CNA Classes Online in Kentucky: Find Top Schools & Get Info
Starting your healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant — known in Kentucky as a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) — is one of the quickest ways to begin working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, and adult care settings. This guide explains how online/hybrid CNA classes work in Kentucky, what these programs cost, and how to earn and maintain your SRNA certification.
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Online CNA Education in Kentucky
Kentucky does not offer fully online CNA programs. Instead, SRNA classes us a hybrid format that combines:
- Online learning (lectures, discussions, assignments)
- In-person labs to practice skills
- In-person clinical hours at approved facilities
Training typically takes 4-12 weeks and must include at least:
- 75 total hours of instruction
- 16 hours of supervised clinical training
Kentucky CNAs are commonly referred to as:
- State Registered Nurse Aides (SRNAs)
- Medicaid Nurse Aides
- Nurse Aides
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
Below are three high-quality programs that show what SRNA training in Kentucky looks like.
Bluegrass Community & Technical College
Bluegrass Community & Technical College offers a one-semester Medicaid Nurse Aide class available in in-person, online, and hybrid formats. Coursework is delivered through Blackboard, and students must complete both online lessons and in-person labs and clinical rotations.
With dozens of clinical locations, multiple sections, and varied schedules, Bluegrass offers more flexibility than many programs. Students must be admitted to the college before registering.
Duration: 1 semester
Mode: Online, in person, and hybrid
Cost: $858
Admissions Requirements:
- Criminal background check
- Reliable computer and internet access
- Webcam or smartphone camera
- Admission to college
Curriculum:
- Nursing assistant skills
- Advanced nursing assistant
- Health care basic skills
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University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky’s SRNA training program is open to students as young as 16, making it an excellent option for early high school graduates. The program includes 59 hours of online and in-person instruction plus 16 hours of clinical practice.
Offered year-round, this program prepares students for the Kentucky SRNA exam, which must be passed within one year of completing training.
Duration: 4 weeks
Mode: Online and in person
Cost: $800
Admissions Requirements:
- Background check
- CPR certification
- Immunizations
Curriculum:
- Communication
- Infection control
- Patient/residents safety and rights
- Basic nursing skills
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University’s SRNA program prepares students for work in long-term care facilities and hospitals, and it’s often taken by students planning future careers in nursing, medicine, or physician assistant programs.
The classroom portion of the course is completed online through Blackboard, with access granted three weeks before in-person learning begins. Before taking the state exam, students complete a mock skills exam for additional preparation.
Priority enrollment goes to recent high school graduates and WKU students, though community members are welcome.
Duration: 75 hours
Mode: Online and in person
Cost: $300
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Background check
- Random drug tests
Curriculum:
- Basic nursing skills
- Personal care skills
- Mental health and social service needs
- Basic restorative services
- Patient rights
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Infection control
Quick Guide: FAQs for CNA Students in Kentucky
How do I become a CNA in Kentucky?
You become a CNA in Kentucky by completing an approved SRNA program and passing the Kentucky SRNA exam.
After selecting a program, ensure you meet its admissions requirements—usually a background check, minimum GPA (for some programs), and required immunizations. Approved programs include classroom learning, lab skills, and clinical hours.
After completing the program, you must pass the SRNA exam within one year. Once passed, you’ll be added to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry and can begin working as an SRNA.
Expert Insight
The skills portion of the certification exam can be intimidating. To boost your confidence (and your chances of success), I highly recommend practicing each skill at home by going through the motions, step by step.
What’s the process and timeframe for renewing my CNA license in Kentucky?
Kentucky CNAs must renew their license every two years through the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Renewal requires:
- Documentation of at least 12 hours of ongoing staff development training
- Proof of at least 8 hours of paid CNA work during the renewal period
Employers typically provide the required training. If you miss your renewal window or cannot meet requirements, you may need to retake an SRNA course and pass the exam again.
Are online CNA classes in Kentucky affordable, and how long do they take?
In Kentucky, most CNA programs cost between $300 and $1,000 and take 4–12 weeks to complete.
Some programs include textbooks, background checks, or exam fees in tuition, while others do not. Additional costs may include the SRNA exam fee, TB testing, vaccinations, uniforms, and equipment. Program schedules may include fixed dates for classroom work with more flexible clinical scheduling.
What’s the difference between an SRNA and a CNA?
In Kentucky, SRNA and CNA refer to the same role; “SRNA” is simply the Kentucky-specific title.
SRNAs/CNAs assist patients with daily care, support mobility, measure vital signs, help maintain a safe environment, and provide personal care. Work settings may include long-term care facilities, hospitals, rehab centers, and correctional institutions. The responsibilities are identical regardless of the title used.
How do I know if a CNA program is high quality and right for me?
A high-quality CNA program in Kentucky is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and has strong exam pass rates, experienced instructors, and solid clinical placements.
Other factors to consider include:
- Program schedule and location
- Format (online, in-person, hybrid)
- Instructor accessibility
- Reputation with local healthcare employers
You can also ask facilities where you’d like to work which SRNA programs they prefer. The Kentucky Community & Technical College System is another reliable resource, as it oversees many CNA classes and administers SRNA testing statewide.
Expert Insight
When considering CNA programs, you may be able to find online reviews written by former students. These can give you an inside peek into the training experience and its effectiveness.
Earnings and Careers: CNAs in Kentucky
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Kentucky | $29,630 | $37,330 | $46,340 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $30,670 | $37,360 | $44,350 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $29,680 | $37,500 | $44,190 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $33,580 | $40,700 | $45,830 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $32,160 | $38,360 | $47,440 |
| Owensboro, KY | $30,260 | $37,950 | $44,580 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $30,020 | $36,620 | $45,300 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,361,300 | 1,417,800 | 56,500 | 4.20% | 202,400 |
| Kentucky | 19,920 | 21,090 | 1,170 | 5.90% | 3,020 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
