5 Places that Offer the Best CNA Programs

July 5, 2024

Are you passionate about becoming a CNA in the US? Are you planning to enrol in CNA classes and training programs? Wondering how to find a place that offers the best CNA programs?

Worry not! This article can help you get a clear idea of the best CNA classes and training programs in the US.

CNA Classes and Training Programs

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide basic patient care under the supervision of nurses. CNA training programs prepare students for this vital role, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience.

Key aspects of CNA training programs include:

Classroom Learning: Students are taught fundamental nursing skills, patient care, infection control, and communication/documentation.
Clinical Practice: Hands-on training in real healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes allows students to apply classroom knowledge and develop practical skills under supervision.
Vital Signs: Training includes proper techniques for measuring and recording vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
Infection Control: Emphasis is placed on infection prevention strategies, universal precautions, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Interpersonal Skills: Programs focus on developing effective communication and interpersonal skills essential for providing compassionate care, especially for patients with cognitive impairments.
Patient Care Procedures: CNAs are trained to assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, and transferring.
Safety and Emergency Procedures: Students learn safety protocols and how to respond to emergency situations effectively.

CNA training combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary for quality patient care across various healthcare settings.

Top 5 Schools Offering CNA Programs

Now, let’s explore five of the best schools that offer high-quality CNA training programs:

TIA School Of Health

The first on the list of best CNA classes and training programs is TIA School of Health. The TIA School of Allied Health is a training company based in New York City. The company offers academic training to help individuals develop themselves in their personal careers. The TIA School of Allied Health provides a learning experience at an affordable price.

The academy is located in 2 different parts of New York, namely:

Hempstead, Long Island.
Manhattan, New York.

The school offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course in both locations in New York City. Some of the benefits of the course are as follows:

The candidate receives certification upon their completion of the course.
Assistance for job placement is also offered.
The course is licensed by both the New York State Education Department and the Department of Health.
The academy offers a high-quality training environment.

The admission requirements for this course are as follows:

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must be in good physical health.

The tuition fee at Hempstead, Long Island is about $1900. You can start your course with as little as $300 down. The tuition fee in Manhattan, New York is about $2100. You can also start this course with as little as $300 down.

The academy offers hands-on training and payment plans for students who enrol in this course. For more information, you can visit their official website.

City College of San Francisco

City College of San Francisco offers an accredited CNA training program at its main campus in San Francisco. The program provides comprehensive classroom instruction and clinical training to prepare students for the California CNA certification exam.

The tuition fee details are:

California residents: $46 per unit
Non-residents: $360 per unit ($46 per unit + $307 non-resident tuition + $7 Capital Outlay)

There is also a $20 Student Health Fee ($16 in Summer).

Additional costs may include books, supplies, uniforms, equipment, certification, etc.

The CNA program at CCSF consists of the following courses:

Course Code	Course Title	Units	Duration	Hours per Week	Tuition (CA Residents)	Tuition (Non-Residents)
VOCN-23	Nurse Assistant/Convalescent Care	7	10 weeks	21-24 hours	$598	$4,680
VOCN-24	Home Health Aide	2.5	2 weeks	32 hours	$598	$4,680
VOCN-25	Nurse Assistant/Acute Care	3.5	6 weeks	21 hours	$598	$4,680

Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the California CNA certification exam. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health.

Application Process:

Complete an application to the Vocational Nursing Program
Applications are provided at the mandatory program orientation
Orientation sessions last approximately 2 hours
Check the CCSF website for upcoming orientation dates and application deadlines

Admission Requirements:

Attend one mandatory program orientation
Be at least 18 years old
Complete ESL 184 or ENGL 88, or be ready for college-level English
Provide proof of CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross BLS for Provider)
Complete a physical exam and provide current immunization records
Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check
Pass a drug test

Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, Kansas

Hutchinson Community College offers a Certified Nursing Aide program designed to equip students for roles in geriatric healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.

The 4.5-credit course covers essential knowledge about the aging process and focuses on addressing the needs of geriatric patients. Key topics include nutrition, personal care, aging body systems, and communication and observation skills for working with elderly patients.

Program Highlights:

Program Length: One semester (105 hours)
Accreditation: Health Occupations Credentialing and the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services

The tuition fee details are as follows:

Tuition per credit hour for in-state students: $124.00
Tuition per credit hour for out-of-state students: $155.00

The CNA program at Hutchinson Community College is a 4.5-credit course.

Therefore, the total tuition cost for the CNA program would be:

Student Residency	Credit Hours	Tuition per Credit	Total Tuition
In-state	4.5 credits	$124.00	$558.00
Out-of-state	4.5 credits	$155.00	$697.50

Note: Additional fees and costs are not included in the tuition amounts listed above.

In addition to the tuition, there may be other fees associated with the CNA program, such as textbooks, supplies, and any additional program-specific fees.

The requirements for acceptance into the CNA Program are as follows:

ACT Reading Test score of 14 or higher, or
Accuplacer Writing Score between 40 and 120, or
Accuplacer Next-Generation Reading Test score of 231 or above

Pratt Community College, Pratt, Kansas

Pratt Community College offers a hybrid Nurse Aide Certification program with the theory portion being all online, 3 in-person lab days on the PCC campus, and 4 clinical days at an LTC community in the Pratt area.

Program Length: One semester
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Compliance: Meets guidelines established by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Application Deadline: Rolling

General tuition and fee information for Pratt Community College:

Category	Kansas Residents	Non-Kansas Residents	International Students
Tuition per credit hour	$65	$70	$84
Fees per credit hour	$30	$57	$57
Non-Pratt County Fee	$50 per semester	$100 per semester	$150 per semester

The admission requirements:

Must be at least 16 years old
Must complete the PCC application
Must submit a copy of social security card or driver’s license
Must provide proof of a negative TB test administered within the previous six months

Howard Community College

Last but not the least, the last on the list of best CNA classes and training program is Howard Community College. Howard Community College offers degree and certificate programs to help candidates build a career that is in demand. The college also offers online training and flexible scheduling for classes in both hybrid and accelerated learning formats to make education accessible from different locations.

The school is located in Columbia, Maryland and offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) hybrid course as both theory and clinical. Howard Community College (HCC) offers training that meets Maryland Board of Nursing regulations. You will procure a CNA license upon completion of training. The candidate must be well prepared to take the State Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) exam.

In HCC, both the theory and clinical sections are taken simultaneously and you must register for both sections. The total duration of the course is 145 hours – 45 hours of clinical training and 100 hours of theoretical classes. At the time of completion, the candidate will earn about 14.5 CEUs.

The admission requirements set by Howard Community College are as follows:

The candidate must have a Social Security Number (SSN).
Must be 18 years old or older.
Must have a high school diploma or GED.
The applicant must pass the criminal background check.
Must have completed immunizations.
Must pass the basic reading exam.

The fee for the CNA program at HCC:

Course	Total Tuition	Fees Included
Certified Nursing Assistant: Theory	$1,080	$580
Certified Nursing Assistant: Clinical	$580	$285

These fees are subject to change, so for the most current information, please visit the official website.

How To Choose Right CNA School

When selecting a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, consider the following factors to ensure you find the best fit for your needs:

Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure the program is accredited and licensed by relevant state authorities. This ensures that the education you receive meets industry standards and will be recognized by potential employers.
Program Duration: CNA programs can vary in length. Choose a duration that fits your schedule and learning pace. Some programs are more intensive and shorter, while others are spread out over a longer period.
Cost: Compare the overall costs of different programs, including tuition, textbooks, supplies, and any additional fees. Look for schools that offer payment plans or financial aid options if needed.
Program Format: Consider whether you prefer in-person, online, or hybrid learning. Each format has its advantages, so choose one that aligns with your learning style and personal circumstances.
Clinical Training: Ensure the program provides hands-on clinical experience. This practical training is crucial for skill development and often required for certification.
Certification Preparation: Look for programs that specifically prepare you for state certification exams. This can increase your chances of passing the exam and becoming certified on your first attempt.
Job Placement Assistance: Some schools offer job placement assistance, which can be valuable for starting your career. This support can include resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections with local healthcare facilities.
Location and Scheduling: Consider the school’s location and class schedules to ensure they align with your personal circumstances and commitments. This is particularly important if you’re balancing your studies with work or family responsibilities.
Reputation and Reviews: Research the school’s reputation. Look for reviews from former students and check the program’s success rates in terms of certification pass rates and job placement.
Facilities and Resources: If possible, visit the school or take a virtual tour to assess the quality of the facilities and available resources. Modern equipment and comprehensive learning materials can enhance your educational experience.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a CNA program that best suits your educational needs and career goals. Remember to consider your personal circumstances and learning preferences when making your decision.

Get Started as a CNA Today

We have discussed 3 places that offer the best CNA classes and training programs. You can enrol in a CNA program and take the certification exam. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CNA license and will be able to practice as a certified professional CNA.

If you are passionate about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in your state or city, try our free CNA practice tests to be well prepared for the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I become a CNA in the USA?

Here are a few steps involved in becoming a CNA in the USA.

Earn a high school diploma or GED.
Enrol in a CNA training program approved by the state you are in.
Complete the training program, along with the hands-on training.
Complete the in-person clinical skills requirements.
Take the certification exam.
Pass the exam and get listed on your state’s CNA registry.

How long is CNA training?

The duration of the CNA training program differs depending on the course and the school you enrol in. Certain CNA training programs last as little as 2 weeks. Most of the training programs take a duration of 4 to 12 weeks.

Can I become a CNA online?

There are many schools and academies that offer online CNA courses. However, you still have to complete your hands-on training after the completion of your theory classes. You will also need to complete the in-person clinical skills requirements to be eligible to take the certification exam and receive your CNA certificate.

How much is the salary of a CNA in the USA?

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) earn an average salary of $39,430 per year, $18.96 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

What is CNA training?

In a CNA training program, the candidates are trained in various skills required to become a successful Certified Nursing Assistant. A candidate is trained in skills, such as helping patients with their daily activities, assisting them with personal care and hygiene, maintaining a clean and safe environment, as well as checking and reporting patients’ vital health conditions to the respective healthcare professionals.