Hannah Pierce, BSN
July 25, 2025
Opting for an accelerated CNA course can be a game‑changer for anyone eager to begin a healthcare career swiftly and confidently. By compressing essential training into a shorter timeframe, accelerated programs let you earn your certification in weeks rather than months, which means you’ll start gaining hands‑on experience, and earning a paycheck, sooner. The intensive pace also helps you maintain momentum, reinforcing skills through daily practice and helping information stick. For busy learners balancing work or family commitments, these streamlined schedules reduce the total time away from life’s other responsibilities. Ultimately, an accelerated CNA course offers a focused, efficient path into patient care, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to step into your role without unnecessary delay.
Eau Claire, WI - Public 2-Year - cvtc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kickstart your healthcare career with CVTC's Nursing Assistant technical diploma. In just 14 weeks, gain essential skills to provide compassionate patient care. The program prepares you for certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), covering patient care, safety protocols, and daily living assistance. Affordable at $423 total cost, this program offers a fast track to a rewarding healthcare profession with an average starting salary of $36,707.
Indianapolis, IN - Public 2-Year - ivytech.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ivy Tech's Patient Care Technician program prepares students for multi-skilled healthcare careers with comprehensive training in vital patient care tasks. The flexible program offers multiple credential levels, from short certificates to associate degrees, enabling students to earn critical certifications like Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, and Nursing Assistant. Courses cover essential skills including vital sign monitoring, electrocardiography, blood drawing, and specimen collection. With costs ranging from $3,211 to $10,703 and options at multiple Indiana campuses, students can launch healthcare careers efficiently.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ivy Tech Community College's Healthcare Specialist program offers a pathway to start a rewarding career in healthcare with various certification options. Students can gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, preparing for roles such as Certified Nursing Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and more. The program includes short-term certificates that can lead to immediate employment, with some eligible for free tuition through Next Level Jobs. With a median salary of $48,470, this program is designed for those seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly or advance their education with an associate degree. Courses cover medical terminology, anatomy, and specific skills like phlebotomy and electrocardiography. The program is available at multiple Indiana locations, offering flexibility for students.
Albuquerque, NM - Public 2-Year - cnm.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nursing Assistant certificate at CNM offers a fast-track pathway into healthcare, enabling students to complete the program in just one semester. Designed for aspiring patient care professionals, this program prepares students to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Competitive tuition and financial aid options make this certification accessible and affordable for career-driven individuals.
Chicago, IL - Public 2-Year - ccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Malcolm X College's Basic Nursing Assistant Training prepares healthcare professionals for entry-level Certified Nursing Assistant roles in just eight weeks. Students gain essential skills to work in diverse medical settings, with five annual sessions offering flexible scheduling. The program serves as a critical pathway to advanced nursing education and provides a foundational stepping stone for those seeking careers in healthcare.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The BNA Fundamentals and Clinical, Basic Certificate at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College prepares students for a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This program covers patient care basics, nursing discipline, and the CNA's role in healthcare teams. Graduates must pass the Illinois state exam to certify. Ideal for those seeking entry into healthcare, offering hands-on training in classroom, lab, and clinical settings. Admissions require eligible English and Math levels, medical exam docs, and official transcripts.
Louisville, KY - Public 2-Year - jefferson.kctcs.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Medicaid Nurse Aide certificate offers a fast-track pathway into healthcare, enabling students to gain essential patient care skills in just one semester. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this program prepares students to provide critical direct patient support across multiple healthcare settings. With state certification opportunities and comprehensive training, students learn vital skills in patient hygiene, safety, and emotional support while working under licensed nursing supervision.
Nampa, ID - Public 2-Year - cwi.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Preparation program at College of Western Idaho offers a rapid 12-week pathway into healthcare. Students gain comprehensive skills in patient care, basic nursing techniques, and infection control, preparing them for the critical CNA certification exam. With a hands-on curriculum blending online instruction and in-person skills training, the program equips aspiring healthcare professionals with essential competencies. The affordable $945 program includes theoretical and practical training, making it an accessible entry point for those seeking a rewarding career in patient care. Designed for individuals 16 and older, the program provides a strong foundation for future healthcare roles.
Chandler, AZ - Public 2-Year - cgc.maricopa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Assisting Certificate provides a fast-track pathway into healthcare, preparing students for critical patient care roles. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice, equipping learners with essential skills to safely support diverse patient populations. Students learn therapeutic interventions, communication techniques, and technological integration for quality healthcare delivery. Graduates become certified nurse assistants eligible to work in various healthcare settings, with opportunities for career advancement. No specific financial aid is available, and the program requires maintaining a C grade or better.
Brownsville, TX - Public 2-Year - tsc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Southmost College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate I offers a comprehensive one-semester program for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students gain essential skills in basic nursing care, medical terminology, and anatomy, preparing them for entry-level positions in long-term care facilities. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, providing a robust foundation for those seeking a quick pathway into the healthcare industry.
Garden City, NY - Public 2-Year - ncc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Discover an exciting pathway into healthcare with Nassau Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant program. This comprehensive 120-hour training equips students with essential patient care skills, preparing them for a rewarding career in various healthcare settings. Ideal for individuals passionate about patient care, the program offers hands-on learning, covering critical techniques in patient assistance, vital sign documentation, and compassionate care for diverse populations.
Oregon City, OR - Public 2-Year - clackamas.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Jumpstart a meaningful healthcare career with Clackamas Community College's Nursing Assistant 1 program. In just one term, students gain comprehensive skills to provide compassionate patient care through 72 lecture and lab hours plus 45 clinical experience hours. The affordable $1,573 total program cost prepares graduates to take the Oregon State Board of Nursing certification exam, positioning them in a field projected to grow 20% by 2030.
Accelerated CNA programs condense the required training, typically around 60 hours of classroom instruction plus 100–120 hours of supervised clinical practice, into a compact schedule lasting two to six weeks. Some schools offer intensive two‑week tracks with daily lectures and hands‑on skills labs that cover all state‑mandated competencies. Other programs run three‑week courses blending classroom time and clinical rotations to meet certification requirements. Hybrid formats, which pair online coursework with on‑campus skills sessions and clinical practice, can often be completed in about four weeks.
| Normal | Accelerated | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 8–16 Weeks | 4-6 Weeks |
| Part Time | 12–24 Weeks | 4-8 Weeks |
Even at an accelerated pace, these CNA programs uphold the same rigorous standards and state‑mandated competencies as their longer counterparts, ensuring that you don’t trade depth for speed. Instructors are seasoned professionals who guide you through focused, clearly structured lessons and hands‑on skills labs, reinforcing each concept through daily practice. Clinical rotations remain comprehensive, giving you ample real‑world experience under expert supervision. Class sizes are often kept small to maximize one‑on‑one coaching, and all coursework, whether delivered in person or online, is fully accredited and regularly reviewed for quality. By blending intensive instruction with robust practical training, accelerated CNA courses deliver uncompromised excellence in patient care preparation.
Looking for the fastest CNA program? Ensure it also delivers on these essential quality points.
An accelerated CNA course jump‑starts your journey into nursing by getting you certified and working in healthcare in a matter of weeks instead of months. By immersing you in intensive, focused training and real‑world clinical experiences early on, you’ll quickly build practical skills and professional confidence. Starting your career sooner means you’ll gain valuable patient‑care hours, develop stronger clinical judgment, and begin networking with nurses and healthcare teams right away. This head start not only accelerates your transition into roles such as medication aide or patient care technician but also lays a solid foundation for advancing into LPN or RN programs with hands‑on experience already under your belt.