Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. While fully online CNA classes are not allowed due to state regulations requiring in-person clinical components, hybrid programs are available. These programs combine online coursework with required hands-on training, providing flexibility while ensuring you meet state requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about online CNA classes, including state-specific rules and where to find accredited hybrid programs.

Can CNA classes be done online?

No, CNA classes cannot be done fully online. Although the theory portion of the CNA course can be completed online, every state mandates in-person clinical training hours. These hands-on clinical hours, typically ranging from 25 to 100 hours depending on the state, are an essential part of the certification process.

The exception is Florida, where you can challenge the CNA exam without taking a formal class, provided you pass the exam independently. However, this is a rare exception, and the vast majority of states require both online and in-person components to become certified.

You may see some schools that advertise themselves as online. These schools are actually hybrid programs, where the theory portion is done online and the clinical portion is done in-person.

Where to Find Online CNA Classes

Dreambound is a leading platform for finding accredited hybrid CNA programs. It offers a convenient way for students to compare vocational training programs that include online coursework. Dreambound ensures that all listed programs are accredited and allows you to filter options based on distance, program length, and other factors.

Here are some examples of hybrid programs:

Northeast Medical Institute - New Haven Campus

• Location: 270 Amity Rd, Woodbridge, CT 06525. Other locations in Hartford, CT; Stamford, CT; Waterbury, CT.
• Format: Hybrid self-paced online format, allowing you to study at your own pace
• Length: 11 days long, 42 classroom hours, 27 lab hours, and 33 clinical hours
• Cost: $500 to start, $1,200 total

Williams Career School of Excellence

• Location: 300 CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Cost: $725 to start, $1,450 total
• Requirements: No high school diploma required, must be at least 16
• Job Placement Assistance is provided to support your transition into the workforce.

How to become a CNA online

1. Choose an Accredited Hybrid Program

Select a program that is recognized by the state's nursing board to ensure that your certification will be valid. Each state has a database for you to look at, or you can search via Dreambound's search engine.

Take the time to read reviews and compare different programs to find the one that best fits your needs and schedule. Remember, there are no fully-online CNA programs approved anywhere in the US, other than slight exceptions in Florida. There must be an in-person clinical component, which is required by federal law. But, the theory portion can be done online. The slight exception is Florida, which doesn't require you take a class at all as long as you can pass the exam.

2. Meet the Prerequisites

Most CNA programs require a background check and a TB test. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of certain immunizations and a physical exam confirming you can lift 50 pounds. While many vocational schools do not require a high school diploma, most community colleges will ask for a GED or high school diploma.

3. Complete the Theory Portion Online

After enrolling in your chosen hybrid program, you will complete the theoretical coursework online. This will include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, infection control, and patient care. Many online courses feature videos, interactive lessons, and quizzes to help reinforce your understanding. Some programs are self-paced, while others may have set dates for completion.

4. Complete In-Person Clinical Training

In addition to the online coursework, you will also need to complete a certain number of clinical hours to obtain your CNA certification, which will depend on the state. All states require at least 16 hours of training, with some states like California require at least 100 hours.

Clinical training takes place in a nursing home under the supervision of a nurse. It provides hands-on experience in a healthcare setting and allows you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the online coursework.

Programs are required to have a partner clinical site in order to operate, so be sure to ask your school where your clinical site is located before enrolling.

5. Take the CNA Certification Exam

Once you have completed the required coursework and clinical training, you will be eligible to take the CNA certification exam. The exam is usually administered by a third-party testing agency approved by the state's nursing board, such as Prometric or PearsonVue. It consists of a multiple-choice portion and a skills demonstration portion.

The multiple-choice portion of the exam will test your knowledge of nursing concepts and procedures. You will generally need to score above 80%, although specific cutoffs vary per state.

The skills demonstration portion will require you to perform a set of essential nursing skills in front of an evaluator. Usually you will be asked to perform 3 skills procedures. It is important to review the exam content and practice your skills to ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Many states will allow you to work as a provisional CNA for a few months before you pass the exam. Almost all states will also allow you to take the test up to 3 times before you need to retake your class.

6. Obtain State Certification

After passing the exam, you’ll need to submit an application to your state’s nursing board to receive your official CNA certification. This involves providing proof of completing the state-approved program and clinical hours. Once your application is approved, you will receive your CNA certification from the state's nursing board. This certification will allow you to work as a CNA in a healthcare facility within the state.

Similar programs to CNA

If you're looking for a fully-online program, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Online Phlebotomy classes: Phlebotomy is the most popular program among Dreambound users who are also considering CNA. Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood, which CNAs are not allowed to do. Phlebotomy programs are of a similar price and length to CNA classes, but they are allowed to be more online than CNA classes are. You just need to do a few live blood draws on a person before your certification exam.
• Online Patient Care Technician classes: CNA, Phlebotomy, and EKG all in one, so PCTs are more skilled than CNAs. For some reason it's less popular of a certification but we highly recommend it, especially if you want to work at a hospital.
• Online Medical Assistant classes: Also very popular among Dreambound users considering CNA. Medical Assistants are paid better and do more clinical work, but the program is longer and more expensive.
• Online Medical Billing and Coding classes: If you like the more administrative side of healthcare, we highly recommend medical billing and coding. It's a fast-paced job that allows you to work from home while also getting involved in the medical field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the fastest you can become a CNA?

Accelerated CNA programs can help you become a CNA in as little as 1.5 weeks. However, some states like California require at least 150 hours of training, so these will take at least 4 weeks and usually are longer. Read more on cheapest and fastest CNA programs.

What do most CNAs make per hour?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that CNAs make on average $38,130 per year, or $18.33 per hour. Pay may vary depending on location, healthcare facility, and experience.

Which is harder, CNA or RN?

RNs require significantly more training and clinical skills than CNAs, typically completing 2-4 years of education. CNAs are trained in a few weeks to assist with basic patient care. However, both are difficult roles that require fast-paced and very physical work. Read more on CNAs vs RNs.

Which is harder, CNA or LPN?

LPNs have more clinical responsibilities than CNAs and require 1-2 years of training. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but LPNs have a higher level of clinical skills. However, both are difficult roles that require fast-paced and very physical work. Read more on CNAs vs LPNs.

What's the difference between a CNA and RNA?

RNAs are CNAs that take additional coursework to specialize in restorative care. There are no state or federal regulations around RNAs.

What's the difference between a CNA and STNA?

Ohio has a special name for CNAs called STNAs (state-tested nursing assistants). They are the same. Read how to become an STNA.

Other Resources

If you’re considering becoming a CNA in different states, Dreambound offers state-specific guides:

• How to Become a CNA in California
• How to Become a CNA in Florida
• How to Become a CNA in Illinois
• How to Become a CNA in New York
• How to Become a CNA in Pennsylvania
• How to Become a CNA in Texas

Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

• Become a CNA in 3 easy steps
• CNA classes near me
• Become a CNA in High School