Top CNA Programs in North Carolina

Top CNA Programs in North Carolina
Maria Delgado, RN

Maria Delgado, RN

June 23, 2025

The backbone of North Carolina’s direct-care workforce consists of Certified Nursing Assistants who are commonly referred to as CNAs. Short state-approved training allows them to assist nurses by taking vital signs, reporting changes, and providing support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and helping with safe movement. Their medical support enhances patient comfort and allows licensed personnel to perform complex tasks which improves the overall efficiency of care teams. 

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2026 Top CNA Programs in North Carolina

TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the best Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs across North Carolina, providing crucial guidance for aspiring healthcare professionals. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like program accreditation, clinical training opportunities, student success rates, and overall educational quality. North Carolina offers numerous exceptional CNA programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in patient care, with options ranging from community colleges to specialized healthcare training institutions. These programs equip students with essential skills in patient interaction, medical procedures, and compassionate healthcare delivery. Whether you're seeking a quick path into healthcare or a solid foundation for future nursing education, our rankings highlight the most effective and reputable CNA programs in the state. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

College of the Albemarle

Elizabeth City, NC - Public 2-Year - albemarle.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Pathway Diploma

Campus Based - Visit Website

College of the Albemarle's Nurse Aide Pathway Diploma offers campus-based training focused on essential healthcare support skills, including personal care, vital signs monitoring, and patient communication. It prepares students for Nurse Aide I certification through practical training in medical procedures, covering topics like growth, development, and employment skills. This program is military-friendly and emphasizes comprehensive patient care across various healthcare settings.

  • Prepares for Nurse Aide I certification
  • Campus-based healthcare training
  • Comprehensive patient care skills
  • Covers growth, development topics
  • Employment skills training included

Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I & II

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nurse Aide I & II program at College of the Albemarle provides a 160-hour Nurse Aide I and 176-hour Nurse Aide II course, blending classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. Students learn skills such as personal care, vital signs monitoring, and patient communication, preparing them for the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry competency exam. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, and the program is military-friendly, serving as a stepping stone for careers under licensed nursing professionals.

  • 160-hour Nurse Aide I course.
  • 176-hour Nurse Aide II course.
  • Includes clinical learning experiences.
  • Prepares for North Carolina Registry.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Focus on personal care skills.
  • Teaches vital signs monitoring.
  • Covers patient communication techniques.
  • Blend of classroom and lab work.
  • Competency exam eligibility upon completion.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Tri-County Community College

Murphy, NC - Public 2-Year - tricountycc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

Concentration: Nurse Aide I - Campus Based - Visit Website

Tri-County Community College's Nurse Aide I program provides comprehensive training for aspiring CNAs, focusing on elderly and adult patient care. Students master essential skills such as nutrition management, patient rights, and specialized procedures, with coursework covering human body systems and effective communication. Clinical experiences prepare graduates for the N.C. Division of Facility Services certification, leading to immediate employment opportunities in healthcare. This campus-based program emphasizes compassionate care and professional team interactions.

  • Comprehensive healthcare training
  • Prepares for state certification
  • Includes clinical experiences
  • Focuses on elderly care
  • Covers patient communication skills

Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

Concentration: Nurse Aide II - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nurse Aide II concentration at Tri-County Community College builds on foundational skills, training students in complex patient care like sterile dressings and tube feeding. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, current Nurse Aide I registry, and CPR certification. This campus-based program offers hands-on training, ensuring readiness for North Carolina certification and swift entry into healthcare roles, with a strong focus on practical, real-world applications.

  • Campus-based program
  • Nurse Aide II concentration
  • Requires high school diploma
  • CPR certification needed
  • Hands-on training
  • Prepares for NC certification
  • Focus on complex patient care
  • Sterile dressings training
  • Tube feeding skills
  • Immediate employment readiness

Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

Concentration: Medication Aide - Campus Based - Visit Website

Tri-County Community College's Medication Aide concentration prepares students for the North Carolina Medication Aide Registry, covering medication administration and legal aspects. A high school diploma or GED is required for this campus-based program, which includes hands-on training for practical skill development. Ideal for those pursuing healthcare careers, it emphasizes real-world application and efficient preparation for certification.

  • Focus on Medication Aide.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Prepares for NC registry.
  • High school diploma required.
  • Hands-on training included.
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#3

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, NC - Public 2-Year - durhamtech.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Durham Technical Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate program offers a short-term, flexible pathway to enter the healthcare field, with both online and campus-based options. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, learning essential skills like patient care, vital signs, and medical safety. The program requires a minimum of 13 credit hours and has an estimated tuition of $1,122, preparing graduates to pass the NC Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation for registration on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry. Open to applicants aged 16.5 and older, it includes multiple entry requirements but no entrance exam, focusing on practical training for immediate career readiness.

  • Short-term certificate program
  • Online and campus options
  • 13 minimum credit hours
  • Estimated tuition $1,122
  • Prepares for NC certification
  • Ages 16.5+ can apply
  • Multiple entry requirements
  • Clinical rotation included
  • Healthcare career pathway
#4

Mayland Community College

Spruce Pine, NC - Public 2-Year - mayland.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide

Campus Based - Visit Website

Mayland Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate is a 12-credit program offering day and evening options, designed to prepare students for roles such as Nurse Aide I, Geriatric Aide, and Medication Aide. It focuses on developing essential skills in personal care, vital signs, communication, and medical safety across all age groups, equipping graduates for meaningful healthcare careers. The program includes preparation for the NC Nurse Aide I Competency Exam, ensuring readiness for state certification.

  • 12 total credit hours
  • Prepare for multiple healthcare roles
  • Day and evening course options
  • NC Nurse Aide I Competency Exam preparation
  • Skills across patient age groups
#5

Gaston College

Dallas, NC - Public 2-Year - gaston.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Gaston College's Nurse Aide program offers a hybrid format with both online and in-person components, covering essential patient care skills. It includes two levels: Nurse Aide I and II, with tuition costs of $230 and $250. Students must be at least 16.5 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. The curriculum integrates classroom learning, lab practice, and clinical experiences, preparing graduates for the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. No entrance exams are required, as this is a certificate-level program.

  • Multiple Nurse Aide training levels
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Clinical experience included
  • Prepares for NC Registry
  • Tuition $230-$250
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Program Curriculum & Length

Details

Curriculum

Basic patient care & ADLs
Vital signs & infection control
Communication & ethics
Body mechanics & safety
Resident rights & documentation

Where to Get Your CNA

Are Online CNA Programs Available in North Carolina

North Carolina allows students to earn their CNA certification through hybrid programs that combine digital learning with necessary in-person practice although full online certification is not permitted. Secure learning platforms deliver theory modules along with quizzes and discussions to students who can access the material during their lunch breaks and late evenings. The practical skills of hand hygiene, body mechanics, and catheter care need direct instructor supervision so programs arrange lab intensives with small groups working on mannequins and peers. Trainees fulfill state requirements through clinical rotations which take place under faculty supervision at licensed facilities for authentic patient experience. 

2026 Fastest CNA Program Options in North Carolina

Aspiring healthcare professionals in North Carolina seeking to launch their careers quickly will find compelling Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program options across the state. From bustling Charlotte to the research-rich Research Triangle region, students can access shorter certification paths that minimize time investment while providing essential medical training. These accelerated programs recognize that students often need rapid entry into the workforce, offering streamlined curriculum that covers critical patient care skills in weeks rather than months. With competitive graduation and retention rates, these programs help individuals in urban and rural areas of North Carolina transform their career prospects efficiently. Potential students can explore the fastest routes to becoming certified nursing assistants, balancing speed with comprehensive medical education.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
College of the Albemarle
  • 160-hour Nurse Aide I course.
  • 176-hour Nurse Aide II course.
  • Includes clinical learning experiences.
  • Prepares for North Carolina Registry.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Focus on personal care skills.
  • Teaches vital signs monitoring.
  • Covers patient communication techniques.
  • Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Lenoir Community College
  • Campus-based program
  • 1-2 semesters completion
  • Open to high school students
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Prepares for Nurse Aide II listing
  • Skill competency evaluation
  • Focuses on elderly care
  • Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
  • State-approved Nurse Aide training
  • 12 total semester hours
  • Eligible at 16½ years old
  • Taught by Registered Nurses
  • Prepare for state registry exam
  • Estimated total costs ~$360
  • Two core courses offered
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Retention Rate: 43%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
*Data reference: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, NCES.

Admission Requirements

Age Requirement
17 years old (some programs require 18)
Education Requirement
High school diploma or GED preferred (some workforce programs accept without)
Identification
Photo ID and Social Security number required for registry entry
Immunizations
Proof of TB, tetanus, MMR, and hepatitis B vaccinations
Physical Exam
Required to confirm ability for standing, lifting, and pushing tasks

Certification and Licensing

Eligibility PrerequisitesComplete a state-approved 75-hour Nurse Aide I training program and apply for the competency exams within 24 months of program completion
Certifying BoardNorth Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation – Nurse Aide I Registry
Training Program Requirements75 hours total, combining classroom instruction, skills lab, and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
Exam and Application Fees$25 registry application fee plus vendor-determined fees for the written/oral and skills exams
Certification ExamPass both the knowledge test (written or oral) and a five-skill practical evaluation, with up to three attempts within the eligibility period
Registry Activation TimeName appears on the registry within two business days of passing both exams
Renewal RequirementsComplete at least eight hours of paid nurse-aide work every 24 months to maintain active status
License by EndorsementOut-of-state CNAs submit proof of active, unencumbered certification and pay applicable fees via reciprocity, no retesting required

Salary and Job Outlook

North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistants benefit from consistent job market requirements while earning salaries above their training duration. The current survey data shows North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistants earn an average of eighteen dollars per hour which translates to annual salaries reaching around thirty-seven thousand dollars when working full-time. The payment rates for hospitals along with rehabilitation wings and specialty units exceed twenty dollars per hour mainly during night shifts and weekend rotations yet rural long-term care facilities pay slightly lower wages. The combination of initial pay rates, employer-provided sign-on bonuses, and overtime pay along with health benefits leads to higher total compensation for employees. 

Salary & Career OutlookNorth CarolinaUSA
Avg Annual CNA Salary$36,400$62,340
Avg Hourly Wage$18.42$29.97
90th Percentile Salary>$44,876$80,510
Median Salary$36,400$62,340
10th Percentile Salary<$30,323$47,960
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032)~4%3%
Annual Job Openings~12,400~54,000

2026 Affordable CNA Program Options in North Carolina

Aspiring healthcare professionals in North Carolina can find accessible and budget-friendly Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs across the state. Students in major regions like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro have multiple affordable options to launch their medical careers. These low-cost programs provide critical training for those seeking to enter the healthcare field without incurring massive student debt. By offering certificate and diploma-level courses at competitive prices, these educational pathways help students gain essential skills while managing financial constraints. Whether you're looking to start a new career or enhance your existing healthcare credentials, these programs deliver practical training that can open doors to meaningful employment opportunities throughout North Carolina.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Gaston College
  • Multiple Nurse Aide training levels
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Clinical experience included
  • Prepares for NC Registry
  • Tuition $230-$250
  • $2,500 - $3,800 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,500 - $11,200 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Isothermal Community College
  • 188-hour comprehensive training
  • Hybrid learning format
  • $185 total program cost
  • Multiple class schedule options
  • Clinical and lab experiences
  • N.C. Certification eligible
  • Focuses on elderly care
  • Mandatory orientation required
  • $1,600 - $2,400 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $5,300 - $8,000 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Edgecombe Community College
  • Healthcare career preparation
  • Clinical and classroom learning
  • NNAAP certification eligible
  • $201.50 tuition cost
  • Comprehensive patient care skills
  • $2,100 - $3,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,000 - $10,500 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Advancement Pathways

CNA certification serves as the initial step that leads to multiple career progression opportunities in nursing. Working with patients every day helps nursing assistants develop their skills and build their confidence while helping them understand whether they want to pursue further practice as a nurse. Admission to community college Associate Degree in Nursing programs often requires CNA experience because they value the clinical knowledge that comes from bedside care. Several organizations provide financial support for employee education along with adaptable work hours and professional development opportunities to aid CNA-to-LPN or RN career progression. The North Carolina Nurse Aide II credential allows healthcare providers to perform additional skills like sterile dressing changes and oxygen therapy which results in increased responsibilities and compensation. 

List of CNA Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina offers diverse and compelling educational programs across its vibrant cities and renowned institutions. From cutting-edge technology studies to robust healthcare and engineering curricula, students can find exceptional learning opportunities throughout the state. These programs showcase North Carolina's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates for successful careers in dynamic professional landscapes.
Jump to City:

Asheville, NC

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • State-approved Nurse Aide training
    • 12 total semester hours
    • Eligible at 16½ years old
    • Taught by Registered Nurses
    • Prepare for state registry exam
    • Estimated total costs ~$360
    • Two core courses offered

Charlotte, NC

Central Piedmont Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepare for Nursing Aide I registry
    • Multiple healthcare employment settings
    • Comprehensive patient care skills
    • Requires background check
    • Minimum age 18 for clinicals

Dallas, NC

Gaston College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Multiple Nurse Aide training levels
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Clinical experience included
    • Prepares for NC Registry
    • Tuition $230-$250

Dublin, NC

Bladen Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based training program
    • Healthcare field entry preparation
    • Nurse Aide I certification
    • Patient care skills development
    • Healthcare career pathway

Durham, NC

Durham Technical Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Short-term certificate program
    • Online and campus options
    • 13 minimum credit hours
    • Estimated tuition $1,122
    • Prepares for NC certification
    • Ages 16.5+ can apply
    • Multiple entry requirements
    • Clinical rotation included

Elizabeth City, NC

College of the Albemarle

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I & II

    Campus Based - Website

    • 160-hour Nurse Aide I course.
    • 176-hour Nurse Aide II course.
    • Includes clinical learning experiences.
    • Prepares for North Carolina Registry.
    • High school diploma or GED required.
    • Focus on personal care skills.
    • Teaches vital signs monitoring.
    • Covers patient communication techniques.
  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Pathway Diploma

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for Nurse Aide I certification
    • Campus-based healthcare training
    • Comprehensive patient care skills
    • Covers growth, development topics
    • Employment skills training included

Jamestown, NC

Guilford Technical Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant I Training Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 214 hours total training
    • Three-month program duration
    • Multiple healthcare work settings
    • $283.07 total registration fee
    • NC State Exam preparation
    • Clinical rotation included
    • Textbook cost included
    • On-campus testing available

Kinston, NC

Lenoir Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Level I

    Campus Based - Website

    • Short-term training program
    • 1-2 semester completion
    • Multiple campus locations
    • High school students eligible
    • Includes clinical experiences
    • Skill competency evaluation
    • Focuses on elderly care
  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Level II

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • 1-2 semesters completion
    • Open to high school students
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Prepares for Nurse Aide II listing

Lumberton, NC

Robeson Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide

    Campus Based - Website

    • 13 credit hours certificate program
    • Covers Nurse Aide I and II
    • Learn patient care skills
    • Prepare for state certification
    • Work with diverse age groups
    • Drug screen and background check required
    • Multiple immunization requirements
    • Two-year exam eligibility window

Murphy, NC

Tri-County Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

    Concentration: Medication Aide - Campus Based - Website

    • Focus on Medication Aide.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Prepares for NC registry.
    • High school diploma required.
    • Hands-on training included.
  • Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

    Concentration: Nurse Aide I - Campus Based - Website

    • Comprehensive healthcare training
    • Prepares for state certification
    • Includes clinical experiences
    • Focuses on elderly care
    • Covers patient communication skills
  • Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

    Concentration: Nurse Aide II - Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • Nurse Aide II concentration
    • Requires high school diploma
    • CPR certification needed
    • Hands-on training
    • Prepares for NC certification
    • Focus on complex patient care
    • Sterile dressings training

Polkton, NC

South Piedmont Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant I (CNA I)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based healthcare training
    • Entry-level nursing certification
    • Practical patient care skills
    • Short-term professional program
    • Career pathway in healthcare

Raleigh, NC

Miller-Motte College-Raleigh

  • Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant

    Campus Based - Website

    • 120 clock hours training
    • 5-week program length
    • Hands-on learning approach
    • Prepares for state exams
    • Campus-based instruction

Sanford, NC

Central Carolina Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I

    Campus Based - Website

    • High school diploma required
    • Day and evening classes
    • Multiple county locations
    • State certification preparation
    • Clinical rotation required
    • Healthcare industry demand
    • Viewpoint Screening needed

Spindale, NC

Isothermal Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I

    Campus Based - Website

    • 188-hour comprehensive training
    • Hybrid learning format
    • $185 total program cost
    • Multiple class schedule options
    • Clinical and lab experiences
    • N.C. Certification eligible
    • Focuses on elderly care
    • Mandatory orientation required

Spruce Pine, NC

Mayland Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12 total credit hours
    • Prepare for multiple healthcare roles
    • Day and evening course options
    • NC Nurse Aide I Competency Exam preparation
    • Skills across patient age groups

Statesville, NC

Mitchell Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I

    Campus Based - Website

    • State certification exam preparation
    • Basic adult and elderly care training
    • NC state registry eligibility
    • Healthcare career pathway
    • Practical clinical skills training

Sylva, NC

Southwestern Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certificate

    Campus Based - Website

    • Limited enrollment program
    • Campus-based training
    • Physical requirements necessary
    • Clinical education included
    • CPR certification integrated
    • Health science program
    • NC state certification track

Tarboro, NC

Edgecombe Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I Training

    Campus Based - Website

    • Healthcare career preparation
    • Clinical and classroom learning
    • NNAAP certification eligible
    • $201.50 tuition cost
    • Comprehensive patient care skills

Whiteville, NC

Southeastern Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Certification

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for patient care roles
    • Covers comprehensive healthcare skills
    • Multiple career pathway options
    • Practical hands-on training
    • Certification preparation included

Williamston, NC

Martin Community College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide I

    Campus Based - Website

    • 184-hour comprehensive training
    • No strict high school requirement
    • NC State Certification eligible
    • Prepares for immediate employment
    • Covers vital healthcare skills
  • Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide II

    Campus Based - Website

    • 180-hour course
    • Campus-based learning
    • Requires high school diploma
    • NC Nurse Aide I Registry listing needed
    • Focuses on advanced clinical skills
    • Prepares for NC Board of Nursing listing
    • Immediate job entry potential
    • Sterile wound care training
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.