Nursing Assistant
Why Nursing Assistant?
Nursing assistants are the essential link between patients and their healthcare teams, providing direct care and comfort when it matters most. In this program, you’ll learn how to assist patients with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and communicate effectively with nurses and doctors. It’s a rewarding first step into healthcare for those with compassion, strong communication skills, and a desire to make a real difference.
At Mid-State, you’ll train in realistic campus lab environments and complete a 27-hour clinical practicum working directly with patients and residents. Recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services as both a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program, it prepares you for immediate employment or continued study in other healthcare fields.
Program Facts
Program Outcomes
Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.
Career Opportunities
Program Details
Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.
Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.
Meet our full-time 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.”
Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:
- 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.
Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.
To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.
This program prepares you for licensure to work in Wisconsin. If you plan to work in another state, be sure to check that state's licensure requirements—Mid-State's program may not meet them all. If you've applied to the program and have any questions about this information, talk to your advisor.
Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.
Quality You Can Trust
Program accreditation means your program meets high-quality standards recognized by employers and industry leaders. It ensures your education is respected, your credits are more likely to transfer, and your credential holds real value in the job market.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) approves and oversees standardized Nurse Aide training and testing programs. A mandatory survey is conducted by the DHS every two years to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations.
Explore Other Options
Other Programs
Explore more Mid-State programs and find your path to success.
Workforce Training
Not ready for a full degree? Learn job-ready skills with our workforce training options.
Continuing Education
Add a new skill, explore a hobby, or take the next step in your career with our lifelong learning options.
