CNA Programs
Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
On this page
Top CNA Programs
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs offer foundational training for individuals seeking to begin a hands-on healthcare career, often serving as the first step into the nursing profession. These programs are specifically designed to prepare students to provide direct, compassionate care to patients in a variety of healthcare environments, including nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. Unlike longer nursing pathways, CNA programs are relatively short—typically lasting between 4 to 12 weeks—making them an accessible and fast-track option for those eager to enter the workforce. The curriculum focuses on core caregiving skills such as assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, ensuring patient comfort, supporting mobility, and promoting hygiene and safety. Instruction includes both classroom-based learning and hands-on clinical practice under supervision. Upon completing a state-approved training program, graduates are required to pass a state competency exam, which includes both a written test and a practical skills assessment. Successful candidates are then added to their state’s nurse aide registry and officially certified to work as CNAs. This credential opens the door to immediate job opportunities and can also serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced roles in nursing and healthcare.
Choosing The Right Program
- State Approval and Accreditation
- Program Length and Schedule Options
- Tuition and Financial Aid Availability
- Clinical Training Opportunities
- Job Placement Support
- Pass Rates for Certification Exam
- Class Size and Instructor Experience
- Location and Commute
- Online or Hybrid Options
- Reputation and Reviews
2026 Top-Ranked CNA Programs
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College
Chicago, IL - Public 2-Year - ccc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nursing Assistant Training
Campus Based - Visit Website
City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Basic Nursing Assistant Training is an accelerated eight-week program designed to rapidly transform students into skilled healthcare professionals. Strategically structured with five annual sessions, this comprehensive course equips aspiring CNAs with critical medical skills and practical knowledge. Students engage in intensive training that prepares them for diverse healthcare environments, learning essential patient care techniques and professional protocols. The program serves as an excellent entry point for individuals seeking to launch their healthcare careers, offering a structured pathway to advanced nursing education and certification.
- Eight-week comprehensive training
- Five annual program sessions
- Prerequisite for nursing degree
- Prepares Certified Nursing Assistants
- Healthcare industry entry-level certification
Certificate/Diploma - BNA Fundamentals and Clinical, Basic Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Malcolm X College's BNA Fundamentals and Clinical Basic Certificate provides an immersive pathway into certified nursing assistance. This meticulously crafted program emphasizes comprehensive patient care training across classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Students develop critical healthcare skills while learning the intricate dynamics of CNA roles within medical teams. The curriculum rigorously prepares candidates for the Illinois state certification exam, ensuring graduates meet professional standards. Selective admission requirements, including English and Math prerequisites and medical documentation, underscore the program's commitment to producing highly competent healthcare professionals ready for immediate workforce integration.
- IDPH approved program.
- Prepares for CNA certification.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- 8 credit hours total.
- State exam required post-completion.
- Selective admissions process.
- English and Math prerequisites.
- Medical examination documentation needed.
- Official transcripts required.
- Classroom, lab, and clinical settings.
Ultimate Medical Academy
Clearwater, FL - Private 2-year - ultimatemedical.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ultimate Medical Academy's Nursing Assistant Diploma offers an accelerated pathway into healthcare, strategically designed for aspiring professionals seeking rapid career entry. Students complete an intensive two-month program combining rigorous online coursework with immersive hands-on training, including a comprehensive 45-hour supervised externship. The curriculum meticulously prepares candidates for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification exam, emphasizing practical skills across diverse medical environments. With maximum 25-student classrooms and multiple annual start dates, the program ensures personalized learning experiences. Graduates benefit from robust career support services and are positioned favorably in a high-growth healthcare sector with expanding employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.
- 2-month diploma program
- 45-hour on-site externship
- Certification exam preparation
- Blended online and campus learning
- Multiple start dates annually
- Maximum 25-student classrooms
- Career support services
- 6 total program credits
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Perkinston, MS - Public 2-Year - mgccc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant hybrid program provides an innovative pathway into healthcare. Students benefit from a flexible learning model combining 84 hours of online and in-person instruction with 16 hours of critical clinical training. Designed as a non-credit program, participants can complete the comprehensive curriculum for just $700, positioning themselves for immediate certification and employment in diverse healthcare settings like nursing homes, home health agencies, and community clinics. The state-approved program prepares students to successfully pass the national certification exam and launch a promising career with multiple professional opportunities.
- Hybrid non-credit program
- 84 hours online/campus training
- 16 hours clinical training
- State-approved certification
- $700 total program cost
- Prepares for national exam
- Multiple healthcare employment paths
Oakton College
Des Plaines, IL - Public 2-Year - oakton.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nurse Assistant Training
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oakton College's Basic Nurse Assistant Training program offers a comprehensive pathway into healthcare, delivering an eight-credit certificate designed for aspiring nursing professionals. Students receive rigorous instruction in patient care techniques, spanning hospital, nursing facility, and home health environments. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences, enabling learners to develop practical skills and professional competencies. IDPH-approved training ensures high-quality education, with integrated career placement support that facilitates seamless transitions into multiple healthcare work settings. Graduates emerge well-prepared to meet industry demands and provide compassionate, skilled patient care across diverse medical contexts.
- Eight-credit certificate program
- IDPH approved training
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Career placement support
- Multiple healthcare work settings
Dallas College
Dallas, TX - Public 4-Year - dallascollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse's Aide – Allied Health (Continuing Education)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dallas College's Certified Nurse's Aide program equips aspiring healthcare professionals with robust training designed to rapidly launch careers in patient care. Through an intensive curriculum aligned with Texas Department of Aging and Accessibility Services standards, students gain comprehensive skills in medical communication, infection control, and practical patient assistance techniques. The program's immersive approach includes supervised clinical training across diverse healthcare environments like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Graduates receive comprehensive preparation for the state certification exam, positioning them strategically in the high-demand healthcare workforce with practical, immediately applicable skills and professional credentials.
- High-demand healthcare career
- State certification exam preparation
- Multiple healthcare work settings
- Supervised clinical training
- Skills-focused curriculum
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS - Public 2-Year - jccc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johnson County Community College's Certified Nurse Aide program delivers a robust 96-hour training curriculum designed to launch healthcare careers through innovative hybrid learning. Students master critical patient care competencies including vital sign assessment, safe patient mobility techniques, and comprehensive infection prevention protocols. The program strategically blends online theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical training at the JCCC Olathe Health Center, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for immediate workforce entry. With flexible scheduling and potential Kansas Promise Scholarship support, this program offers an accessible pathway into professional nursing assistance, capitalizing on the growing healthcare employment landscape projected by national labor statistics.
- 96-hour comprehensive course
- Hybrid learning format
- Multiple class schedule options
- Kansas CNA test eligibility
- Potential scholarship funding
- Healthcare career pathway
- In-demand profession
- Clinical skills training
- Location: JCCC Olathe Health Center
Frontier Community College
Fairfield, IL - Public 2-Year - iecc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Frontier Community College's Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program stands out as a robust pathway into healthcare, strategically preparing students for critical patient care roles. By integrating comprehensive classroom instruction with practical clinical experiences, the program equips aspiring CNAs with essential medical skills and professional competencies. Students benefit from the IECC nursing network's extensive resources, gaining hands-on training across multiple campus locations. The curriculum emphasizes patient interaction, medical protocols, and professional ethics, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for immediate employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and diverse medical facilities.
- Campus-based nursing program
- Part of IECC nursing network
- Accredited nursing education
- Multiple campus location options
- Professional nurse pathway
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC - Public 2-Year - cpcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Piedmont Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate offers a robust pathway into healthcare, meticulously designed to equip students with comprehensive patient care competencies. Through an intensive curriculum, learners master critical skills including vital signs assessment, patient communication, and medical safety protocols. The program uniquely prepares students for the Nursing Aide I registry, strategically positioning graduates for diverse employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical facilities. Rigorous admission requirements include high school credentials, mandatory background checks, and complete immunization documentation, ensuring candidates meet professional healthcare standards. Students must be at least 18 years old to participate in clinical training, with additional costs covering essential uniforms and medical screenings.
- Prepare for Nursing Aide I registry
- Multiple healthcare employment settings
- Comprehensive patient care skills
- Requires background check
- Minimum age 18 for clinicals
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM - Public 2-Year - cnm.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central New Mexico Community College's Nursing Assistant certificate program delivers an accelerated healthcare education pathway, strategically designed for rapid entry into professional patient care roles. Students can complete the comprehensive curriculum within a single semester, gaining critical skills for employment in diverse healthcare environments like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. The program emphasizes hands-on training, state certification exam preparation, and practical clinical experiences. With flexible corequisite courses and robust financial aid support, CNM provides an accessible route for career-driven individuals seeking efficient professional development in healthcare support services.
- One semester completion time
- State certification exam offered
- Works closely with nursing staff
- Multiple healthcare settings available
- Faculty-led exam preparation
- Corequisite course flexibility
- Financial aid support
- Career advancement potential
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Conway, SC - Public 2-Year - hgtc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Visit Website
Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Nursing Assistant program offers an accelerated pathway into healthcare, strategically designed for aspiring medical professionals. With a focused 9-credit curriculum, students receive comprehensive training to excel in patient care across diverse medical environments. The program emphasizes practical skills, state certification preparation, and hands-on learning, ensuring graduates are immediately employable in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinical settings. Unique program requirements include mandatory CPR certification, minimum age restriction of 18, and maintaining a minimum 'C' grade, which underscores the institution's commitment to producing highly competent healthcare support professionals.
- 9 total credit hours
- State certification preparation
- Multiple campus locations
- Minimum age 18 required
- CPR certification needed
- Healthcare settings employment
- Minimum 'C' grade requirement
Who Is a CNA Program For?
-
Compassionate Caregivers
Ideal for those who enjoy helping others with daily activities and providing emotional support. -
Career Starters or Explorers
Perfect for individuals exploring healthcare careers without committing to long-term schooling. -
Fast-Track Job Seekers
CNA programs offer one of the quickest paths into the healthcare workforce. -
Detail-Oriented Workers
CNAs must observe patients closely and report changes accurately, making this a good fit for attentive individuals. -
Team Players
CNAs work under supervision, often as part of a larger healthcare team, and need strong communication skills. -
Non-Traditional Students
Programs often cater to adult learners, offering evening or weekend classes for flexibility.
Find CNA Programs by State
Types of Institutions Offering CNA Programs
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Community Colleges
Offer affordable, state-approved CNA training with both classroom and lab instruction.
-
Technical and Vocational Schools
Provide focused, fast-paced programs that prepare students for the CNA exam. -
Career Institutes
Often feature flexible schedules and targeted training for adult learners or career changers.
-
Hospital-Based Programs
Deliver hands-on training in real clinical environments with direct patient care experience. -
Private Nursing Schools
May offer smaller class sizes and fast-track options, often at a higher tuition cost. -
Adult Education Centers
Provide accessible training for working adults, often with evening or part-time schedules.
Program Length and Timeline
Academic Schedule and Clinical Rotation
CNA programs are short and intensive, combining classroom lessons with hands-on skills training. Academic instruction covers basic patient care, safety, infection control, and communication. Clinicals usually take place in nursing homes or hospitals, giving students real-world experience assisting with bathing, feeding, mobility, and vital signs under supervision. Clinical hours are typically required and scheduled after the initial classroom portion is complete.
| Attendance Type | Regular | Accelarated | extended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 4 - 8 weeks | 2 - 4 weeks | 10 - 12 weeks |
| Part Time | 8 - 12 weeks | 5 - 6 weeks | 12 - 16 weeks |
Curriculum and Training
CNA programs focus on essential caregiving skills and foundational knowledge. Core subjects include basic nursing care, anatomy and physiology, infection control, nutrition, communication, and patient rights. Clinical training usually consists of 16 to 40 hours (depending on state rules) in approved healthcare facilities. Students learn to assist with bathing, feeding, mobility, taking vitals, and supporting patients’ daily needs—all under direct supervision.
Online CNA Program Availability
CNA programs are typically in-person, but some schools offer hybrid formats with online instruction for theory-based courses. While students can complete lectures and assignments online, clinical skills must be practiced in person at an approved facility. Virtual simulation tools may supplement learning, but they do not replace the state-required hands-on experience. To participate in hybrid options, students need a reliable internet connection, a capable device, and basic tech literacy.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (varies by state)
- Minimum age of 16 to 18
- Negative TB test and immunization records
- Background check and drug screening
- CPR or BLS certification (in some programs)
- Entrance interview or orientation session
Admission Tips
- Complete CPR/BLS Certification Early
- Volunteer in Healthcare Settings
- Maintain a Clean Background Record
- Write a Strong Personal Statement
- Secure Solid References
- Show Professionalism in Interviews
Financial Aid & Funding Options
- Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- State Grants and Workforce Development Programs
- Scholarships from Schools or Healthcare Organizations
- Employer Sponsorship or Tuition Reimbursement
- Payment Plans Offered by the School
- Military Education Benefits
- Nonprofit or Community-Based Grants
- Apprenticeship or Earn-While-You-Learn Programs
- WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Funding
- Private Student Loans (if available for short programs)
CNA Certifications
After completing a CNA program, students must pass a state-approved CNA competency exam, which includes a written portion and a hands-on skills test. Certification is granted by the state’s nurse aide registry, and each state may have different renewal and continuing education requirements. Some states also require fingerprinting or additional testing. CNAs must stay up to date on training and often complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain active status.
Career Paths for CNAs
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
- Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Medical Assistant (MA)
- Healthcare Administration or Scheduling
- Specialized CNA Roles
- Nursing Educator Assistant
Salary Expectations and Job Outlook
The average national salary for CNAs is around $38,000 per year, with hourly wages averaging $18–$20. Wages vary by state, with CNAs in California, Alaska, and New York earning higher-than-average pay. Long-term care facilities and hospitals tend to be the top employers, but home health and government agencies may offer higher compensation. The job outlook remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 4–5% increase in employment through 2033, driven by the aging population and growing demand for long-term care support.
Advancement Opportunities
-
CNA to LPN/LVN Bridge Programs
A natural next step for CNAs looking to increase responsibilities and pay. -
Specialized Certifications
CNAs can gain expertise in areas like dementia care, hospice, or restorative care. -
Medication Aide Roles
Some states allow CNAs to train as Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) for added duties. -
Unit Coordinator or Administrative Roles
Experience can lead to clerical or patient-flow coordinator positions in hospitals. -
Nursing School Preparation
CNA experience is a strong foundation for pursuing RN or BSN programs in the future.