Key Points

• CNA training programs can be completed in 3 to 8 weeks.
• Typical tuition ranges from $800 to over $3,000, but free and employer-sponsored options are common.
• CNAs earn a national median salary of $39,530 per year ($19.84 per hour).
• You must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam.
• Financial aid, employer sponsorships, and free programs are available in many states.

Fastest CNA Programs

If you want to begin working quickly, look for accelerated CNA programs that combine classroom learning and clinical practice in as little as 3 to 4 weeks.

Program duration:

• 3 to 8 weeks (full-time)
• 8 to 12 weeks (part-time or hybrid)

Course format:

• In-person, hybrid, or online theory with local clinicals
• Offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or healthcare facilities

Training focus:

• Basic nursing skills
• Infection control and safety
• Patient mobility and personal care
• Communication and teamwork

Federal regulations require at least 75 total training hours, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training. However, many states set higher standards. For example, Wisconsin requires a 120-hour program with at least 32 clinical hours.

Compare fast-track CNA programs near you through Dreambound and find accredited options that fit your schedule.

Understanding CNA Program Costs

CNA program costs vary by state and provider, but affordable options are widely available.

Average CNA Program Tuition:

• Community colleges: $800–$2,000
• Vocational or technical schools: $1,000–$3,000
• Red Cross or hospital-based programs: $1,200–$1,800

Additional Expenses:

• Textbooks and uniforms: $100–$250
• State exam and certification fees: $100–$200. For example, California's initial exam costs $120 for the written test or $135 for the oral version.
• Background check and health screening: $50–$100. A Live Scan background check in California costs $49 in government fees plus a provider fee of $20 to $50.

If you're looking for accredited and affordable CNA programs in your area, explore these guides:

• CNA classes near me in Los Angeles
• CNA classes near me in New York
• CNA classes near me in Seattle
• CNA classes near me in Cleveland
• CNA classes near me in Houston

How to Get Free or Low-Cost CNA Training

Even low-cost CNA programs can be made more affordable through financial aid or reimbursement.

Ways to Lower Your Cost:

• Employer-sponsored training: Many hospitals and nursing homes cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
• State programs: Look for workforce development grants or tuition waivers in your state.
• Federal aid: Apply for FAFSA or Pell Grants if you enroll in a program at an accredited college. Scholarships and local grants: Check with healthcare associations and nonprofit organizations for available funding.

Visit Dreambound’s Guide to Education Funding to learn how to apply for assistance.

Job Outlook and Career Path for CNAs

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% employment growth for nursing assistants through 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to create about 211,800 openings each year, driven by an aging population and rising demand for long-term care.

While the national median wage is $39,530, earnings vary by location. States like Alaska offer higher average pay, with an annual mean wage of $48,550.

CNA certification also serves as a strong foundation for advancing your career to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).