CNA Classes in Portage, Wisconsin

Portage CNA Training - Wisconsin

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portage, WI

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Portage, WI, you’re on the right path. CNAs play an essential role in healthcare, providing critical support to nurses and care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. This guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a CNA in Portage, WI, and provide information on local schools, certification requirements, and employment opportunities.

About Portage, WI

Portage, Wisconsin, is a charming city located in Columbia County, known for its rich history and scenic beauty. Often referred to as the “City of Historic Canals,” Portage offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and access to outdoor activities, including the nearby Wisconsin River and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. For more information about Portage, you can visit the official city website.

CNA Training Programs in Portage, WI

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portage, WI, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. Below are some local options for CNA training programs near Portage:

1. Madison Area Technical College (MATC) – Portage Campus
   Nursing Assistant Program
   Located right in Portage, MATC offers a Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the CNA certification exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Students will learn essential skills like patient care, infection control, and communication with healthcare teams.

2. Moraine Park Technical College – Beaver Dam Campus
   Nursing Assistant Program
   Distance from Portage: Approximately 35 miles
   Moraine Park Technical College offers a state-approved Nursing Assistant course that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare. The program covers essential CNA skills and includes clinical practice at local healthcare facilities.

3. Fox Valley Technical College – Wautoma Regional Center
   Nursing Assistant Program
   Distance from Portage: Approximately 45 miles
   Fox Valley Technical College provides a comprehensive Nursing Assistant program, combining classroom learning with clinical experience. The program is designed to meet Wisconsin’s requirements for CNA certification.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Portage

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and passed the certification exam, you’ll be ready to start your career. Portage and the surrounding areas offer several healthcare facilities where CNAs are in high demand. Below are some of the top employers in the area:

1. Divine Savior Healthcare
   Divine Savior Healthcare Careers
   Located in Portage, Divine Savior Healthcare is a major healthcare provider in the area. The facility offers a wide range of services, including acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. CNAs are often needed to provide patient care in various departments.

2. Tivoli at Divine Savior
   Tivoli Careers
   Tivoli is a long-term care facility associated with Divine Savior Healthcare. It offers skilled nursing care, memory care, and rehabilitation services. CNAs are essential to ensuring residents receive high-quality daily care and assistance.

3. Columbia Health Care Center
   Columbia Health Care Center Employment
   Located in Wyocena, just a short drive from Portage, Columbia Health Care Center provides long-term care and rehabilitation services. The facility often hires CNAs to support their nursing staff and care for residents.

CNA Certification Requirements in Wisconsin

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wisconsin, you must meet the following certification requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training, including both classroom instruction and clinical practice. The program must be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written and skills test.

3. Get Listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. You must be listed on this registry to work as a CNA in the state.

4. Renewal of Certification: CNA certification in Wisconsin must be renewed every two years. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least eight hours in a paid CNA position during this period.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Portage, WI, is a rewarding and achievable career path. With local CNA training programs and plenty of employment opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Contact one of the schools listed above to begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Wisconsin may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Portage?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Portage usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Portage will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Portage?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Wisconsin, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Wisconsin, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Portage is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Wisconsin CNA Salary info.