A Look Inside 2-Week CNA Classes Online

Spotlighting Online 2-Week CNA Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for orderlies and nursing assistants are expected to increase 4% between 2023 and 2033, with more than 216,000 opening projected each year. Certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs can help you complete the requirements for this in-demand role affordably and conveniently, and online two-week CNA programs can help you do so even quicker. Following completion of an accredited program, you’ll be eligible to take the necessary exams to complete certification.

While many programs offer online components, due to the hands-on nature of the profession, most of them have some form of in-person clinical or lab components. For a better idea of what these programs look like, let’s explore three outstanding CNA programs, including costs, curriculum, and admission requirements.

Answering Common Questions: 2-Week CNA Classes Online

Accelerated programs aren’t a good fit for everyone since they’re more time-intensive than traditional CNA options. That said, they are an affordable way to become a CNA quickly. To determine if an accelerated option is right for you, start by examining your schedule to determine if you could realistically set aside two weeks exclusively for a medical assistant program.

If a CNA program seems like a good fit for your needs, it’s important to find one in the state you plan to work in. Doing so ensures you’ll meet individual CNA state licensing standards. Here are answers to some of the most pressing questions about online CNA programs.

Are there any free two-week online CNA classes?

Yes, some locations offer free CNA classes, but most take longer than two weeks to complete. For example, the free online CNA program offered by Ballad Health requires three to four months of training. Additionally, some healthcare systems will pay you to take CNA classes before employment, so check listings in your local area. If you don’t qualify for free programs (or they don’t fit your timeline), explore CNA programs with financial aid, flexible payment programs, and scholarships to help pay for your education. Additionally, some programs, like the two-week CNA course offered by Soaring CNA, even offer tuition assistance to students who are paying out of pocket.

Are there prerequisites for enrollment in two-week CNA classes?

Requirements for enrollment are minimal. Generally, those with a high school education and who comply with targeted health screening and background checks are eligible to enroll in two-week CNA classes. Typical CNA program admissions requirements can include:

• Proof of high school diploma or equivalent
• Successful background check
• Negative drug screen
• TB skin test or chest x-ray
• Current immunizations
• CPR certification
• First aid certification
• Necessary equipment (e.g., blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and scrubs).

Some schools include basic equipment and background check fees in the overall program tuition. Other schools, known as no-GED schools, waive the high diploma or equivalent requirement.

Do online two-week CNA courses provide certificates of completion?

Some do and some don’t. Regardless of whether your school provides a certificate of completion, the most important certification actually comes from the state in which you’ll work. You need to pass a state certification exam before working as a CNA, and the exact requirements vary by state. So it’s important to explore how to become a CNA in your locale and to choose a program in your state, even if it’s fully online. Online CNA practice tests can also help you prepare for the exam. Once you’re certified, you’ll be ready to apply for jobs in your state.

Will I receive hands-on training in a two-week online or hybrid CNA course?

Even if you’re an online student, you’ll need to meet in-person training requirements. Every certified nursing assistant program includes in-depth instruction as well as practical training in the skills you need to care for patients. The exact hours and experience needed depend on the state you live in. As an online student, you can watch lectures and demonstrations whenever you choose. When it’s time to gain experience in a real-world setting, though, you’ll learn on campus and/or in healthcare facilities. For example, in Northeast Medical Institute’s online CNA program, students gain clinical experience on campus and in a long-term nursing home.

What is the youngest age to be a CNA?

CNAs must be at least 16 years old, though the exact age requirement depends on the state. Some programs are even designed specifically for high school students who want to become CNAs. These programs are usually longer than two weeks, but they allow students to take a CNA course as part of their high school curriculum. Other programs require students to have a high school diploma or the equivalent and be a minimum of 18 years old to join the program.

Pros and Cons of 2-Week CNA Classes Online

While two-week online CNA classes certainly allow you to earn your certification and start work quickly, they also present a few potential obstacles. This next section takes a closer look at these challenges as well as the benefits of getting a two-week CNA certification.

Pro: Flexible Format

One of the primary benefits of two-week online CNA programs is that they offer the most flexible and convenient way to earn your CNA certification. Programs are available to meet almost all student profiles, from students who can attend class during traditional working hours to those who need to go to school nights or on the weekend.

Pro: Cost-Effective Training

Becoming a CNA is an affordable way to start your healthcare career, and two-week online CNA programs have considerably less overhead than their traditional, on-campus counterparts. Those savings are passed on to you in lower overall tuition. In fact, most accelerated online CNA programs cost less than $1,000.

Pro: Quick Completion Time

Traditional CNA programs take six to 13 weeks. With a two-week program, you get the same information and hands-on training. The only change is that you’ll be going to school for more hours per day and for a shorter period, so you can start working as a CNA sooner.

Con: Adaptation to Online Learning

Learning without immediate interaction and feedback from teachers and peers can make it difficult to focus on lectures and keep up with your studies. Rise to the challenge by making a schedule for when you’ll watch online lectures and complete assignments, even if there’s not a set meeting time for the class.

Con: Intense Curriculum

Learning proper medical care can be mentally demanding. You’ll need to absorb a lot of new information, and you’ll have to apply what you’ve learned quickly since the training only takes two weeks. To overcome this challenge, find study methods that work well for you, review the material often, and show up ready to make the most of your clinical experiences.

Con: Less Time for Mastery

The material covered in a CNA program can be challenging to master in just two weeks. However, if you dedicate plenty of time to studying, you can master the skills in this shorter timeframe. If you need a slightly slower pace, consider opting for a 4-week online CNA program.