Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs teach students to provide nursing staff with fundamental patient care support. The healthcare system of Louisiana depends heavily on CNAs because they assist patients with basic daily needs like feeding, bathing, and mobility support. The essential responsibilities of nursing staff receive assistance from CNAs through tasks such as vital sign monitoring and patient safety maintenance.
Minden, LA - Public 2-Year - nltcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program focused on long-term care settings. Students receive thorough training in medical terminology, healthcare safety, and hands-on patient care through a blend of classroom lectures and clinical experiences. This program emphasizes practical skills for nursing homes and home health environments, preparing graduates for immediate entry into healthcare roles. No concentration is specified, and entrance exams are not required for this certificate-level program.
Lafayette, LA - Private 2-year - infinitycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Infinity College offers a Nursing Assistant program designed for quick entry into healthcare, with flexible 2-week and 4-week training available both online and on-campus. Students develop essential patient care skills for various medical environments, focusing on practical knowledge for immediate employment. This program is ideal for those seeking a fast-paced, career-oriented education, and it is military-friendly, supporting diverse learners in achieving their goals efficiently.
New Orleans, LA - Public 2-Year - dcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Delgado Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offers thorough training for healthcare careers, emphasizing hands-on clinical experience with 80 hours in settings like long-term care and hospitals. Located at the City Park Campus, it covers infection control, nursing techniques, and patient care, approved by the Louisiana Department of Health. Open to students aged 16 and older with a high school diploma and background check, it prepares graduates for certification exams and immediate workforce entry, with sessions in Spring and Fall semesters.
Lake Charles, LA - Public 2-Year - sowela.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
SOWELA Technical Community College offers an eight-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program on campus, designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. This intensive course provides hands-on experience in patient care, covering essential skills for various medical environments. It prepares students for Louisiana state certification, with classes held Monday through Friday mornings. The total cost is $1,950, including books and scrubs, and financial aid is available to make it affordable. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, as this is a certificate-level program.
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 2-Year - mybrcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Baton Rouge Community College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Sponsorship program is a tuition-free workforce initiative that supports 30 students, covering all costs for comprehensive education and hands-on clinical training at Our Lady of the Lake facility. It requires a high school diploma or GED and includes a one-year post-graduation commitment, making it an ideal pathway for those starting in healthcare without financial barriers.
Students enrolled in CNA training programs within Louisiana can take their classroom coursework through online programs but must attend in-person clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Students learn theoretical material and lecture components through remote learning while clinical practice needs direct presence at healthcare facilities. The availability of hybrid programs combines online learning with in-person clinical and lab requirements. The flexible scheduling allows students with work or family responsibilities to complete their training at times that suit them. Traditional in-person classes remain widely available to students who want a traditional learning structure. The clinical experience requirement in practical settings remains essential for student readiness despite the existence of online training options.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Delgado Community College |
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| Infinity College |
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| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16 years old, cleared state and federal fingerprint-based background checks, no disqualifying findings for abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, meet required health screenings and immunizations |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Louisiana Department of Health, Health Standards Section – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete an LDH-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program of at least 80 hours (40 classroom, 40 supervised clinical) |
| Fees | No state application or registry fee, competency exam and retest fees set by the testing vendors |
| Certification Exam | Pass a written or oral knowledge test plus a timed, five-skill practical evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Exam vendors report results electronically, the registry is updated within two business days of passing both components |
| Renewal Requirements | Finish at least eight hours of paid CNA work in an approved setting every 24 months, certification auto-renews when work history is reported, or candidates may retest within two years if work isn’t verified |
| License by Endorsement | Active, unencumbered CNAs from other states transfer via reciprocity by submitting verification of certification and work history no additional exam required |
The average annual salary for Certified Nursing Assistants in Louisiana is $30,000 but their pay ranges between $11 to $15 per hour based on their experience and work location. CNAs working in the larger cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge receive higher pay due to increased living expenses and greater healthcare professional demand. The employment prospects for nursing assistants in Louisiana remain favorable because of demographic changes and the necessity for elderly care services. Louisiana’s healthcare industry expansion creates new CNA positions at hospitals, nursing homes, and in home healthcare throughout the state.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Louisiana | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $31,850 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $15.32 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$37,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $31,850 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$27,300 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,900 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
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| Baton Rouge Community College |
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| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College |
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The certification process as a CNA creates potential pathways for career development in healthcare. Many nursing assistants who work as CNAs choose to advance their careers by becoming either Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). CNA holders in Louisiana can use bridge programs to earn their LPN or RN degrees while earning credit points from their previous CNA education. The CNA career path leads to shorter time requirements when pursuing LPN or RN degrees through these bridge programs. Most employers in the industry provide educational assistance and financial backing for career advancement that helps CNAs obtain additional qualifications. CNA certification serves as an entry point for nurses who want to advance their careers through long-term nursing field development.
Additional Nursing Programs in Louisiana
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