Community College of Rhode Island CNA Program

Looking to start a rewarding healthcare career in Rhode Island? The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that prepares you to become a vital member of the healthcare field. This Rhode Island Department of Health-approved course combines essential classroom theory with hands-on clinical experience, giving you the skills and confidence needed to provide compassionate patient care. Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or making a career change, CCRI’s CNA program in Warwick, RI provides the foundation you need to succeed in this in-demand profession.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 160 hours (combined total of lecture, skills lab, and clinical)
• Cost of Program: FREE for employee-sponsored or grant-funded seats OR $1,400 for open enrollment (includes $10 non-refundable registration fee, textbook, workbook, blood pressure cuff, and stethoscope)
• Accreditation: Rhode Island Department of Health-approved course
• CNA Program Schedule: Varies by cohort; upcoming Community First Hybrid cohort offers evening classes

CNA Training Structure

• Classroom Learning The program includes comprehensive lecture components covering essential nursing assistant skills. For the upcoming Community First Hybrid PM/Evening Cohort (April 15 – July 21, 2025), online lectures are scheduled for Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
• Clinical Experience Students participate in hands-on clinical training to apply their skills in real healthcare settings. In the upcoming cohort, clinical hours are scheduled from 4:00 – 10:00 pm at locations to be determined.
• Exam Preparation The program is designed to prepare students for the state certification examination. Students will develop practical skills through in-person lab sessions. For the upcoming cohort, labs are scheduled on Tuesdays from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at CCRI campuses in Lincoln, Providence, and Newport.

Admission Requirements

Please contact the program directly for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

The program requires prospective students to complete a reading assessment (CASAS pre-test). Your CASAS pre-test score is valid for one year from the test date.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The program offers flexible scheduling options with different cohorts throughout the year. The upcoming Community First Hybrid PM/Evening Cohort runs from April 15 – July 21, 2025, with:

• Online lectures: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
• In-person labs: Tuesdays from 5:00 – 9:00 pm at CCRI campuses (Lincoln, Providence, and Newport)
• Clinical hours: 4:00 – 10:00 pm at locations to be determined

A Fall 2025 Community First Hybrid cohort is also being planned, with details coming soon.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

• Program tuition fees:
  • FREE for employee-sponsored opportunities or grant-funded seats (such as Community First funded cohorts)
  • $1,400 for open enrollment (includes $10 non-refundable registration fee)
• Additional expenses: Included in the program cost are the textbook, workbook, blood pressure cuff, and stethoscope
• Financial assistance opportunities:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants may qualify for tuition and fee assistance
  • Various grant-funded seats are available through programs like Community First

How to Apply

To apply for the CCRI CNA program, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Division of Workforce Partnerships inquiry form (DWIF) through the Program Inquiry Form
2. Within two weeks, you’ll receive an email from [email protected] with the CNA Program specific inquiry form (CPSIF)
3. After completing the CPSIF, you’ll receive instructions to register for the CASAS pre-test reading assessment
4. Once steps 1-3 are completed, your name will be added to the waitlist and you’ll be contacted when a seat is available

Note that completing these steps does not guarantee a seat in grant-funded or employee-sponsored cohorts. Students interested in self-pay open enrollment will receive a seat upon payment for the course.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution name: Community College of Rhode Island
• Address: 400 East Ave., Warwick, RI 02886-1807
• Phone Number: 401-825-1214
• Email: [email protected] for general inquiries or [email protected] for program-specific inquiries
• Website: Please visit the CCRI website for more information

Workforce offices are located at:

• Flanagan Campus (Lincoln): 2nd Floor
• Liston Campus (Providence): Room 1154
• Knight Campus (Warwick): Room 4200

Additional Resources

Students in the CNA program will need the following supplies (included in the program cost):

• Blood pressure cuff
• Stethoscope
• Textbook and workbook

For SNAP participants interested in tuition assistance:

• Complete the required SNAP ET Form
• Submit it to the designated email or online portal
• Do not pay for the pretest until this form is processed

Summary and Next Steps

The Community College of Rhode Island CNA program offers an excellent pathway to begin your healthcare career. With its Department of Health approval and comprehensive 160-hour curriculum, the program thoroughly prepares you for success as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Rhode Island. The flexible scheduling options, including evening and hybrid formats, make it accessible for busy adults and career changers. Best of all, grant-funded opportunities through Community First and employee sponsorships may make this valuable training available at no cost to qualified applicants.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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