Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs

Overview

What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a short, non-degree training course that prepares students for entry-level work in patient care settings. The program teaches basic nursing skills such as hygiene assistance, vital signs measurement, and mobility support. After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take a state certification exam to become a licensed CNA. Certified Nursing Assistants often find employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living centers, and home health agencies.

CNA programs are typically offered by community colleges, vocational schools, high schools, and healthcare facilities. They are designed for fast entry into the workforce, with most programs completed in six to twelve weeks. Many students use CNA certification as a stepping stone toward the more advanced practical nursing, vocational nursing or registered nursing programs.

Admissions

What Are the Admission Requirements for a CNA Program?

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs are designed to be accessible, affordable, and quick to begin. They are commonly offered through community colleges, technical schools, high schools, and healthcare facilities. Most programs do not require prior healthcare experience or formal college enrollment. In many cases, students can register directly with the provider, pay a modest fee, and start classes within a few weeks.

Admission requirements for CNA programs typically include:

• High school diploma or GED (may be waived in some states)
• Minimum age of 16 to 18 depending on the state
• Proof of immunizations and physical exam
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Basic reading and math assessment
• Application fee (if required)

Background checks and fingerprinting are typically completed through a state-approved vendor after enrollment, and results are submitted before clinical training begins. Some CNA programs partner with employers to offer free or reduced-cost training in exchange for a short-term work commitment. These employer-sponsored programs are generally offered by long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, or hospice organizations seeking to fill essential staffing needs.

Curriculum

What Does the CNA Program Curriculum Include?

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) curriculum is a short, intensive training program that combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice. Full-time weekday tracks are generally complete in 6 weeks, while part-time evening or weekend classes can span 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Programs follow a competency-based model, which includes the essential skills needed to support patients in long-term care, rehabilitation, or home health settings. The sample outline below shows how a full-time weekday CNA program may be structured:

^* Source: CNA training programs from state-approved schools and healthcare facilities.

Clinicals

What Are the Clinical Requirements for a CNA Program?

CNA clinical training with actual patients typically takes place during the final weeks of the course. However, foundational clinical skills such as vital signs and hand hygiene are introduced earlier in simulation labs and classroom practice. Clinical shifts may occur on weekdays, evenings, or weekends, depending on the program structure. Most states require a minimum of 16 hours of clinical practice, though many programs provide 40 to 60 hours or more to ensure workplace readiness.

Clinical training is usually conducted in long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, or hospitals and covers core areas of patient support:

• Basic Patient Care. Includes hygiene assistance, bathing, dressing, toileting, and oral care for patients across age groups.
• Vital Signs and Monitoring. Teaches accurate measurement and documentation of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
• Mobility Support. Involves safe techniques for transferring, repositioning, and ambulating patients using gait belts and assistive devices.
• Nutritional Assistance. Covers feeding support, fluid intake monitoring, and meal preparation in accordance with care plans.
• Infection Control. Reinforces proper hand hygiene, glove use, and sanitation procedures to reduce transmission risk.
• CPR and Basic Life Support. Introduces emergency response techniques and certifies students in life-saving procedures required in healthcare settings.
• Communication and Safety. Builds confidence in interacting with patients, reporting changes, and promoting a safe care environment.
• End-of-Life Care. Provides exposure to hospice support and comfort measures for patients in palliative settings.

All clinicals must be completed in person and are required to graduate and become eligible for the state CNA certification exam. Programs typically arrange placements through partnerships with local healthcare facilities approved by the state's nurse aide registry.

Tuition Cost

How Much Does a CNA Program Cost?

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs are offered through vocational schools, community colleges, and healthcare training centers. Nationwide, the cost of CNA programs ranges from $500 to $2,500. Large city and brand-name nursing schools may charge more, while programs in smaller communities with urgent staffing needs may charge less.

In addition to tuition, CNA students should plan for medical equipment, books, and other fees. Below is an example list of costs you might expect from a nursing assistant program:

• CNA program tuition $500
• Textbooks $140
• Stethoscope $40
• Gait belt $15
• Watch $15
• Uniforms and shoes $100
• Student health fee $20
• Student center fee $10
• Insurance liability fee $12
• Parking permit $50
• Immunization tracker $28
• Drug and alcohol clearance $50
• State certification exam $90
• CPR certification exam $30
• Total Cost $1,100

These additional costs can feel high when compared to a low base tuition, such as the $500 figure shown above. Nursing assistant students are expected to purchase their own stethoscope, uniforms, shoes, and basic clinical supplies. A computer and internet access may also be needed for online course materials and exam preparation.

Payment plans and limited financial aid are often available through the CNA training provider. Some employers, especially long-term care facilities, may offer tuition reimbursement or sign-on bonuses. These incentives can help offset the cost of your education once you begin working.

Outcomes

What Jobs Can You Get with a CNA Certificate?

Completing a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program qualifies you for entry-level roles in direct patient care. Many CNA work in long-term care facilities, while others are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, hospice organizations, or home health agencies. This role is a common first step toward a long-term nursing career.

With a CNA certificate, you can qualify for the following entry-level jobs in patient care:

• Nursing Assistant
• Nurse Aide
• Emergency Room Aide
• Nurse Technician
• Hospice Aide
• Home Health Aide
• Patient Care Technician
• Restorative Nursing Assistant
• Personal Care Assistant
• Resident Care Aide
• Hospital Transport Assistant
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Rehabilitation Aide
• … and many more

Is a CNA in nursing worth it? Yes. CNA training is fast, affordable, and offers immediate job opportunities. It's also a great way to test your interest in nursing before committing to a longer degree program. Learn more about Nursing Assistant salary, duties, and skills.

Questions

CNA Program FAQ

How long does it take to complete a CNA program?

A Nursing Assistant program typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to complete. Minimum education requirements for a nurse assistant license are determined by each state board of nursing. Students may need additional time to prepare for the state CNA exam.

Can you earn a Nursing Assistant certificate online?

Some nursing assistant classes and lectures might be offered online. It's not possible, however, to complete a CNA program entirely online. Entry-level and advanced patient care requires hands-on time at a nearby hospital or healthcare facility.

Do I need a high school diploma to enroll in a CNA program?

Not always. Some states and programs allow students to enroll without a high school diploma or GED, especially if they meet other basic requirements such as reading and math assessments. However, having a diploma or GED may improve your chances of admission and job placement after certification.

Can high school students enroll in CNA programs?

Yes. Many high schools partner with local community colleges, vocational centers, or healthcare facilities to offer CNA programs to students in grades 11 or 12. Some states allow students as young as 16 or 17 to begin CNA training, often with parental consent. This early entry pathway helps students explore healthcare careers and qualify for employment shortly after graduation.

Is CPR certification required for CNA licensure?

Yes. Most CNA programs include CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) training as part of the curriculum. In some states, however, students must complete CPR certification through an outside provider, such as the American Heart Association or Red Cross, before they are eligible for the state nurse aide exam.

Will my CNA license be valid in other states?

CNA certification is issued at the state level, but many states allow license transfer through a process called reciprocity. You may need to submit proof of training, pass a background check, or retake the competency exam.