Top Online CNA Classes in New Jersey (NJ)
Want to jumpstart your nursing career? Explore affordable and high-quality CNA programs in New Jersey, learn what it takes, and discover career prospects in this guide.
If you’re about to graduate from high school, you’re probably thinking: What’s next? You may be thinking about enrolling in college and pursuing a career that provides a stable income and gives meaning to your life.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are in high demand in New Jersey and in US. As the population ages, more healthcare facilities are relying on CNAs to administer essential care—meaning you’ll have a steady income and job security.
The first step is enrolling in online CNA classes in NJ to ensure you’re receiving the specialized training you need in a short timeframe. Generally, CNA programs take at most four months to complete (50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of hands-on experience).
The faster you complete a program, the sooner you can start working as a CNA. And by the time you’re ready to further your education and advance your career, you’ll have enough saved to balance the expenses.
Keep reading to explore quality programs and find the best online CNA classes so you can start your journey now.
Inside New Jersey’s Standout Online CNA Classes
It takes a specialized skillset to care for others, which is why it’s important to find top-notch online CNA classes in NJ.
We’ve highlighted three affordable colleges that offer state-recognized nursing assistant programs that will prepare you to take certification exams, as well as equip you with skills you need to provide quality patient care.
Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College is an excellent option for those interested in pursuing online CNA classes in NJ.
Its Certified Nursing Assistant program prepares you to serve in diverse healthcare settings, including nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living homes, and local hospitals.
Here, you’ll learn to provide quality patient care, mastering essential tasks such as assisting with bathing, dressing, ambulation, and other fundamental daily activities. Your responsibilities also extend to administering medications and monitoring vital signs.
To complete the program, you’ll actively engage in lectures, hands-on labs, and a clinical rotation.
Beyond the classroom, Bergen Community College ensures robust student support services. The IT Help Desk, for instance, stands ready to address any technological issues, from website access to software and hardware troubleshooting.
Upon completion, you’ll qualify to take the New Jersey Certified Nursing Assistant Examinations, which includes a skills and computer written test.
Notably, the program is approved by the New Jersey Department of Health.
Healthcare Training Institute
If your interests lie in providing compassionate care for the elderly or supporting individuals on their arduous journey to recovery, may be an excellent fit for you. Its Certified Nursing Assistant program specifically focuses on long-term care.
The two-month-long program requires you to complete a total of 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical instruction in a licensed long-term care facility.
The program will train you on infection control and on safety and emergency procedures. You’ll also sharpen your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as learn to promote residents’ independence.
Additionally, you’ll learn how to work with residents with diverse behaviors or cognitive impairment and meet physical, spiritual, and recreational needs of the elderly. That includes learning how to properly lift and move individuals, spot symptoms of certain health disorders, and help residents and family cope with death.
Enrollment in this program is limited. For more information on the admission process and tuition, you’ll need to contact the school.
Rowan College of South Jersey
Rowan College of South Jersey provides online CNA classes in NJ that equips students with essential care skills for a successful career. The curriculum covers vital sign monitoring, infection control, patient transfer, and feeding.
Additionally, you’ll develop communication proficiency, learn body mechanics, and gain insights into restorative care, including compassionate support for terminally ill clients.
The state-approved program mandates 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training. Upon completion, you’ll be well-prepared for the state licensure exam.
Whether you prefer online or in-person learning, Rowan College offers flexibility with courses available at the Gloucester or Cumberland campuses.
Tuition varies depending on residency and classroom format. Generally, Gloucester or Cumberland County residents pay a tuition fee of $120 per credit, while out-of-county students pay $148. Online learners are charged $200 and high school students pay between $50 to $75 per credit.
To help ease the costs, explore scholarships, grants, and student loans offered through the school.
How to Become a CNA in NJ Online
Specific requirements for nursing assistants vary by state. If you’re interested in pursuing online CNA classes in NJ, then you’ll need to enroll in a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam.
The New Jersey Department of Health, for instance, has set certain mandates for nursing assistants, also referred to as certified nurse aides.
Read on to learn more about how you can obtain certification in New Jersey.
Step 1: Meet Basic Background Requirements
Some states, such as New Jersey, mandate aspiring CNAs to meet certain requirements, such as age, GED or high school diploma, a physical exam, proof of immunization, and a rigorous criminal background check. The latter measure serves a dual purpose: to safeguard patients and uphold the highest standards.
Nursing assistants work closely with vulnerable individuals, including elderly patients and those with disabilities. Moreover, healthcare facilities bear a legal responsibility to keep patients safe.
Furthermore, background checks are part of the certification process. It’s a way to scrutinize an applicant’s history for any disqualifying offenses, such as violence or drug-related charges.
Step 2: Graduate from an Approved CNA Program
Once you’ve met all the background requirements, you’ll need to enroll in a state-approved Nurse Aide in Long Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). You’ll need to , which consists of classroom and clinical hours.
You can find a list of approved programs that offer online CNA classes in NJ based on the county through the State of New Jersy Department of Health.
You can also contact the long-term care facility you’re interested in working at, your county vocational school or your community college to see if they offer any state-approved CNA programs.
Step 3: Take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program Competency Examination (NNAAP)
Once you’ve completed the training program, then you can take the CNA certification exam. The exam includes both a written and clinical skills component. The oral portion is offered in English and Spanish. Each candidate must successfully complete both components of the exam before a state can add their name to the state nurse aide registry.
The NNAAP serves as a pivotal exam for all CNAs. Successfully passing this exam enables a state to include your name in the nurse aide registry. This provides employers with the knowledge that you’ve fulfilled both federal and state prerequisites to work as a CNA.
In New Jersey, you’ll also need to pass the New Jersey Certified Nursing Assistant Examinations.
Step 4: Start Working as a CNA
Once you’ve passed all the background requirements and completed an approved CNA program, you can apply for jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities.
Nursing assistants are in high demand in New Jersey. In fact, there are 1,361 job openings, according to the state website.
As a CNA, you’ll monitor a patient’s health status and administer medication. Other responsibilities include feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting or ambulating patients in a health or nursing facility.
You may also consider working in rural healthcare.
Step 5: Renew Your CNA License Periodically
To renew your certification, you’ll need to show you worked at least seven hours as a paid nurse aide within 24 months before your certificate expiration date.
You’ll also need to prove that your certificate hasn’t been revoked or suspended.
Additionally, you’ll need to complete a recertification form and conduct another criminal background check with fingerprinting before your certificate expires.
Renewal is required every two years, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Salary and Career Prospects for CNAs in NJ
Because CNAs are in such high demand, not only in New Jersey but throughout the country, there will always be job openings in healthcare. A career as a CNA also provides a good standard of living.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs earn a mean annual wage of $39,610, with the highest earners making $48,780 a year. In New Jersey, you can earn between $32,440 to $47,230. BLS data shows the median annual wage for CNAs in the state is $37,980.
Keep in mind, however, that the salary prospects for CNAs vary based on factors, such as experience, location, and employer. For instance, you may find a higher paying job in the Vineland-Bridgeton-area than in Atlantic City or Hammonton.
Certified nursing assistants in Vineland or Bridgeton make a median annual wage of $36,930, with the highest earners making $42,440.
Those in Atlantic City or Hammonton make a median annual wage of $35,060. At most, CNAs can earn up to $40,310.
Salaries also tend to increase with experience. Those who have less than one year of experience may make around $20.85 per hour, while those with 10 or more years of experience can earn up to $25.06 per hour, according to Indeed.com.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $30,020 | $38,200 | $48,780 |
| New Jersey | $32,440 | $37,980 | $47,230 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $31,200 | $35,060 | $40,310 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $29,790 | $35,400 | $42,570 |
| Trenton, NJ | $31,400 | $35,600 | $42,230 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $31,020 | $36,930 | $42,440 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Area | New Jobs (2020-2030) | Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 115,300 | 8.3% | 187,000 |
| New Jersey | 2,070 | 4.5% | 5,870 |
Source: Projections Central
Frequently Asked Questions About Online CNA Classes in New Jersey
There’s a lot to learn about earning your nursing assistant certification in New Jersey. This guide offers you answers to key information that will guide you in the process. Keep reading to find answers to some of the more common questions regarding CNA programs in New Jersey.
Are New Jersey CNA classes accredited/approved?
Aspiring nursing aides must complete a state approved NATCEP program. Every program consists of a minimum of 90 hours of training, which includes 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical work under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
This ensures you receive a quality education that meets the standards set by the state. The New Jersey Department of Health includes a list of approved training programs.
Are there 2-week CNA classes online in New Jersey?
The amount of time it takes to complete CNA classes varies depending on the training program you pursue. However, classes typically span several weeks. Overall, an approved program must include at least 90 hours of training. Additionally, CNA programs require you to work in a clinical setting for a certain number of hours, which means no CNA program can be completed entirely online.
Does New Jersey offer free CNA training courses?
As with everything else in life, nothing is ever for free. Unfortunately, there aren’t any free CNA training courses in New Jersey. However, some programs offer discounted prices for high schoolers who are looking to jumpstart the next chapter of their academic career. For instance, Rowan College of South New Jersey charges between $50 to $75 per credit for high school students.
Moreover, some employers are willing to pay for or reimburse you for your training so long as you agree to work for them for a certain period of time. You can also seek financial support through scholarships or grants.
How long are CNA classes in New Jersey?
The amount of time it takes to complete a CNA program can vary from four weeks to several months. you’re required to complete a total of 90 hours of training, 50 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical work.
Search for four-week online CNA classes by clicking here.
How much are CNA classes in New Jersey?
Tuition costs also vary by the program. Generally, the cost of attending CNA classes can cost thousands of dollars. For instance, the Certified Nurse Aide-Long Term Care program at Ocean County College costs $1,500, according to the school’s website.
However, most schools offer some form of financial aid, including scholarships and grants. You can also check out our guide for must-have resources for low-income students.
