CNA Classes Online: Finding the School for You

If you’re looking to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), your first step is to find the right training. But which option is best for you, and does that option include an online component? This EduMed guide shows you how CNA classes work, how long they take to complete, and which schools offer the best accredited online CNA programs today. Get insight into career growth, salary potential, and learn how to take your first steps with confidence.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Mikalee Byerman

HealthcareMedical CodingPre-Nursing

Editor: Adrienne Auclair, BA

HealthcareOnline Learning

Updated: 10/10/2025

Jump To Section

Is It Right for Me?
What to Expect
Programs Near You
Resources
Student FAQs
Tuition & Fees
Certification
Salary & Pay
Top Schools

Key Takeaways

Online CNA programs can typically be finished in as little as 6 to 10 weeks for full-time learners, or 12 to 16 weeks for those studying part-time.
Across the U.S., CNA salaries typically range from $30,020 to $48,780 annually, with top earners in states like California and Minnesota exceeding $50,000.
Online CNA classes often combine online didactic learning with in-person clinical requirements.
Because of their concise format and focused coursework, CNA programs tend to be less expensive than other healthcare training options.
Pursuing a CNA certification offers an excellent starting point for a career in the nursing field.

Ask Yourself…

You know you want to get into nursing, but you still have questions. These questions may be related to training options or career opportunities or even about working with patients directly. Before you take your first step toward becoming a certified nursing assistant, ask yourself these five questions:

Am I comfortable giving hands-on care to patients?
Do I have the patience and compassion to help vulnerable individuals?
Am I prepared for a fast-paced and physically demanding career?
Do I want to use this as a stepping stone to a higher-level nursing career?
Am I ready to make this commitment both personally and financially?

How Online CNA Classes Work

Aspiring certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can earn the necessary skills and credentials to test for certification in a matter of weeks or months. A typical program combines both classroom and clinical elements, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to be able to thrive when working with patients.

If you need a more convenient experience, many of today’s schools have added online learning to their CNA curriculum. Online CNA classes focus on the academic portion of the program, but in-person clinical experience will be required to test and gain necessary practice. If a fast and flexible CNA education sounds right for you, we’re here to give you a better idea of the options available. Review three top online CNA programs below.

Johnson County Community College

Johnson County Community College (JCCC) offers a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) course. JCCC offers both in-person and hybrid classes. Hybrid CNA coursework involves online course content and curriculum, along with in-person labs and clinicals. Instructors assign clinical days, times, and locations. The program prepares and schedules you to take the Kansas CNA examination.

Duration: 96 hours

Mode: Hybrid or in-person

Cost: $101-$237/credit hour, residency dependent

Admissions Requirements:

At least 18 years of age
Proof of residency
High school diploma or GED
Background check
CPR for Healthcare Providers certification
Background Check & Drug Screening

Curriculum: The course includes 96 total hours of instruction, with 5 credit hours of class time. Curriculum includes classroom instruction and clinical training for the primary care of clients in long-term and acute-care facilities. Among the topics covered, you’ll learn how to

Care for patients
Take pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs
Safely position and transfer patients
Perform daily hygiene tasks, such as bathing and oral care
Communicate with patients and their families
Prevent and control infection

Best For: Caring students seeking an entry-level position in the Kansas medical field.

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Northern Essex Community College

This Certified Nurse Assistant Training Program will introduce you to the nursing assistant profession and prepare you for the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Certification Exam.

This 90-hour program at Northern Essex is delivered in a hybrid format, meaning you’ll have both online and in-person requirements. The theory content of the program is delivered online, with class meetings taking place over Zoom. You’ll also have a skills lab training where you’ll meet with instructors at the Lawrence Campus and learn important CNA skills in the Nursing Assistant Lab.

The final component of the program is a 25-hour clinical experience at a long-term care facility under the supervision of CNA instructors.

Duration: 90 hours

Mode: Hybrid or on campus

Cost: $1,400 total

Admissions Requirements:

Completed CNA application
Valid photo ID
Physical examination within the past year
Immunization records
Background Check & Drug Screening
Interview with the CNA Program Coordinator
Intermediate English reading/writing skills

Curriculum: The standout part of this CNA program is the experience gained from 25 hours of clinical experience. Throughout the course, you will learn about:

Communication
Safety and infection control procedures
Basic personal care skills for patients/residents in sub-acute, long-term care, or in a patient’s home
Dementia care
Vital signs
Documentation
Legal and regulatory healthcare practices.

Best For: Students looking to begin their healthcare career in Massachusetts working in care facilities or patient homes.

Northeast Medical Institute

This CNA program will prepare students for the Connecticut Department of Public Health and Department of Higher Education CNA requirements.

Northeast Medical Institute offers this as a self-paced CNA program the includes both a classroom and clinical component. You’ll take 104 hours of coursework, which is broken up into online theory, lab time, and clinical hours.

Your 48 hours of online theory can be completed at a pace this is convenient for you. Better yet, these self-paced classes start every week, meaning you can start any time. You’ll finish your coursework prepared to sit for the Prometric State exam.

Duration: 102 hours; the self-paced online component can be completed in as little as two weeks

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $1,150

Admissions Requirements:

16 years or older
PPD test or negative x-ray
Immunizations
Background check
Payment and application

Curriculum: The self-paced CNA program includes 48 hours of online theory, 40 hours of lab time, and 16 hours of clinical. You’ll learn:

Basic nursing skills
Personal care skills
Mental health and social services
Care of cognitively impaired residents
Basic restorative services
Resident rights

Best For: Connecticut students seeking employment as a Nurse’s Aide or CNA. You’ll qualify for an entry-level position in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living, or home care agency.

Find Online CNA Classes in Your State

More Resources for Online CNA Classes

Answers to Online CNA Student FAQs

What’s the fastest you can become a CNA online?

Aspiring certified nursing assistants can earn the necessary skills and credentials in a matter of weeks. Some offer online components that are as short as two or four weeks in duration, which are followed by in-person clinical learning. Other programs combine classroom and clinical elements and last between four and 12 months for a diploma or up to two years for an associate degree.

Can I take CNA classes online for free?

Yes, you’ll find some CNA classes offered for free. Some continuing education or employer training agencies like Job Corps offer them, or alternatively, healthcare systems — such as Northern Light Health — may pay you to take CNA classes before you secure employment. Check employment agencies and healthcare providers to see if free training is available to bridge the CNA gap in your local area.

If you don’t qualify for free programs, explore financial aid, flexible payment programs, and scholarships to help pay for your education.

Where can I take my CNA exam online?

The CNA exam is divided into two sections: written and clinical.

Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, online testing options have become available for the written portion of the CNA certification exam. Students can take up to 90 minutes answering questions on the first section.

In taking the exam, keep in mind that because of its skill-based nature, the 40-minute clinical skills test must still be conducted in person.

Is the CNA exam hard or easy?

The answer to this question depends on the skills and commitment of the individual student. However, if you complete a state-approved CNA training program and spend ample time studying, you’ll likely be well prepared for the exam.

The written portion includes multiple-choice questions that cover nursing care concepts, medical procedures, resident rights, and patient safety. It assesses your theoretical understanding of nursing.

The clinical portion will require you to demonstrate three to six skills. Some of the options include taking vitals, providing dental care, transferring patients to a bed or chair, giving a partial in-bed bath, and making a bed while occupied.

How much does it cost to get your CNA online?

Before enrolling in an online CNA course, you need to be sure you can afford to attend. Every school sets different price points for their classes, so you’ll need to spend time familiarizing yourself with the costs of CNA programs to make an informed decision.

Depending on the type of school, costs can vary considerably. At Johnson County Community College, for example, Kansas students pay $505 total for the five-credit course. Non-residents can pay much more, and students at other schools often pay considerably more — up to thousands of dollars. Tuition rates can vary considerably when looking at public community colleges versus for-profit institutions, so pay close attention to the type of school you wish to attend.

Tuition & Fees for Online CNA Classes

You’ll have direct and indirect costs associated with your program. Of course, students in a hybrid program will need a reliable internet connection and a laptop, which are examples of indirect costs.

Direct costs include tuition and fees, which range widely. Spend time researching the optimal range based on your financial picture.

Some programs include the application and exam fees required for actually receiving certification as a CNA, while others do not. Pay close attention to what the stated amount is used for and whether you might incur additional fees throughout the learning process. Some of the additional items you may need to pay for include a uniform, textbooks, lab/equipment fees, and more.

Below, explore a pair of cost profiles from real programs.

School Name	Program Type	Tuition & Fees
Loving Lotus CNA Training Academy	Hybrid	$1,400 (does not include exam fees)
CAL ACE Nursing Academy	Hybrid	$1,948 total

The ‘C’ in CNA: Earning Certification

If you’re hoping to receive certification as a nursing assistant, you must attend a state-approved CNA training program that meets specific requirements. If you fail to attend an approved program, you may not be allowed to sit for the examination.

After you finish your CNA training program, it’s time to study for and schedule the certification exam. The majority of states maintain similar requirements as other locations, but prospective students should review those specific to their state before beginning the process.

While the majority of states require you to be 18 when applying, California, for example, allows 16-year-olds with parental consent to begin the training process. Reach out to your state’s board of nursing for further details.

States set individual passing scores based on the National Standard Setting Study. Because of this, no overarching passing score exists. Applicants to the exam should speak with their state board of nursing to get a better sense of what’s required to receive certification.

Salary & Employment Outlook for Nursing Assistants

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Area ↕	10th Percentile ↕	Median ↕	90th Percentile ↕
U.S.	$31,390	$39,530	$50,140
Alabama	$25,890	$32,470	$38,770
Alaska	$41,190	$45,840	$59,780
Arizona	$36,460	$41,980	$49,890
Arkansas	$28,330	$31,990	$39,430
California	$39,220	$46,420	$59,540
Connecticut	$38,450	$44,500	$51,790
Delaware	$32,640	$39,240	$47,990
District of Columbia	$39,120	$46,860	$56,160
Florida	$32,690	$36,850	$46,080
Georgia	$28,470	$36,570	$46,190
Hawaii	$35,600	$44,830	$53,150
Idaho	$28,410	$37,530	$46,340
Illinois	$36,270	$44,750	$50,800
Indiana	$32,100	$37,330	$45,510
Iowa	$35,070	$38,630	$48,100
Kansas	$31,140	$36,910	$45,980
Kentucky	$29,630	$37,330	$46,340
Louisiana	$26,630	$30,240	$37,720
Maine	$37,350	$45,640	$54,580
Maryland	$34,330	$40,000	$50,030
Massachusetts	$38,380	$45,410	$56,340
Michigan	$35,680	$38,900	$45,980
Minnesota	$37,760	$45,580	$54,230
Mississippi	$23,570	$30,460	$38,790
Missouri	$30,320	$37,170	$44,960
Montana	$35,240	$39,300	$53,330
Nebraska	$35,790	$38,620	$47,970
Nevada	$36,250	$45,060	$59,070
New Hampshire	$37,400	$46,050	$58,530
New Jersey	$37,240	$44,910	$50,690
New Mexico	$30,820	$37,030	$46,450
New York	$37,480	$47,390	$59,240
North Carolina	$29,370	$37,670	$45,960
North Dakota	$34,620	$44,190	$49,970
Ohio	$34,480	$38,570	$46,060
Oklahoma	$29,240	$35,040	$41,600
Oregon	$40,180	$48,390	$60,500
Pennsylvania	$36,270	$41,110	$48,100
Rhode Island	$38,190	$44,160	$49,950
South Carolina	$28,980	$36,370	$42,730
South Dakota	$29,960	$38,070	$45,070
Tennessee	$30,080	$36,750	$44,500
Texas	$29,580	$36,390	$45,760
Utah	$32,910	$38,500	$45,980
Vermont	$35,820	$43,610	$51,660
Virginia	$30,220	$38,790	$48,520
Washington	$40,170	$48,260	$60,220
West Virginia	$29,850	$36,340	$42,210
Wisconsin	$37,040	$43,250	$48,200
Wyoming	$33,110	$38,360	$50,810

Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Area ↕	Curr. Jobs ↕	Proj. Jobs ↕	New Jobs ↕	Growth % ↕	Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
United States	1,361,300	1,417,800	56,500	4.20%	202,400
Alabama	23,140	23,470	330	1.40%	3,330
Alaska	2,160	2,410	250	11.60%	350
Arizona	17,830	22,020	4,190	23.50%	3,240
Arkansas	16,800	17,520	720	4.30%	2,500
California	104,800	119,800	15,000	14.30%	17,390
Colorado	21,310	24,650	3,340	15.70%	3,590
Connecticut	20,340	21,650	1,310	6.40%	3,100
Delaware	4,410	5,260	850	19.30%	770
District of Columbia	2,970	3,180	210	7.10%	460
Florida	91,270	102,910	11,640	12.80%	14,910
Georgia	40,070	45,770	5,700	14.20%	6,650
Idaho	8,040	9,550	1,510	18.80%	1,400
Illinois	58,230	59,460	1,230	2.10%	8,450
Indiana	29,920	31,900	1,980	6.60%	4,580
Iowa	22,400	24,690	2,290	10.20%	3,560
Kansas	22,100	23,450	1,350	6.10%	3,360
Kentucky	19,920	21,090	1,170	5.90%	3,020
Louisiana	17,980	19,570	1,590	8.80%	2,820
Maine	7,920	8,120	200	2.50%	1,160
Maryland	24,790	26,970	2,180	8.80%	3,880
Massachusetts	12,640	13,640	1,000	7.90%	1,960
Michigan	42,680	43,170	490	1.10%	6,130
Minnesota	27,490	28,160	670	2.40%	4,010
Mississippi	10,800	11,830	1,030	9.50%	1,710
Missouri	30,420	32,490	2,070	6.80%	4,660
Montana	5,230	5,910	680	13.00%	860
Nebraska	16,290	17,540	1,250	7.70%	2,520
Nevada	7,600	9,330	1,730	22.80%	1,370
New Hampshire	7,410	7,750	340	4.60%	1,110
New Jersey	35,980	37,260	1,280	3.60%	5,310
New Mexico	4,500	4,990	490	10.90%	720
New York	92,350	114,280	21,930	23.70%	2,190
North Carolina	55,650	62,060	6,410	11.50%	8,970
North Dakota	7,450	8,080	630	8.50%	1,160
Ohio	60,160	60,790	630	1.00%	8,620
Oklahoma	18,860	20,170	1,310	6.90%	2,890
Oregon	13,480	15,260	1,780	13.20%	2,210
Pennsylvania	75,670	78,720	3,050	4.00%	11,230
Rhode Island	9,060	10,010	950	10.50%	1,440
South Carolina	19,300	21,250	1,950	10.10%	3,070
South Dakota	6,000	6,500	500	8.30%	930
Tennessee	22,790	27,720	4,930	21.60%	4,070
Texas	82,400	93,150	10,750	13.00%	13,500
Utah	13,120	16,700	3,580	27.30%	2,470
Vermont	2,970	3,410	440	14.80%	500
Virgin Islands	170	150	-20	-11.80%	20
Virginia	37,640	41,750	4,110	10.90%	6,030
Washington	35,130	39,890	4,760	13.50%	6,290
West Virginia	8,940	9,810	870	9.70%	1,410
Wisconsin	27,230	26,510	-720	-2.60%	3,730
Wyoming	2,700	3,050	350	13.00%	440

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Ranking Today’s Best Online CNA Classes

Finding the right online CNA class can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure what makes a program stand out. EduMed’s rankings provide a clearer understanding of the range of options available and serve as a helpful starting point for your own research. Factors like cost, program length, curriculum coverage, and accreditation are all taken into account to give you the most complete picture of what to look for when choosing a CNA class. For more details on our ranking process, see the “About the Rankings” link below.

Pacific Rim Christian University

Honolulu, HI

40% Online Enrollment

$$ Tuition

86% Students w/ Aid

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Pacific Rim Christian University is a 10-week course preparing students with basic nursing skills for entry-level healthcare roles, primary caregiving, and community ministry. The curriculum focuses on practical clinical experience and Biblically-based spiritual care, aiming to serve older adults, the ill, and disabled. Graduates are eligible to take the Hawaii CNA certification exam. The program is offered in partnership with The Villas Post Acute Care Rehab and awards 6 credits upon completion.

Program Details

ABHE Accreditation
$647 Avg. Aid Amount
89% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Pacific Rim Christian University

The Nursing Assistant program at Pacific Rim Christian University is distinguished by its partnership with The Villas Post Acute Care Rehab, providing students with hands-on clinical experience in a real healthcare setting.
The curriculum uniquely integrates Biblically-based spiritual care with practical nursing skills, preparing students to offer compassionate, holistic care to older adults, the ill, and disabled.
Graduates are fully prepared to sit for the State of Hawaii Nursing Assistant Certification after completing a focused 10-week program, ensuring timely credentialing and workforce entry.

Program Details

ABHE Accreditation
$647 Avg. Aid Amount
89% Graduation Rate
Private School Type
7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, NC

49% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

44% Students w/ Aid

Johnston Community College’s Nurse Aide program prepares students for entry-level nursing roles by providing hands-on training under RN supervision. The curriculum covers essential skills like patient care, vital signs monitoring, and nursing assistant procedures. Graduates may be eligible for listing on North Carolina’s Nurse Aide I registry. This pathway supports further health science education.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$2,652 Avg. Aid Amount
49% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Johnston Community College

Johnston Community College's Nursing Assistant program offers a Nurse Aide Pathway diploma that provides essential patient care experience, invaluable for advancing in nursing, sonography, or health sciences careers.
The program requires students to be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, aligning with admission standards for advanced health programs such as Associate Degree Nursing and medical sonography, ensuring students meet professional registry requirements early.
Students can advance through multiple related credentials and training options within the college—such as Medication Aide and Phlebotomy certificates—building specialized skills and enhancing employability in healthcare settings.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$2,652 Avg. Aid Amount
49% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Northwest College

Powell, WY

41% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

82% Students w/ Aid

Northwest College’s Nursing Assistant program equips students with foundational knowledge and clinical skills for basic client/resident care. It covers medical terminology, legal and ethical standards, and communication within healthcare teams. Students complete clinical experiences and practical skills to prepare for state certification and entry-level employment in healthcare settings.

Program Details

NWCCU Accreditation
$6,278 Avg. Aid Amount
43% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Northwest College

The Nursing Assistant program combines online learning with hands-on clinical internships at local long-term care facilities, providing real-world experience in just 8 weeks.
Each class is limited to 12 students, ensuring personalized instruction and close faculty guidance throughout the program.
Students must undergo background checks, drug screening, and provide immunization records, which facilitates smooth clinical placement and readiness for certification exams.

Program Details

NWCCU Accreditation
$6,278 Avg. Aid Amount
43% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Coffeyville Community College

Coffeyville, KS

41% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

85% Students w/ Aid

The Nursing Assistant program at Coffeyville Community College covers 90 hours of training, split evenly between classroom instruction and clinical practice. It prepares students for competency in patient care, vital signs, body mechanics, and communication. Graduates must pass the state certification exam to work as Certified Nurse Aides. The program covers essential practical skills for hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,996 Avg. Aid Amount
41% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Coffeyville Community College

The Nursing Assistant program offers reduced tuition rates for Kansas residents, with a total cost of $500 including program fees, making it an affordable option for local students.
Program fees cover essential supplies such as consumables, gait belts, textbooks, and the state certification testing fee, reducing additional out-of-pocket expenses for students.
The program includes hands-on clinical experience with partnered nursing home facilities, providing practical training and networking opportunities essential for job placement.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,996 Avg. Aid Amount
41% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Independence Community College

Independence, KS

40% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

86% Students w/ Aid

Independence Community College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program is an 8-week hybrid course with online assignments, 2 days of lab practice, and 3 days of hands-on clinical experience. It includes 90 hours regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities Services and prepares students for the Kansas CNA certification exam with 50 clinical hours required. The program suits students needing flexible scheduling and offers reduced tuition for local high school students. Graduates can work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,585 Avg. Aid Amount
35% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Independence Community College

The Nursing Assistant program at Independence Community College offers an 8-week hybrid format combining online assignments with two days of labs and three days of hands-on clinical experience, providing flexible scheduling for busy students.
The program provides a reduced tuition cost for high school students within the service area, making it more affordable for local youth pursuing healthcare careers.
It is regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities Services and includes 50 hours of clinical time designed to prepare students to pass the Kansas State CNA Certification test with an 80% or better.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,585 Avg. Aid Amount
35% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Neosho County Community College

Chanute, KS

29% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

82% Students w/ Aid

Neosho County Community College’s Nursing Assistant program comprises 90 clock hours divided into 45 theory, 20 lab, and 25 supervised clinical hours in a long-term care facility. It emphasizes practical nursing skills and knowledge of aging-related conditions, preparing students for entry-level nursing assistant roles in healthcare settings.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$3,230 Avg. Aid Amount
43% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Neosho County Community College

The Neosho County Community College CNA program has a consistently high pass rate of 95% on the state certification exam, demonstrating effective exam preparation and student success.
The program accepts high school juniors and seniors aged 15 or older with principal permission, providing early career entry opportunities without requiring a high school diploma or GED.
Students complete 25 hours of supervised clinical experience in real long-term care facilities, ensuring valuable hands-on training under RN supervision before certification.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$3,230 Avg. Aid Amount
43% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Gulf Coast State College

Panama City, FL

32% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

76% Students w/ Aid

The Gulf Coast State College Certified Nursing Assistant program is a selective, hybrid 8-week course offered at the Gulf Franklin Campus, preparing students for the state CNA exam. Students gain skills to provide safe patient care under nurse or physician supervision, qualify for various healthcare roles, and may further their education at partner colleges.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$2,074 Avg. Aid Amount
48% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Gulf Coast State College

The Gulf Coast State College Certified Nursing Assistant program offers an accelerated hybrid format that can be completed in just eight weeks, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly.
Graduates who obtain their CNA license receive additional admission points when applying to the college’s Practical Nursing program, providing a clear pathway for career advancement.
The program includes both campus-based labs and off-site clinical experiences, ensuring high-quality practical training under the supervision of licensed nurses or physicians.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$2,074 Avg. Aid Amount
48% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Olney Central College

Olney, IL

27% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

82% Students w/ Aid

The Nursing Assistant program at Olney Central College includes coursework in medical terminology, health career orientations, and basic nurse assistant training totaling 16 credit hours. It covers essential skills such as hygiene care, patient transfer, vital signs measurement, and safety protocols, preparing students for state certification eligibility. Clinical participation requires immunizations, physicals, drug screening, and competency verification. Students must meet standards of clinical sites and healthcare regulations to complete the program. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care through a five-step nursing process and critical thinking development. Completion enables application for the Illinois CNA certification exam.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,465 Avg. Aid Amount
58% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Olney Central College

The IECC Nursing Assistant program offers an approved Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) basic nurse assistant training course that provides eligibility to take the state certification exam, ensuring professional licensure readiness.
The program supports educational mobility with a practical nurse exit option after the first year, enabling students to enter the workforce sooner or continue toward registered nurse status.
IECC nursing programs have articulation agreements with universities in Illinois and Indiana, facilitating transfer opportunities for students to pursue bachelor's degrees in nursing.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$2,465 Avg. Aid Amount
58% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, IL

35% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

49% Students w/ Aid

Carl Sandburg College’s Certified Nursing Assistant program equips students with essential nursing skills through lectures, simulation labs, and supervised clinical experiences in long-term care facilities. Completion meets Illinois Department of Public Health standards, qualifying graduates to take the State Nursing Aide Competency Exam and work as certified nursing assistants. The program supports career progression into practical nursing or RN pathways.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$3,941 Avg. Aid Amount
40% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Carl Sandburg College

Carl Sandburg College’s Nursing Assistant program offers accelerated completion options with classes available in multiple terms each year—including fall, spring, and summer—allowing students flexible and faster entry into the workforce.
The program provides comprehensive supervised clinical experiences at long-term care facilities, ensuring high-quality hands-on training that prepares students effectively for the State Nursing Aide Competency Exam.
After completion, students become eligible for certification and placement on the Healthcare Worker Registry, enabling direct employment opportunities as Certified Nursing Assistants in healthcare settings.

Program Details

HLC Accreditation
$3,941 Avg. Aid Amount
40% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Perkinston, MS

34% Online Enrollment

$ Tuition

47% Students w/ Aid

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Certified Nursing Assistant program offers a state-approved, non-credit hybrid curriculum requiring 100 course hours, including 84 hours of combined online theory and on-campus instruction plus 16 hours of clinical training in a long-term care facility. It prepares students for the NNAAP certification exam, included in the $700 fee, qualifying graduates to work in nursing homes, home health, and clinics. The program blends foundational nursing skills, patient care, safety, infection control, and communication training. Clinical experience enables hands-on application under supervision, building practical competency and confidence. Prospective students may contact the college for registration details.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$2,630 Avg. Aid Amount
41% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Why We Selected Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

The program offers a cost-effective hybrid non-credit format priced at only $700, combining 84 hours of online theory with 16 hours of clinical practice for flexible learning.
Students gain hands-on clinical training in long-term healthcare facilities, ensuring practical experience that enhances readiness for employment in nursing homes and community clinics.
Graduates are prepared and eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, opening direct pathways to certified CNA employment with various healthcare providers in Mississippi.

Program Details

SACSCOC Accreditation
$2,630 Avg. Aid Amount
41% Graduation Rate
Public School Type
22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio

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