Online CNA Classes in Louisiana: Essential Info for Students
If working in a fast-paced, team-oriented healthcare role sounds appealing, becoming a certified nursing assistant might be the career for you. See how an online CNA program can help you achieve your career goals.
If you’re looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive way to jumpstart a healthcare career, pursuing online certified nursing assistant (CNA) classes in Louisiana is a solid choice. This growing field is a great starting point if you’d like to go on to become an licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or other healthcare professional.
CNAs are on the healthcare front lines, working shoulder-to-shoulder with nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure compassionate and competent care. Successful completion of high-quality online CNA classes in Louisiana is vital. Thankfully, forward-looking healthcare programs offer flexible and affordable online training.
Throughout this page, we introduce standout online CNA classes in Louisiana and highlight the ins and outs of what you can expect after you enroll. Additionally, we explain the steps you need to take for CNA certification. Finally, we discuss salary and job data for Louisiana CNAs and answer some of our readers’ most common questions about working as a CNA in Louisiana.
Read on to learn more about this growing field and to see how online CNA classes in Louisiana can help you achieve your healthcare career goals.
Inside Louisiana’s Standout Online CNA Classes
Finding online CNA classes in Louisiana that align with your academic needs and professional goals is a vital step. That’s why we’ve highlighted two standout programs to help you start your school search. Keep reading to see which programs rise to the top and how they can help you launch a healthcare career.
Fletcher Technical Community College
Based in Schriever, Louisiana, Fletcher Technical Community College offers a long list of flexible and affordable career training options, including online CNA classes in Louisiana that students can complete in just eight weeks. In addition to preparing students with foundational healthcare services, the program also readies them to take the CNA certification exam.
Students cover a wide variety of important topics, including an introduction to nursing, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and basic nursing skills. CNAs in training gain hands-on experience while completing clinical requirements under the watchful eye of licensed instructors. For the first six weeks of the program, students attend classes three days per week. The last two weeks are dedicated solely to clinical rotations.
Prospective students must pass a state background check and random drug screens. Additionally, applicants must supply documentation of various vaccinations and complete a physical exam before their CNA program begins.
Infinity College
Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Infinity College is a healthcare-centric school that offers a two-week online CNA program. Dating back to 2010, this school is accredited by the Commission on the Council of Occupational Education. In this accelerated program, students gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience they need to secure their CNA license and start their healthcare careers. This program prioritizes flexibility, ensuring that students have the space to complete their training while keeping up with the responsibilities of work and home.
The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including infection control, basic nursing services, and mental health and social service needs. The program promotes communication and interpersonal skills as vital to a future career as a healthcare provider. Before finishing the program, students complete an externship at an approved healthcare site.
When applying, prospective students must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED.
How to Become a CNA in Louisiana Online
While finding the right CNA program is a solid first step, it’s also vital that you understand how to become a CNA in Louisiana. In the following section, we break down the steps so you know what it takes to become a licensed practitioner.
Step 1: Meet Basic Background Requirements
To gain admission into an accredited CNA program in Louisiana, prospective students must meet certain prerequisites. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants typically must pass a state background check and complete a physical exam before enrolling. These requirements ensure that future healthcare workers meet various standards to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and coworkers.
Step 2: Graduate from an Approved CNA Program
Future CNAs must complete a state-approved training program before taking a licensing examination. These programs span from two to 12 weeks and supply students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to pass their exams and start their careers. Programs typically cover topics such as patient care, infection control, and communication skills. Most end with a hands-on clinical experience.
Step 3: Take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program (NNAAP) Competency Examination
After completing your online CNA program, the next crucial step is passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency exam. This exam tests your theoretical knowledge and practical skills and includes both written and practical sections. The written portion of the test assesses your understanding of foundational nursing topics, while the practical component scrutinizes patient care skills. By passing this exam, you signal to prospective employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent and compassionate care.
Step 4: Start Working as a CNA
After completing your coursework and passing the NNAAP exam, you’re ready to begin your career as a certified nursing assistant. CNAs work in diverse healthcare settings from nursing homes and hospitals to rehab centers and home health. You’ll likely work alongside registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, lending your skills to support both patients and coworkers.
Step 5: Renew Your CNA License Periodically
Your Louisiana CNA license renews every two years. This biannual automatic renewal only occurs if you provide your work history to the state’s CNA registry. If you have no work history during the two-year licensing period, your Louisiana CNA license expires. If your license expires, you’ll have one attempt to pass the CNA certification exam again. If you don’t receive a passing score, you’ll be required to enroll in a CNA training program.
Salary and Career Prospects for CNAs in Louisiana
Louisiana’s CNA job market is experiencing significant growth. The state’s job growth rate for CNAs is 8.8%, which is more than double the national average of 4.2%. This impressive growth indicates a strong demand for skilled nursing professionals and suggests a promising future for CNAs in Louisiana. Additionally, an estimated 19,570 CNA job openings are projected to become available in the state, further solidifying the positive outlook for this career path.
CNA salaries in Louisiana may be on the lower side. The median salary for the state is just $29,070. However, busy cities like New Orleans typically offer slightly higher median salaries at $31,090 per year. When evaluating CNA salaries in Louisiana, it’s important to remember that the state has a lower cost of living, so your money will stretch further than it would elsewhere. Explore the table below to get a better idea of what you can expect to make as a CNA in Louisiana.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $23,470 | $29,070 | $37,080 |
| Alexandria, LA | $26,380 | $28,760 | $36,690 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $27,530 | $29,540 | $37,080 |
| Hammond, LA | $26,690 | $29,070 | $35,640 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | $23,550 | $27,480 | $33,450 |
| Lafayette, LA | $23,270 | $27,930 | $34,320 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $22,090 | $28,660 | $35,960 |
| Monroe, LA | $22,580 | $28,420 | $38,070 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $26,960 | $31,090 | $42,400 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $25,920 | $29,860 | $44,870 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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 |
| Louisiana | 17,980 | 19,570 | 1,590 | 8.80% | 2,820 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Answering Your Questions About Online CNA Classes in Louisiana
Even though we’ve touched on some essential information regarding schools, licensing, and job outlook, you still might have a few questions. In the section below, we answer some of our readers’ most pressing concerns. If you still have more questions, be sure to reach out to prospective schools for answers.
Are there two-week Louisiana CNA programs?
While most programs take between four and 12 weeks to complete, some schools (including Infinity College, highlighted above) offer accelerated two-week training pathways. These condensed programs still cover all the essential information you need while getting you into the healthcare field more quickly.
Are there financial aid options or scholarships for students pursuing online CNA programs in Louisiana?
Multiple financial aid options exist for students pursuing an online CNA program in Louisiana. While options vary between schools, students at accredited programs typically have access to federal financial aid, loans, grants, and scholarships. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for healthcare organizations to offer tuition reimbursement programs.
Can you become a CNA online in Louisiana?
Yes, students in Louisiana can pursue CNA training online. While in-person options are more common, forward-looking schools understand that the flexibility and affordability of online coursework is a major benefit for students. Still, hands-on clinical training is vital — in-person clinical rotations often are a culminating experience for your CNA program.
Can you take the CNA test without classes in Louisiana?
Yes, healthcare workers with formal training or experience in the healthcare field may be allowed to take the Louisiana CNA certification without completing an accredited program. That said, it’s vital that you meet the state’s eligibility requirements and have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to pass the exam.
How can I get my CNA license in Louisiana?
To secure your CNA license in Louisiana, the most common path is that you must first complete a state-approved CNA training program. After meeting those training requirements, you must pass the NNAAP exam and submit an application to Louisiana’s Department of Health. Once approved, you can begin working in licensed roles in the healthcare field.
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Louisiana?
The cost of becoming a CNA in Louisiana varies and is influenced by multiple factors. A CNA program’s tuition and fees, expenses for textbooks and supplies, and exam and licensing fees all impact the cost of jumpstarting your healthcare career. The tuition rates for CNA training programs are likely the most significant cost, but students can tap into a long list of financial aid options including loans, grants, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement.
