast-chapter.html
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Offers introductory webinar for the program.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Milwaukee?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for CNAs in Milwaukee is $37,290 which equates to $17.93 per hour. The average pay is 3% higher than the national average for nursing assistants,which is 36,220.
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Milwaukee?
On average you can expect to pay around $1,100 or $1,200 for a CNA course in Milwaukee. However, as you can see from the courses listed on this page, the cost per program can be as low as $500 or as high as $2,000. Of course, not all programs are created equal and there can be hidden costs, so it’s important to do your research before signing up for any CNA school.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Milwaukee
There are 8,410 CNAs employed in the greater Milwaukee area, which is more than 30% of all the CNAs working in the state of Wisconsin. Clearly, this area provides ample opportunities for CNAs to find work. The table below details the types of businesses employing the largest number of nursing assistants.
| Industry Type | Total Employment | % of CNA Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 3,300 | 35.8% |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 2,707 | 29.4% |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 987 | 10.7% |
| Home Health Care Services | 585 | 6.4% |
| Employment Services | 273 | 3.0% |
| Individual and Family Services | 254 | 2.8% |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 183 | 2.0% |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 181 | 2.0% |
| Offices of Physicians | 122 | 1.3% |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 113 | 1.2% |
Helpful Links
Finding a local nurse aide class in the Milwaukee area is critical to becoming a CNA, but if you are still in the research phase of learning more about the profession or the requirements to gain your certification, we suggest the following links: