Central Community College CNA Program

Central Community College offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program across multiple Nebraska locations, including Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, and Lexington. This state-approved training prepares students for essential healthcare roles while meeting the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requirements. Whether you’re a career changer seeking stability in healthcare or a young adult starting your medical journey, this program provides the foundation needed to work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and private homes. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to take the Nebraska state competency examination to become a certified nursing assistant.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 76 hours (state-required minimum)
• Cost of Program: $452 (Lexington location)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• State Exam Pass Rate: Contact the program directly for pass rate information
• CNA Program Schedule: Various options including daytime (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), evening (6 – 10 p.m.), and different campus-specific schedules

CNA Training Structure

The CNA program at Central Community College is designed to meet state requirements while preparing students for real-world healthcare settings. Training includes comprehensive preparation for the state competency examination.

• Classroom Learning: The program covers essential nursing assistant skills required by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Students must attend a minimum of 76 hours of training as required by state regulations.
• Clinical Experience: Contact the program directly for specific information about clinical experience requirements.
• Exam Preparation: State testing is administered as part of the class. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take the state competency examination, which consists of both written and skills tests.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in Central Community College’s CNA program and qualify for the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry, you must meet these requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must have no convictions of crime involving moral turpitude
• Must be able to speak and understand English or a language understood by a substantial portion of the healthcare facility population

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements and application process details.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

Central Community College offers CNA training with various scheduling options across multiple locations:

• Daytime Classes:
  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Lexington, Holdrege, Kearney)
  • 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Hastings)
  • 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Grand Island)
  • 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Columbus)
  • 8 – 11 a.m. (Kearney, select sessions)
• Evening Classes:
  • 6 – 10 p.m. (Kearney, Lexington, Holdrege)
  • 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Grand Island)
• Schedule Patterns: Classes typically meet Monday through Thursday, with specific dates varying by location and start time. For example, the Lexington program running June 2-17, 2025 meets Mondays through Thursdays.
• Upcoming Start Dates (2025):
  • June: 2nd (Lexington, Kearney), 23rd (Holdrege, Kearney), 30th (Hastings)
  • July: 14th (Lexington), 21st (Holdrege, Hastings, Kearney)
  • August: 18th (Grand Island, Kearney), 25th (Holdrege, Columbus)
  • September: 2nd (Grand Island, Kearney), 22nd (Lexington)
  • October: 6th (Kearney), 13th (Grand Island), 20th (Kearney)
  • November: 3rd (Holdrege, Columbus), 10th (Lexington)

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

The CNA program at Central Community College is affordably priced:

• Program Tuition: $452 (based on Lexington location)
• Additional Expenses: Contact the program directly for information about textbooks, uniforms, or additional fees
• Financial Assistance: The CCC Foundation manages an endowed fund to award scholarships for students in nursing fields, established through a $1 million donation to meet the growing workforce demand for CNAs and nurses. This donation specifically funds financial assistance for CNA and nursing students at the Kearney Center.

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information for your preferred location.

How to Apply

Early registration is encouraged since class sizes are limited. To apply for the CNA program at Central Community College:

1. Select your preferred campus location and class schedule
2. Contact the Community and Workforce Education office nearest you for registration information
3. Complete any required paperwork and submit payment

For specific application instructions, deadlines, and enrollment periods, please contact the program directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

Central Community College offers CNA training across multiple Nebraska locations:

Columbus Campus

• Address: P.O. Box 1027, 4500 63rd Street, Columbus, NE 68602-1027
• Phone Number: 402-564-7132 or toll-free 1-877-222-0780
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/columbus

Grand Island Campus

• Address: 3134 W. Highway 34, PO Box 4903, Grand Island, NE 68802-4903
• Phone Number: 308-398-4222 or toll-free 1-877-222-0780
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/grandisland

Hastings Campus

• Address: 550 S. Technical Blvd., P.O. Box 1024, Hastings, NE 68902-1024
• Phone Number: 402-463-9811 or toll-free 1-877-222-0780
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/hastings

Holdrege Center

• Address: 1308 2nd St., P.O. Box 856, Holdrege, NE 68949-0856
• Phone Number: 308-995-8133
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/holdrege

Kearney Center

• Address: 1215 30th Ave., P.O. Box 310, Kearney, NE 68848-0310
• Phone Number: 308-338-4000
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/kearney

Lexington Center

• Address: 1501 Plum Creek Pkwy., P.O. Box 827, Lexington, NE 68850-0827
• Phone Number: 308-324-8480
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/lexington

Ord Center

• Address: 1514 K Street, Ord, NE 68862
• Phone Number: 308-728-3299 or toll-free 1-877-222-0780
• Website: www.cccneb.edu/ord

Additional Resources

• Recertification Testing: State competency examination for recertification testing is available at select locations including Holdrege (August 28, November 13), Kearney (September 25), and Lexington (October 23)
• Community Class Search: For the most up-to-date information on upcoming CNA classes, visit www.cccneb.edu/communityclasssearch
• Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry Requirements: Learn more about state requirements at www.cccneb.edu/nurseaide

Summary and Next Steps

Central Community College’s CNA program offers an accessible pathway to a rewarding healthcare career across multiple Nebraska locations. With affordable tuition, flexible scheduling options, and state-approved training, you’ll gain the skills needed to provide compassionate patient care while meeting all Nebraska certification requirements. The growing demand for CNAs in long-term care, hospitals, and assisted living facilities means your training could lead to immediate employment opportunities and serve as a stepping stone to advanced nursing careers.

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