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 offers a Licensed Nursing Assistant Certificate program designed for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking a quick entry into patient care. This hybrid program provides comprehensive training to prepare students for essential roles in medical settings. Participants learn critical skills in patient support, medical procedures, and healthcare communication. The flexible program format allows students to balance learning with personal commitments, making it ideal for career changers, recent high school graduates, and working adults seeking healthcare opportunities.
Claremont, NH - Public 2-Year - rivervalley.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
River Valley Community College's Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) program provides a fast-track entry into healthcare with a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum. Students gain practical skills through classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical practice, preparing them for state certification. The program offers excellent career prospects with projected job growth of 10-25%, and average annual salaries ranging from $27,200 to $36,200. Graduates can work in diverse healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Financial aid and tuition assistance options are available to help students manage program costs.
Portsmouth, NH - Public 2-Year - greatbay.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Great Bay Community College's Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Training Program equips students with essential skills for direct patient care. This six-week intensive program, approved by the NH Board of Nursing, focuses on critical healthcare competencies like infection control, safety, and proper body mechanics. Ideal for those seeking a rewarding entry-level healthcare career with hands-on training.
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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