No GED Required: CNA Classes Online

School Spotlights: Online CNA Classes without a GED Requirements

If you’re looking to enroll in online CNA classes, but haven’t earned a high school diploma or GED, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from. While many programs describe themselves as utilizing online learning, most online CNA programs, whether or not they have a GED requirement, are actually hybrid programs, with an in-person requirement for either lab-based classes, clinical experiences in a hospital or other healthcare setting, or both. With that in mind, here are a few high quality online, in person, and hybrid CNA and nursing assistant programs with no GED requirement to get you started in your research:

Additional Admission Requirements for Online CNA Classes

If you don’t need a GED to get into a CNA program, what do you need? This section explores additional admission requirements, such as exams, vaccinations, and background checks–some of which are standard requirements even for students who have their GED. You’ll also find explanations of why they’re necessary and how they relate to your education and future work.

Admission Exam & Application Fee

Some online CNA programs without a GED requirement may use an admission exam to assess your competency level in reading, writing, math, and computer skills in relation to the program content.Application fees help cover administrative costs and show you’re committed to your education and willing to invest in it. However, depending on your desired program, there may be application fee waivers to help you cover the cost.

Age Requirements

Minimum age requirements of CNA programs typically adhere to state laws. They also ensure students have the necessary aptitude, competency level, strength, and professional skills to fulfill their duties, including the interpersonal communication skills CNAs use every day. Students must also be strong enough to meet the physical demands of the job, which often involve lifting, supporting, and transferring full-grown adults.

Criminal Background Check

Criminal background checks are required for all CNA programs, regardless of whether you need a GED. This helps protect vulnerable patients and ensures students meet facility regulations for employment. Passing a background check also indicates you can be trusted with people’s confidential health information and to uphold professional ethics, and don’t pose a risk of theft or vandalism in the workplace.

Vaccinations

Like background checks, proof of current vaccinations is required for all CNA programs. This shows that you’re in compliance with facility regulations and can safely work. As a CNA, you come face-to-face with people who have compromised immune systems or chronic conditions. Your vaccines reduce the risk of infection of vulnerable patients or an outbreak of an infectious disease.

Your FAQs, Answered

Do you still have questions about online CNA programs, no GED required programs? That’s completely normal. To set your mind at ease, this section answers the top questions and addresses the most pressing concerns of prospective students. Keep reading to learn more about the potential drawbacks of these programs, licensing requirements, and state-specific regulations.

Can I be a CNA if I didn’t graduate high school?

Yes, you can become a licensed CNA without a high school diploma since there aren’t any educational mandates for licensure. Instead, a clean background check, successful completion of an approved CNA program, and passing the state board exam take priority. The one exception isFlorida where applicants can take the board exam without completing a training program. The lack of a diploma or GED may affect your ability to advance in your career, but it won’t prevent you from getting licensed and legally practicing as a CNA. Proving that you aren’t a criminal threat and that you can safely fulfill the job requirements is more important than your level of education.

How do I become a CNA without taking classes?

You cannot become certified as a CNA without taking an accredited CNA educational program. This means you will need to take classes from an approved program. However, in the case of online and/or hybrid programs, these do not have to be traditional classes in a classroom or lecture hall. Instead, online CNA students can take classes via video, either synchronously with other students, or asynchronously whenever is most convenient to you. However, you will likely still have to do some in-person clinical work to gain real-world experience before finishing your CNA program.

Is CNA a non-degree program?

Yes, CNA programs are non-degree programs, and you will not, generally speaking, earn a formal qualification like an associate or bachelor’s degree. Depending on the program, you will be awarded a diploma or certificate, although many CNA programs which accept students without a GED are non-credit programs which will award neither. Once you’ve finished your CNA program, if you want to go on to earn a degree, nursing school at either the associate or bachelor’s level is a popular option, although you will likely need a GED to apply for a degree program.

Can nursing students work as CNAs without certification?

Generally speaking, the answer is no. Since the “C” in CNA stands for certified, you will need to become certified in order to work as a CNA. However, there are some exceptions, such as in Nebraska, where nursing assistants do not require certification in order to work in the state. In these cases, you only need to meet the state requirements, including age, having gone through the relevant education or training, and other requirements like in-date vaccinations, whether you’re a nursing student or not, in order to work as a CNA.

Can you become a CNA in high school?

Generally speaking, you will only need to meet your state’s requirements in order to become a CNA–whether or not you’re in high school. Most states will have an age minimum of either 16 or 17 years old to become a CNA, which will prevent many high school students from working as CNAs. Further, high school course schedules may interfere with both CNA classes and eventually working as a CNA, given that CNA hours generally can’t fit around a traditional school day, but there is no particular prohibition against high school students becoming certified and/or working as CNAs.