Online CNA Classes in Alabama: Top Schools, Tuition, and More

Inside Online CNA Classes in Alabama

A certified nursing assistant career can be rewarding, especially if you are interested in entering the healthcare field, and it can be a fast track to other healthcare careers. Yet in-person programs can be time-consuming, especially if you plan to work while getting your degree or have other life responsibilities.

Fortunately, there are many online CNA classes in Alabama. For most, all coursework is virtual, though there is usually a hands-on learning component that must be completed on campus or at a local hospital. To give you a better idea of what online CNA courses look like, explore three of the best programs in Alabama below.

Answering Common Questions from CNA Students in Alabama

While the school spotlights above give you a good idea of what an online CNA program looks like, you most likely still have questions. To help, we compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions below. These questions touch on program costs, the entire process to become a CNA in Alabama, and an honest look at program career value.

How do you become a CNA in Alabama?

Becoming a CNA in Alabama is relatively straightforward. If you meet the basic background requirements, you can apply for your chosen, state-approved CNA program, take and pass the state’s required examination, and be certified as a CNA. The CNA exam includes a written test to measure your knowledge and skills and a clinical test with a trained evaluator to demonstrate your mastery of specific duties and tasks. After you pass the test, you will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry and permitted to work as a CNA in the state.

How much does it cost to take CNA classes in Alabama?

CNA courses often cost between $500 and $2,000. There are financial aid opportunities to help cover the cost, and some programs may fall below that range. The most affordable options are also usually online — with the added bonus on saving on transportation costs since classes can be completed anywhere.

To become a CNA, you also have to pay for the CNA exam offered through Prometric and Credentia. Prometric’s exam is $85 and takes about 120 minutes to complete. Credentia uses the NNAAP exam and costs $135. Your score will be provided within a few hours and if you pass, you’ll be added to the state’s CNA registry.

Are CNA classes worth it?

Whether or not CNA classes are worth it depends on your professional interests and career goals. For many, the CNA license is worth the cost as it’s an accessible, affordable way to enter the healthcare field. To get a better idea of if becoming a CNA is the right choice for you, let’s take a quick dive into what a CNA does. Certified nursing assistants often work in hospitals, nursing homes, or home healthcare settings. Responsibilities are generally the same and include helping patients live their daily life and assisting with tasks that may not be easy for them like grooming, eating, and going to the restroom.

How long does it take to become a CNA in Alabama?

The beauty of becoming a CNA is that it’s a quick, easy way to enter the healthcare field. Some programs take as little as two weeks to complete, though these are rare in Alabama. A more realistic timeline is four to 12 weeks. If getting your CNA license is time sensitive, discuss how long a program takes with an admissions representative before applying. Keep in mind that to become a CNA, you must pass a criminal background check, take a CNA course, and pass an exam at the end. Only then can you work in Alabama as a CNA.

Do I need to renew my CNA license?

While Alabama does not issue a certificate or license to CNAs, you must renew your standing on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry every 24 months. For your registration to be renewed, you must work at least eight paid hours every 24 months for a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency, or mental health facility. Work in an assisted living facility, doctor’s office, or private sitting arrangement will not qualify. Depending on your career ambitions, it may also make sense to take continuing education courses or go to nursing school, though this isn’t a requirement to renew a CNA license.

Salary & Career Outlooks for CNAs in Alabama

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in Alabama earn between $23,910 and $37,470 annually. In certain parts of the state, CNAs earn more. In Huntsville, for example, the CNA annual salary is typically between $27,190 and $39,520. In other parts of the state, including Gadsden, Dothan, and the Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville area, the salaries may fall below the statewide average. It’s also important to note that Alabama has a lower CNA job growth rate (1.4%) than the national average (4.2%). This may indicate there are fewer open CNA roles, and it could be harder to advance as a CNA. Fortunately, being a CNA is often an entry point into the field of nursing. Once in the field, CNAs often take continuing education courses to become registered nurses, who may enjoy higher salaries and a better job growth rate in Alabama. Having a continuing education plan, in fact, may be a smart career move.