CNA Classes Online: Finding the School for You

Ask Yourself…

You know you want to get into nursing, but you still have questions. These questions may be related to training options or career opportunities or even about working with patients directly. Before you take your first step toward becoming a certified nursing assistant, ask yourself these five questions:

1. Am I comfortable giving hands-on care to patients?
2. Do I have the patience and compassion to help vulnerable individuals?
3. Am I prepared for a fast-paced and physically demanding career?
4. Do I want to use this as a stepping stone to a higher-level nursing career?
5. Am I ready to make this commitment both personally and financially?

How Online CNA Classes Work

Aspiring certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can earn the necessary skills and credentials to test for certification in a matter of weeks or months. A typical program combines both classroom and clinical elements, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to be able to thrive when working with patients.

If you need a more convenient experience, many of today’s schools have added online learning to their CNA curriculum. Online CNA classes focus on the academic portion of the program, but in-person clinical experience will be required to test and gain necessary practice. If a fast and flexible CNA education sounds right for you, we’re here to give you a better idea of the options available. Review three top online CNA programs below.

Find Online CNA Classes in Your State

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More Resources for Online CNA Classes

• 2-Week Online CNA Classes
• 4-Week Online CNA Classes
• Scholarships & Resources for CNA Students
• Online CNA Classes with Financial Aid
• Online CNA Classes with No GED Requirement
• How to Become a CNA
• Most Affordable Online CNA Classes
• Cost Guide for Online CNA Classes

Answers to Online CNA Student FAQs

What’s the fastest you can become a CNA online?

Aspiring certified nursing assistants can earn the necessary skills and credentials in a matter of weeks. Some offer online components that are as short as two or four weeks in duration, which are followed by in-person clinical learning. Other programs combine classroom and clinical elements and last between four and 12 months for a diploma or up to two years for an associate degree.

Can I take CNA classes online for free?

Yes, you’ll find some CNA classes offered for free. Some continuing education or employer training agencies like Job Corps offer them, or alternatively, healthcare systems — such as Northern Light Health — may pay you to take CNA classes before you secure employment. Check employment agencies and healthcare providers to see if free training is available to bridge the CNA gap in your local area.

If you don’t qualify for free programs, explore financial aid, flexible payment programs, and scholarships to help pay for your education.

Where can I take my CNA exam online?

The CNA exam is divided into two sections: written and clinical.

Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, online testing options have become available for the written portion of the CNA certification exam. Students can take up to 90 minutes answering questions on the first section.

In taking the exam, keep in mind that because of its skill-based nature, the 40-minute clinical skills test must still be conducted in person.

Is the CNA exam hard or easy?

The answer to this question depends on the skills and commitment of the individual student. However, if you complete a state-approved CNA training program and spend ample time studying, you’ll likely be well prepared for the exam.

The written portion includes multiple-choice questions that cover nursing care concepts, medical procedures, resident rights, and patient safety. It assesses your theoretical understanding of nursing.

The clinical portion will require you to demonstrate three to six skills. Some of the options include taking vitals, providing dental care, transferring patients to a bed or chair, giving a partial in-bed bath, and making a bed while occupied.

How much does it cost to get your CNA online?

Before enrolling in an online CNA course, you need to be sure you can afford to attend. Every school sets different price points for their classes, so you’ll need to spend time familiarizing yourself with the costs of CNA programs to make an informed decision.

Depending on the type of school, costs can vary considerably. At Johnson County Community College, for example, Kansas students pay $505 total for the five-credit course. Non-residents can pay much more, and students at other schools often pay considerably more — up to thousands of dollars. Tuition rates can vary considerably when looking at public community colleges versus for-profit institutions, so pay close attention to the type of school you wish to attend.

Tuition & Fees for Online CNA Classes

You’ll have direct and indirect costs associated with your program. Of course, students in a hybrid program will need a reliable internet connection and a laptop, which are examples of indirect costs.

Direct costs include tuition and fees, which range widely. Spend time researching the optimal range based on your financial picture.

Some programs include the application and exam fees required for actually receiving certification as a CNA, while others do not. Pay close attention to what the stated amount is used for and whether you might incur additional fees throughout the learning process. Some of the additional items you may need to pay for include a uniform, textbooks, lab/equipment fees, and more.

Below, explore a pair of cost profiles from real programs.

The ‘C’ in CNA: Earning Certification

If you’re hoping to receive certification as a nursing assistant, you must attend a state-approved CNA training program that meets specific requirements. If you fail to attend an approved program, you may not be allowed to sit for the examination.

After you finish your CNA training program, it’s time to study for and schedule the certification exam. The majority of states maintain similar requirements as other locations, but prospective students should review those specific to their state before beginning the process.

While the majority of states require you to be 18 when applying, California, for example, allows 16-year-olds with parental consent to begin the training process. Reach out to your state’s board of nursing for further details.

States set individual passing scores based on the National Standard Setting Study. Because of this, no overarching passing score exists. Applicants to the exam should speak with their state board of nursing to get a better sense of what’s required to receive certification.

Salary & Employment Outlook for Nursing Assistants

Ranking Today’s Best Online CNA Classes

Finding the right online CNA class can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure what makes a program stand out. EduMed’s rankings provide a clearer understanding of the range of options available and serve as a helpful starting point for your own research. Factors like cost, program length, curriculum coverage, and accreditation are all taken into account to give you the most complete picture of what to look for when choosing a CNA class. For more details on our ranking process, see the “About the Rankings” link below.