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CNA Classes in Nevada

Find Accredited CNA Classes in Nevada

Training Hours

State-approved CNA programs require a minimum of 75 hours to qualify for certification.

Program Costs

CNA Training costs range from free to $1,700+, with financial aid or employer support at some schools.

CNA Salary

Certified Nursing Assistants in Nevada earn an average annual salary of $43,420 based on the latest data.

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This page is backed by trusted sources, including state agencies and labor data reports.

A Fulfilling Career with Real Impact

Why Become a CNA in Nevada?

Nevada’s healthcare sector is experiencing remarkable growth, creating abundant opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants across the state. With over 7,730 CNAs currently employed and job growth projected at 11% by 2026, qualified caregivers are in high demand throughout Nevada’s diverse healthcare facilities. The state’s aging population, with over 16% of residents now 65 or older, drives consistent need for compassionate healthcare support. As a CNA in Nevada, you’ll earn competitive wages averaging $20.29 per hour ($43,420 annually), significantly higher than the national average of $17.41 per hour. From bustling Las Vegas medical centers to rural community clinics, your skills as a CNA will be valued, rewarded, and provide a solid foundation for a fulfilling healthcare career.

CNA sitting and smiling with elderly man in wheelchair outdoors with desert landscaping and mountain views
Competitive Wages in a Growing Industry

Nevada values its CNAs with compensation that reflects their essential role in healthcare delivery:

  • The average annual salary of $43,420 exceeds the national average by nearly 20%
  • Top-earning CNAs (90th percentile) can make up to $60,880 annually
  • Regional variations create opportunities to maximize earnings, with urban areas like Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise offering premium wages
  • Per diem positions in cities like Henderson and Carson City provide flexibility with higher hourly rates
Critical Demand Across Urban and Rural Settings

Nevada’s healthcare sector faces significant staffing challenges that translate to excellent job prospects for CNAs:

  • The state has a lower concentration of CNAs compared to the national average, indicating significant room for workforce growth
  • Rural regions experience acute shortages of certified professionals, creating opportunities for those willing to work in underserved areas
  • Diverse employment settings include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers
  • Las Vegas and Reno offer specialized roles such as pediatric care or emergency room support
Medicaid Expansion Supporting Long-Term Care

Nevada’s healthcare policy initiatives have created a stable environment for CNA careers:

  • The state implemented Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, increasing access to healthcare services
  • This policy change has indirectly boosted demand for CNAs by expanding patient eligibility for long-term care services
  • State workforce development programs aim to address shortages in healthcare professions through subsidized training
  • The regulatory framework overseen by the Nevada State Board of Nursing ensures professional accountability while maintaining high-quality care standards
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Start Exploring CNA Training Options Near You
School NameTelephoneStreetCityStateZip CodeCostDurationDetails Page
Great Basin College(775) 327-23091500 College PkwyElkoNV89801$900 - $1,0006 WeeksView Details
College of Southern Nevada Henderson Campus(702) 651-58856375 West Charleston Blvd.Las VegasNV89146$1,695One SemesterView Details
Everything You need to get a cnA certification in Nevada

How to Become a CNA in Nevada

Starting a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Nevada provides an accessible pathway into healthcare with strong earning potential. The Nevada State Board of Nursing credentials CNAs throughout the state, with approximately 30 approved training programs available across Nevada.

Nevada CNA programs require a minimum of 75 hours of training, with costs typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 depending on the provider. Most programs can be completed in 6 weeks to a year, with CNAs in Nevada earning an average of $21.29 per hour or approximately $43,420 annually—among the highest in the nation. Follow these steps to begin your journey as a Nevada CNA.

1) Eligibility Requirements for CNA Training in Nevada

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Nevada, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be in good physical health
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • Must complete required health screenings:
    • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
    • Up-to-date immunization record
    • Physical examination confirming ability to perform essential job functions

The background check is particularly important as it helps ensure patient safety. While specific disqualifying offenses aren’t detailed in state regulations, healthcare facilities typically screen for violent crimes, abuse, and drug-related convictions.

2) CNA Training Hour Requirements in Nevada

Nevada requires comprehensive training that meets federal OBRA requirements:

  • Total of 75 hours minimum training required:
    • 60 hours of theory and learning skills in a laboratory setting
    • 15 hours of supervised clinical training

The curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills including:

  • Basic nursing care
  • Infection control
  • Patient safety
  • Communication
  • Resident rights
  • Personal care
  • Vital signs monitoring

All programs must have at least one clinical site with a signed clinical agreement, and all training facilities require a site inspection before approval. Programs can be completed in as little as 6 weeks or as long as a year, with some beginning at the high school level.

3) Complete an Accredited CNA Training Program in Nevada

Nevada offers approximately 30 state-approved CNA training programs across the state:

  • Programs are available through:
    • Community colleges
    • Vocational schools
    • Hospitals
    • Long-term care facilities

Program instructors must be licensed nurses in Nevada with at least 1 year of nursing experience and have completed a course on teaching adults or have verifiable experience teaching adults.

Private programs that charge fees and are not associated with colleges or long-term care facilities also need Commission on Postsecondary Education (CPE) approval. In facility-based programs, training may be performed under general supervision of the director of nursing.

When selecting a program, consider factors like location, schedule flexibility, cost, and whether the program offers job placement assistance to find the best fit for your situation.

4) Pass the CNA Certification Exam in Nevada

After completing your training, you must pass the competency examination administered by Headmaster LLP/D&S Diversified Technologies:

  • The exam consists of two components:
    • Knowledge test: Multiple-choice questions in English with a 2-hour time limit
    • Skills evaluation: Performance of 5 randomly selected skills from a list of 34 skills within 30 minutes
  • Application process:
    • Submit application via the Nevada Nurse Portal
    • Pay the $50 application fee (payable via credit/debit card)
    • Schedule examination by calling Headmaster LLP at 1-800-393-8664
  • Testing requirements:
    • Must perform 4 of the 5 skills correctly to pass the skills portion
    • Oral exam option available (60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions)
    • Special arrangements for disabilities can be requested in advance
    • Both portions are administered on the same day

You can retake the exam twice if you fail. After three failed attempts, you must retrain before attempting a fourth time. Your certificate will arrive 4-6 weeks after passing the exam.

5) Register with the Nevada CNA Registry

The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Nevada:

  • All nurse aides must register in the Credential Management System
  • The Nevada State Board of Nursing credentials the state’s Certified Nursing Assistants
  • A registered CNA must graduate from an accredited program and have an active license

With your Nevada CNA certification, you’ll be qualified to work in various healthcare settings across the state, with excellent earning potential as Nevada ranks among the top-paying states for CNAs with an average annual salary of $43,420.

For additional information or assistance, contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing Las Vegas Office at (702) 486-5800 or [email protected], or visit their website at www.nevadanursingboard.org.

Ready to Start CNA Training in Nevada?

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to take the first one. Use our directory to find accredited CNA programs near you and begin your training with confidence.

Explore Accredited CNA Programs in Nevada
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Registry, Renewal, & Reciprocity Info

Key Nevada CNA Certification Contacts & Guidelines

Nevada offers excellent opportunities for CNAs with competitive wages averaging $21.00 per hour and a growing healthcare landscape that serves the state’s diverse population. This comprehensive resource hub connects you with essential Nevada-specific tools to help maintain your certification, find employment, and advance your career in the Silver State’s expanding healthcare sector where CNAs play a vital role in patient care.

Nevada Nurse Aide Registry

The Nevada State Board of Nursing manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in Nevada.

Contact Information:

The registry provides services such as:

  • Verifying certification status
  • Processing renewal applications
  • Handling license transfers
  • Investigating complaints
  • Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Nevada Nursing Board’s verification portal: https://nvbn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup 

Certification Renewal in Nevada

Maintaining your CNA certification in Nevada requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

  • Certification validity: 24 months
  • Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
  • Employment requirement: Must complete at least 40 hours of work as a CNA within the 24-month certification period
  • Continuing education: Must complete 24 hours of continuing education within the 2-year certification period
  • Renewal process:
    • Submit renewal application online through the Nevada State Board of Nursing portal
    • Provide verification of employment and continuing education
    • Pay the renewal fee ($50)
  • Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal forms and detailed instructions, visit: https://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CNA-Renewal-FAQ.pdf 

CNA Reciprocity in Nevada

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Nevada, follow these steps for reciprocity:

  • Verify current certification in your original state
  • Complete the Nevada Nursing Assistant Application for Endorsement
  • Submit required documentation:
    • Copy of your current CNA certification
    • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
    • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
    • State-issued ID or driver’s license
    • Social Security card
    • Criminal background check results
    • Pay the application fee ($50)
  • Mail your application and documents to the Nevada State Board of Nursing

Allow 4-6 weeks for processing. Nevada may require additional training if your original program doesn’t meet state standards.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://nevadanursingboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CNA-By-Endorsement-Requirements.pdf

Continuing Education Opportunities

Nevada requires 4 hours of continuing education for CNA renewal. Here are resources to help you meet these requirements:

Education Providers:

Answers to Common CNA Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in Nevada

Can you take the CNA test without classes in Nevada?

No, you cannot take the CNA test without completing approved training in Nevada. The state requires all candidates to complete a state-approved training program before being eligible to sit for the certification exam. There are no testing-only options or experience substitutions allowed under Nevada regulations. Even healthcare professionals with related experience must complete the formal CNA training program to qualify for the certification examination.

Can I get my CNA online in Nevada?

You cannot complete your entire CNA training online in Nevada. While some programs may offer theoretical portions through distance learning, Nevada requires hands-on clinical training that must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities. The state mandates a minimum of 75 hours of training, including substantial supervised clinical experience, which cannot be fulfilled virtually. Any program advertising fully online CNA certification in Nevada would not meet state requirements for licensure.

How long is a Nevada CNA license good for?

A Nevada CNA license remains valid for two years from the date of issuance. To maintain active status, you must work at least 8 hours as a nursing assistant during the 24-month period and complete any required continuing education. If your certification expires, you’ll need to either retake both the written and skills exams or complete a state-approved reactivation program to reinstate your license, depending on how long it has been inactive.

What disqualifies you from being a CNA in Nevada?

Certain criminal convictions can disqualify you from becoming a CNA in Nevada, particularly those involving abuse, neglect, or violent crimes. The Nevada State Board of Nursing conducts mandatory background checks, and convictions for patient abuse, theft, drug offenses, or fraud may prevent certification. Additionally, providing false information on your application, failing to complete the required training hours, or not passing both portions of the competency evaluation will result in disqualification.

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