The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Mikalee Byerman
Author: Mikalee Byerman
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Staff Writer & Editor
Mikalee Byerman is a writer, editor, marketing coach, humor strategist, keynote speaker, and author of *100 Things to Do in Reno Before You Die*. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada. Her writing has appeared in *Ladies’ Home Journal*, *Southwest Spirit Magazine*, *Alaska Airlines Magazine*, and on the *Huffington Post*. Byerman has been recognized with the titles “Best Creative Writer” and “Best Local Author” in the Best of Nevada awards.
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Editor: Adrienne Auclair, BA
Adrienne Auclair is an editor with a Bachelor's degree in English and extensive experience in content development, copy editing, and technical writing. They specialize in refining written materials for clarity, accuracy, and consistency, with expertise in line editing, fact-checking, and ensuring adherence to style guides across diverse publications. Adrienne also has experience formatting and designing layouts for digital and print materials, collaborating with writers and designers to produce polished, publication-ready content. Their work spans academic journals, training materials, and anthologies, managing projects from initial drafts through final production.
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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:

Mikalee Byerman
Author: Mikalee Byerman
Mikalee Byerman
Mikalee Byerman Arrow up right
Staff Writer & Editor
Mikalee Byerman is a writer, editor, marketing coach, humor strategist, keynote speaker, and author of *100 Things to Do in Reno Before You Die*. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada. Her writing has appeared in *Ladies’ Home Journal*, *Southwest Spirit Magazine*, *Alaska Airlines Magazine*, and on the *Huffington Post*. Byerman has been recognized with the titles “Best Creative Writer” and “Best Local Author” in the Best of Nevada awards.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareMedical CodingPre-Nursing
HealthcareMedical CodingPre-Nursing
Editor: Adrienne Auclair, BA
Adrienne Auclair is an editor with a Bachelor's degree in English and extensive experience in content development, copy editing, and technical writing. They specialize in refining written materials for clarity, accuracy, and consistency, with expertise in line editing, fact-checking, and ensuring adherence to style guides across diverse publications. Adrienne also has experience formatting and designing layouts for digital and print materials, collaborating with writers and designers to produce polished, publication-ready content. Their work spans academic journals, training materials, and anthologies, managing projects from initial drafts through final production.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareOnline Learning
HealthcareOnline Learning

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

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Take our 4-step quiz to match with top schools in your field. Review options and connect with your favorites.

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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:

  1. Am I comfortable giving hands-on care to patients?
  2. Do I have the patience and compassion to help vulnerable individuals?
  3. Am I prepared for a fast-paced and physically demanding career?
  4. Do I want to use this as a stepping stone to a higher-level nursing career?
  5. 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.

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 NameProgram TypeTuition & Fees
Loving Lotus CNA Training AcademyHybrid$1,400 (does not include exam fees)
CAL ACE Nursing AcademyHybrid$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

Show entries
Search:
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.

Show entries
Search:
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.

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.

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
1

Pacific Rim Christian University

Honolulu, HI
40% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
86% Students w/ Aid
2
2

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, NC
49% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
44% Students w/ Aid
3
3

Northwest College

Powell, WY
41% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
82% Students w/ Aid
4
4

Coffeyville Community College

Coffeyville, KS
41% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
85% Students w/ Aid
5
5

Independence Community College

Independence, KS
40% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
86% Students w/ Aid
6
6

Neosho County Community College

Chanute, KS
29% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
82% Students w/ Aid
7
7

Gulf Coast State College

Panama City, FL
32% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
76% Students w/ Aid
8
8

Olney Central College

Olney, IL
27% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
82% Students w/ Aid
9
9

Carl Sandburg College

Galesburg, IL
35% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
49% Students w/ Aid
10
10

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Perkinston, MS
34% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
47% Students w/ Aid

Mikalee Byerman AUTHOR

Mikalee Byerman is a writer, editor, marketing coach, humor strategist, keynote speaker, and author of *100 Things to Do in Reno Before You Die*. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada. Her writing has appeared in *Ladies’ Home Journal*, *Southwest Spirit Magazine*, *Alaska Airlines Magazine*, and on the *Huffington Post*. Byerman has been recognized with the titles “Best Creative Writer” and “Best Local Author” in the Best of Nevada awards.

Read More About Mikalee Byerman

Adrienne Auclair, BA EDITOR

Adrienne Auclair is an editor with a Bachelor's degree in English and extensive experience in content development, copy editing, and technical writing. They specialize in refining written materials for clarity, accuracy, and consistency, with expertise in line editing, fact-checking, and ensuring adherence to style guides across diverse publications. Adrienne also has experience formatting and designing layouts for digital and print materials, collaborating with writers and designers to produce polished, publication-ready content. Their work spans academic journals, training materials, and anthologies, managing projects from initial drafts through final production.

Read More About Adrienne Auclair
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