Nursing Assistant | Western Technical College

Nursing Assistant

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Technical Diploma

Program Number: 

305431

Credits: 

2.00
Not Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring, Summer

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.

Nursing Assistant image
Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost

Nursing Assistant

This program will cost about $400* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, visit the Tuition Page.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Graduation Employment Stats

Nursing Assistant 2020-2021 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates197
Graduates Responding88
Employed in Related Occupation7
Employed in Non-related Occupations0
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education68
Not in Labor Market0

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding70
Average Hours Per Week3238
Median Hourly Wage$16.23 $16.95
Hourly Wage Range$14.00-$18.50$16.08-$17.45
Median Annual Salary$33,444

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Associate, Carpenter, CNA, Customer Service/Waitress, Fitness Manager, Medical Assistant, Nurse Intern, Paramedic, Peri-op-Tech, Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant, Quality Lead Technician, Server

Career Opportunities

Nurse Aide - C.N.A.
Home Health Aide
Certified Nursing Assistant
Personnel Care Worker
Patient Care Associate

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
$30 Application Fee

Additional 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.

* 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.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

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:

CNA Out-of-State Transfer Information

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

Marcia Robbins
Program Co-Chair, Nursing Assistant
608-789-4762
RobbinsM@westerntc.edu

For admission help contact: admissionscoach@westerntc.edu

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Nursing Assistant

Career Pathways

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