Milwaukee, Wisconsin, CNA programs
Several schools in the Milwaukee area offer CNA training programs that meet the requirements to take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Test, which is required before a person can be added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Students study basic care techniques and gain hands-on experience in these programs, which usually last for a few weeks. This article looks at three schools, none more than 50 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, and examines the CNA programs they offer. Information on topics that prospective students should consider is also included in a format that makes it easy to compare the schools.
- Just a mile from the city center, Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a nursing assistant program.
- Waukesha County Technical College, around 21 miles west of downtown Milwaukee, also offers a nursing assistant program.
- Another option for CNA training is at Gateway Technical College's Racine campus, about 25 miles south of Milwaukee.
Comparison of Schools
Individuals interested in CNA programs can learn about these schools through this table that highlights pertinent facts such as enrollment and costs. They can use this information to make a sound decision about their education.
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Waukesha County Technical College | Gateway Technical College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year, public | 2-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 11,828 | 7,357 | 9,311 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large suburb | Midsize suburb |
| Tuition (2022-2023)* | $4,867 in-state $7,018 out-of-state | $4,728 in-state $6,879 out-of-state | $4,766 in-state $6,917 out-of-state |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 81% | 56% | 69% |
| Acceptance Rate | Open admissions | Open admissions | Open admissions |
| Retention Rate (2021)* | 46% of full-time, 37% of part-time students | 71% of full-time, 77% of part-time students | 67% of full-time, 59% of part-time students |
| Graduation Rate (Began in 2018)* | 17% (16% transfer-out rate) | 44% (9% transfer-out rate) | 39% |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Milwaukee Area Technical College
There are 17 associate's degree programs, a dozen technical diplomas (including the nursing assistant diploma), and three certificate programs offered through the School of Health Sciences.
Nursing Assistant Diploma
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) offers a nursing assistant diploma program at its downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and West Allis campuses. The downtown campus also offers a bilingual program in English and Spanish. Applicants must provide proof of physical examination, current immunizations, drug screening, and criminal background check prior to starting clinicals. They must also provide a college transcript or take a placement test.
Nursing assistant students develop basic nursing skills needed to work in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They learn to interact with patients and medical personnel, while providing daily care to patients. The 3-credit curriculum includes coursework and clinical training.
Waukesha County Technical College
The nursing assistant program is one of three nursing programs offered through the health division; the school also offers more than ten allied health programs in areas such as medical coding, dental assisting, and surgical technology. The school reports that students enrolled in health programs in nursing, surgical technology, and dental hygiene typically score very well on professional certification exams.
Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma
The 3-credit nursing assistant technical diploma program is 120 hours in length, combining classroom studies, lab work, and clinical education. Initial hands-on practice is with mannequins and fellow students; off-campus clinical work is performed under supervision at a local long-term care facility. Prior to starting the class, applicants are required to pay fees for criminal background checks. Applicants must provide proof of reading proficiency through assessment testing prior to enrollment.
Using mannequins, students learn to care for patients and assist with their daily care such as feeding, grooming, and bathing. Students also learn through lectures, DVDs, and other learning aids.
Gateway Technical College
Gateway Technical College offers several health-related technical diplomas in fields such as emergency medical technician, EMT - paramedic, advanced EMT, medical assistant, and nursing assistant. Student lab facilities include training mannequins, DVDs, wheelchair lifts, and wheelchairs; the school is also home to a student chapter of the Health Occupations Students of America.
Nursing Assistant Technical Diploma
Gateway Technical College offers its nursing assistant programs at its Kenosha, Racine, and Elkhorn campuses several times each semester. Students complete 72 hours of classroom studies while also working in the lab to obtain hands-on training in providing personal care assistance to patients. Additionally, they complete 48 supervised hours working off-campus in clinical settings, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities.
