Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
CNA training programs at Alabama institutions teach future healthcare professionals to give fundamental care in medical facilities. The role of CNA involves assisting patients in daily activities like bathing and feeding while providing mobility support under nursing supervision. The nursing staff relies on CNAs to maintain patient comfort and safety by handling standard care responsibilities.
Huntsville, AL - Public 2-Year - drakestate.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Drake State's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offers a rapid six-week training pathway into healthcare. Students gain comprehensive skills in patient care, learning to support sick, injured, and disabled individuals under professional medical supervision. The program meets OBRA requirements and prepares graduates for certification through comprehensive written and clinical skills evaluations. With a focus on practical knowledge and professional development, students learn essential healthcare competencies in a flexible virtual and in-person format.
Enterprise, AL - Public 2-Year - escc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Enterprise State Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program provides a comprehensive, fast-track pathway into healthcare support roles. In just five weeks, students gain essential skills through classroom instruction and clinical experience. The program prepares graduates to take the Alabama Nurse Aide competency exam, opening doors to diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers. With a total cost of $850, students learn critical patient care techniques, vital sign monitoring, and interdisciplinary team collaboration, making it an affordable entry point for those seeking a meaningful healthcare career.
Bay Minette, AL - Public 2-Year - coastalalabama.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Coastal Alabama Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant program provides comprehensive healthcare training in just 107 contact hours. Students gain essential skills for long-term care settings, preparing for certification through a rigorous curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience. The affordable $790 program includes books and meets state training requirements for nursing assistants.
Wadley, AL - Public 2-Year - suscc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Union State Community College's Nursing Assistant/Medication Aide program prepares students for critical healthcare roles. This comprehensive program equips learners with essential skills to provide patient care in long-term care and acute healthcare settings. Students gain comprehensive training covering basic personal care, medication administration, and clinical skills. The program meets Alabama Department of Public Health standards and offers both credit and non-credit options. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA, meeting English and Math prerequisites, and passing health screenings. Graduates are eligible to take certification examinations, opening doors to immediate employment opportunities in healthcare.
Fully online CNA training programs do not exist in Alabama since clinical experience needs to be conducted in person. Schools throughout the state provide hybrid programs which combine distance learning with fixed in-person laboratory sessions and clinical practice at healthcare facilities. The hybrid model of education benefits students who need to manage work duties and family responsibilities. The theoretical part of the curriculum featuring lectures and reading assignments sometimes functions as an online component. Students must complete clinical requirements through supervised training at sites approved by the state.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College |
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| Enterprise State Community College |
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| Southern Union State Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Must be at least 16, hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal-history background check, complete required immunizations, and finish an ADPH-approved CNA or equivalent LPN/RN program |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Alabama Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a 75-hour state-approved course combining classroom instruction, lab practice, and at least 16 supervised clinical hours |
| Exam and Application Fees | No state registry fee, vendor fees typically range from $40–$55 for the written/oral exam and $45–$80 for the skills evaluation |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the NNAAP written/oral test and the skills evaluation within your program’s eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Successful candidates are added to the Nurse Aide Registry within two business days of exam completion |
| Renewal Requirements | Maintain certification by completing eight hours of paid nursing-related work under RN or LPN supervision every 24 months |
| License by Endorsement | Active CNAs from other states transfer via employer-initiated verification without additional fees. |
The average annual salary for Certified nursing assistants working in Alabama ranges between $30,000 to $40,000 in the lower to mid-range. The initial salary for CNAs remains lower in rural facilities or smaller healthcare organizations but they can earn more money after gaining experience, obtaining additional certifications, and moving to hospital settings. The need for Certified nursing assistants remains high because of both population aging and the growing need for extended care services. The state of Alabama offers numerous CNA positions at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health service providers.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Alabama | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $31,950 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $15.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$36,325 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $31,950 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$26,849 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | NA | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise State Community College |
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| Coastal Alabama Community College |
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| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College |
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The majority of Alabama CNAs decide to enhance their certification status through education and career development. CNA work experience develops essential clinical skills which create a path for LPN and RN licensure. Prior clinical experience of applicants makes them more desirable to nursing programs so becoming a CNA serves as an excellent initial step. Community colleges establish specific mobility programs and bridge curricula for current Certified Nursing Assistants who want to advance into higher nursing education levels. The support of employers for career progression includes educational tuition benefits and adaptable work schedules for nursing assistants who want to further their education. The attainment of medication aide certification gives CNAs increased responsibility in their work and better compensation opportunities. The training leads to nursing positions while providing entry-level employment for CNAs who want to advance their careers in nursing.
Additional Nursing Programs in Alabama
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