Compare top-ranked online CNA programs available to Hawaii residents — with tuition, outcomes, and certification details.
Hawaii's hospitals and nursing homes face a growing need for CNAs, with the median annual wage of $44,830 attracting many job seekers. However, island geography limits local program options, and no in-state school currently meets our ranking criteria. Hawaii residents must turn to online programs that accept them: these deliver didactic coursework remotely while students complete clinical hours at approved facilities on Oahu, Maui, and neighbor islands.
Hawaii mandates 70 clinical hours within a 100-hour program; online providers partner with local facilities to meet this requirement. Certificate costs start under $1,000, though private programs may charge more, and many island employers offer tuition reimbursement.
These programs deliver didactic coursework online, though Hawaii students will need to arrange local clinical hours to meet certification requirements. Our ranking weighs program quality, affordability, and student support for online learners, not just the lowest price.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Infinity College | Lafayette, LA | $0/yr (net price) | Cost-conscious career starters | |
Infinity College offers a fast-paced, two-week hybrid Nursing Assistant program designed for students who need to enter the workforce quickly. The program combines evening classes with an 80-hour externship at small class sizes for personalized attention. With a remarkably low net price and a high institutional graduation rate, it stands out as an affordable and efficient choice for Hawaii residents seeking online CNA training with a focused clinical component.
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| #2 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Employment-focused students | |
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College provides a comprehensive Nursing Assistant technical diploma that can be completed through a hybrid delivery model. With multiple campus locations in Wisconsin and day, evening, and weekend schedules, NWTC offers flexibility for students balancing work and studies. The program boasts a 91% graduate employment rate and strong median earnings, making it a solid return on investment for Hawaii learners seeking career stability.
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| #3 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX | $3,000 – $5,000/yr | Clear-pricing seekers | |
Odessa College's Certified Nurse Aide program is an accelerated 8-week hybrid course with a tuition of $1,900 that covers textbooks, scrubs, and the state exam fee. The program includes 60 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours, with weekend clinical rotations available at local Texas facilities. With small class sizes and a high Pell grant recipient rate, Odessa College is a supportive, all-inclusive option for Hawaii students seeking transparent pricing.
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| #4 | Cloud County Community College | Concordia, KS | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Cloud County Community College offers a 90-hour blended Certified Nurse Aide program that combines online learning with hands-on clinical sessions. The program prepares students for state certification and is eligible for military and financial aid. With a solid graduation rate of 55% and a low student-faculty ratio of 12:1, Cloud County provides a personalized learning environment for Hawaii residents seeking a structured CNA pathway.
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| #5 | Pima Medical Institute-Aurora | Aurora, CO | $23,000/yr | ||
Pima Medical Institute's Nursing Assistant certificate program can be completed in about six weeks and is offered at multiple campuses, including Aurora, Colorado. The curriculum covers clinical skills, infection control, and communication, with hands-on training and an externship component. With a high graduation rate of 72% and available financial aid, Pima provides a supportive environment for Hawaii learners willing to relocate or arrange clinicals remotely.
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| #6 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | $11,000/yr | ||
Mid-State Technical College provides an 81-hour Nursing Assistant technical diploma that includes a 27-hour clinical practicum. The program is offered at multiple campus locations in Wisconsin and is available part-time with day or evening schedules. With a total program cost of just $445.15 and a low student-faculty ratio of 13:1, Mid-State is an incredibly affordable choice for Hawaii residents seeking a low-commitment gateway into healthcare.
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| #7 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Brightpoint Community College offers a Nurse Aide/Medication Aide Career Studies Certificate that combines online and in-person learning. The program teaches anatomy, safety, infection control, and medical documentation, with an internship for practical experience. Eligible Virginia residents can apply for G3 tuition assistance, and the college has a low net price of $5,490, making it an accessible option for Hawaii students seeking a dual-aide credential.
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| #8 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Chippewa Valley Technical College's Nursing Assistant technical diploma is a 14-week or shorter program offered in Eau Claire and River Falls, Wisconsin. The curriculum combines lectures, labs, and clinical practice in long-term care, with credits counting toward an associate degree in Nursing. While the estimated program cost is just $423, the institution's net price for out-of-state students is higher, so Hawaii learners should weigh total costs carefully.
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| #9 | Victoria College | Victoria, TX | $3,000/yr (net price) | ||
Victoria College in Texas offers a Nurse Aide program with a unique structure: students first complete a free 60-hour online theory course, then proceed to 50-60 clinical hours on campus or in local healthcare agencies. The $650 tuition includes a textbook, and graduates are eligible for the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam. With the lowest net price among ranked schools at $3,043 and a high Pell recipient rate, Victoria College is a highly affordable path for Hawaii learners who can manage the clinical arrangement.
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| #10 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
The College of Western Idaho's Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation program is a 12-week hybrid course that blends online instruction with in-person skills training at the Nampa Campus. With a total cost of $945 and a minimum age of 16, it is an accessible option for younger students. The program prepares graduates for the CNA certification exam and provides hands-on skills training, though Hawaii residents must verify how the training aligns with local certification requirements.
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No Hawaii-based CNA programs met our strict ranking criteria this year, but that doesn't mean your options are limited. Several community colleges and private schools on the islands offer state-approved training, and those details are covered later. The online programs listed above welcome Hawaii students and have partnerships for local clinical sites, so you can complete your practical requirements close to home.
The path to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Hawaii is regulated by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and requires completing a state-approved training program, passing the Prometric exam, and enrolling in the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry.
Hawaii’s CNA certification requirements reflect a strong emphasis on clinical readiness, with the state mandating 70 clinical hours out of a total 100-hour training program. Whether you are a new student or an experienced aide moving from another state, the process moves through a clear sequence: training, exam, background check, and registry placement.
To become a CNA in Hawaii, you must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program totaling a minimum of 100 hours. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) sets a clear split: at least 30 hours must be classroom instruction, covering essential topics like infection control, communication, and resident rights. The remaining 70 hours are dedicated to supervised clinical training, where you practice skills directly with patients in a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility. This heavy clinical emphasis ensures new CNAs are comfortable with hands-on care before entering the workforce.
Once your training is complete, the next step is passing the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by Prometric. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test (or an oral version in English or your preferred language) and a skills demonstration. For the skills test, you will be asked to perform five randomly selected nurse aide tasks in front of an evaluator. You must pass both components to be placed on the registry.
The written test typically consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 80% or higher to pass. If you opt for the oral version, the passing threshold remains the same, but the questions are read aloud. On the skills side, your performance is judged against a checklist of critical steps; missing a key step can result in failure. Prometric allows three attempts to pass each section. If you fail a part, you can retest after scheduling a new appointment, though additional fees apply.
Hawaii offers Prometric test sites on four islands: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai, making it convenient for students across the state. Scheduling is handled through Prometric’s online portal, and it’s wise to book early, as slots can fill up weeks in advance. Detailed information on current fees and site addresses is available on the Prometric Hawaii nurse aide page.
Before you can take the exam or work as a CNA, you must apply to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry through the DCCA. Required documents typically include proof of completed training, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed application form. All applicants must also undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. The background check looks for any disqualifying convictions; if something appears, the DCCA reviews it on a case-by-case basis.
Application fees vary, but expect to pay around $25 to $50 for the registry application, plus separate exam fees (around $120 to $150 total for both parts). Processing times can take two to four weeks, so plan accordingly. You cannot be employed as a CNA in a licensed facility until your name appears on the registry.
If you are already a certified nurse aide in another state, you can transfer your certification to Hawaii through a reciprocity process also handled by Prometric. You’ll need to submit proof of your active, unencumbered certification from your current state, along with verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months. If your out-of-state training did not meet Hawaii’s 100-hour minimum, you may be required to complete additional training. There is no additional exam if your certification is in good standing, but you still must pass the Hawaii background check and pay applicable fees. The processing timeline for reciprocity can be longer, up to six weeks, so start early if you’re planning a move.
Once listed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry, your certification is valid for two years. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education, maintain CPR and first aid certification, and demonstrate that you have performed at least eight hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work within the past 24 months. Facilities often require an annual performance review as well. Staying on top of these renewal requirements ensures your active status and ability to keep working as a CNA in Hawaii.
For Hawaii residents, choosing between online and in-person CNA training hinges on where you live and how you learn. Online and hybrid programs can bridge the gap for neighbor-island students with few local options, while traditional on-campus cohorts offer built-in clinical rotations and direct employer connections.
The sticker price of an online CNA program can look intimidating, but financial aid often brings the real cost down significantly. For Hawaii residents, the final amount you pay depends on which school you choose, what aid you qualify for, and whether you can tap into local funding sources.
Across the top-ranked online CNA programs accessible to Hawaii students, out-of-state tuition ranges from about $4,900 to over $11,500. However, these are full annual tuition rates, and most CNA programs last only a few weeks or months. More revealing is the institution-wide net price, the average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Among these schools, the net price sits between $230 and $6,370, with several falling under $3,000. Keep in mind this figure reflects all students at the institution, not just those in the CNA program, so your actual cost may differ. Still, the gap between sticker price and net price shows how much financial aid can shave off your bill.
Federal Pell Grants are the cornerstone of need-based aid, and many of these schools enroll high percentages of Pell recipients, for example, 93% at Midland College and 91% at Odessa College. That signals a strong track record of packaging aid for students. When you file the FAFSA, you may qualify for Pell Grants, work-study, and low-interest loans that bring your direct costs closer to the net price figures.
Beyond tuition, be ready for additional costs. The Prometric CNA exam fee, required for certification, is set at registration (check the current rate before you sign up). Clinical site placement may carry its own price tag: online programs often expect you to arrange a local clinical site in Hawaii, and some facilities charge for supervision. You’ll also need a background check, drug screen, scrubs, and basic supplies. Budget $150–$400 for these combined items, depending on local requirements.
Before committing to an online program, explore tuition-free training in Hawaii. Ohana Pacific Health offers a CNA program with zero out-of-pocket cost through its tuition assistance program, and you earn while you learn. Kahu Malama Nurses provides a scholarship that covers training in exchange for a 13‑week work commitment. Windward Community College charges $3,000 for its CNA program (all‑inclusive of exam fee, textbook, and uniform), and scholarships may be available.
Nursing assistants in Hawaii earn a median annual wage of $44,830, which is notably higher than the national median of $38,200. However, Hawaii’s high cost of living, especially in Urban Honolulu, means that a dollar stretches less than it would on the mainland. Employers added about 4,620 CNA positions statewide as of 2023, and BLS projections call for a 2% national increase in nursing assistant jobs from 2024 to 2034, a pace that is slower than average.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total employment in Hawaii | 4,620 |
| Mean annual wage | $45,480 |
| Median annual wage (Hawaii) | $44,830 |
| National median annual wage | $38,200 |
| 10th percentile hourly wage | $12.88 |
| 25th percentile hourly wage | $15.51 |
| 75th percentile hourly wage | $20.18 |
| 90th percentile hourly wage | $23.41 |
| Projected job growth (2024-2034) | 2% (slower than average) |
Hawaii's median CNA salary of $44,830 sits well above the national median, partly due to the state's elevated cost of living. The 25th to 75th percentile range spans $39,700 to $51,110, showing where most CNAs land.
Hawaii’s nursing career ladder is expanding rapidly, with new bridge programs and employer incentives making it more feasible for CNAs to advance without leaving the workforce. In 2023, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii launched a 12-month CNA+ to LPN bridge program, which graduated 55 students in 2025. Coupled with employer tuition aid and the state’s $30 million loan repayment initiative, CNAs on every island now have a clearer upward path.
Moving from CNA to LPN typically requires 12 to 18 months of additional education, often through a certificate program at a community college or approved training center. Many online CNA programs are offered by schools that also have LPN tracks, creating a seamless transition. From LPN, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes about two years and leads to RN licensure. For those aiming higher, an RN-to-BSN program can be completed in one to two years, while a master’s (MSN) or nurse practitioner (NP) degree adds another two to three years. This stepwise progression allows CNAs to work while studying, especially through hybrid or online formats.
Several Hawaii healthcare employers actively fund CNA advancement. ALTRES Medical provides up to $1,000 in tuition reimbursement after 240 work hours within 180 days. Ohana Pacific Health offers up to $3,500 in tuition assistance and covers exam fees. Larger systems like Queens Health Systems and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii also commonly provide tuition reimbursement, check with HR for current caps and work commitments. The HAH CNA+ to LPN Bridge program is a standout: a 12-month curriculum with hands-on clinicals, designed for working CNAs. Graduates earn their LPN license and can immediately transition into higher-paying roles.
Nurse shortage areas, particularly on neighbor islands like Maui, Kauai, and Hawaiʻi Island, offer additional support. The Hawaii Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP) provides up to $50,000 in loan repayment (minimum $12,500) for RNs and advanced practice nurses who commit to two years in a shortage area. Applications open twice yearly (October and April) with disbursements in January and July. Good Jobs Hawaiʻi also covers training costs for eligible residents pursuing healthcare careers, making the financial barrier even lower.
Online and hybrid programs allow CNAs in rural communities to complete coursework without relocating, while local clinical placements keep everything grounded. Pairing these educational options with employer tuition aid or state loan repayment creates a powerful engine for career growth. Whether you’re eyeing an LPN diploma or a BSN, the infrastructure in Hawaii in 2026 is more supportive than ever.
Navigating CNA certification and training in Hawaii comes with specific questions about renewal, locations, and support. Here are straightforward answers to help you plan your career path.
Beyond the top-ranked online CNA programs, several other accredited schools offer flexible training that Hawaii residents can complete remotely. The following directory highlights additional hybrid and online options, including low-cost certificates and accelerated schedules. Compare program details to find the right fit for your goals and budget.
