To become a CNA in New Hampshire, you’ll complete a state-approved training program, pass a two-part competency exam, and apply for your license through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). One important detail: New Hampshire calls this credential a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), not a CNA. Same job, same responsibilities, different name.
That terminology difference trips up a lot of people. If you’ve been researching CNA classes in New Hampshire and wondering whether LNA means something different, it doesn’t. You’re in the right place.
One more thing before the details: New Hampshire long-term care facilities receiving Medicaid/Medicare funding are required to offer tuition reimbursement for private-pay LNA students they hire. That means your training can be completely free. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
| Detail | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Official title | Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) |
| Training required | 100 hours minimum (40 theory + 60 clinical) |
| Exam | Written/oral knowledge test + practical skills demonstration |
| Training cost | $1,200-$2,500 (100% reimbursement available for LTC workers) |
| Timeline | 4-12 weeks |
| Average salary | $46,050/year ($22.14/hour) |
| Regulatory body | Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) |
New Hampshire LNA Requirements
To get your LNA license in New Hampshire, you need to meet five basic requirements. Here’s what the state actually asks for.
1. Complete a state-approved training program.
Not just any CNA course qualifies. The program must be approved by the NH Board of Nursing under OPLC.
2. Meet the 100-hour training minimum.
New Hampshire requires at least 100 hours of total training per NH Admin Code Nur 704.08. That breaks down as:
– 40 hours of classroom theory instruction
– 60 hours of supervised clinical practice
NH’s 100-hour requirement exceeds the federal minimum of 75 hours under 42 CFR 483.152. You’ll be better prepared because of it.
3. Complete 16 hours of pre-direct-care instruction.
Before you touch a patient, you’ll complete 16 hours of foundational training. This covers your role as an LNA, communication with patients and families, safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), patient rights, dignity, and confidentiality.
This is an NH-specific requirement that most states don’t mandate separately, and it means you’ll have a real foundation before any patient contact.
4. Pass a criminal background check.
New Hampshire requires a state and federal fingerprint-based background check per RSA 326-B:19. You must schedule a fingerprinting appointment through the NH Department of Safety (State Police). The cost is approximately $48.25. Bring a “Criminal Record Release Authorization Form” (available on the OPLC website) to your appointment. Most applicants go to the DMV in Concord or a regional State Police barracks. Confirm with your training program whether they coordinate this during enrollment or you submit independently.
Seven categories of convictions are disqualifying:
- Murder or manslaughter
- Robbery
- Felonious theft
- Felonious assault
- Sexual crime involving a child
- Kidnapping
- Endangering the welfare of a child or incompetent person
If you have a conviction that has been annulled by the court, it does not disqualify you. If you have a record and are unsure how it affects eligibility, contact OPLC before paying for training.
5. Document English proficiency.
You must demonstrate you can read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English for job-related tasks.
Once you’ve confirmed these requirements, the next step is choosing a training program.
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LNA Training Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has five main options for LNA training. The right choice depends on your schedule, location, and budget. Here’s how they compare.
| School | Location | Format | Duration | Cost | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Bay Community College | Portsmouth | Campus | 6 weeks (intensive) | ~$1,750 (verify with admissions) | NH Board of Nursing approved |
| Manchester Community College | Manchester | Hybrid (online + campus) | 8-10 weeks typical | ~$1,800 (verify with admissions) | Flexible scheduling |
| River Valley Community College | Claremont | Campus | 8-10 weeks typical | ~$1,900 | Financial aid available |
| White Mountains Community College | Berlin | Campus | 8-10 weeks typical | ~$1,650 (verify with admissions) | 120+ hour program |
| LNA Health Careers | Multiple NH locations | In-person + blended | 4-6 weeks | Reimbursement available for LTC workers | 110 hrs, free test prep |
After comparing your options, three programs stand out for specific situations:
Fastest path: Great Bay Community College offers a 6-week intensive in Portsmouth. If you can commit full-time for six weeks, this is the fastest way to get licensed.
Most flexible: Manchester Community College’s LNA program uses a hybrid format with online theory and on-campus clinicals. If you’re working another job while training, this is the better fit.
Most affordable: River Valley Community College’s LNA program in Claremont offers one of the most transparent price points in the state at approximately $1,900, with financial aid available.
Employer-based training: Many long-term care facilities in Manchester, Nashua, and Concord offer free LNA classes where the facility pays your tuition and a starting wage while you attend, in exchange for a work commitment (typically one year). If you cannot afford $1,600-$2,000 upfront, ask local nursing homes about “Earn While You Learn” programs before enrolling at a college.
If you’re in the Lakes Region or central New Hampshire, Lakes Region Community College’s CNA program offers another approved local option worth comparing.
Not sure which format is right for you? This guide on how to choose the right CNA program walks through what to look for beyond location and cost.
One thing every program has in common: clinical hours are always in-person at approved facilities, even in hybrid programs. You can do theory remotely, but hands-on patient care requires showing up.
If you’re wondering whether you’re too old to start, you’re not.
“Starting a CNA program in middle age.”
— Reddit user (223 upvotes)
That question comes up constantly in CNA communities. Age isn’t a barrier. The only real barrier is cost, and New Hampshire has an answer for that too.
NH’s 100% Tuition Reimbursement Program
New Hampshire long-term care facilities receiving Medicaid/Medicare funding are required to offer tuition reimbursement for private-pay LNA students they hire. Here’s how it works.
Who qualifies: Private-pay students only. If you used grants, scholarships, VA funding, or employer-sponsored benefits to pay for training, you don’t qualify for this particular reimbursement program. If you paid yourself, you do.
How it works:
1. Complete your state-approved LNA training program using your own funds
2. Pass the competency exam and receive your LNA license
3. Get hired at a Medicaid/Medicare-certified long-term care facility in New Hampshire
4. Provide your itemized training receipt to your hiring facility’s administrator. The facility processes the reimbursement, not the state Board of Nursing
Important: Reimbursement terms, timelines, and any work-commitment requirements vary by facility. Ask during your interview: “What is your process for LNA tuition reimbursement?” Before enrolling, confirm current reimbursement eligibility directly with your training provider and prospective employer.
Qualifying positions include full-time, part-time, and per diem roles at long-term care facilities. LNA Health Careers is the primary training partner for this program, with multiple locations across NH and free state test prep included in their 110-hour curriculum.
The bottom line: if you’re willing to work in long-term care after getting licensed, your training is effectively free.
With your training program selected, the next step is the one that makes most students nervous: the competency exam.
LNA Competency Exam
After completing your training program, you'll take the LNA Competency Exam. It has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. Both must be passed to receive your LNA license.
The written or oral test covers the theory you learned in class, including nursing assistant fundamentals, patient care procedures, patient rights, and safety practices. An oral version is available if you need it.
The skills demonstration is where most candidates feel the pressure. You'll perform LNA skills in front of an evaluator at an approved testing site. Skills are drawn from these categories:
- Patient care basics (personal hygiene, dressing, positioning)
- Movement and mobility (transfers, ambulation, range of motion)
- Vital signs and health monitoring
- Safety and emergency response
- Communication and emotional support, including dementia care
New Hampshire uses D&S Diversified (HD Master) to administer the LNA competency exam. The exam fee is $115 for the full test ($80 for the clinical skills portion and $35 for the written knowledge test). The oral version of the knowledge test costs $45. Download the New Hampshire LNA Candidate Handbook from the HD Master website. It contains the exact checklists evaluators use to grade your skills test. To schedule your exam or check retake policies, visit the OPLC competency testing page.
To prepare, practice with our CNA practice exam to test your knowledge. You can also follow a structured approach using how to study for the CNA exam. For the hands-on portion specifically, the CNA skills test guide covers what evaluators look for.
The skills portion makes most test-takers nervous. Performing procedures in front of an evaluator adds pressure that a written test doesn't.
"just wanted to say i've officially passed all the tests and i am a registered cna!"
— Reddit user (671 upvotes)
That moment of relief is real, and it's coming for you too. Once you pass, you'll apply for your LNA license through one of three pathways.
Three Paths to Your LNA License
New Hampshire offers three ways to get your LNA license. Which one applies to you depends on your background.
Path 1: Competency Evaluation
This is the standard path for new LNA candidates. Complete a state-approved LNA training program, pass both portions of the competency exam, and submit to a criminal background check. Most people reading this will take this path.
Path 2: Comparable Education
This path is for nursing students or graduates who completed Nursing Fundamentals coursework within the past 5 years. You don't need a separate LNA training program. Submit an official transcript showing Nursing Fundamentals completion plus a criminal background check. If you're currently in nursing school or finished recently, you may be able to skip the LNA program entirely and apply directly.
Path 3: Endorsement (Reciprocity)
This path is for CNAs licensed in another state who want to work in New Hampshire. Apply online through OPLC with your active out-of-state license, contact hour documentation, license verification from your current state, and a criminal background check. The fee is $28.
| Path | Who It's For | Key Requirements | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competency Evaluation | New LNA candidates | Approved program + exam + background check | Program cost + $115 exam fee |
| Comparable Education | Nursing students/graduates | Nursing Fundamentals transcript (within 5 years) + background check | Application fee |
| Endorsement (Reciprocity) | Out-of-state CNAs | Active license + contact hours + verification + background check | $28 |
All three paths start at the same place: the OPLC online application portal. Select the application type that matches your background.
On temporary LNA licenses: New Hampshire does not issue temporary LNA licenses. Your license becomes active once OPLC approves your application.
If you're transferring from another state, the next section walks through the full reciprocity process step by step.
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Transferring Your CNA License to New Hampshire (Reciprocity)
If you're a CNA in another state and you're moving to New Hampshire (or want to work here), you need to apply for licensure by endorsement. NH calls this reciprocity, and the entire process is online.
Follow these steps to transfer your CNA license to New Hampshire:
- Go to the OPLC online application portal
- Select the "Endorsement" application type
- Gather your required documents:
- Copy of your current, active out-of-state CNA or nursing assistant license
- Contact hour documentation (in-service training records from your current state)
- License verification from your state's issuing agency - Complete the online application form
- Submit to a criminal background check through the OPLC process
- Pay the $28 application fee online (no mail, fax, or email submissions accepted)
- Wait for processing and check your status through the OPLC portal
Do you need to retake the exam? No. If your current license is active and in good standing, NH does not require you to retest.
Can you work while your application is pending? OPLC doesn't publish official guidance on this. Contact OPLC directly to confirm before starting work.
What license will you receive? When your application is approved, you'll receive a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) license. Same credential you hold now, different name.
Processing times are not publicly documented. You can track your application status through the OPLC portal. If you're coming from a Massachusetts CNA program or a Vermont CNA program, the same endorsement process applies to both.
Once your LNA license is issued, you'll appear in the New Hampshire registry. Here's how to verify your license status.
New Hampshire LNA Registry and License Verification
The New Hampshire LNA Registry is maintained by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Unlike many states that use a separate nurse aide registry, NH uses OPLC's unified license lookup system for all LNA credentials.
You can look up any LNA license at oplc.nh.gov/license-lookup.
To verify an LNA license, follow these steps:
- Visit oplc.nh.gov/license-lookup
- Select the profession type (Nursing)
- Select the license type (Licensed Nursing Assistant)
- Enter the person's name or license number
- Review the results: license status, expiration date, any disciplinary actions
The lookup is free and public. Employers use it before making hiring decisions. LNAs use it to check their own status. Background check services use it to verify credentials.
Renewing Your LNA License in New Hampshire
New Hampshire LNA licenses must be renewed every two years. To qualify for renewal, you must meet both of the following conditions within the preceding two-year period:
- 24 hours of in-service training (continuing education)
- 200 hours of nursing assistant work under the supervision of a licensed nurse, OR successful completion of competency testing within the same period
Both conditions are required. Completing one without the other does not qualify you for renewal.
How to renew:
1. Log in to the OPLC online portal
2. Select the renewal application
3. Submit documentation of your in-service hours and employment hours
4. Pay the renewal fee (check the OPLC portal for the current amount)
If your license has lapsed: Contact OPLC directly to determine whether you need a refresher course, competency retesting, or both before reactivation. Do not assume you can start work until your license shows active in the OPLC lookup.
With your license active and verified, here's what you can expect to earn as an LNA in New Hampshire.
LNA Salary in New Hampshire
$46,050 per year. That's what the average LNA earns in New Hampshire, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 (SOC 31-1131). That's $22.14 per hour.
That number is $6,520 above the national average of $39,530 (BLS 2024). New Hampshire pays 16.5% more than the U.S. average for nursing assistants. With 7,190 LNAs employed in the state, there's steady demand and consistent work available.
Where you work affects your pay. Hospitals typically offer the highest hourly rates. Long-term care facilities offer the most consistent demand and steady employment year-round. Home health agencies provide more schedule flexibility, which some LNAs value over slightly higher pay.
New Hampshire also has no state income tax. Your $46,050 take-home is higher than the same salary in most neighboring states. That's a real financial advantage.
Be honest with yourself about cost of living, though. Housing costs in southern New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border in communities like Nashua and Manchester, are elevated. The salary premium is real, but so is the cost of housing in the southern tier. If you're in the North Country or central NH, that cost pressure eases significantly.
CNA pay has been a flashpoint across the country.
"The hospital asked nurses and CNAs/PCTs to donate money"
— Reddit user (1,152 upvotes)
That frustration is real in many states. In New Hampshire, the numbers are better. $46,050 is $6,520 above the national average, and NH charges no state income tax. That combination doesn't exist in most states.
For regional context, you can compare NH's figure against CNA salaries in Maine to see how the New England market stacks up.
If you want to earn more, NH offers specific pathways to advance beyond the LNA role.
Career Advancement: LNA to RN in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a career step most states don't: the Medication Nursing Assistant (MNA). This is an advanced credential exclusive to NH's nursing assistant career ladder.
Here's the full advancement pathway from LNA to RN in New Hampshire:
| Role | Training Required | Prerequisite | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| LNA | 100 hours | None | 4-12 weeks |
| MNA | 60 additional hours | 2 years LNA experience | ~2 weeks |
| LPN | 12-18 months | None (LNA experience helps) | 1-1.5 years |
| RN | 12-24 months (bridge) | LPN or direct entry | 1-2 additional years |
The MNA credential lets you administer certain medications to residents in long-term care facilities under nurse supervision, a task regular LNAs cannot perform. It requires 60 hours of training and 2 years of LNA experience. LNA Health Careers offers the MNA program at multiple NH locations. The credential increases your earning potential without committing to a full nursing degree.
The LPN pathway is available at many of the same community colleges where you started as an LNA. Manchester Community College, River Valley Community College, and NHTI (Concord's Community College) all offer LPN programs. Typical timeline is 12 to 18 months. Your LNA experience gives you patient care context that LPN-only students don't have going in.
The RN pathway is accessible through bridge programs at NH community colleges and the University of NH. LNA experience strengthens nursing school applications and shortens your clinical learning curve.
If RN is your end goal, LNA experience gives you a head start that nursing-school-only students don't have.
"Things I wish I knew before I started working as an RN"
— Reddit user (564 upvotes)
That hindsight from practicing RNs consistently points to the same thing: hands-on patient care experience before nursing school makes you a better nurse. Your LNA time counts.
To understand more about why becoming a CNA in New Hampshire pays off down the road, that page covers the career case in more depth.
Those are the most common advancement paths. For answers to other common questions about becoming an LNA in New Hampshire, keep reading.
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