CNA Classes & Programs in Madison, Wisconsin
Get Information from CNA Programs in Madison and Nearby
In Madison, 14 state-approved CNA classes are available for those seeking entry into healthcare careers as certified nursing assistants. The capital city’s educational landscape offers students several pathways toward certification within a community known for its vibrant university atmosphere and robust medical sector.
CNA programs in Madison include both traditional formats and flexible options such as online courses or accelerated learning tracks. For individuals looking to minimize costs, free CNA classes are also available at select providers. These choices allow students to pursue training that fits their schedules while preparing them for immediate employment opportunities after certification.
In Madison, CNAs earn around $41,550 per year—a figure that reflects both local demand and specialized roles within area hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Quick Facts About Madison
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Population268,516Residents
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CNA Programs14State-approved Programs
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Median Income$74,895Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$19.97Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$41,550Median Annual Salary
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Facilities18CMS Healthcare Facilities7 Nursing Homes • 5 Hospitals • 6 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Madison and Nearby
Schools in Madison 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 Madison
Madison offers 14 CNA classes that prepare students for Wisconsin CNA certification through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Options include online CNA classes, accelerated learning tracks, and free programs for those seeking flexibility or affordability. Each CNA training program is designed to qualify graduates for placement on the state registry with career opportunities in healthcare settings throughout the local area.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Madison through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Madison and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs: Some classes in Madison offer online coursework combined with local clinical training.
Madison West High School
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Madison College Goodman South Campus
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Herzing University
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Fatou Ceesay Cairasu Care Institute
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UW Health/UWHCA
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Neway Directions
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Mendota Mental Health Institute
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La Follette High School
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Madison College Community Clinic
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Vel Phillips Memorial High School
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Madison East High School
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Madison College
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Center for HC Education & Simulation
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Central Wisconsin Center
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Madison
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$41,550Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$19.97Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs3,070CNA Positions
In the Madison region, approximately 3,070 certified nursing assistants work across various care environments. This strong employment base demonstrates consistent need for trained CNAs within hospitals, nursing homes, and community-based organizations serving residents throughout Madison and its surrounding areas.
The CNA salary in Madison stands out within Wisconsin: In the Madison area, CNAs earn a median of $41,550 annually (or $19.97 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This regional median exceeds the statewide figure of $40,010 per year, reflecting enhanced earning potential linked to major medical centers and increased demand in Dane County’s healthcare market.
CNA jobs in Madison are available at several leading local employers. Facilities such as Capitol Lakes Health Center (72 beds) and Oakwood Village East Health And Rehab Center provide long-term care roles, while hospital-based positions can be found at University Of WI Hospitals & Clinics Authority—a prominent teaching institution—and SSM Health St Mary’s Hospital - Madison. Home health agencies like Aveanna Home Health further expand placement options for certified assistants within Madison’s CMS-certified provider network.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Madison? 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 Madison? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sun Prairie, Janesville, Beloit, Milwaukee, and Oshkosh, 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 Madison (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Madison providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Madison (5 facilities)
5 hospitals in Madison offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
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Ssm Health St Mary'S Hospital - Madison
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University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Madison (6 facilities)
6 home health agencies in Madison providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Aveanna Home Health
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Interim Healthcare Of Wisconsin
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Ssm Health At Home Home Health-Wisconsin
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Oakwood Preferred Home Healthcare
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Catalyst, Inc.
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Madison, WI
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Madison?
Most CNA programs in Madison 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 Madison?
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 Madison?
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 Madison?
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 Madison?
Yes, some schools in Madison 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 Madison there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sun Prairie, Janesville, Beloit, Milwaukee, and Oshkosh. 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 Madison?
CNAs in Madison 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.