Online CNA Classes: Most Affordable Options
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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.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The 96-hour CNA program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas allows fall, spring, and summer enrollment to help students fit school into their lifestyle. This four-week online CNA course teaches the necessary knowledge and skills to meet employer expectations and the Nevada State Board of Nursing certification requirements.
Tuition and Fees: A flat-fee tuition is $2,575, which includes the following:
- Textbooks
- One set of scrubs
- Lab fees
- Video subscription for lab content
- Background check with fingerprinting
- Vital signs equipment (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and watch)
- Gait belt
- Licensing exam
Financial Aid: Students can apply for several types of financial aid:
- UNLV scholarships
- State Workforce Development Grants (if unemployed or under-employed)
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for national scholarships, grants, and loans
Lakeshore College
This community college in Cleveland, WI, combines its online system and hands-on clinical practice in their hybrid Nursing Assistant program. The course teaches essential skills such as patient care, basic nursing procedures, and effective communication.
Taught by experienced healthcare professionals, it can start any time during the year and takes about one semester to complete. The program is approved by the state’s Department of Health Services.
Tuition and Fees: The total cost is $673, including tuition and supplies. Thanks to the online curriculum, you don’t need additional textbooks.
Financial Aid: Lakeshore College accepts the following financial aid:
- Federal funding through the FAFSA (grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study)
- State grants
- Veteran benefits
- Emergency grant money
Northwest Shoals Community College
The program from Northwest Shoals Community College, located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, lasts one semester and includes the final certification exam. It consists of 75 hours of online classes and clinicals at area healthcare facilities.
This program does not require a high school diploma or GED. Curriculum emphasizes skills needed for long-term care and home health.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees are $568. Students must also pay additional costs that include the following:
- Textbook ($82)
- Liability insurance ($20)
- Background check ($60)
- Drug screening ($40)
- TB skin test (cost varies)
- Parking decal ($20)
- Certification exam ($100)
- Uniform and shoes (cost varies)
- BLS certification (cost varies)
Financial Aid: This school accepts the following types of aid:
- Federal loans, scholarships, grants and work-study through the FAFSA
- Institutional scholarships
- “Scholar dollars” for qualifying students from Lauderdale and Colbert counties
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.
Expert Insight
I had very limited availability when I was looking for a CNA program. I found one with evening classes that did clinicals in the evening hours as well. Fortunately, many CNA programs offer different scheduling options, so don’t be afraid to see what’s out there!
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.
Expert Insight
Ideally, exam prep should also be woven into the class curriculum. My teacher made a point of highlighting things that would be on the state exam, so we could focus on studying exactly what we needed to know. If you look for online reviews of CNA programs, you may find valuable info from other students about how well prepared they were by the course
