Carthage College’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program teaches the essential skills needed for entry-level healthcare work.

In one-month, CNA students will learn how to provide activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding people needing care.

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Scholarships are available.

Begin a Career as a Certified NursE Aide


Three 2025 CNA sessions available

Winter 2025

  • Classes: Jan. 8-29 — 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Clinicals: Jan. 27-28 — 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Completion Ceremony: Jan. 29 — 2 p.m.
Summer I 2025
  • Classes: June 13-July 3 — 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Clinicals: July 1-2 — 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Completion Ceremony: July 3 — 2 p.m.
Summer II 2025
  • Classes: July 9-30 — 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Clinicals: July 28-29 — 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Completion Ceremony: July 30 — 2 p.m.


Program Basics

Carthage CNA students will attend class from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of two clinical days, which will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CNA classes are held in the Nursing Learning Laboratory on the Carthage College campus in Lentz Hall. Students complete two clinical rotations in a healthcare setting under the supervision of a faculty member. The program includes the state licensure exam needed to be listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.


Program Costs

The CNA program costs $850, which includes:

  • Tuition
  • Scrub Top
  • Books and all course materials
  • Clinical compliance/background check

Students will be responsible for the certification exam fee at the completion of the course.

Program Credits

Students will receive two general education credits upon completion of the program. Official college transcripts may be requested from the Office of the Registrar.


Apply to the CNA Program

Apply today for the CNA summer sessions. Carthage seeks a total of 16 students for each session. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Applications need to include a brief essay (250 words) on what it means to assist a client in achieving the best possible health. Once accepted into the program, students can confirm their spot with a $200 enrollment deposit. Scholarships are available.

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On-Site Training

Additionally, Carthage offers on-site CNA training sessions for school districts and other employers that are looking to prepare future healthcare workers. To learn more about providing this convenient option, contact Nancy Reese at nreese@js-ayds.com for more information.


Future Career Growth

According to a Salary.com report in October, the median CNA salary in Wisconsin was $35,039. CNAs gain first-hand experience and insight into the medical profession that often leads to pursuing a bachelor’s degree as a registered nurse, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician, or other allied health science profession. Students who complete the program receive an application fee waiver to apply for a Carthage College undergraduate program.

Career Opportunities in Nursing


FUTURE SESSIONS

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