Nursing Assistant
- Technical Diploma
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
Turn your interest in helping people into a meaningful career. As a nursing assistant, you will directly provide care to patients in hospital, long-term care, or adult day care settings. The program includes a combination of classroom and laboratory activities and hands-on clinical experience in a long-term care facility. You will receive training in communication skills, both oral and written, personal care, basic nursing skills, assisting people in maintaining independence, promoting rehabilitation, and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services as a Nursing Assistant Training program. Students are required by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to take the Nursing Assistant Registry Exam if they desire employment in a federally-funded health care facility (one that accepts Medicare and Medicaid patients).
To view the Nursing Assistant program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [1].
*Please note that the delivery method for fall courses may change as the COVID-19 situation unfolds. Our goal is to ensure that teaching and learning happens in a safe environment. We will communicate updates as quickly as possible.
Nursing Assistant 2018-2019 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 368 |
| Graduates Responding | 209 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 36 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 7 |
| Seeking Employment | 1 |
| Continuing Education | 159 |
| Not in Labor Market | 162 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 22 | 14 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 23 | 42 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $14.01 | $15.00 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $11.50-$15.80 | $12.50-$17.57 |
| Median Annual Salary | $17,075 | $31,099.00 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- CNA; CCLS, Onalaska, WI
- CNA; Plainville Times Nursing Home, Plainville, MI
- CNA; Grace Lutheran Communities, Altoona, WI
- Resident Care Assistant; Hearten House 1, La Crosse, WI
- CNA; Tomah VA Medical Center, Tomah, WI (3)
- Resident Care Coordinator; Bluffview Memory Care, Holmen, WI
- CNA; Bethany Riverside Nursing Home, La Crosse, WI
- CNA; Tomah Care Center, Tomah, WI
- Direct Support Tech; CSS, La Crosse, WI
- RCA, Oak Grove Assisted Living, Necedah, WI
- Plasma Center Tech; Biolife, Eau Claire, WI
- CNA; Gunderson, LaCrosse, WI (2)
- CNA; Eagle Crest Communities, La Crosse, WI
- CNA; Tomah Healthcare Nursing and Rehab, Tomah, WI (2)
- CNA; Fairview Nursing Home, Mauston,
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Living responsibly
- Refining professionalism
- Cultivating passion
- Communicate and interact effectively with clients, family, and co-workers
- Maintain and protect client rights
- Report information and record observations
- Demonstrate the ethical and legal responsibilities of the NA/HHA
- Provide safe care to a diverse population, meeting personal, physical and psychosocial client needs
- Assist with client rehabilitation and restorative care, promoting independence
- Assist clients with long-term, disabling conditions including dementia, always focusing on the strengths of the client
- Work cooperatively in a team environment
- Eligible to take the WI NA Competency evaluation
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Nursing Assistant program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program’s Essential Functions, complete a background check, and provide proof of immunization (including a TB Test*). Please see the details below.
- Nursing Assistant Essential Functions [2]
- Nursing Assistant Background Check form [3]
The background check will be processed by Western. Please complete the form, and submit the $20 fee payable to Western Technical College. Western does not accept third-party background checks (except in the case of students who live out of state). - Nursing Assistant Immunization form [4]
* Tuberculosis (TB) Test
One of the following is required:
- Two step TB skin test (1-3 weeks apart) OR
- Two consecutive annual tests (no more than 12 months between tests) OR
- QuantiFERON Gold blood test (lab report required) OR
- If positive results provide a lab report or physician verification of a clear chest x-ray.
Additional Information
Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the document below:
- Program Details [5]
CNA Out-of-State Transfer Information [6]
Refer to the Nursing Assistant Schedule for a complete listing of upcoming courses:
Program Contacts
Kris Stegemeyer
Program Co-Chair, Nursing Assistant
608 785-9413
Stegemeyerk@westerntc.edu [9]
Marcia Robbins
Program Co-Chair, Nursing Assistant
608-789-4762
RobbinsM@westerntc.edu [10]
For admission help contact: careercoach@westerntc.edu [11]
Career Pathways:
Nursing Assistant
Prior Learning:
Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [12] about what may apply to this program.
Associate Degree:
Courses
The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.
Current students should use the MyWestern [13] self-service portal when registering for class.