CNA Classes & Programs in Portage, Wisconsin
5 state-approved CNA programs in Portage, including free, online and 4-week options.
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CNA training in Portage
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $41,550
- $19.97 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 3,070
- in the Madison region
- Healthcare facilities
- 1
- 1 hospital
- Population
- 10,450
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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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.
Prospective CNAs in Portage can select from 5 state-approved CNA programs designed to help launch a healthcare career. This Wisconsin city provides access to CNA classes that meet state certification standards and support local workforce needs. Portage also features online learning opportunities for added flexibility during training.
CNA training programs in Portage prepare students for real-world responsibilities by combining classroom instruction with practical skill-building experiences. Local employment options may be found at facilities such as Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital—a key healthcare provider in Portage—which supports both acute care and emergency services within the city.
In the Madison region, CNAs earn around $41,550 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which is above the statewide median of $40,010. Portage's CNA courses offer multiple paths toward entry into this important profession.
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Browse CNA Classes in Portage
Portage offers 5 CNA training programs that equip students with the skills needed for Wisconsin certification and registry placement. With online CNA classes available alongside traditional options and several free training choices, these programs prepare participants for certification success and support career opportunities in healthcare throughout the area where CNAs are needed.
Program Types in Portage
| Type | In Portage | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 4 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Madison Area Tech College - Portage ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Portage | See other Wisconsin cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in Portage
Lowest published cost first.
Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital
CostFreeHours–Weeks5
- Address
- 2817 New Pinery Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 616-1058
Aspirus offers a paid 5-week CNA training in partnership with local technical colleges; Aspirus pays course tuition and related fees, provides scrubs and textbooks, reimburses the exam, and pays a stipend. Acceptance includes agreeing to a post-program CNA position with Aspirus, pending pre-employment requirements.
Visit websiteAspirus Tivoli Nursing Home
CostFreeHours–Weeks5
- Address
- 2805 Hunters Trl, Portage, WI 53901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 221-1920
Aspirus provides paid 5-week CNA trainings in partnership with local technical colleges, covering tuition and related fees, with scrubs and textbooks included and exam reimbursement. Participants also receive a stipend and accept a post-program CNA position with Aspirus upon meeting pre-employment requirements.
Visit websiteDivine Savior Hospital and Nursing Home
CostFreeHours–Weeks5
- Address
- 2805 Hunters Trl, Portage, WI 53901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 221-1920
Aspirus offers a paid 5‑week CNA training program that covers tuition, required fees, scrubs and provides a stipend, with clinicals completed at Aspirus sites including Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage.
Madison Area Tech College - Portage
Cost$743Hours99Weeks9
- Address
- 330 W Collins St, Portage, WI 53901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 745-3100
Madison College’s Nursing Assistant technical diploma is a 3-credit, 99-hour course combining classroom, skills lab, and supervised clinicals. Offered at Truax, Goodman South, and regional campuses including Portage, with hybrid and accelerated 3–4 week options.
Visit websitePortage Enterprice Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1800 Kutzke Rd, Portage, WI 53901
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (608) 626-1058
Portage Enterprice Center 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 5 programs fits you?
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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 Portage
| Median annual pay | $41,550 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $19.97 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 3,070 |
| Salary region | Madison |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Portage are influenced by steady demand in the Madison region, where approximately 3,070 certified nursing assistants are employed across diverse healthcare environments. While city-specific employment numbers are not available, regional data reflects ongoing need for CNAs throughout this part of Wisconsin.
The CNA salary in Portage can be estimated using regional figures: In the Madison region, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $41,550—equivalent to about $19.97 per hour—according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This surpasses the Wisconsin statewide median salary of $40,010 per year and suggests notable earning potential for local nursing assistants pursuing careers in this field.
The city's primary CMS-certified facility is Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital—a voluntary non-profit private institution providing acute care services with emergency capabilities and an overall rating of three stars from CMS data (July 2025). This hospital plays an important role in hiring CNAs within Portage's healthcare sector.
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Portage (1 facility)
1 hospital in Portage offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Aspirus Divine Savior HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2817 New Pinery Road(608) 742-4131Map | 3/5 |
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 Portage? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Reedsburg, Wyocena, Richland Center, Wonewoc, and Mauston, 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 Portage, WI
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Portage, 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 Portage 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 Portage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Portage
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Portage?
Most CNA programs in Portage can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital.
How much does CNA training cost in Portage?
Madison Area Tech College - Portage lists a price of $743. Ask the other programs in Portage for theirs. 3 programs are free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Portage?
Yes. 3 programs in Portage are free or employer-paid: Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital, Aspirus Tivoli Nursing Home and Divine Savior Hospital and Nursing Home. 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 Portage?
Yes. Madison Area Tech College - Portage offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Portage?
Yes. 4 programs in Portage are accelerated. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Portage there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Reedsburg, Wyocena, Richland Center, Wonewoc and Mauston. 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 Portage?
CNAs in Portage are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 1 hospital in Portage. 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.