CNA Classes & Programs in La Crosse, Wisconsin
6 state-approved CNA programs in La Crosse, including free, online and evening options. 4-week programs are offered in other Wisconsin cities.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
CNA training in La Crosse
- Programs
- 6
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $39,830
- $19.15 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 860
- in the La Crosse-Onalaska region
- Healthcare facilities
- 7
- 4 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 52,043
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
On this page
What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
Get Info from CNA Schools in La Crosse
Fill in the short form to get information from CNA schools that serve La Crosse, such as cost, schedules and start dates.
CNA program search
✓ Free Service✓ No Obligations✓ Compare Multiple Programs
We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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.
Program Types in La Crosse
| Type | In La Crosse | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in La Crosse | See other Wisconsin cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 6 CNA programs in La Crosse
Lowest published cost first.
Gunderson Health Systems
CostFreeHours–Weeks6
- Address
- 1900 South Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 775-7434
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Gundersen offers a no-cost, six-week CNA training with evening classes at a local educational provider in La Crosse and supervised clinicals at Gundersen sites. Trainees are employed at least 20 hours per week during enrollment.
Visit websiteShelby Terrace
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2525 Shelby Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (715) 902-1746
Employer-sponsored CNA training through WisCaregiver Careers with class and state exam costs paid while you work as a trainee.
Visit websiteWestern Technical College
Cost$336Hours81Weeks7
- Address
- 400 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 785-9200
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Western Technical College’s Nursing Assistant technical diploma is an 81-hour program covering basic nursing and personal care skills, communication, client rights, and dementia care. Typical starts are Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Visit websiteQuality CNA Training
Cost$725Hours75Weeks–
- Address
- 2501 Shelby Rd, La Crosse, WI 54601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (920) 446-2334
- Schedule
- Evening classes
Hybrid CNA course with online modules, classroom/lab at the Shelby Terrace site, and 16 hours of clinical. Recent La Crosse schedules list a training fee of 725.
Visit websiteHealth Science Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1300 Badger St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 775-4329
Health Science Center is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteViterbo
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 916 10th St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (715) 281-5064
Viterbo is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
Not sure which of the 6 programs fits you?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Nearby cities
Major Wisconsin cities
- Milwaukee28 programs
- Madison14 programs
- Green Bay8 programs
- Kenosha4 programs
- Racine1 program
- Appleton3 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in La Crosse
| Median annual pay | $39,830 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $19.15 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 860 |
| Salary region | La Crosse-Onalaska |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in La Crosse (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in La Crosse providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside2575 S 7Th St(608) 406-3900Map | 123 | 3.0 |
| Hillview Health Care Ctr3501 Park Lane Dr(608) 789-4800Map | 50 | 2.7 |
| Bethany St Joseph Care Ctr2501 Shelby Rd(608) 788-5700Map | 100 | 2.7 |
| Benedictine Manor Of Lacrosse2902 East Avenue South(608) 788-9870Map | 80 | 2.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in La Crosse (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in La Crosse offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Medical Center IncAcute Care Hospitals · 700 West Avenue South(608) 785-0940Map | 5/5 |
| Gundersen Lutheran Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 1910 South Ave(608) 782-7300Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in La Crosse (1 facility)
1 home health agency in La Crosse providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Aveanna Home Health2600 State Rd.(608) 406-3140Map | 5.0/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond La Crosse? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Monroe, Sparta, West Salem, Tomah, and Viroqua, 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in La Crosse.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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. The shortest published length here is 6 weeks, at Gunderson Health Systems.
How much does CNA training cost in La Crosse?
CNA programs in La Crosse cost between $336 and $725, depending on the school. 2 programs are free or employer-paid. The lowest-priced paid option is Western Technical College at $336. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in La Crosse?
Yes. 2 programs in La Crosse are free or employer-paid: Gunderson Health Systems and Shelby Terrace. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in La Crosse?
Yes. 2 programs in La Crosse offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in La Crosse?
No 4-week program is listed in La Crosse. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Wisconsin cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
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 Monroe, Sparta, West Salem, Tomah and Viroqua. 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. CMS lists 4 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 1 home health agency in La Crosse. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.