Best CNA Programs in the U.S. in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are a vital part of the healthcare industry. They provide patient care, help nurses to complete their jobs effectively, and help to keep any healthcare setting running proficiently. These vital workers help to make sure that the day-to-day operations of any healthcare setting are running as they should. CNA programs are crucial to our country’s healthcare needs today. There’s also a difference between a CNA vs. LPN program.

As a CNA you may help with patient care such as changing bedclothes, cleaning up, and helping patients to bathe and use the restroom. You may also be asked to help keep work areas clean and tidy, give patients meals, and help with a variety of patient access tasks.

Other common duties CNAs are asked to help with are bandaging wounds, cleaning up rooms, and administering basic non-medical care to patients. The average pay for a CNA in the United States is $12.00 per hour with regionally higher pay rates depending on where you live and work. You may also get paid more or less depending on what work setting you are employed in. CNAs that work in hospitals, for instance, may not get paid as much as those that work in private nursing facilities.

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CNA programs will teach you proper bedside manner, how to care for patients, and how to perform basic medical tasks. The career outlook for a CNA is very good as most medical facilities are going to need some sort of CNA to help keep the facility running smoothly. CNAs are an integral part of any healthcare facility and as such, they are always in demand.

The Best CNA programs for both online and in-person

1. Hutchinson Community College – Hutchinson, Kansas

The program at Hutchinson Community College is fully online and offers state-of-the-art classwork to help prepare you for your career in healthcare.

• Pass Rate: about 33%
• Program Length: three months
• Admission Requirements: must have some general education classes
• Tuition: $2,688 for the program with some financial aid
• Accreditation by the ASCP

2. Pratt Community College – Pratt, Kansas

Pratt Community College offers an in-person and online program as well for those that want to be a CNA.

• Pass Rate: around 29%
• Program Length: depends on if you have any credits before you start the program
• Admission Requirements: students must be at least 16, have a negative TB test, complete the application, and more that are listed on the website
• Tuition: $1,888 for the program with financial aid available
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

3. Cochise College – Douglas, Arizona

Cochise College offers a nursing assistant certification.

• Pass Rate: 21%
• Program Length: depends on what credits you have when you start the course
• Admission Requirements: can be found if you contact the admissions counselor
• Tuition: $1,896 for the program
• Accreditation by the Arizona State Board of Nursing

4. Ridgewater College – Willmar, Minnesota

The program at Ridgewater College is delivered in a range of different ways from online to in-person classes at several area schools.

• Pass Rate: 41%
• Program Length: depends on when you start and when you can attend classes
• Admission Requirements: students must be at least 18 years old and complete relevant admission documentation
• Tuition: $4,791 for the program
• Accreditation by the Minnesota Department of Health

5. Wallace State Community College – Hanceville, Alabama

This is a fantastic program from Wallace State Community College for those that want to get the certification and get working as soon as possible.

• Pass Rate: 35%
• Program Length: 25 days total
• Admission Requirements: students must pass a background check, have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a two-step TB test, and have CNA uniforms
• Tuition: $3,510
• Accreditation by the State of Alabama

6. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College – Elizabethtown, Kentucky

The course at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is great for those that want something fast that’s all-inclusive, including the cost of your certification test.

• Pass Rate: 30%
• Program Length: 80 clock hours total
• Admission Requirements: students must complete the application process by the deadline, be 18 years or older, pass a TB skin test, and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Tuition: $727 for the course
• Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

7. North Central Kansas Technical College –  Beloit, Kansas

North Central Kansas Technical College offers a wonderful course that includes hands-on learning so students feel fully prepared for their career as a CNA.

• Pass Rate: 79%
• Program Length: depends on whether the online or traditional class format is chosen
• Admission Requirements: students must have a flu vaccine, be able to attend all classes, be at least 16 years old, and must be computer literate and able to have reliable internet access
• Tuition: $3,996
• Accreditation by the Kansas Board of Regents and the Higher Learning Commission

8. Elgin Community College – Elgin, Illinois

Elgin Community College has a fantastic program for those that want an opportunity to work either in-person or online for their CNA certification.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 7 credit hours
• Admission Requirements: students must apply and meet general education requirements
• Tuition: $924 for in-person students and $1,820 for online students
• Accreditation by the Illinois Department of Public Health

9. MedQuest College – Louisville, Kentucky

The program at MedQuest College is considered 70% hands-on and is a great opportunity for students to get in and learn what it means to be a CNA.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 10 months
• Admission Requirements: students must have a TB test, pass a criminal background check and be at least 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED
• Tuition: variable, financial aid is available
• Accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

10. Right Choice Healthcare Institute – Louisville, Kentucky

Right Choice Healthcare Institute is a private institution that offers a fantastic opportunity for those that really want a CNA certification.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 75 total program hours
• Admission Requirements: students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED
• Tuition: $590 for the entire program
• Accreditation through the State Nurse Aide Certification

11. Kentucky Health Care Training Institute – Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky Health Care Training Institute offers a fantastic, quick course that will get you working as a CNA faster than other programs that you may consider.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 74 credit hours, for a total of 10 days or two weeks
• Admission Requirements: students must be high school graduates or have an equivalent degree as well as a negative TB skin test, malpractice insurance, and a background check
• Tuition: $580 for the program
• Accreditation by the State Nurse Aide Certification

12. American Red Cross – Location in Your area

You can also get certification through your local branch of the American Red Cross.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: about 100 clock hours total
• Admission Requirements: students must pass a background check
• Tuition: varies by location but you may be able to get help through different scholarships
• Accreditation through the State Nurse Aide Certification

13. Spalding University – Louisville, Kentucky

Spalding University has a fantastic program for those that want a very prestigious school on their CNA certification forms.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 45 classroom hours followed by 5 exams and some clinical hours
• Admission Requirements: students must have a negative TB test, hepatitis B waiver, background check, student agreement and more (please see school website)
• Tuition: $514 for the program
• Accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

14. Clackamas Community College – Oregon City, Oregon

Clackamas Community College has a wonderful program that allows students a chance to have very hands-on training.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 150 contact hours, including 75 hours of clinical experience
• Admission Requirements: must be 18 years old or more, have CPR certification, have current immunizations and a negative TB test
• Tuition: varies, financial aid is available
• Fully accredited

15. Joliet Junior College – Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Junior College offers a great, quick program that allows you to get your certification and get to work as quickly as possible.

• Pass Rate: 99%
• Program Length: one semester
• Admission Requirements: orientation and fingerprinting prior to the first day of class
• Tuition: varies depending on the fees associated with your needs
• Accreditation through the IDPH

16. Aurora Health Care Careers – Aurora, Illinois

Aurora Health Care Careers offers a great certification program that fully prepares students to take their certification exams and to get a great job as a CNA.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 15 days for a total of 120 hours
• Admission Requirements: a background check, be over 18 years old, have a negative TB test, and be up to date on current immunizations
• Tuition: $725 for the entire program which includes the price of testing
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Programs

17. Mt. San Jacinto College – San Jacinto, California

Mt. San Jacinto College has a wonderful program that offers plenty of hands-on experience for students looking to become CNAs.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: between 160-180 total hours
• Admission Requirements: students must have completed their prerequisite courses
• Tuition: $1,386 per semester
• Accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges

18. Mid-Michigan College – Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

This is a great program through Mid-Michigan College for learners that may have been out of school for some time and are not quite sure what program they want.

• Pass Rate: 96%
• Program Length: 120 total hours, 60 classroom hours and 60 hands-on training hours
• Admission Requirements: can be found on the website
• Tuition: variable, financial aid is available
• Accreditation by the higher learning commission

19. Front Range Community College – Westminster, Colorado

Front Range Community College offers a wonderful program for learners that want to get out into the workforce as quickly as possible and want a great program to help encourage their personal growth.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 5 credits or one semester
• Admission Requirements: students must be 18 or older, pass all relevant health tests, are up to date on immunizations and more that can be found on the website
• Tuition: $3,527 per semester
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

20. South Central College – Faribault, Minnesota

South Central College has a wonderful program for those that want a quick course that is also very in-depth and teaches a great deal.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 6-8 weeks, four credits total
• Admission Requirements: must meet the state eligibility requirements
• Tuition: varies, financial aid is available
• Accreditation through Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

21. Akron School of Practical Nursing – Akron, Ohio

The Akron School of Practical Nursing has a phenomenal community college program that allows students to get ready to take the certification tests in Ohio.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: depends on how many credits students come to the program with
• Admission Requirements: variable, please see the school website
• Tuition: $650 for the entire program
• Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

22. Arapahoe Community College – Littleton, Colorado

Arapahoe Community College has a fantastic option for those that want to either do all of their coursework in person or do some online then complete the clinical portion in person.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: three courses, one lecture class, and two in-person clinical courses before you take your certification test
• Admission Requirements: students must be properly immunized, have records of a negative TB test, and must also meet general education requirements
• Tuition (estimate): $1,200 for the entire program with financial aid available
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing

23. Fort Myers Institute of Technology – Fort Meyers, Florida

The Fort Myers Institute of Technology’s CNA program has it all and will get you working as a CNA quickly so that you can move forward in your career.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 165 hours total which does include your clinical hours and your classroom hours as well
• Admission Requirements: students must be properly immunized, have a negative skin TB test, take proper background checks and must meet general education requirements
• Tuition: $1,293 for the entire program
• Accreditation by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and AdvancED

24. New Mexico State University-Dona Arizona – Las Cruces, New Mexico

New Mexico State University has a wonderful program for those that want something that is going to be fully comprehensive and will teach them all they need to know both in a classroom and hands-on setting.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 16 total credit hours
• Admission Requirements: students must have proper immunization, a negative skin TB test, and must meet general education requirements
• Tuition: $1,632 per semester, financial aid is available
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

25. South Texas College – McAllen, Texas

South Texas College offers a great program for those that may want a fully online approach. Both options are offered in this program as well as your typical day time classes. The program includes the CNA, Phlebotomy, EKG and Patient Care Technician emphasis. Students also earn three certificates in dementia care. All students that complete the semester take national certification exams in Phlebotomy, EKG and Patient Care Technician. Once there’s a reduction in the COVID-19 positivity rates, the program may return to its hybrid learning model.

• High pass rate of 98% for all exams
• Program Length: one semester
• Admission Requirements: students must be at least 18 years old, properly immunized, and have a negative skin TB test
• Tuition: $3,486 per semester with available financial aid
• Accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

26. Eastern Florida State College – Cocoa, Florida

Eastern Florida State College offers students an excellent opportunity to become a CNA, and the program is even more exciting than the name of the city where EFSC is located!

• High pass rate
• Program Length: a total of 290 clock hours
• Admission Requirements: students must be up to date with immunizations, have a negative TB test, and meet all general education requirements
• Tuition: $2,496 per semester with available financial aid
• Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

27. Jefferson Community and Technical College – Louisville, Kentucky

Jefferson Community and Technical College has a great program for those that want to be able to work in hospitals and other larger healthcare settings.

• Good pass rate
• Program Length: three courses
• Admission Requirements: students must be properly immunized, pass a drug test, have a negative 2-step TB step, and must meet all general education requirements
• Tuition: $3,704 per year
• Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

28. Jefferson College – Hillsboro, Missouri

The program at Jefferson College is fantastic for those that want a few different options when it comes to the overall ease of access and being able to take both nighttime classes, online classes, and other class delivery options.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 175 total contact hours, with 75 hours in lectures and 100 hours of clinical training
• Admission Requirements: students must be properly immunized, have a negative two-step TB test, and meet all the general education requirements
• Tuition: $3,576 per semester with financial aid available
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

29. Moberly Area Community College – Moberly, Missouri

The Moberly Area Community College offers a wonderful, quick program that’s to-the-point and easy to follow and learn from.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 180 contact hours total, 80 hours of in-class instruction along with 100 hours of clinical practice
• Admission Requirements: students must be properly immunized, have a negative TB test, pass a background check, and must meet general education requirements
• Tuition: $995 for the entire course
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

30. St. Louis Community College – St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis Community College offers a great hands-on course that allows students to really get a good look at what they are going to be doing as a registered CNA.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 180 contact hours (including 20 class meetings and additional clinical time)
• Admission Requirements: students must register online for the Family Care Safety Registry Worker Registration, have a criminal background check, and must have taken the college placement test
• Tuition: $1,099 for the entire program
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

31. Mayland Community College – Spruce Pine, North Carolina

The CNA course offered at Mayland Community College is great for hands-on learners and those that want plenty of training and clinical hours.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 17 total credit hours (169 total contact hours)
• Admission Requirements: two forms of photo identification, immunization records including a TB test, and a tetanus shot according to the requirements of the clinical site you end up using
• Tuition: $355 for the entire course plus the cost of a CPR certification card
• Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

32. Pamlico Community College – Grantsboro, North Carolina

Pamlico Community College has a great all-around program for those that want a well-rounded education. Students can choose between the Nurses Aid I or Nurses Aid II certification.

• Good pass rate
• Program Length: 11 weeks for the Nurses Aid I, 15 weeks for the Nurses Aid II
• Admission Requirements: students must be immunized, have a CPR certification card, a negative TB test, and must have liability insurance
• Tuition: $180 for either course, then an additional $138 in fees to complete the course and get your certification
• Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

33. Isothermal Community College – Spindale, North Carolina

Isothermal Community College has a great course for those that want flexible learning styles.

• Good pass rate
• Program Length: 17 weeks with 188 total hours for the Nurse Aide I program or 192 total hours if you want to take the Nurse Aide II program
• Admission Requirements: students must have current immunizations, have a negative skin TB test, and must meet all general education requirements
• Tuition: $180 plus fees for each course
• Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

34. Nassau Community College-East Garden City – Long Island, New York

The wonderful course from Nassau Community College allows students to gain the knowledge they need to fully succeed as a competent CNA.

• Good pass rate
• Program Length: 11 weeks total, including both class and clinical time
• Admission Requirements: students must meet general education requirements, have current immunizations, and pass a TB test
• Tuition: $1,700 for the entire course
• Accreditation through the Middle States

35. University of New Mexico-Los Alamos – Los Alamos, New Mexico

The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos has another great hands-on course that allows students the chance to truly learn and figure out how to be a great CNA.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: one semester of in-class work and an additional 32 hours of clinical training
• Admission Requirements: students must be fully immunized, have a negative TB test, and meet general education requirements
• Tuition: $2,032 per semester
• Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

36. New Age Training – New York City, New York

New Age Training offers a great option for those that may not want to go to a traditional college to get their CNA training.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 125 total contact hours, made up of 25 hours of basic skills training, 45 hours of personal skills training, 2.5 hours on mental health training, 7 hours for special needs residents training, and 30 hours of clinical work
• Admission Requirements: please see the school website
• Tuition: $4,097 for the entire course
• Fully accredited

37. Dutchess Community College – Wappingers Fall, New York

Dutchess Community College offers a great, straightforward course for those that want to get straight to learning.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 152 total contact hours
• Admission Requirements: students must have current immunizations, have a negative TB test, and meet the general education requirements
• Tuition: $1,595 total for the course
• Accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

38. Community College of Rhode Island – Warwick, Rhode Island

This wonderful class offered at the Community College of Rhode Island has a range of different learning types to help make sure you get a well-rounded education.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 133 total contact hours made up of 75 hours of lecture, 24 hours of skills training, 30 hours of clinical, and 4 hours of labs skills
• Admission Requirements: students must have current immunizations and must have a negative TB test
• Tuition: $855 for the total course
• Accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education

39. Newport Community School’s Aquidneck Island Adult Learning Center Program –  Newport County, Rhode Island

The Aquidneck Island Adult Learning Center has a great program for those that may not want to go to a traditional college.

• 85% pass rate
• Program Length: 13 weeks-(145 contact hours) and includes 80 hours lecture, 40 hours Clinical, as well as additional Work-Readiness and Digital Literacy classes. Employment fair is also held with 30+ employers. 100% employment placement for students. Also includes academic support for English Language Learners.
• Admission Requirements: Screening appointment that includes interview, reading assessment, BCI, and immunization requirements.
• Tuition: $650 for the classes and includes scrubs, BP/stethoscope kit, gait belt, books, and state licensing and state exam.
• Fully accredited

40. Cranston Alternative Education Programs – Cranston, Rhode Island

Cranston Alternative Education Programs is a great alternative program for those that are looking for job training outside of a traditional school.

• High pass rate
• Program Length: 120 total contact hours
• Admission Requirements: students must meet general education requirements and have current immunizations
• Tuition: $800 for classes, fees not included
• Fully accredited.

Ranking Methodology

Schools were ranked based on ease of access, cost, and the overall accreditation and quality of the courses that are offered. These schools all allow students the option to choose what types of classes they want and allows students the opportunity to truly learn and engage with the content, and in some cases, take online CNA programs as well.

If you represent a school on the list and want to amend information or change an entry, please feel free to contact us today to amend or change your entry.

Being a CNA is a truly rewarding career, check out the schools on the list to see what they have in store for you.