Nursing Assistants play an important role in basic patient/resident care activities in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care settings, including home health care. The Nursing Assistant course meets state and federal requirements for training and testing, and is open to individuals 16 years of age or older. The course also serves as one prerequisite for individuals applying for the Nursing – Associate Degree program.

The Southwest Tech Nursing Assistant Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, preparing the student to be successful in meeting state and federally regulated competencies as a nursing assistant. The graduating student is eligible to take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program Exam, which includes both a written and skills exam.

Note

This course is not eligible for financial aid

  • Upcoming Schedule

  • Upcoming Nursing Assistant Courses

    DatesFormatClinical Location
    8/19/2024 - 10/18/2024HYBRIDDEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, August 14th BY 4:30PM! SEATS are LIMITED! Apply early. Clinical sites/dates determined once class starts. Dates will be between 9/29 to 10/18. Dates/times CAN be weekday evening or weekend DAYS or EVENINGS. 27 hrs total.
    10/14/2024 - 12/13/2024FACETOFACEDEADLINE TO REGISTER IS WEDNESDAY, October 9th BY 4:30PM! SEATS are LIMITED! Apply early. Clinical sites/dates determined once class starts and will be between 11/19 to 12/13/24. Dates/times CAN be weekday evening or weekend days/evenings. 27 hrs total.
  • Admissions Process / Requirements

  • Important Note: All student enrolling in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program will be automatically enrolled in Charger Tech 360.

    There is an embedded technology fee of $100 for the course. Laptops must be returned on the last day of clinical.

    Nursing Assistant classes fill quickly. Please complete your application and submit the needed documents early to best ensure you have a seat for the course dates you prefer.

    Nursing Assistant Admissions Process

    Please complete the following steps in the order listed. It can take several weeks to complete the process and get accepted to the program. Once you are accepted you can register, but not before that.

    1. Apply online

      When we receive your application, you will be sent a confirmation email.
      Please note: the date you select on your application is only a preference. You aren't guaranteed a seat in the class of your preference until you have registered for it (see number 4 below).

    2. Activate your MySWTC account

      Within 1 week of applying you will receive a letter and an email. Once you receive that, activate your MySWTC. Go to MySWTC and click “New Student”. Write down your Southwest Tech username and password.

    3. Log in to your MySWTC and complete requirements listed in "My Documents".

      The requirements include:

      • Functional Ability Form
      • Background Information Disclosure Form
      • Immunizations--TB Skin Testing, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella (Print forms as needed.)
      • Physical Exam (Print and have your doctor complete.)

    4. Register for the class you want

      After you have all green checkmarks next to your requirements, you are accepted to the program. Within 2-3 business days, you will receive your Acceptance Letter. Once you receive that, follow the instructions and go to the link on the letter to register for the course you want to take.

      Total Course Hours (lecture, lab, and clinical) = 81 Hours
      The Nursing Assistant course is regulated by the Department of Health Services - including course content and number of hours. Attendance is mandatory to ensure compliance with the State of Wisconsin requirements for Nursing Assistant training. Students are required to attend ALL 81 hours without exception to complete the course.

    5. Materials needed before first day of class

      • Nursing Assistant Packet
      • White nonskid shoes. No open toe shoes
      • Scrubs: 2 sets preferred, any color or print (scrubs are needed for clinical only; street clothes are approved attire for classroom and lab portions)​
      • Charger Tech 360 Laptop

    Program Fees

    • NOTE: This program is not eligible for financial aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    If you are a good communicator, compassionate, and interested in caring for people, becoming a nursing assistant may be a rewarding career choice for you.

    Students entering the Nursing Assistant program should:

    • Have good reading skills.
    • Be able to do physically taxing work.
    • Be flexible and function as a nursing team member.
    • Be willing to work with people who are ill and older adults.
    • Be at least 16 years old by the time of program completion.

    Program Basics

    • Technical diploma as a Basic Nursing Assistant after 81 hours of training.
    • Nursing home clinical component only.
    • Classes offered on part-time basis fall and spring.
    • Classes offered full-time on campus in summer.
    • Qualified in functional abilities for Nursing Assistant program.
  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    In order to successfully complete the program and to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) written and skills exam to be included on the Wisconsin Nurse Aid Registry, the student will:

    • 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

    Professional Licensure Disclosure

    Southwest Tech’s Nursing Assistant (NA) program is designed to prepare students to sit for the Nurse Aide Competency Exam in Wisconsin. If you plan to pursue certification in a state other than Wisconsin, please review educational requirements for that state.

    Licensure Information

    The Nursing Assistant program is designed to lead to a license for Certified Nursing Assistant in Wisconsin. More licensure information can be found on the Program Accreditations and Licensure page.

  • Career Opportunities

  • There are many job openings for nursing assistants in Southwest Wisconsin as well as throughout the state. The nursing assistant performs basic nursing tasks under the supervision and direction of the registered nurse. Employment is found in nursing homes, hospitals and home health agencies. The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Nursing Assistant Certificate is recognized by employing agencies in Southwest Wisconsin as excellent training for employment.

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers

For Frequently Asked Questions: Nursing Assistant FAQS