CNA Classes & Jobs in Madison, WI
Everything you need to start a CNA career in Madison: local training programs, the UW Health hiring pipeline, current wages, and a free study plan for the Wisconsin NNAAP exam.

Working as a CNA in Madison
Madison is part of the Wisconsin CNA registry, which means your training and certification follow the same NNAAP standards used across the U.S. The local healthcare market here is anchored by UW Health, which consistently hires new graduates and offers competitive starting wages around $17.00/hour. After a year of experience and a strong track record, CNAs inMadison commonly move into specialty roles (ICU support, rehab, memory care) at $3–$7 above the entry rate.
Wisconsin CNA training requirements
To work as a CNA in Madison, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program (typically 75–180 hours depending on Wisconsin's requirements), pass the NNAAP written and clinical skills exams, and register with the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. The full Wisconsin CNA certification guide covers application steps, fees, testing locations, and renewal cycles.
What the NNAAP exam tests for Madison CNAs
Every CNA in Wisconsin takes the same National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). It's a 70-question written exam plus a 5-skill clinical checkoff. The exam doesn't change by city, but how you study for it should match the skills local employers care about. UW Health and other major systems inMadison weight hand hygiene, transfers, vital signs, and feeding highest when hiring.
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Full Wisconsin guide
For state-level training requirements, application fees, exam vendor contacts, and renewal procedures, read the complete Wisconsin CNA certification guide.
Read the Wisconsin CNA guide →