WisCaregiver Careers: Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

Fast-track your health care career

Become a certified nurse aide (CNA) in Wisconsin. You'll enjoy meaningful and rewarding work, give back to your community, and gain skills to advance your career.

WisCaregiver Careers provides funding support for eligible CNA training and testing costs through participating skilled nursing facilities.

It's easy to get started. Sign up today!

Steps to join WisCaregiver Careers and become a CNA

WisCaregiver Careers can help you become a CNA and start a career in a Wisconsin skilled nursing facility. Follow these steps to get started.

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible

You may be eligible if you:

Live in Wisconsin.
Are pursuing CNA certification for the first time.
Plan to work for a participating Wisconsin skilled nursing facility.

Step 2: Register for the WisCaregiver Careers CNA training program

Complete the registration form for WisCaregiver Careers CNA program—sign up for CNA training.
After you register, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-GB) will email you with instructions for the next step. You should receive an email within 72 hours. Note: It may take longer if you register on a weekend or holiday, or if there is a high volume of registrations.
Important: Do not create a WisCaregiver Connections account before you receive instructions from UW-GB.

Step 3: Set up your WisCaregiver Connections profile

Follow the instructions in the email from UW-GB to complete your profile in WisCaregiver Connections, powered by Handshake. WisCaregiver Connections is a job search tool powered by the Handshake platform.
Your profile lets participating employers know that you are looking for a job.

Step 4: Find a participating skilled nursing facility

Find CNA employers—this map lists participating skilled nursing facilities.
Choose one or more facilities that interest you.

Step 5: Apply for the job

Look for entry-level positions at the facility, such as:
- CNA trainee
- Dietary aide
- Activities aide
- Hospitality aide
- Housekeeping
- Food service
You can look for jobs through WisCaregiver Connections or directly on the facility's website.
Apply directly to the facility. During the application or interview, let the employer know that you are interested in becoming a CNA through WisCaregiver Careers.
Important: Registering for WisCaregiver Careers is not a job application and does not guarantee employment.

Step 6: Get hired and start CNA training

Once you're hired by a participating skilled nursing facility, your employer will arrange your in-person CNA training.
Training may be provided by the facility or by an approved third-party training program.
Your employer will explain how your CNA training and testing costs will be handled.

Step 7: Complete CNA training and testing

Complete the required CNA training and take both parts of the Wisconsin nurse aide competency exam:
- Skills exam
- Knowledge exam
WisCaregiver Careers covers the cost of one attempt at each part of the exam. If you need additional attempts, your employer will explain how those costs will be handled.

Step 8: Become a certified CNA

After you successfully complete your training and both parts of the exam, you will become a Wisconsin-certified CNA.
Once you are certified, you must complete the required employment information in Wisconsin TestMaster Universe (TMU) and select the skilled nursing facility where you work. TMU is where Wisconsin houses the nurse aide registry.
Your employer will verify your employment information and make any necessary corrections.
Important: You and your employer must complete all required TMU information accurately within 90 days of your CNA certification to remain eligible for the retention bonus.

Step 9: Stay employed and earn your $500 bonus

After becoming certified, you must remain employed by the same participating skilled nursing facility for six additional months.
If you meet all program requirements, your employer will pay you a $500 retention bonus.