Calhoun Community College CNA Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program at Calhoun Community College in Huntsville, Alabama prepares students to provide direct patient care across various healthcare settings. This comprehensive 6-week program is designed for those looking to start their healthcare career or establish a foundation for advancing to LPN or RN roles. Whether you’re a career changer, recent graduate, or someone with a passion for helping others, CNA training at Calhoun gives you valuable hands-on experience in patient care. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the state board exam, become certified, and be listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.

Calhoun’s CNA program combines classroom learning with clinical rotations to give you the skills and confidence needed in this high-demand profession. If you’re considering certified nursing assistant classes in Huntsville, this program offers the perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to launch your healthcare career.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Cost of Program: $899 (includes textbook and one set of scrubs)
• Accreditation: The Nursing Assistant Curriculum at Calhoun Community College is approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for more information about pass rates
• CNA Program Schedule: Evening classes (5:30 pm – 9:30 pm) Monday through Thursday for the first 5 weeks, with clinicals scheduled during the 6th week

CNA Training Structure

Classroom Learning

The Calhoun CNA program fulfills the seventy-five (75) hour Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) requirements for training of long-term care nursing assistants. The curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for long-term care. The program prepares students to work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and give direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Clinical Experience

The program includes a 20-hour clinical rotation at a long-term care facility. Clinical rotations are scheduled during the last week of class (6th week), Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This hands-on experience allows students to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom in a real healthcare environment under supervision.

Exam Preparation

The program prepares students for the state board exam for nursing assistant certification. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to sit for the state certification exam and become listed on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. The state certification exam costs $85 and is held in the Health Sciences building on the Decatur campus.

Admission Requirements

The Calhoun CNA program has the following admission requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age to enroll in the program
• Complete a 2-part TB skin test or chest x-ray (documentation must be submitted by the specified deadline)
• Pass a background check and drug screen (process discussed on the first night of class)
• Meet all requirements and submit documentation by the deadline to continue in the class

For dual enrollment students (high school):

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Counselor approval
• Interest in a healthcare career

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements if you need additional information.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Calhoun Community College CNA program offers:

• Regular CNA Program:
  • Classes: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm for the first 5 weeks
  • Clinical Rotations: 6th week, Monday through Friday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • Location: Huntsville-Research Park Site
  • Class size: Limited to 12 students
• Dual Enrollment CNA Program (for high school students):
  • Classes: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 am – 9:00 am
  • Location: Decatur Campus
  • Includes EMS 100 (CPR) certification

The current session is scheduled for August 19, 2024 – September 27, 2024. The evening schedule makes this program accessible for working adults or students with daytime commitments.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

Program Tuition Fee

• Course Fee: $899 (includes textbook and one set of scrubs)

Additional Expenses

Students are responsible for the following costs (estimated):

• 2-Part TB skin test (documentation required by specified deadline)
• Background check and drug screen (fees not specified)
• State Certification Exam Fee: $85

Financial Assistance Opportunities

• Funding options are available (visit the CNA funding options page for details)
• Dual enrollment students may be eligible for Workforce Scholarship funding

For specific details about financial assistance options, please contact the program directly.

How to Apply

To enroll in the Calhoun Community College CNA program:

1. Click on the registration button on the program website, register, and pay for the program
   • If you are funding through WIOA, a Sallie Mae Loan, or a scholarship, contact the CWS Healthcare office at 256-306-2515
2. You will receive a confirmation email (keep this as your receipt)
3. You will then receive an email from [email protected] with a video on the program requirements, paperwork, and other relevant information
4. Review the video and submit all required paperwork by the deadline listed in the confirmation email

Refund requests must be received in writing by the specified deadline (for the current session, August 2, 2024). Email [email protected] with your request, then call 256-306-2515 to confirm receipt.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Calhoun Community College
• Address:
  • Regular Program: Huntsville-Research Park Site, 102 Wynn Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
  • Dual Enrollment Program: Decatur Campus, 6250 Hwy. 31 North, Tanner, AL 35671
• Phone Number: 256-306-2515 (Diane Bridgewater) or 256-890-4786 (Michelle Gwin)
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Website: https://calhoun.edu/workforce-solutions/healthcare-programs/certified-nursing-assistant-cna-preparation-training-program/

Additional Resources

For additional information about the CNA program and related career options:

• CNA Funding Options
• CNA Careers Information – Check out related careers and career data associated with this program

Summary and Next Steps

The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Calhoun Community College in Huntsville, Alabama offers a direct pathway into healthcare careers with high demand. This 6-week program combines evening classes with hands-on clinical experience, preparing you to provide compassionate, skilled care to patients in various healthcare settings.

Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or planning to advance to nursing roles like LPN or RN, the CNA program at Calhoun provides the perfect foundation. With experienced instructors, small class sizes, and state-approved curriculum, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
Compare multiple schools, costs, and start dates near you.