Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 23, 2025
Healthcare institutions train Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) candidates to serve as their initial patient care providers. The state of New Hampshire designates nursing assistants as Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) because they need a license to practice in this role. The work of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) under RN and LPN supervision enables them to support patients with their daily needs as well as basic medical requirements.
Manchester, NH - Public 2-Year - mccnh.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Manchester Community College's Licensed Nursing Assistant Certificate provides an accelerated pathway into healthcare, leveraging a strategic hybrid learning model. Students gain comprehensive patient care skills through innovative training techniques, focusing on medical procedures, communication strategies, and hands-on clinical competencies. The program's flexible format accommodates diverse learner backgrounds, enabling working professionals, career transitioners, and recent graduates to efficiently prepare for critical roles in medical environments. With an emphasis on practical skill development, participants receive comprehensive training that meets state licensing requirements and positions them for immediate employment in various healthcare settings.
Claremont, NH - Public 2-Year - rivervalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
River Valley Community College's Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) program delivers an accelerated pathway into healthcare through immersive clinical training. Students rapidly develop essential patient care skills via integrated classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes practical nursing techniques, medical procedures, and patient interaction strategies. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, the program equips students with state certification preparedness and foundational knowledge for diverse healthcare environments. With competitive tuition and multiple campus locations, students benefit from flexible, career-focused training that positions them for immediate employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Graduates can expect promising job market opportunities with projected growth and competitive entry-level salaries.
Portsmouth, NH - Public 2-Year - greatbay.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Great Bay Community College's Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Training Program delivers a comprehensive six-week curriculum designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals. Students gain critical skills in patient care, mastering essential techniques like infection prevention, safe patient handling, and professional communication. The program's rigorous training, endorsed by the NH Board of Nursing, provides hands-on experience and prepares learners for immediate employment in healthcare settings. Participants develop practical skills through comprehensive classroom instruction and clinical practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to provide compassionate, high-quality patient care in various medical environments.
The practical requirements of nursing assistant training make fully online CNA programs unavailable in New Hampshire. Educational institutions provide students with hybrid learning options through online classroom work combined with clinical sessions that take place at healthcare facilities. Students in hybrid programs learn theoretical lessons online about anatomy together with infection control and communication while remaining in their online environment. The flexible learning approach suits students who work full-time or manage other responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester Community College |
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| River Valley Community College |
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| Great Bay Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | Graduate from a Board-approved nurse aide program, be at least 16, clear fingerprint and criminal background checks, and meet health/immunization requirements |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | New Hampshire Board of Nursing, Office of Professional Licensure and Certification |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete at least 100 hours (minimum 60 supervised clinical hours) in a DPH-approved course |
| Fees | $63 application fee, exam fees vary by testing vendor |
| Certification Exam | Pass a written or oral knowledge test (minimum 70%) and a five-skill practical evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Certification appears online within six to eight weeks of submitting a complete application |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew every two years via the online portal, log required CE hours, and pay a $63 renewal fee |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs submit online verification of active certification, pay the endorsement fee, and are exempt from retesting |
The average hourly salary for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Hampshire is $21 which translates to $45,000 annually for full-time employment. The compensation levels for CNAs differ across locations and workplace settings since hospitals and government institutions provide greater wages than private care facilities. CNA employees who work full time receive both hourly compensation and benefits that include medical coverage and vacation days. The New Hampshire CNA job market will expand because the state faces increasing requirements for elderly care services across both hospital settings, home-based care facilities, and long-term care facilities. The state of New Hampshire provides job opportunities for CNAs throughout its urban centers and rural nursing facilities. The job provides secure employment while enabling staff members to create positive patient outcomes which makes it a fulfilling career choice.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New Hampshire | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $35,100 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.89 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$42,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $35,100 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$27,900 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| River Valley Community College |
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| Manchester Community College |
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| Great Bay Community College |
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The CNA certification in New Hampshire provides entry into various career progression opportunities throughout the healthcare field. The experience gained through CNA work often leads candidates to seek Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse certification. The roles need extra education to perform duties at higher levels with better compensation. Several colleges operate bridge programs that help CNA graduates switch to nursing degree programs by acknowledging their existing training. Workplaces typically help their staff members by providing education benefits and flexible work arrangements when employees wish to advance their studies. CNAs who want specialized certification in medication administration and patient care technology have multiple options to pursue. The additional certification allows professionals to build new expertise which leads to advanced career possibilities. New Hampshire CNAs who want to create lasting careers in healthcare can achieve their goals through experience acquisition and ongoing education.
Additional Nursing Programs in New Hampshire
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