Nebraska CNA Classes Online: Review Top Programs & Get Info
Becoming a certified nursing assistant can be the first step toward an exciting new career, and enrolling in a quality CNA training program is the way to go. You might be surprised to learn that when it comes to online CNA classes, Nebraska offers certification that can take as little as four weeks and also prepare you for to pass the national examination.
This page will give you all the details on what to expect from online CNA classes in Nebraska. We’ll explain how online CNA courses work, highlight a few top-notch programs, and answer some common questions prospective students might have, so read on to discover all you’ll need.
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Comparing Online CNA Programs in Nebraska
Online courses have changed the education game, as those who have family and work obligations to juggle can now find the time to earn a credential or even a degree with the flexibility these types of courses offer. But with so many online CNA programs to choose from, it can be tough to choose the one that’s best for you. To help, we’ve highlighted a few online CNA classes in Nebraska that are good examples of what you need in terms of affordability, admission requirements, and learning outcomes.
The majority of the following programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, but since no other work experience or course prerequisites are necessary, they all provide an accessible path to enter the healthcare field. Almost all CNA programs in Nebraska feature a hybrid format, featuring digital coursework paired with in-person labs and clinical rotations expected of online students. This combination offers flexibility along with the necessary hands-on experience you’ll need as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Nurse Aide (CNA) Course — Bryan College of Health Sciences
The Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln offers several allied health training programs, including the Nurse Aid (CNA) option. This is a four-week course that costs $500, including the training time and the materials necessary, such as books. Attending the first session is mandatory; anyone who doesn’t is immediately removed from the class and will have to reapply for another session.
This non-credit course covers 75 hours, which meets the state and federal requirements. Instead of credit, graduates will receive a certificate of completion. It’s possible to begin employment before finishing the program, but the program must be completed within the first 120 days of employment.
While this is an in-person class, Bryan College offers hybrid and online next steps for allied health students including a Simulation Education Graduate Certificate, Healthcare Management Certificate, and Health Professions Completion.
Duration: 75 hours
Mode: In-person, with options for hybrid and online advancements
Cost: $500
Admissions Requirements: Must be 16 years old and provide proof of immunizations. A criminal background check is also required.
Curriculum: This course combines theory and clinical work to prepare students for basic nursing duties such as feeding, bathing, and caring for patients.
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Nurse Aide Course — Clarkson College
The Nurse Aide Course at Clarkson College is a short-term program that blends online classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students to care for patients in the best way possible. It’s considered a non-professional development course, which means that college credit is not awarded at the end of the program.
The course materials, including the book required for study, are included in the tuition fee of $525, which must be paid upon registration.
In addition to preparing to sit for the certification exam, you’ll also earn your basic life support voucher required for certification. You must score at least 80% on all the coursework to pass; in order to join the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry, you’ll also need to score a minimum 70% on the written and skills exams.
Duration: 6-8 weeks
Mode: Hybrid – online courses with one on-campus lab day per week
Cost: $525
Admissions Requirements: To qualify, a student must be at least 16, be able to read, write, and understand English, be in good health and able to lift at least 50 pounds, and pass a background check.
Curriculum: This course prepares students to perform basic nursing duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The program is a blend of online theory coursework and hands-on skills labs.
CNA Training Program — Nebraska Methodist College
The Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program at Nebraska Methodist College gives students the opportunity to work directly with patients as they earn their skills and knowledge to sit for the examination. Flexibility is a key highlight of this program, as you can choose between a four-week on-campus program and a six-week hybrid course. The six-week hybrid CNA classes are mostly online, with a once-a-week on-campus lab or clinical.
The CNA program at Nebraska Methodist College has a specialized focus on geriatric care and the unique needs of this patient population. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at local healthcare and rehabilitation facilities for essential hands-on experience.
Students can register within one week of the start date of the program. The program cost is $499, payable upon registration, and includes the textbook, classroom learning, hands-on learning, scrubs, and the first examination upon graduation.
Duration: 6 weeks
Mode: Hybrid – the 6-week option includes a mix of online courses and in-person labs and clinical work
Cost: $499
Admissions Requirements: As with most CNA programs in Nebraska, students must be at least 16, be able to read, write, and understand English, be able to lift at least 50 pounds, provide proof of up-to-date immunizations, and have no history of abuse or neglect.
Curriculum: This program combines online coursework and in-person learning to prepare students for basic nursing duties with an emphasis on geriatric care.
All You Need to Know: Student FAQs
Before you take the leap and enroll in one of Nebraska’s CNA programs, it’s important to know what you’re getting in to. If you have questions, we’re here to provide detailed answers. Whether you’re curious about cost, curriculum, or something else, find what you’ll need in this section.
What’s required for admission to a CNA program in Nebraska?
Those who take online CNA classes in Nebraska must be at least 16, pass a background check, be able to speak, write, and understanding English, and be able to lift at least 50 pounds in the course of their work. You must also show proof of the immunizations the state requires, including the seasonal flu shot. Passing a physical examination is often the final hurdle to meeting the background requirements for this type of program. Because there’s generally no prior employment experience, no coursework, or no GED required for online CNA programs, this path is a good option for individuals looking to make a move into healthcare.
What kind of skills do CNA courses cover and where can I find a job?
CNA programs focus on basic nursing duties such as disease management, taking vital signs, and patient care. Upon successful completion of a program, individuals can be added to Nebraska’s Registry of Nurse Aides. The work a nurse aide does in Nebraska depends upon the setting where they are employed, but their work can include everything from checking vital signs and keeping records to assisting with the activities of daily living (ADLs). CNAs in Nebraska can work in a variety of settings, but most find employment in hospitals, long-term facilities, or home healthcare/hospice settings. And remember that when you attend one of these programs, you are creating a strong foundation for moving further into allied healthcare in the future, including the opportunity to join an online CNA to LPN bridge program.
Are Nebraska CNA classes accredited/approved?
To become certified in the state, you must take online CNA classes in Nebraska that are approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, most community colleges that offer CNA courses are institutionally accredited. Whatever option you choose, make sure your training provider is on the approved list; without approval, you might not be able to be added to the state registry of nurse aides. In Nebraska, classes that are offered online can still be part of an approved program, allowing flexibility as you work toward your credentials.
What is the average cost of an online CNA course in Nebraska? And is financial aid available?
Costs will depend upon the school, but most CNA classes in Nebraska tend to average between $300 and $700, including all books and supplies. Some programs, however, will cost nothing as long as you agree to continue working for a particular employer for one year after graduation or meet certain requirements. Goodwill Omaha, for example, offers free CNA training.
Some Nebraska certified nurse programs offer financial aid to their students. Some will offer enough aid to cover the full tuition in exchange for the nurse aide agreeing to work for the facility for one year or more. Before you launch into a program, get in touch with the director to ask about these opportunities, and spend time researching any financial aid, scholarships, and resources for CNA students that may be available to you.
How long are CNA programs in Nebraska?
Some programs might last a few months, but many CNA programs can be completed within four weeks. Online CNA classes in Nebraska will help you meet your commitment of 75 hours of training. The coursework can be completed online, but the hands-on skills training must be completed under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. After completing the requirements of your program, you can request to join Nebraska’s Nurse Aide Registry. Students must also complete one hour of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training that is specific to Nebraska law.
Career Growth for Nebraska CNAs
Now that we've covered the basics of becoming a CNA in Nebraska, let's dive into the job market in Nebraska. With a projected job growth rate of 7.7%, exceeding the national average of 4.2%, and an average of 2,520 annual openings, the demand for skilled CNAs in Nebraska is on the rise.
While the median salary for CNAs in Nebraska is $37,530, there’s a slight disparity based on location. For instance, the Omaha area offers the highest median salary for CNAs, while Lincoln’s median salaries are slightly below the statewide number. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, type of healthcare facility, and specific job tasks. Certain roles, such as those in critical care units or home health, may command higher salaries. Explore the table below to get a better idea of what your job and salary outlook could look like as a CNA in Nebraska.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $32,090 | $37,530 | $45,700 |
| Grand Island, NE | $33,760 | $37,450 | $46,320 |
| Lincoln, NE | $23,370 | $36,430 | $44,950 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | $33,890 | $37,900 | $47,000 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| 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 |
| Nebraska | 16,290 | 17,540 | 1,250 | 7.70% | 2,520 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
