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Nursing Assistant
Technical Diploma
Why choose Nursing Assistant?
- Use your great communication skills to act as the important link between patients and their nurses and doctors.
- Nursing assistants are the most directly responsible for helping patients, providing the most basic care and comfort.
- This program is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services as both a nurse-aide training program and competency evaluation program.
- Gain confidence with your new skills in our state-of-the art Healthcare Simulation Center.
Many are attracted to a career in nursing because they have a desire to directly help patients, providing the most basic care and comfort. In reality, however, the patient’s main caregiver is typically a nursing assistant rather than a nurse.
Program Locations
Adams Campus
401 North Main Street
Adams, WI 53910
Marshfield Campus
2600 West 5th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Stevens Point Downtown Campus
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
Hybrid/Blended
Daytime or Evening
Part-Time
8-Week Classes or 16-Week Classes
Length of Program: Short Term
Credits: 2
Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer
What You'll Learn
The Nursing Assistant program at Mid-State provides hands-on learning that prepares students to assist in the care of patients in hospitals, extended care facilities, and home care situations.
This 81-hour program includes campus lab experiences and a 27-hour clinical practicum working with patients and residents. Skills labs ensure students have opportunities to practice skills under the supervision of experienced professionals. Personal care and emotional support of patients are always primary considerations. Upon completion of the course, students may choose to take the state certification exam.
Outcomes
- Communicate effectively with clients, family, and co-workers.
- Protect rights of clients.
- Demonstrate ethical and legal responsibilities.
- Work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Provide holistic, safe care to diverse populations.
- Demonstrate reporting and documentation.
- Assist clients with rehabilitation and restorative care.
- Provide safe care for clients with acute and chronic health conditions.
- Complete educational requirements for the WI NA competency evaluation.
Note: Outcomes for the Nursing Assistant program are state and federally mandated.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $513.66
- Books: $76.25
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $489.50
- Total Estimated Cost: $1,079.41
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is NOT eligible for Financial Aid. Explore other ways to help pay for college.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30543200 | Nursing Assistant | 2 | |
| Term Total | 2 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 2 Credits |
Instructors
GRACE IRWIN BATES, RN
Additional Degrees: ADN
Grace is a registered nurse who earned her associate degree in nursing from Mid-State Technical College. Her clinical background includes 40 years of work in healthcare, with 15 years as a nursing assistant and the rest as an RN, minimum data set (MDS) coordinator, assistant director of nursing, and director of nursing. Her areas of interest include geriatrics, chronic illnesses, disease processes and mental health. She taught in Mid-State’s Nursing Assistant program for 13 years part-time before dedicating herself to a full-time position.
"I really didn't know what to expect when I started teaching. I have found a passion for it and love to help and watch new health caregivers learn and grow. It makes me excited to see all the possibilities out there for students to branch out in the exciting field of healthcare."
KATHLEEN ORMINSKI, RN
Additional Degrees: BA
Kathleen is a registered nurse who earned her ADN from Kishwaukee College in Illinois and her bachelor's degree in healthcare management through Lakeland College. She is also trained as an instructor for TNCC certification through the Emergency Nurses Association. Her clinical background includes 20 years in hospital and home hospice with an emphasis in ICU, ER, management, and hospice services. She has taught at Mid-State as a part-time instructor for since 2022 year and is now a full-time instructor for the Nursing Assistant program.
“I love being an instructor at Mid-State, where I not only get to provide instruction for the NA program but can also guide students towards future learning opportunities and provide a solid foundation for their goals.”
LISA WHITLEY, RN
Additional Degrees: ADN
Lisa is a registered nurse who earned her ADN from Mid-State Technical College. She also trained as an evaluator for both CBRF certification and the Wisconsin state certification examination for nursing assistant. Her clinical background includes 15 years in long-term care with an emphasis in dementia care, infection control, and wound care. She has taught in Mid-State’s Nursing Assistant program for 14+ years and is a material consultant for instructional nursing assistant videos.
“It is a privilege to teach in Mid-State’s Nursing Assistant program, where I have the opportunity to help students be successful in what may be the first steps toward a fulfilling future in healthcare.”
Careers
- CBRF Caregiver
- Home Health Aide
- Nursing Assistant
- Caregiver
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
- Hospice Aide
- Personal Care Worker (PCW)
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- Additional Resources
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Background Information Disclosure (BID) form
- Licensure Information
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Mid-State's Nursing Assistant program course prepares students to obtain state certification to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. The College does not guarantee its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states.
Take the Next Step
“Mid-State’s individualized, friendly, and thorough training led to my job as a certified nursing assistant and prepared me to enter medical school. It also made me shine among my peers and be truly comfortable caring for patients”
LUCAS LEONARD
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
