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.
Nevada offers several solid CNA training paths, from large public community colleges to compact private and university options. These six programs stand out for affordability, format flexibility, and practical clinical preparation. The list below highlights tuition range, delivery format, location, and key program features to help you compare.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | $4,000 – $13,000/yr (est.) | Las Vegas students wanting multiple campus locations | |
College of Southern Nevada offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate of Achievement at multiple Las Vegas-area campuses. The program is open entry, so students do not need a separate limited-entry application beyond standard CSN admission. Nevada residents pay roughly $1,694 in total program costs, while out-of-state students pay an additional per-credit charge. Clinical clearance items like background checks, immunizations, and CPR are due before the fourth clinical class, not during registration.
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| #2 | Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | $3,000 – $12,000/yr (est.) | Reno-area adults starting healthcare careers | |
Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno offers a one-semester campus-based Certified Nursing Assistant program. It is open to students age 16 and older and uses the NURS 130 course to meet Nevada State Board of Nursing requirements for certification exams. The program combines vital sign monitoring, patient support, and hands-on direct care training.
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| #3 | Great Basin College | Elko, NV | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Rural Nevadans seeking nearby class sites | |
Great Basin College serves rural Nevada with a CNA course available in Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump. The blended format includes 40 hours of theory, 60 hours of skills lab, and 20 hours of clinical practice across 6, 8, or 16 week schedules. Students can enroll at age 16 without a high school diploma or GED and prepare for NSBN written and skills exams.
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| #4 | Western Nevada College | Carson City, NV | $13,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Western Nevada College in Carson City offers a campus-based Certified Nursing Assistant program built around one required 6-unit course. Training focuses on patient care basics, such as bathing, feeding, and communicating with medical teams. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in long-term care and acute care settings.
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| #5 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | ||
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a fast 4-week, 96-hour CNA training program through UNLV Lifelong Learning and the Perry Foundation Academy of Health. The hybrid format blends online coursework with in-person skills practice, and new cohorts start in fall, spring, and summer. At $2,650 total, the program prepares students for the Nevada State Board of Nursing exam and includes infection control, safety, and basic nursing skills.
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| #6 | Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Pima Medical Institute's Las Vegas campus offers a roughly six-week campus-based Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide certificate. The fast-track program covers clinical skills, infection control, emergency procedures, and patient care documentation. It includes hands-on training and clinical externships, and graduates are eligible to sit for the Nevada CNA exam.
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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.
