Compare costs, schedules, and outcomes for state-approved and online CNA training options available to Connecticut residents.
Finding a state-approved nurse aide training program near Woodbridge, Connecticut, requires flexibility: no campus-based CNA programs operate within the town or its immediate vicinity.
Accredited online CNA programs accept Connecticut residents and are designed to meet the state’s 100-hour training requirement, combining self-paced coursework with locally arranged clinical rotations.
The median annual wage for nursing assistants in Connecticut, $39,560 as of May 2025 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, makes navigating this alternative path worthwhile.
The following online CNA programs accept applicants from Connecticut and are ranked based on a combination of program quality, cost, and flexibility. While coursework is delivered online, all programs require in-person clinical hours that must be completed at a Connecticut state-approved facility. Each program card highlights key details like tuition, format, and outcomes to help you choose the right fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Infinity College | Lafayette, LA | $0/yr (net price) | Quick hybrid training for busy adults | |
Infinity College provides an accelerated two-week Nursing Assistant program through a hybrid online format. Evening classes and small class sizes offer flexibility and personalized attention. The curriculum covers infection control, personal care, and safety, culminating in an 80-hour externship.
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| #2 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Career changers seeking strong job placement | |
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers a hybrid Nursing Assistant technical diploma with flexible scheduling options including days, evenings, and weekends. The curriculum combines online instruction with hands-on clinical experience, and students must meet requirements such as background checks. Strong employment outcomes: 91% of graduates are employed, earning a median salary of $39,520.
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| #3 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX | $3,000 – $5,000/yr | Budget-conscious students wanting comprehensive package | |
Odessa College offers an accelerated 8-week Certified Nurse Aide program with a hybrid format. The $1,900 tuition covers all required materials, including textbooks, scrubs, and the state exam fee. Weekend clinical rotations accommodate working students, though background checks and drug screenings are required for enrollment.
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| #4 | Cloud County Community College | Concordia, KS | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Cloud County Community College provides a 90-hour Certified Nurse Aide program through a hybrid online and face-to-face format. The course emphasizes practical skills for nursing homes and hospitals and qualifies for military and financial aid. Graduates are prepared for state certification exams.
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| #5 | Pima Medical Institute-Aurora | Aurora, CO | $23,000/yr | ||
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora provides a six-week hybrid Nursing Assistant certificate that combines online instruction with in-person clinical training. The curriculum emphasizes both clinical competencies and soft skills like communication. Graduates can sit for the CNA exam, and financial aid including Pell Grants is available for those who qualify.
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| #6 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | $11,000/yr | ||
Mid-State Technical College offers an affordable Nursing Assistant diploma at just $445.15 for the entire 81-hour program. The hybrid format allows part-time study with daytime or evening options, and includes a 27-hour clinical practicum. It is a state-recognized pathway to CNA certification.
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| #7 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Brightpoint Community College offers a hybrid Nurse Aide/Medication Aide Career Studies Certificate that covers essential healthcare topics like safety and infection control. An internship provides field experience, and G3 tuition assistance is available for Virginia residents. The program prepares students for dual roles as nurse aides and medication aides.
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| #8 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Chippewa Valley Technical College provides a Nursing Assistant diploma that can be finished in 14 weeks or less, with a total estimated cost of $423. The hybrid program blends online learning with in-person labs and clinicals. Graduates benefit from a 78% employment rate and credit transfer pathways to nursing associate degrees.
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| #9 | Victoria College | Victoria, TX | $3,000/yr (net price) | ||
Victoria College's Nurse Aide program combines a free online theory course with 50-60 clinical hours in a hybrid format. The $650 tuition covers a textbook, and classes are offered in the evenings for flexibility. While the curriculum follows Texas standards, the online theory portion is accessible to out-of-state students.
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| #10 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
College of Western Idaho offers a 12-week Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation program with a hybrid online and in-person format. The curriculum focuses on patient care, basic nursing techniques, and infection control, with a total cost of $945. It is open to individuals aged 16 and older and prepares students for the certification exam.
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Woodbridge, Connecticut is a small residential town that does not house any dedicated CNA training facilities. Even when broadening the search to a wider radius, no in-state campus CNA programs in CT appeared in the results for this area, making online CNA programs the most viable path for local students.
With a population under 10,000 and a community character focused on residential living, Woodbridge lacks the vocational schools and healthcare training centers found in larger Connecticut cities like New Haven or Bridgeport. The few campus-based CNA courses within reasonable driving distance often have competitive admissions or schedules that conflict with work, pushing residents toward flexible alternatives.
Online CNA programs split the training into two parts: the didactic theory portion is completed through self-paced online modules, while the mandatory in-person clinical hours are performed at a local healthcare facility. This blended approach preserves the hands-on skill development that state regulators require without demanding daily travel to a far-off campus. In Connecticut, the Department of Public Health mandates that clinical training occur face-to-face under supervision, so online programs cannot fully substitute for in-person learning. They simply relocate the classroom. Students can study from home in Woodbridge, but they must complete their clinical rotations at a nearby nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility.
Because clinical placement is a critical component, prospective students should verify that any online CNA program has active partnerships with healthcare facilities in the New Haven County area before enrolling. Some programs arrange placements for you, while others require you to find your own pre-approved site. Confirming availability early prevents delays in program completion. When evaluating online programs, verify each school's clinical coordination process to ensure a smooth placement.
Connecticut has raised the bar for nurse aide training, requiring more hours than the federal floor to better prepare students for the demands of today's care environments.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) mandates a minimum of 100 hours of instruction for all state-approved nurse aide programs. The curriculum includes 75 hours of core content and 25 hours of specialized training. Before students can interact directly with residents, they must complete 16 pre-contact hours covering foundational safety and communication skills. An additional two-hour suicide prevention module is embedded in the training, reflecting the state's focus on mental health awareness. All clinical practice must take place in a DPH-licensed nursing home under the supervision of a registered nurse with at least two years of experience.
Applicants should plan for a few standard prerequisites. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED, a criminal background check, a negative tuberculosis test, and current immunizations. While Connecticut does not set a statewide minimum age, many providers require students to be at least 16 or 18 years old. Check with individual programs before applying.
Only DPH-approved programs qualify you to sit for the Connecticut nurse aide competency exam and be listed on the state registry. DPH re-evaluates program approval every two years to verify curriculum, instructor qualifications, and clinical-site agreements. Most programs can be completed in four to twelve weeks, depending on whether you choose full-time day classes or a part-time evening schedule. Some online CNA programs in Connecticut deliver the theory portion remotely, but the hands-on clinical hours must still be completed in person at an approved facility.
The institution-wide net price effective after financial aid among the top-ranked online CNA programs accessible to Connecticut students ranges from $230 to $4,128. These averages cover all students, not just nursing assistant enrollees, and some programs report much lower CNA-specific tuition, Victoria College's nurse aide program costs $650. Typical CNA training in the U.S. runs between $500 and $2,000+, so actual program cost may be below the figures shown.
CNA testing in Connecticut has become more accessible, with a Prometric testing center now located right in Woodbridge.
The most convenient option for Woodbridge residents is Northeast Medical Institute at 270 Amity Road, Suite 220C, Woodbridge, CT 06525. This site provides a local testing location, eliminating the need to travel to distant cities. The former Derby site has closed, making the Woodbridge center even more valuable. For those seeking an alternative, EdAdvance in Litchfield (355 Goshen Road) is an option, though it requires a longer commute.
The Connecticut CNA competency exam consists of two parts: a knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. The knowledge test is multiple-choice, but candidates may request an oral version. The skills portion requires a live demonstration of essential nursing tasks. The total exam fee is $138, payable when scheduling.
Register by calling Prometric at 866-499-7485 or through the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. You will need your training program completion certificate and a valid photo ID. On test day, arrive early with your confirmation number. Both portions must be passed to earn certification, so thorough review of all tested skills is essential.
Nursing assistants in Connecticut earn well above the national average, offering a promising career path with steady demand across the state.
According to data from Credenza Health, the median annual wage for nursing assistants in Connecticut is $44,500 as of 20241, which breaks down to about $21.40 per hour. This places the state’s pay well above the national median for the occupation. The New Haven-Milford metro area, which includes Woodbridge, sees similar compensation trends, supported by a dense network of healthcare employers.
Pay scales vary with experience and work setting. The lowest 10 percent of nursing assistants in Connecticut earn around $38,450 per year, while the top 10 percent earn approximately $51,790.1 That spread shows that after gaining some experience or working in a hospital or specialty care facility, CNAs can boost their income significantly.
Job growth for nursing assistants nationally is projected at 2 percent through 2034, according to the BLS2, with about 211,800 openings expected each year due to both new positions and replacements. Connecticut’s aging population and high concentration of long-term care facilities keep demand solid, especially around metro hubs like New Haven.
Connecticut’s median CNA wage sits roughly 25 percent above the national average, making it one of the higher-paying states for the role. Factoring in relatively strong job security and opportunities for advancement into LPN programs or RN roles, the state’s outlook remains favorable for those entering the field.
Choosing the right CNA training path raises many questions about program availability, costs, and state requirements. Below are clear answers to the most common inquiries from aspiring nursing assistants in the Woodbridge area.
