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Certified Nursing Assistant Schools & Programs
With over 220,000 positions opening each year and a median salary of $35,760 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), certified nursing assistants remain among the most in-demand entry-level healthcare workers in the country. CNA programs train you to provide essential daily care to patients under the supervision of licensed nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Most programs can be completed in just 4 to 12 weeks, making this one of the fastest paths into a hands-on healthcare career.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Snapshot
U.S.204,100 openings/yr
What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant Program?
CNA programs prepare students to provide direct patient care in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Training combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice where students work with real patients. Most programs are state-approved and designed to meet the minimum training hours required for CNA certification in that state. Graduates are qualified to perform a range of bedside care tasks including hygiene assistance, vital signs monitoring, patient transfers, and basic wound care. The CNA credential also serves as a common stepping stone for students planning to pursue LPN or RN licensure.
What You’ll Learn
- Patient hygiene assistance including bathing, dressing, grooming, and oral care
- Vital signs measurement: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate
- Infection control procedures and proper hand hygiene protocols
- Safe patient transfers, repositioning, and ambulation techniques
- Nutrition and feeding assistance, including documenting intake and output
- Catheter care, specimen collection, and basic wound care
- Recognizing and reporting changes in patient condition to nursing staff
- Communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and the care team
- Range of motion exercises and restorative nursing techniques
- Basic understanding of residents’ rights and ethical care standards
How Long Does Training Take?
CNA certificate programs are among the shortest in healthcare. Federal law mandates a minimum of 75 hours of training, but most states require more – many set minimums between 120 and 180 hours. Full-time programs typically run 4 to 12 weeks, while part-time or evening programs may take up to 16 weeks. Tuition for CNA programs generally ranges from $500 to $2,500 at community colleges and vocational schools, though costs vary widely by state and institution. Some community colleges offer CNA training as part of a longer healthcare pathway, combining CNA coursework with prerequisites for LPN or RN programs. Employer-sponsored training programs at nursing homes and long-term care facilities may cover tuition entirely in exchange for a work commitment after certification.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED (required by most programs, though some states allow enrollment without one)
- Criminal background check and drug screening (required for clinical placement)
- Current immunizations including Hepatitis B series, TB test, and flu shot
- CPR/BLS certification (often required before starting clinical rotations)
- Physical ability to lift patients, stand for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks
- Negative results on a state nurse aide registry check (no prior abuse or neglect findings)
Licensing & Certification
Every state requires CNAs to pass a competency evaluation before working. Most states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes a written or oral knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration. Some states use the Prometric exam or a state-developed alternative. Exam fees typically range from $100 to $150 depending on the state. After passing, your name is added to your state’s nurse aide registry. CNAs must renew their certification periodically, typically every two years, and most states require proof of recent employment as a CNA (often a minimum of 8 hours of paid work) to qualify for renewal. Renewal fees are generally minimal, and some states waive them entirely.
Career Outlook & Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $35,760 for nursing assistants, with the top 10 percent earning over $53,640 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, roughly in line with the average for all occupations. However, the sheer size of this workforce – approximately 1.53 million CNAs employed nationally – generates about 220,200 job openings each year, driven largely by the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force. CNAs working in hospitals and government-run facilities tend to earn higher wages than those in nursing homes or home health settings. Geographic location also plays a significant role in pay, with states like Alaska, New York, and California consistently offering above-average compensation.
Where You’ll Work
Certified nursing assistants find employment across a wide range of healthcare settings. The most common workplaces include skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes), hospitals, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and hospice programs. Some CNAs also work in outpatient clinics, adult day care centers, or correctional facilities. The setting you choose can significantly affect your daily responsibilities, schedule, and pay.
Online vs In-Person Options
CNA training requires significant hands-on clinical hours, and no state allows a fully online CNA program. However, some programs offer the classroom theory portion through online or hybrid formats, with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations completed at a healthcare facility. If you choose a hybrid option, verify that the program is approved by your state’s nursing board and that clinical sites are accessible from your location. Hybrid programs can be a good fit for working adults who need scheduling flexibility for the lecture portion of the curriculum but can commit to in-person clinical hours on evenings or weekends.
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Certified Nursing Assistant Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,470 | $38,770 |
| Alaska | $45,840 | $59,780 |
| Arizona | $41,980 | $49,890 |
| Arkansas | $31,990 | $39,430 |
| California | $46,420 | $59,540 |
| Colorado | $44,950 | $53,350 |
| Connecticut | $44,500 | $51,790 |
| Delaware | $39,240 | $47,990 |
| District of Columbia | $46,860 | $56,160 |
| Florida | $36,850 | $46,080 |
| Georgia | $36,570 | $46,190 |
| Hawaii | $44,830 | $53,150 |
| Idaho | $37,530 | $46,340 |
| Illinois | $44,750 | $50,800 |
| Indiana | $37,330 | $45,510 |
| Iowa | $38,630 | $48,100 |
| Kansas | $36,910 | $45,980 |
| Kentucky | $37,330 | $46,340 |
| Louisiana | $30,240 | $37,720 |
| Maine | $45,640 | $54,580 |
| Maryland | $40,000 | $50,030 |
| Massachusetts | $45,410 | $56,340 |
| Michigan | $38,900 | $45,980 |
| Minnesota | $45,580 | $54,230 |
| Mississippi | $30,460 | $38,790 |
| Missouri | $37,170 | $44,960 |
| Montana | $39,300 | $53,330 |
| Nebraska | $38,620 | $47,970 |
| Nevada | $45,060 | $59,070 |
| New Hampshire | $46,050 | $58,530 |
| New Jersey | $44,910 | $50,690 |
| New Mexico | $37,030 | $46,450 |
| New York | $47,390 | $59,240 |
| North Carolina | $37,670 | $45,960 |
| North Dakota | $44,190 | $49,970 |
| Ohio | $38,570 | $46,060 |
| Oklahoma | $35,040 | $41,600 |
| Oregon | $48,390 | $60,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,110 | $48,100 |
| Rhode Island | $44,160 | $49,950 |
| South Carolina | $36,370 | $42,730 |
| South Dakota | $38,070 | $45,070 |
| Tennessee | $36,750 | $44,500 |
| Texas | $36,390 | $45,760 |
| Utah | $38,500 | $45,980 |
| Vermont | $43,610 | $51,660 |
| Virginia | $38,790 | $48,520 |
| Washington | $48,260 | $60,220 |
| West Virginia | $36,340 | $42,210 |
| Wisconsin | $43,250 | $48,200 |
| Wyoming | $38,360 | $50,810 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Explore related career guides in our healthcare career center.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a certified nursing assistant?
Most CNA programs can be completed in 4 to 12 weeks of full-time study. The exact timeline depends on your state’s minimum training hour requirements, which range from 75 to 180 hours. After completing your program, you will need to pass the state competency exam before you can work as a CNA.
Can I work while completing a CNA program?
Yes, many CNA programs are designed for working adults and offer evening, weekend, or part-time schedules. Some employers, particularly nursing homes and long-term care facilities, will even pay for your CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility after certification.
What is the difference between a CNA and a home health aide?
CNAs work under the direct supervision of licensed nurses in clinical settings like hospitals and nursing homes, and they perform a wider range of clinical tasks including catheter care and vital signs monitoring. Home health aides primarily assist with daily living activities in patients’ homes. CNA certification requires more training hours and passing a state competency exam.
How much does CNA training cost?
CNA program tuition typically ranges from $500 to $2,500 at community colleges and vocational schools, though prices vary by state and institution. Additional costs may include textbook fees, uniform purchases, background check fees, and the state competency exam fee (usually $100 to $150). Some nursing homes and healthcare employers offer free CNA training in exchange for a post-certification employment commitment.
What is the job outlook for certified nursing assistants?
The BLS projects 4 percent employment growth for nursing assistants from 2022 to 2032, which is about average for all occupations (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). However, the large size of this occupation generates approximately 220,200 annual openings nationwide, ensuring steady demand for trained CNAs in virtually every community across the country.
Can CNA certification lead to higher-paying healthcare careers?
Yes. Many CNAs use their certification and clinical experience as a foundation for pursuing LPN or RN programs. The patient care skills, medical terminology, and clinical communication you develop as a CNA transfer directly to nursing coursework. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for CNAs who want to advance their education while continuing to work.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
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