CBRF Caregiver vs. CNA vs. Medical Assistant in Wisconsin. Which role fits your goals, schedule, and pay trajectory? A straight-talk comparison.
- Trinity Allied Healthcareer Academy
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 9
Thinking about healthcare but not sure where to start? In Wisconsin, three fast pathways are especially popular: CBRF Caregiver, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA/MA). Below is a no-fluff comparison—duties, training time, schedules, pay ranges, and where each role can take you next.
The 10-Second Summary
Fastest start & lowest cost: CBRF Caregiver (assisted living/group homes; flexible schedules; strong demand).
Best for bedside hospital/nursing-home care & nursing ladder: CNA (patient care, vitals, transfers; gateway to LPN/RN).
Most variety (front + back office) & clinic hours: Medical Assistant (CCMA) (vitals, injections, EKG, rooming, scheduling).
What is a CBRF Caregiver?
A Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) caregiver is responsible for providing vital support to individuals living in residential care settings. These caregivers assist residents with daily routines, ensuring their well-being and safety at all times.
What you do
Assist with ADLs: bathing, dressing, meals, mobility, safety checks
Light housekeeping, social engagement, medication reminders
Where you work
Assisted living, memory care, group homes/adult family homes
Training & credentials (WI)
Short CBRF modules (Standard Precautions, Fire Safety, First Aid/Choking, Medication Administration) + employer onboarding. Typically completed within 7 days.
Schedule & lifestyle
1st/2nd/3rd shifts; frequent part-time options; weekends/holidays rotate
Typical pay (entry)
~$13–$18/hr (varies by county, shift diffs, memory care)
Who thrives here
Wants fastest entry, flexible shifts, relationship-based care
Career ladder
Med Passer • Lead/Trainer • Transition to CNA or MA • LPN/RN (with more schooling)
Time to hire
Fast—facilities hire year-round; modules make you job-ready quickly
What is a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)?
(NOT CURRENTLY OFFERED AT TRINITY)
Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are integral to the healthcare system, providing direct care to patients under the supervision of licensed nurses. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities.
What you do
Bedside care: vitals, hygiene, transfers/turning, intake/output, feeding; close RN/LPN coordination
Where you work
Hospitals, nursing homes, rehab, home health
Training & credentials (WI)
State-approved CNA program + pass competency exam → WI Nurse Aide Registry. Typically completed within 30 days.
Schedule & lifestyle
24/7 staffing; 8–12 hr shifts; rotating weekends/holidays; strong OT potential
Typical pay (entry)
~$16–$22/hr (facility & shift differentials apply)
Who thrives here
Aims for the nursing ladder (LPN/RN), likes fast pace and hands-on care
Career ladder
PCT/Monitor Tech • Specialty units • Medication Tech • LPN • RN
Time to hire
Strong demand in hospitals/LTC; registry status is essential
What is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)?
Certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CCMAs) are trained professionals who perform both clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings like clinics and hospitals. They work closely with physicians to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
What you do
Clinical: rooming, vitals, injections, EKGs, point-of-care tests, sterilization
Admin: scheduling, check-in, EHR, insurance basics
Where you work
Clinics/outpatient centers; specialty practices (cardiology, ortho, primary care, urgent care)
Training & credentials (WI)
8–24 weeks for focused cert-prep. Finish in 12 weeks—Trinity’s Introduction to Medical Assisting earns you a diploma.
National certification strongly preferred (e.g., NHA CCMA)
Schedule & lifestyle
Mostly daytime, Mon–Fri clinic hours; occasional evenings/Saturdays
Typical pay (entry)
~$18–$25/hr; higher in some specialties
Who thrives here
Wants predictable hours and variety (clinical + front office); enjoys patient flow
Career ladder
Lead MA • Clinic Coordinator • Specialty MA • Pathways to nursing/PA later
Time to hire
Clinics prefer certified candidates; externship or proven skills speeds offers
Insights
CBRF caregivers, CNAs, and CCMAs each have distinct and critical roles in Wisconsin's healthcare system. CBRF caregivers focus on support in residential settings, CNAs provide direct patient care across various facilities, while CCMAs manage both clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Real-world scenarios (pick your path)
“I need income fast.” → CBRF Caregiver (complete modules, apply widely, start quickly).
“I want the RN ladder.” → CNA (maximize hospital exposure; ask about tuition assistance).- Not available at Trinity (yet).
“I want clinic hours & diverse tasks.” → Medical Assistant (earn CCMA; target specialty clinics).
How Trinity helps you move fast (and spend less)
CBRF Modules: Standard Precautions, Fire Safety, First Aid/Choking, Medication Administration—scheduled frequently, built to get you hired fast.
Medical Assisting: Instructor-led, skills-forward training with employer-ready checklists.
Scholarship & Payment Plans: The Trinity Scholarship can reduce self-pay tuition and unlock affordable monthly plans—so you can start sooner and finish on time.
Career Support: Resume refresh, interview prep, and local employer connections.
Next steps:
Quick FAQ
Is certification required for Medical Assistants in WI?: Wisconsin doesn’t license MAs, but employers strongly prefer national certification (e.g., NHA’s CCMA). It improves pay and hiring speed.
Do CNAs only work in nursing homes? No. Many CNAs work in hospitals, rehab, long-term care, and home health.
Do CNAs pass medications in nursing homes? In most cases, CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) cannot pass medications—unless they’ve completed additional, state-approved training and hold a Medication Aide or Medication Assistant credential. Medication Aide Program coming soon to Trinity.
Can I switch from CBRF to CNA or MA later? Yes. Many caregivers cross-train. Trinity can map a shortest-path plan based on your goals and schedule.
How soon can I start? CBRF modules can be completed quickly. CNA and MA timelines depend on cohort dates; accelerated options are available.
Ready to choose your path? Talk with a Trinity advisor for a 10-minute plan: program fit, cost after scholarship, and your soonest start date.
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