Online CNA Classes in Nebraska: Reviewing Top Programs
Becoming a CNA can be a fast first step into healthcare, and in Nebraska, online CNA training can take as little as four weeks while preparing you for the national exam. This guide explains how online CNA classes work, highlights top affordable programs, and answers common questions so you know what to expect.
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How Online CNA Programs Work in Nebraska
Online learning has made healthcare education more accessible than ever, especially for students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. With flexible schedules and often lower costs, online CNA programs can be an efficient way to earn a credential and enter the healthcare field.
That said, not all online CNA programs are the same. With many options available in Nebraska, it’s important to understand what sets strong programs apart. Below, we highlight several online CNA classes that stand out for affordability, admissions accessibility, and career-focused outcomes. As you compare programs, keep these common features in mind:
- Minimal admissions requirements. Most CNA programs require only a high school diploma or GED, with no prior healthcare experience or coursework needed.
- Hybrid learning formats. Nearly all Nebraska CNA programs combine online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations.
- Hands-on skill development. Onsite labs and clinical experiences allow students to practice essential patient care skills in real-world settings.
- Flexible scheduling. Online coursework makes it easier to balance training with work and personal commitments.
- Direct pathway into healthcare. CNA programs offer one of the fastest and most accessible entry points into the healthcare workforce.
This blend of online flexibility and in-person training ensures you gain both the convenience and the practical experience needed to succeed as a certified nursing assistant. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Nebraska’s top online CNA programs.
Nurse Aide (CNA) Course — Bryan College of Health Sciences
The Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln offers several allied health training programs, including the Nurse Aid (CNA) option. This four-week course costs $500, including the training time and the necessary materials and books.
Attending the first session is mandatory, and anyone who doesn’t is immediately removed from the class and will have to reapply for another session. This non-credit course includes 75 hours of study, which meets the state and federal requirements. Instead of college credit, graduates will receive a certificate of completion.
It’s possible to begin employment before finishing the program, but the program must be completed within the first 120 days of being hired as a CNA.
While this is an in-person class, Bryan College offers hybrid and online next steps for allied health students including a Simulation Education Graduate Certificate, Healthcare Management Certificate, and Health Professions Completion.
Duration: 75 hours
Mode: Online courses with in-person labs; options for online advancements
Cost: $500
Admissions Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Provide proof of immunizations
- Complete criminal background check
- Have access to a laptop or PC to complete online coursework
Curriculum: This course combines theory and clinical work to prepare students for basic nursing duties such as feeding, bathing, and caring for patients.
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Nurse Aide Course — Clarkson College
The Nurse Aide Course at Clarkson College is a short-term program that blends online classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students to care for patients in the best way possible. It’s considered a non-professional development course, which means that college credit is not awarded at the end of the program.
The course materials, including the book required for study and exam costs, are included in the tuition fee of $525, which must be paid upon registration.
In addition to preparing to sit for the certification exam, you’ll also earn your basic life support credential required for CNA certification. You must score at least 80% on all the coursework to pass. In order to join the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry, you’ll also need to score a minimum 70% on the written and skills exams.
Duration: Six to eight weeks
Mode: Hybrid – online courses with one on-campus lab day per week
Cost: $525
Admissions Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read and write in English
- Be in good health and able to lift at least 50 pounds
- Complete a criminal background check
- Have access to a laptop or PC to complete online coursework
Curriculum: This course prepares students to perform basic nursing duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The program is a blend of online theory coursework and hands-on skills labs.
CNA Training Program — Nebraska Methodist College
The Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program at Nebraska Methodist College gives students the opportunity to work directly with patients as they gain skills and knowledge to sit for CNA examination. Flexibility is a key highlight of this program, as you can choose between a four-week on-campus program and a six-week hybrid course. The latter consists of mostly online classes with a once-a-week on-campus lab or clinical.
The CNA program at Nebraska Methodist College has a specialized focus on geriatric care and the unique needs of this patient population. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at local healthcare and rehabilitation facilities for essential hands-on experience.
Students can register within one week of the start date of the program. Tuition is $499, payable upon registration, and includes the textbook, classroom learning, hands-on learning, scrubs, CPR certification, and the first examination upon graduation.
Duration: Six weeks
Mode: Hybrid or in-person
Cost: $499
Admissions Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read and write in English
- Be in good health and able to lift at least 50 pounds
- Have no history of abuse or neglect on your record
- Complete a health history form and provide proof of immunizations
Curriculum: This program combines online coursework and in-person learning to prepare students for basic nursing duties with an emphasis on geriatric care.
Nebraska CNA Student FAQs
Before you take the leap and enroll in one of Nebraska’s CNA programs, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. If you have questions, we’re here to provide detailed answers. Whether you’re curious about cost, curriculum, or something else, find what you need to know in this section.
What’s required for admission to a CNA program in Nebraska?
Those who take online CNA classes in Nebraska must be at least 16, pass a background check, be able to speak, write, and understanding English, and be able to lift at least 50 pounds in the course of their work. You must also show proof of the immunizations the state requires, including the seasonal flu shot.
Passing a physical examination is often the final hurdle to meeting the background requirements for this type of program. Because there’s generally no prior employment experience, no coursework, or no GED required for online CNA programs, this path is a good option for individuals looking to make a move into healthcare.
What kind of skills do CNA courses cover, and where can I find a job?
CNA programs focus on basic nursing duties such as disease management, taking vital signs, and patient care. Upon successful completion of a program, individuals can be added to Nebraska’s Registry of Nurse Aides.
The work a nurse aide does in Nebraska depends upon the setting where they are employed, but their work can include everything from checking vital signs and keeping records to assisting with the activities of daily living (ADLs). CNAs in Nebraska can work in a variety of settings, but most find employment in hospitals, long-term facilities, or home healthcare/hospice settings. .
Remember that when you attend a CNA program, you are creating a strong foundation for moving further into allied healthcare in the future, including the opportunity to pursue an online CNA to LPN bridge program.
Are Nebraska CNA classes accredited/approved?
Most community colleges that offer CNA courses are institutionally accredited. To become certified in the state of Nebraska, you must take online CNA classes that are approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, so be sure to verify your program’s accreditation status before applying.
Without approval, you might not be able to be added to the state registry of nurse aides. In Nebraska, classes that are offered online can still be part of an approved program, allowing flexibility as you work toward your credentials.
What is the average cost of an online CNA course in Nebraska? And is financial aid available?
Costs will depend upon the school, but most CNA classes in Nebraska tend to average between $300 and $700, including all books and supplies. Some programs, however, will cost nothing as long as you agree to continue working for a particular employer for one year after graduation or meet certain requirements. Goodwill Omaha, for example, offers free CNA training.
Some Nebraska certified nurse aid programs offer financial aid to their students. Some will offer enough aid to cover the full tuition in exchange for the nurse aide agreeing to work for the facility for one year or more.
Before you apply for a program, get in touch with the director to ask about these opportunities, and spend time researching any financial aid, scholarships, and resources for CNA students that may be available to you.
How long are CNA programs in Nebraska?
Some programs might last a few months, but many CNA programs can be completed within four weeks. Online CNA classes in Nebraska will help you meet your commitment of 75 hours of training.
Most coursework can be completed online, but the hands-on skills training must be performed under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. After completing the requirements of your program, you can request to join Nebraska’s Nurse Aide Registry. Students must also complete one hour of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training that is specific to Nebraska law.
Career Growth for Nebraska CNAs
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $31,390 | $39,530 | $50,140 |
| Nebraska | $35,790 | $38,620 | $47,970 |
| Grand Island, NE | $35,350 | $38,280 | $48,320 |
| Lincoln, NE | $36,000 | $37,750 | $46,990 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $36,380 | $38,950 | $49,970 |
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 |
| Nebraska | 16,290 | 17,540 | 1,250 | 7.70% | 2,520 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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