Find CNA Classes That Fit Your Life

Understanding the costs of CNA training is essential for planning your journey. Here’s what you can expect:

• Tuition Fees:
  • CNA programs typically cost between $700 and $2,000, depending on the state, program length, and institution.
• Additional Costs:
  • Uniforms and supplies: $50-$150
  • Textbooks and materials: $100-$300
  • State exam fees: $100-$150
  • Background checks and health screenings: $50-$100
• Financial Aid Options:
  • Scholarships and grants from healthcare organizations or community colleges.
  • Employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement for students committing to work post-certification.
  • Flexible payment plans through your CNA program or third-party lenders.

Investing in your CNA training is an affordable step into the healthcare field, with many options available to reduce costs and start your career without financial strain.

CNA programs begin with classroom instruction, which lays the foundation for everything students need to know before working with patients. This part of the training typically covers:

• Medical Terminology & Basic Nursing Concepts – Learning essential healthcare terms and the fundamentals of patient care.
• Patient Hygiene & Mobility – Understanding how to assist with bathing, dressing, and moving patients safely.
• Nutrition & Infection Control – Covering dietary needs and how to prevent the spread of illness.
• Healthcare Ethics & Regulations – Learning about HIPAA, patient rights, and proper communication in a medical setting.

Most programs require 60-90 hours of classroom instruction, preparing students for hands-on learning in the skills lab.

Once students have a basic understanding of patient care, they transition to a skills lab. This controlled environment allows them to practice essential hands-on techniques before working with real patients. Key skills learned in the lab include:

• Taking Vital Signs – Measuring blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature.
• Assisting with Mobility – Helping patients transfer from beds to wheelchairs, adjusting positioning, and preventing pressure sores.
• Personal Care Tasks – Practicing how to assist with feeding, dressing, toileting, and bathing.
• Emergency & Safety Procedures – Learning how to handle falls, choking incidents, and infection prevention techniques.

Skills lab sessions generally take 20-40 hours, giving students the confidence they need before entering a clinical setting.

The clinical portion of CNA training takes place in real healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. Under the supervision of an instructor, students apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on environment. During clinical training, students will:

• Work directly with patients – Assisting with daily care, mobility, and comfort.
• Observe nurses & healthcare teams – Learning how different roles interact in a medical setting.
• Gain hands-on experience in real scenarios – Providing support during meals, helping with personal hygiene, and taking vitals.
• Build confidence in patient interactions – Developing strong communication skills and learning how to comfort and support patients.

This phase lasts 40-60 hours, ensuring students are fully prepared to handle the responsibilities of a CNA.

After completing the required coursework and clinical training, students must pass the CNA certification exam to become licensed. This test has both a written and skills-based portion. Most programs include an exam prep section that covers:

• Reviewing Key Topics – Refreshing knowledge on patient care, infection control, and emergency response.
• Practicing Essential Skills – Running through common exam tasks such as measuring vitals, assisting with mobility, and performing basic care procedures.
• Understanding Exam Requirements – Learning what to expect on test day, including documentation, procedures, and passing criteria.

Most students spend 10-20 hours preparing for the exam, ensuring they have the knowledge and hands-on skills to succeed.