Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs provide students with essential patient care skills which they must use while working under the supervision of licensed nurses. The support system plays an essential role in keeping care quality at its best. Federal law requires standardized CNA training and certification because it works to enhance elderly care in nursing home settings.
The Connecticut State law demands that CNA training includes direct patient contact elements so students cannot finish the program through online courses alone but they can use online resources for some parts of their training. CNA programs approved by the state must include direct clinical training within healthcare facilities for students to practice their skills with real patients. The classroom learning portion of CNA programs is now available online through hybrid programs at several institutions. Self-paced online modules enable students to complete their 48 hours of CNA coursework before moving on to finish lab and clinical requirements at the educational facility.
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Complete a DPH-approved nurse aide training program and apply to take the Prometric CNA exam within 24 months of program completion |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Connecticut Department of Public Health Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program | Minimum 100 hours total, including classroom instruction, skills lab, and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice before patient contact |
| Fees | $118 exam fee paid to Prometric, no state application or registry fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written (or oral) knowledge test and the hands-on skills evaluation, unlimited attempts within the 24-month eligibility period |
| Registry Activation | Prometric submits results electronically, registry updated within one business day of passing |
| Renewal Requirements | Work at least one 8-hour paid shift in direct care every 24 months, no renewal fee, certificates lapsed beyond 24 months require retesting |
| Endorsement | Active, unencumbered out-of-state CNAs apply via reciprocity (Route 7) and are placed on the registry without retesting |
The salaries for Connecticut CNAs surpass the national average in the nursing aide field. The standard hourly rate for CNA work in Connecticut reaches $20 which translates to annual earnings of $40,000. Entry-level nurse aides receive $16 per hour but hospital staff and experienced nurse aides earn $23 per hour or higher. The hourly rate for agency shifts in high-cost areas reaches the upper $20s range. The demand for CNA professionals in Connecticut remains high and shows no signs of decline. The growing older population creates sustained requirements for caregivers who work in nursing homes and home healthcare settings.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Connecticut | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $35,870 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $17.25 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$41,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $35,870 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$30,200 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,600 | ~54,000 |
Healthcare professionals who start with CNA certification can access various career advancement opportunities. The majority of Connecticut CNAs choose to pursue their education for LPN and RN licensure after working as nurse aides. Nursing school admissions often prefer or require candidates who have experience as CNAs since CNA work provides strong preparation for nursing studies. The employers typically provide support for career advancement by offering education assistance and flexible work arrangements to their aides who want to become nurses. The healthcare profession offers various career options beyond nursing to CNAs. Additional training enables medical professionals to transition into patient care technician roles which include phlebotomy, EKG skills, and medical assisting positions. Dedicated CNAs in Connecticut can pursue career advancement through established paths which lead to better-paying positions.
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