CNA Classes in Rhode Island
Start your CNA career in Rhode Island with confidence. Explore accredited CNA classes, certification requirements, and career opportunities across the state.
Training Hours
State-approved CNA programs require a minimum of 120 hours to qualify for certification.
Program Costs
CNA Training costs range from free to $1,450+, with financial aid or employer support at some schools.
CNA Salary
Certified Nursing Assistants in Rhode Island earn an average annual salary of $43,390 based on the latest data.
Verified Sources
This page is backed by trusted sources, including state agencies and labor data reports.
Why Become a CNA in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, creating abundant job opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants across the state. With 14,444 total CNA openings projected between 2022-2032 and 944 new positions being created during this period, qualified caregivers are in high demand throughout Rhode Island’s diverse healthcare facilities. As the state’s 75+ population is expected to increase by 60% between 2025 and 2040, reaching 150,910 people (14% of the population), the need for compassionate care professionals continues to rise. CNAs in Rhode Island earn competitive wages averaging $21.43 per hour ($43,390 annually), well above the national average, with hourly rates ranging from $15.54 to $27.07 depending on experience and location.
Find & Compare CNA Classes in Rhode Island
You’ve learned why becoming a CNA is a smart move — now explore training options near you. Use the ZIP code search or browse our regularly updated list of accredited CNA programs in Rhode Island to compare costs, durations, and locations. We review this directory frequently to ensure accuracy, and all programs listed are verified through official school and state sources.
| School Name | Telephone | Street | City | State | Zip Code | Cost | Duration | Details Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston Adult Learning Center | (401) 270-8166 | 83 Rolfe Square | Cranston | RI | 02910 | $850 | 15 Weeks | View Details |
| Community College of Rhode Island | (401) 333-7000 | 400 East Ave. | Warwick | RI | 02886 | $1,400 | Contact for Detail | View Details |
| Brown University | (401) 444-3500 | 167 Point St | Providence | RI | 02912 | Free | Contact for Detail | View Details |
Disclaimer: Program costs, class schedules, and durations listed are based on information publicly available from each school’s official website at the time of publication. Details may change without notice. We recommend contacting the school directly to confirm the most accurate and up-to-date information. CNAClasses.com is not affiliated with the programs listed and does not guarantee pricing, availability, or course details. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, please contact us so we can make updates.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We’ll walk you through every step — from CNA classes to certification.
How to Become a CNA in Rhode Island
Starting a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Rhode Island provides an accessible pathway into healthcare with strong job stability. The Rhode Island Department of Health manages the certification process, with testing administered by Credentia through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Rhode Island CNA programs require 120 hours of training, with costs typically ranging from $800 to $1,500 depending on the provider. Most programs can be completed in 4-8 weeks, with CNAs in Rhode Island earning an average of $21.39 per hour or approximately $43,390 annually according to the latest data. Follow these steps to begin your journey as a Rhode Island CNA.
1) Eligibility Requirements for CNA Training in Rhode Island
Before enrolling in a CNA program in Rhode Island, you must meet several prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Must pass a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office
- Cannot have disqualifying criminal convictions
- Cannot have any rulings against you from other state registries or licensing boards
- Must complete required health screenings (specific requirements vary by program)
The background check is particularly important as it helps ensure patient safety. You’ll need to obtain the original BCI with stamp and seal from the Attorney General’s Office to submit with your application.
2) CNA Training Hour Requirements in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has established training standards that all nursing assistant programs must follow:
- Total of 120 clock hours required:
- 80 hours of classroom instruction (didactic training)
- 40 hours of practical training integrated with classroom topics
- The didactic portion (80 hours) can be offered online via the internet
- If online training is used for the didactic portion, the 40 hours of practical training must be provided by the employing facility
- Curriculum follows federal standards covering essential nursing assistant skills
All training must be completed through programs approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Programs typically take 4-8 weeks to complete, with some accelerated options available.
3) Complete an Accredited CNA Training Program in Rhode Island
Selecting a quality training program approved by the Rhode Island Department of Health will prepare you for success:
- Programs are available through various approved providers:
- Community colleges
- Technical schools
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Long-term care facilities
Program costs vary by provider but typically include:
- Tuition ($800-$1,500)
- Textbooks and study materials
- Background check fees
- Uniform costs
- Medical requirements like TB tests
Financial assistance options include:
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
- Employer-sponsored training (some facilities offer free training with employment commitment)
- Payment plans offered by many training providers
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 Rhode Island
After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Credentia:
- The exam consists of two parts:
- Written test: Taken online
- Skills test: Performed at a Regional Testing location in Rhode Island
- Important exam details:
- You have one year from the start of your training to pass the examination
- You’re given three opportunities to successfully complete both components
- After three unsuccessful attempts, you must repeat the nursing assistant training program
Credentia provides helpful resources to prepare for the exam, including a practice exam and manual that can be downloaded from their website. For questions regarding the exam, contact the Credentia Call Center at 800-274-2900.
5) Register with the Rhode Island CNA Registry
The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Rhode Island:
- Submit application to the Rhode Island Department of Health:
- Completed application with cover page
- $35.00 application fee (non-refundable)
- Copy of Driver’s License or State-issued ID
- Original BCI with stamp and seal from the RI Attorney General’s Office
- Processing typically takes a minimum of 8 weeks for the entire licensure process
- Applications are valid for a 1-year period
- If applying while currently in a training program, a 120-day temporary permit is issued (no extensions granted)
Ready to Start CNA Training in Rhode Island?
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.
Key Rhode Island CNA Certification Contacts & Guidelines
Rhode Island offers excellent opportunities for CNAs with competitive wages averaging $21.00 per hour and a growing healthcare sector that serves the state’s aging population. This comprehensive resource hub connects you with essential Rhode Island-specific tools to help maintain your certification, find employment, and advance your career in the Ocean State’s diverse healthcare landscape where CNAs play a vital role in patient care.
Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry
The Rhode Island Department of Health manages the state’s Nurse Aide Registry, which is your primary resource for certification matters in Rhode Island.
Contact Information:
- Website: https://health.ri.gov/nursing-assistant
- Phone: (401) 222-5888
- Email: [email protected]
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 Rhode Island Department of Health License Lookup portal: https://healthri.mylicense.com/verification
Certification Renewal in Rhode Island
Maintaining your CNA certification in Rhode Island requires adherence to specific guidelines:
Renewal Requirements:
- Certification validity: 24 months
- Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
- Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
- Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
- Renewal process:
- Submit renewal application online through the Rhode Island Department of Health portal
- Provide verification of employment
- Pay the renewal fee ($40)
- 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://healthri.mylicense.com/
CNA Reciprocity in Rhode Island
If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Rhode Island, follow these steps for reciprocity:
- Verify current certification in your original state
- Complete the Rhode Island Nurse Assistant Endorsement Application
- 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 ($35)
- Mail your application and documents to the Rhode Island Department of Health
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Rhode Island does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.
For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://health.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur1006/files/applications/NursingAssistantEndorsement.pdf
Continuing Education Opportunities
While Rhode Island doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:
Education Providers:
- Community College of Rhode Island
- Website: https://www.ccri.edu/
- Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
- Rhode Island Health Care Association
- Website: https://www.rihca.com/
- Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
- American Red Cross of Rhode Island
- Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/rhode-island.html
- Provides healthcare training and certification courses
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CNA in Rhode Island
No, you cannot take the CNA test without completing approved training in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island regulations. Even healthcare professionals with related experience must complete the formal CNA training program to qualify for the certification examination.
A CNA license in Rhode Island 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.
You cannot complete your entire CNA training online in Rhode Island. While some programs may offer theoretical portions through distance learning, Rhode Island requires hands-on clinical training that must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities. The state mandates a minimum of 100 hours of training, including substantial supervised clinical experience, which cannot be fulfilled virtually. Any program advertising fully online CNA certification in Rhode Island would not meet state requirements for licensure.
No, you do not need a high school diploma or GED to become a CNA in Rhode Island. While some training programs may require a diploma as an admission requirement, the Rhode Island Department of Health does not mandate this for state certification. The essential requirements focus on completing an approved training program, passing the competency evaluation, and clearing a criminal background check rather than prior educational credentials.
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