Compare tuition, program length, and outcomes at Nevada's highest-rated CNA training schools.
Nevada’s hospitals and long-term care facilities are projected to need about 490 new nursing assistants each year through 2030, fueled by Las Vegas and Reno’s expanding healthcare systems. CNA training options across the state span a wide cost and format spectrum, from six-week campus-based certificates at public community colleges under $5,000 to four-week hybrid programs at roughly $2,650.
This persistent demand and program variety mean aspiring CNAs can enter the workforce quickly, but finding an employer-backed training slot or a program with a proven exam pass rate remains the practical barrier most candidates face.
Our 2026 ranking of Nevada CNA programs emphasizes affordability, strong institutional outcomes, and practical training features that directly support certification and workforce entry. Each school profile includes key program highlights to help you find a path that matches your budget, schedule, and career goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | $4,000 – $13,000/yr | In-state learners prioritizing affordability | |
College of Southern Nevada offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate of Achievement designed for fast entry into the healthcare workforce. The program combines classroom learning with clinical practice at multiple Las Vegas-area campuses, making it accessible to students throughout southern Nevada. With an open-entry structure, mandatory orientation, and clear English proficiency prerequisites, CSN provides a straightforward pathway to state certification.
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| #2 | Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | $3,000 – $12,000/yr | Reno-area career starters | |
Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno provides a one-semester Certified Nursing Assistant program that meets all Nevada State Board of Nursing exam requirements. The NURS 130 course combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, giving students direct patient care experience under supervision. Open to anyone age 16 or older, this program serves as a practical entry point into nursing or a foundation for advanced allied health studies.
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| #3 | Great Basin College | Elko, NV | $8,000/yr | Rural students in northern Nevada | |
Great Basin College in Elko offers a Certified Nursing Assistant course that combines comprehensive skills training with a focus on compassionate patient care. The program is available at multiple campus locations across rural Nevada, providing an accessible entry point for students in northern regions. Graduates are well-prepared for the Nevada State Board of Nursing certification exam and direct employment in long-term care and acute settings.
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| #4 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $10,000/yr | ||
University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a 96-hour hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program that combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical simulations. The program is designed for rapid workforce entry, with multiple start dates each year and eligibility for workforce funding. With a strong institutional graduation rate and high net earnings for alumni, UNLV provides a rigorous and well-supported CNA pathway.
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| #5 | Western Nevada College | Carson City, NV | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Western Nevada College in Carson City provides a focused Certified Nursing Assistant program built around a single six-unit course. The curriculum covers essential patient care, daily living assistance, and communication skills, preparing students for work in long-term care and acute care facilities. With a low student-faculty ratio, WNC offers a supportive learning environment for those seeking Nevada state certification.
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| #6 | Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Pima Medical Institute in Las Vegas offers a fast-track Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide Certificate Program that can be completed in about six weeks. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills, patient dignity, and real-world experience through externships at local healthcare facilities. This private, accredited campus provides career services and job placement assistance to help graduates quickly enter Nevada's growing healthcare workforce.
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The total cost of a CNA program in Nevada includes course tuition plus several required out-of-pocket expenses. The breakdown below uses the University of Nevada-Las Vegas's 4-week hybrid program as an example; net price figures like College of Southern Nevada's $6,615 represent institution-wide averages, not CNA-specific quotes. Actual costs vary by school and location.
Free CNA training in Nevada typically follows one of two paths: employer-sponsored programs that pair free tuition with a post-graduation work commitment, or publicly funded grants that cover costs with no employment strings attached. Both routes can eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, but they differ in obligations and availability.
Many nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted-living facilities in Nevada offer free CNA training as a hiring incentive. The model is straightforward: the employer pays for your coursework and exam fees, and you agree to work for them for a set period, usually six months to a year, after earning your certification. Some employers even pay you a wage during training. The Southern Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City runs the Crombie Academy, a 120-hour, one-month program that is completely free for veterans and their families. Graduates are well-prepared for the Nevada CNA licensing exam and often transition directly into roles at the veterans home. This kind of pathway is ideal if you want immediate employment and are comfortable committing to one facility.
Nevada’s workforce development boards administer WIOA grants that can cover the full cost of CNA training, tuition, books, supplies, and the certification exam, at approved providers. In southern Nevada, Workforce Connections (JobConnect) manages these funds; in the north, Nevadaworks does. Eligible individuals include displaced workers, low-income adults, and veterans. You do not have to pay back the grant or sign an employment contract. Shiloh CNA School, for instance, reserves funded seats for students who qualify through these programs. Start by visiting a local JobConnect center to determine eligibility and get a list of approved CNA schools.
Goodwill of Southern Nevada offers a fast-track pathway: a weeklong healthcare bootcamp followed by formal CNA training. Goodwill often covers the full cost for participants who meet income guidelines. JobTrainWorks, a partner of Workforce Connections, also connects aspiring CNAs with free training slots. These community-driven programs are especially accessible for Las Vegas residents who need to train close to home without a long commute.
Employer-sponsored programs typically require a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and a physical exam. The big trade-off is the work commitment; leaving early may mean repaying tuition. WIOA grants prioritize those who are unemployed, receiving public assistance, or have barriers to employment. Veterans often get priority, too. Goodwill and similar nonprofits may have income thresholds or require you to attend an orientation session.
Yes. Free CNA classes in Las Vegas exist through Goodwill of Southern Nevada, WIOA-funded seats at schools like Shiloh CNA School, and employer-sponsored positions at various local facilities. The key is researching which pathway aligns with your financial situation and career timeline.
Aspiring CNAs in Nevada often look for the flexibility of online coursework, but state regulations require hands-on clinical training, so fully online CNA programs don't exist. The good news is you can complete the classroom portion online through a hybrid program, then attend in-person labs and clinicals.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing mandates that all CNA training include at least 75 hours of instruction, with substantial in-person clinical experience.1 No program may issue a certificate through online-only coursework. This protects patient safety by ensuring every graduate demonstrates skills under direct supervision before entering the workforce.
Among the programs in our rankings, only the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Continuing Education Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program delivers a true hybrid format. The 96-hour curriculum combines self-paced online modules with scheduled, on-campus skills labs and clinical rotations at partner facilities. The program costs around $2,650, runs about four weeks,2 and is approved by the State Board.1
At this time, community colleges such as College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Great Basin College, and Western Nevada College all deliver CNA training entirely on campus, without an online theory option.13 If you need the flexibility of a hybrid model, UNLV's program is your best bet. Always verify that any program you consider appears on the Nevada State Board of Nursing's approved list, which ensures it meets state requirements and prepares you for the certification exam.
The path to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Nevada follows a clear, state-regulated process. After completing an approved training program, candidates must pass a two-part exam and apply to the state registry. Certification must be renewed every two years with continuing education and work experience.
Salaries for nursing assistants in Nevada vary by location, with urban hubs offering higher wages. In Las Vegas, the median annual wage for CNAs is $45,070, while Reno and Carson City report medians of $46,500 and $46,560, respectively. These figures sit comfortably above the national median for nursing assistants, reflecting strong demand across the state.
| Area | Total Employment | Annual Mean Wage | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | 6,720 | $44,340 | $36,790 | $45,070 | $47,420 |
| Reno, NV | 1,240 | $45,060 | $38,350 | $46,500 | $48,180 |
| Carson City, NV | 300 | $45,530 | $38,390 | $46,560 | $50,060 |
Nevada is projected to have around 490 annual openings for nursing assistants through 2030, signaling persistent demand across hospitals and long-term care settings. That steady churn creates reliable entry points for newly certified CNAs.
Most CNA programs in Nevada run 4 to 12 weeks for full-time students, but program length alone does not guarantee certification success or job readiness. Use the following checkpoints to compare schools beyond the brochure.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing does not publish exam pass rates online, but you can contact the Board directly to request aggregate data or guidance on comparing programs. A program that consistently produces graduates who pass the certification exam on their first attempt is a reliable signal of quality. Ask admissions offices whether they track first-time pass rates and if they share that figure. If the Board cannot provide specific program data, they can still confirm which schools maintain good standing with state requirements; any recent citations or probationary status may indicate problems.
Job placement claims also need scrutiny. Some programs advertise high placement rates because of formal partnerships with local hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living centers. When you see a placement rate, ask how it is calculated: does it include graduates who found jobs independently? Reputable programs can usually supply data on the percentage of graduates employed in a healthcare setting within six months of certification. Also inquire about job-search assistance, resume workshops, or direct referrals to hiring managers.
Nevada CNA training is offered in intensive 4-week sessions or more extended 12-week formats. Accelerated tracks let you enter the workforce quickly but require full-time commitment and a fast pace. Part-time, evening, or weekend options exist for students with work or family obligations, though they take longer. Check each program's website or speak with an admissions counselor to confirm class schedules, total clinical hours, and what the tuition covers: textbooks, supplies, uniform, background check, and certification exam fees can add to the base cost. All programs must meet Nevada's minimum 75-hour training standard, with at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice, so even an accelerated route must include that hands-on component. Verify that any program you consider is on the Nevada State Board of Nursing's approved list; you cannot sit for the competency exam without this approval.
Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) to find state-level employment projections and wages for nursing assistants. As of May 2024, Nevada CNAs earned a median annual wage of $37,910, with top-earners above $46,000. Wages and demand differ by metro area: Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City each have distinct pay scales and vacancy volumes. Then cross-reference that macro picture with local healthcare employer websites or job boards such as Indeed. A facility running continuous CNA job postings signals strong demand in that location. Also check whether large health networks near you sponsor apprenticeships or tuition-reimbursement programs, which can offset training costs and create a direct pipeline to employment. Combining state-level data with on-the-ground hiring activity helps you choose a program located where jobs are most plentiful.
Nevada's nursing landscape offers clear pathways to grow your career and earnings. Moving from a CNA to a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or beyond is achievable with the right bridge programs and commitment.
Below are answers to the most common questions about CNA certification and training in Nevada. We cover program length, costs, online options, state requirements, salary expectations, and renewal guidelines to help you plan your nursing career path.
