Online CNA Classes: Most Affordable Options

Profiles of Most Affordable Online CNA Classes

Starting your healthcare career as a certified nursing assistant offers an affordable entry point with solid growth potential. Online CNA programs further reduce costs by offering flexible schedules and eliminating commuting expenses.

CNA programs tend to be budget-friendly due to their shorter length, lower tuition, streamlined coursework, and reduced textbook costs. Many students can also offset expenses through financial aid, healthcare-specific scholarships, or employer tuition assistance.

To help you get started, we’ve highlighted three affordable online CNA programs that balance quality and cost, complete with tuition breakdowns and financial aid guidance. We’ve also included a ranked list of additional programs to support your path to becoming a CNA.

Comparing the Cost of Online and Campus CNA Classes

When choosing between online and onsite CNA classes, cost and schedule often take priority. Due to the required hands-on training, CNA programs can’t be completed entirely online and often blend online and in-person training in a hybrid format.

Online:

• Offers more schedule flexibility
• Saves on commuting expenses
• Requires both digital resources and physical supplies (nursing uniforms)

Campus:

• Allows for more in-person questions and discussion
• Operates on a set schedule
• Doesn’t require as much technology

Some expenses, such as background checks and drug testing, are standard requirements for all allied health students and remain the same for all program formats.

When comparing programs, try to look beyond the base tuition to understand the full cost and determine which one offers the best value for you.

Cost-Cutting Tactics for Prospective CNA Students

From scholarships and fee waivers to employer tuition reimbursement programs, various financial aid options can help lower your educational costs. Here’s a comprehensive look at four key strategies to help finance your CNA training while maintaining financial stability.

Apply for Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and More

Start by researching program-specific scholarships from nursing schools and organizations dedicated to the healthcare field. Some healthcare employers provide tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to their employees.

Schools may also offer application fee waivers to qualified candidates. To maximize your potential aid, use a systematic approach to identify and apply for multiple funding sources.

Maintain Part-Time Employment

Successful students need to dedicate as much time as possible to their education. If you can’t afford to stop working, part-time employment can cover expenses that exceed your financial aid.

Take Advantage of Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Some healthcare employers, like hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare networks, offer partial or full tuition reimbursement programs to support career advancement. They typically require you to continue working there for a set period of time after receiving the reimbursement.

Meet with HR to understand eligibility requirements, coverage amounts, and any work commitments. Consider negotiating tuition assistance as part of your employment package, especially in facilities facing nursing shortages.

Utilize Free Certification Exam Prep Resources

An critical part of becoming a CNA is preparing for the state’s certification test, and you can save money by taking advantage of free practice tests online. You may also have access to additional study resources through your CNA program, a factor worth considering when choosing a school.

Ranking the Most Affordable Online CNA Classes

In the list below, we ranked schools according to information that was volunteered as part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS. Each school is accredited, offers online content, and provides academic counseling and career placement services.