CNA Classes & Programs in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Get Information from CNA Programs in La Crosse and Nearby
La Crosse is home to 6 CNA programs aimed at preparing individuals for fulfilling careers as certified nursing assistants along Wisconsin’s scenic Mississippi River corridor. Students can access both traditional classroom learning and online options when starting their journey toward a healthcare role here.
The city features free CNA classes as well as online learning opportunities—broadening access to essential training required by local employers such as hospitals or long-term care providers. In the La Crosse-Onalaska metro area, CNAs earn around $39,830 annually—just under the statewide median salary level.
CNA courses in La Crosse provide vital hands-on experience alongside classroom instruction so graduates gain confidence ahead of taking certification exams or beginning work throughout southwestern Wisconsin’s growing medical community.
Quick Facts About La Crosse
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Population52,043Residents
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CNA Programs6State-approved Programs
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Median Income$51,836Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$19.15Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$39,830Median Annual Salary
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Facilities7CMS Healthcare Facilities4 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in La Crosse and Nearby
Schools in La Crosse and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in La Crosse
Available in La Crosse are 6 CNA classes—including free programs and online options—that train students for Wisconsin certification and registry placement. Each class enables candidates to build essential skills required by regional employers while supporting successful transition into healthcare careers where local demand remains steady across multiple practice settings throughout La Crosse.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in La Crosse through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: not available in La Crosse but are offered in other cities throughout Wisconsin.
Online programs: Some classes in La Crosse offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Viterbo
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Gunderson Health Systems
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Quality CNA Training
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Shelby Terrace
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Western Technical College
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Health Science Center
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CNA Employment Opportunities in La Crosse
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$39,830Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$19.15Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs860CNA Positions
Approximately 860 certified nursing assistants work in the La Crosse-Onalaska region, supporting patient care services throughout hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies serving both city residents and those living nearby. Local employers value candidates with state-approved CNA certification.
The median CNA salary in the La Crosse-Onalaska region is $39,830 per year ($19.15 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This is just below the Wisconsin median of $40,010 annually and reflects compensation relative to cost-of-living factors specific to western Wisconsin communities like La Crosse.
CNA jobs in La Crosse are available at CMS-certified facilities including Riverside (a nonprofit facility with 123 beds), Hillview Health Care Center (county-operated with 50 beds), Bethany St Joseph Care Center (100 beds), Benedictine Manor of La Crosse (80-bed nonprofit provider), Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Medical Center (acute care hospital), Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (acute care hospital), and Aveanna Home Health (proprietary agency). These organizations offer varied workplace environments for certified nursing assistants.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in La Crosse? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond La Crosse? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, Sun Prairie, and Stevens Point, or browse the Wisconsin CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in La Crosse (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in La Crosse providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in La Crosse (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in La Crosse offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Medical Center Inc
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in La Crosse (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in La Crosse providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Aveanna Home Health
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in La Crosse, WI
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in La Crosse, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Wisconsin. These include completing a Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)–approved Nurse Aide Training Program, passing the state competency examination administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Completion of the first 16 hours of classroom instruction before any direct client contact
- Passing both the knowledge test (75 questions, 60 minutes, 71% to pass) and the skills evaluation (randomly selected skills scored by a state-approved examiner)
- Passing both components within one year of completing training, with unlimited retakes during that period before a new training program is required
- Placement on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, administered through Headmaster's TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout La Crosse and across Wisconsin. To maintain federal work eligibility, CNAs must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services every 24 months; those who do not must retake and pass both exam components, though Wisconsin does not require full retraining.
Already certified in another state? Wisconsin offers registry-based reciprocity for out-of-state nurse aides who are active and in good standing. Applicants must document completion of a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours or qualifying employment (at least 2,088 hours in the two preceding years), submitted through Wisconsin's Headmaster system. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Wisconsin guide.
For complete details on training, testing, renewal, and maintaining certification, see our full CNA License & Registration in Wisconsin guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in La Crosse
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in La Crosse?
Most CNA programs in La Crosse can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in La Crosse?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in La Crosse?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in La Crosse?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in La Crosse?
Yes, some schools in La Crosse or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near La Crosse there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Eau Claire, Wausau, Madison, Sun Prairie, and Stevens Point. You can also look at the Wisconsin state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Wisconsin CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Wisconsin, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Wisconsin CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in La Crosse?
CNAs in La Crosse are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.