Thomas Reed, RN
June 23, 2025
Certified Nursing Assistant programs in New Jersey provide a direct path for entering the healthcare sector. The main responsibilities of CNAs involve performing basic patient care duties including bathing and feeding patients while helping with mobility as they function as a link between healthcare providers and their patients. The healthcare system of New Jersey relies on Certified Nursing Assistants to perform essential work in hospitals, home health care, and long-term care facilities.
Lincroft, NJ - Public 2-Year - brookdalecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brookdale Community College provides a focused Certified Nurse Aide program in Long Term Care, approved by the NJ Department of Health. This 90-hour campus-based course emphasizes hands-on clinical training in Monmouth County facilities, covering physical and psychosocial care, legal ethics, and patient rights. With small class sizes limited to 10 students, it efficiently prepares graduates for certification exams, equipping them for roles in nursing homes and assisted living without requiring entrance exams.
West Windsor, NJ - Public 2-Year - mccc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer County Community College's Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.) program delivers a robust 90-hour curriculum, blending 50 hours of classroom learning with 40 hours of clinical practice. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, it prepares students for the NJ State Certified Nursing Assistant Exam, opening doors to roles in long-term care, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Completion grants one academic credit toward an Associate in Applied Science degree, with prerequisites including a background check and English proficiency verification. No entrance exams are required for this program.
The New Jersey healthcare system demands hands-on clinical training for CNA programs so online programs remain prohibited. Students can enroll in hybrid programs which provide online access to certain classroom sessions. All CNA programs require students to attend clinical practice at approved healthcare facilities even though they include both online and in-person education. The hybrid learning approach enables students who work or have family responsibilities to manage their lecture-based coursework through flexible scheduling. Additional programs that run in the evenings and on weekends help increase enrollment among students who need different learning schedules.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Brookdale Community College |
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| Mercer County Community College |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 18, valid photo ID/SSN, cleared criminal‐history background check with fingerprints, required immunizations/medical clearance, and enrollment in the NATCEP |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | New Jersey Department of Health, Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete the 90-hour Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care NATCEP (50 classroom hours, 40 supervised clinical hours) |
| Exam and Application Fees | No state processing fee, vendor charges typically ~$40–60 for the written/oral exam and ~$70–95 for the skills evaluation (retest fees apply) |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the multiple-choice written/oral test (55–70 questions) and the five-skill practical evaluation within your eligibility period |
| Registry Activation Time | Vendor submits passing results electronically, registry is updated within two business days of exam completion |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years, complete at least seven hours of paid nursing-related work in the prior 24 months, maintain no suspensions, and update your background check |
| License by Endorsement | Active, unencumbered CNAs from other states may apply for reciprocity by submitting proof of certification, exam required only for certain reciprocity routes, no state application fee |
The salary for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Jersey exceeds national averages and the job market shows excellent prospects. CNAs working full-time earn annual wages between $40,000 and $50,000 while their average hourly rate surpasses the national median. The payment rates for CNAs depend on their workplace because government facilities and hospitals pay better than private nursing homes and care centers. Staff working in urban areas near New York City usually receive higher compensation because of the local high cost of living. CNA staff members earn supplemental compensation through both overtime shifts, nighttime pay, and weekend differential pay. The population aging trend and rising healthcare requirements create a solid demand for employment in this field.
| Salary & Career Outlook | New Jersey | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $38,400 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $18.46 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$45,800 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $38,400 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$31,800 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~10,500 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer County Community College |
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| Brookdale Community College |
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Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey provides an initial pathway toward building a permanent healthcare career. Most Certified Nursing Assistants decide to enroll in additional educational programs to achieve their goal of becoming Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses. The direct patient care skills learned by CNAs create an advantageous position when they apply for nursing education programs. Specific educational facilities run bridge programs and use CNA certification as a criteria for student acceptance. Workplaces which support employee education advancement provide both tuition payment assistance and adaptable work schedules to their employees. CNA certification together with additional certifications like becoming a Certified Medication Aide enables professionals to enhance their responsibilities and increase their compensation. The healthcare profession values the skills and experience that CNAs acquire which leads them to develop expertise in dementia care and rehabilitation fields.
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