Top CNA Classes in North Carolina (NC): Online & On-Campus

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Do you want an in-demand healthcare career without having to spend several years in school? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a job where you can help improve people’s lives on a daily basis. If so, CNA classes in North Carolina might be a great choice for you. By following the information in this guide, you’ll be able to find the best affordable training and become certified as a CNA in 10 months or less.

Below you’ll find information about in-person and hybrid learning options, where to find the best programs and financial aid, as well as what you can expect to earn as a CNA in the state. Best of all, you’ll learn step-by-step how to become a CNA in North Carolina so you can feel confident that all of your requirements are met. Keep reading to get answers to your key questions and find affordable, approved CNA classes in North Carolina that meet your needs.

School Spotlights: Popular CNA Classes in North Carolina

Since you’re going to invest in CNA classes, make sure you invest in the best. CNAs have real and important responsibilities, so earning your CNA certification is about more than just checking a box. You want to be prepared to handle whatever comes at you when you start work. So, let’s make sure you’re getting the education you deserve. We’ve researched CNA classes across the state and highlighted our favorite programs below. To make our selections, we’ve considered affordability, academic quality, student support, and student outcomes.

Davidson-Davie Community College

Davidson-Davie Community College takes the stress out of earning your CNA certification. Future nursing assistants can take part in hybrid courses at either of the school’s locations. This means that students complete classwork from the comfort of home and come to campus for weekly clinical sessions. Because Davidson-Davie recognizes that many of their students are managing careers and other responsibilities, they offer multiple course schedules including classes that meet on evenings and weekends.

Davidson-Davie also shines for its student support services. Students can take advantage of a host of resources including on-site childcare, career placement services, counseling, and individualized advising. But that’s just the start. The school also supports unique resources like a small business development program, skincare and cosmetology clinics, and short-term continuing education classes. If all that sounds a little fancy, don’t worry. Davidson-Davie is still incredibly affordable. Tuition for North Carolina residents costs only $76 per credit.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

For some students, earning their CNA certification is their primary goal. For others, it’s the first step in a larger plan. In either case, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is an excellent choice. Students who successfully complete their 153 hour Nurse Aide I program will have the skills and credentials they need to earn their CNA and start working with patients. From there, students have the option to progress into more advanced courses in preparation for earning an associate degree. The school also offers refresher courses for nurse aides who are preparing to recertify alongside many other healthcare-related programs. Because of this, CNA students at Rowan-Cabarrus benefit from interactions with a diverse array of healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the nurse aide classes at Rowan-Cabarrus benefit from a sleek, streamlined design. Many CNA classes fill up student’s schedules with repeated visits to campus for labs, lessons, and clinicals. This can be a huge hassle for students who work, live far from campus, or value their free time. Instead, Rowan-Cabarrus schedules CNA students for two on-campus sessions a week. During these sessions students will complete their clinicals, labs, and in-person testing in efficient bursts of learning.

Wake Tech Community College

The CNA program at Wake Tech Community College stands out for its excellent quality, three convenient Raliegh-area locations, and superior flexibility. Like all top programs, the Wake Tech nurse aide program is accredited, recognized by the state nursing board, and led by incredible educators. To help students manage the logistics of their coursework, the school offers multiple course schedules at each location each semester. So, you’ll have plenty of options. To add to that, Wake Tech has a unique open lab schedule to help students balance their lab work with their scheduling needs.

We also love Wake Tech’s commitment to making education accessible. The school has a massive financial aid and scholarship program designed to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and materials for promising students and students who show financial need. To add to this, Wake Tech’s advisors keep an excellent database of local employers and job listings, and work to match students with jobs in their fields.

Learn More About North Carolina CNA Classes in a City Near You

FAQs About CNA Classes and Training in North Carolina

What skills do you learn in CNA classes in North Carolina?

Certificates, diplomas, and training courses for nurse aides cover a wide range of patient care topics. The academic and clinical training involved in state-approved CNA classes in North Carolina will give you the chance to learn everything you need to know to pass the state certification exam upon completing the program. You’ll study how to take patient vital signs and operate the essential equipment that CNAs use on a daily basis. You’ll also acquire the specialized knowledge to handle patients who suffer from common health problems like cognitive impairment, diabetes, and respiratory issues. The nurse aide 1 course at Bladen Community College, for example, provides training in special care procedures, death, and end-of-life care, and care for elderly patients.

How much do CNA classes cost in North Carolina?

The cost of CNA programs or courses will vary between institutions. You’ll find that most for-credit programs, where you’ll earn a certificate and diploma, will charge tuition by the credit or course. Those institutions that offer non-credit training programs typically required learners to make a one-time payment upfront. Here’s a look at instances of both for-credit and non-credit program costs.

McDowell Technical Community College

Nurse Aide 1 Course

Total Credits: 6

$76/credit

Guilford Technical Community College

Nurse Aide 1 Course

Non-credit course

$244.26/total, minus supplies

Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in North Carolina?

It can be daunting to think about tuition payments, course fees, and the cost of supplies for school. Thankfully there’s a handful of financial aid options out there to help you offset the cost of your CNA classes in North Carolina. Between for-credit and non-credit CNA programs, those learners in for-credit programs are more likely to receive financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships. Private scholarships from professional organizations can be an excellent source of funding for both for-credit and non-credit CNA-seekers. Your school itself may offer internal funding opportunities or payment plans which can make your education more affordable, so be sure to check with them directly. Also, be sure to have a look at EduMed’s CNA scholarships guide for more resources.

How long do CNA classes in North Carolina take to complete?

The duration of your CNA classes in North Carolina will also vary among institutions. If you’re planning on pursuing a nurse aid certificate or diploma, you can expect to spend several months, or about three semesters, in school. Durham Technical Community College, for example, offers a stellar diploma program that takes about 10 months to complete. Alternatively, there are non-credit training programs in North Carolina that can prepare you to sit for the state certification exam in as few as four to six weeks. The Harris Training Institute, for instance, offers learners a four-week nurse aide 1 training program.

Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in North Carolina

Most CNA classes in North Carolina today require a significant amount of on-campus attendance. Some institutions today are beginning to offer hybrid learning formats where you take classes both online and in-person. Fully online or hybrid students often enjoy the scheduling flexibility that comes with remote learning. Distance learning classes can take place during the day or evening, depending on the program, and are often valuable for those with outside jobs or familial obligations.

Wake Technical Community College, for example, offers its nurse aide 1 training program for hybrid learners. At Wake Tech and other hybrid nurse aide training scenarios, you’ll take most academic or bookwork classes online and complete clinical, hands-on training on-campus or at an approved medical facility. For more information, be sure to review EduMed’s guide to online CNA classes to learn more about what to expect.

Common Questions About Online CNA Classes in North Carolina

Will taking CNA classes online in North Carolina impact my ability to get certified or licensed?

No. Taking online CNA classes in North Carolina will not affect your ability to sit for the certification exam, provided the program is approved by the state. If you attend a program that’s not state-approved, you may encounter eligibility issues.

Do employers in North Carolina care if I take some of my CNA classes online?

No. Most employers today understand the value of online learners and do not discriminate against those learners who complete classes remotely. Oftentimes, your diploma, certification, or confirmation of training documents won’t even indicate that you took classes remotely, anyway.

Are online CNA classes in North Carolina more affordable than campus programs??

Online classes may be more affordable for some learners, especially since many schools today charge remote students the same tuition rates as in-state learners. You’ll also be able to save money by making fewer commutes to and from campus.

Can I complete my North Carolina CNA training faster by taking classwork online?

If you enroll in self-paced, accelerated, or asynchronous online CNA classes in North Carolina, you might be able to complete them more quickly than on-campus classes. Nurse aides in training, however, must complete at least 16 hours of hands-on clinical training, which can’t be rushed or substituted.

How to Become a CNA in North Carolina

There are a handful of important steps that you’ll need to complete in order to obtain CNA licensure as laid out by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation After choosing CNA classes in North Carolina that fit your personal, academic, and financial needs, you’ll need to make sure you have all of the information required to sit for the state certification exam. Here’s a list of steps to keep you on track. Completing all of these steps will ensure that you’re on the job market as soon as possible.

Step 1
Choose a Training Program

At this point, you’ve decided to pursue CNA training. You’ll need to choose between state-approved for-credit or non-credit programs. If you’re planning to pursue additional nursing education in the future, choosing a for-credit diploma or certificate CNA program is the best choice for you. If you see training as a quick way to enter the job market as a CNA, then a non-credit state-approved program is a quick and affordable way to get there.

Step 2
Meet Basic Requirements

Most CNA classes in North Carolina will require incoming learners to possess a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. This may not be required by some non-credit programs. Additionally, prospective CNAs will at some point need to pass a background check. You should also be able to show documentation of your good physical health and up-to-date immunization records.

Step 3
Complete State-Approved CNA Training

After you choose your CNA training classes in North Carolina, you’ll need to successfully complete the established requirements set by your institution and the state. In North Carolina, that means you’ll need to finish at least 75 hours of instruction, including 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical training.

Step 4
Register for CNA Exam

Upon completion of your CNA training program, your institution will notify the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry that you’ve passed. You’ll receive an email with account activation instructions (be sure to check your spam folder). After you activate your account, you’ll be able to register to sit for the CNA certification exam. Check out the Nurse Aide 1 Candidate Handbook for more information.

Step 5
Continuing Education

Continuing education (CE) credits are not required for CNAs in North Carolina. Maybe CNAs with only nurse aide 1 training choose to pursue nurse aide 2 coursework. This allows them to brush up on existing skills and learn more advanced knowledge and nursing techniques. CNAs in these programs engage with more complex and invasive patient care skills, which may help them better serve patients or take on more responsibilities at work.

Salary and Job Outlook for CNAs in North Carolina

It is an exciting time to work in the healthcare field. The demand for CNAs is greater than ever, not to mention salary expectations in North Carolina are comparable to the national average. Learn more about what to expect professionally and financially from a career as a CNA in North Carolina below.

Is there high demand for CNAs in North Carolina?

In short, yes there is a very high demand for CNAs in North Carolina. Like most states, North Carolina healthcare workers at every level are in high demand. This is because healthcare systems are constantly growing and need qualified professionals to support new facilities and expansions. And CNAs are definitely part of that growth. Over the next ten years, demand for CNAs in North Carolina is projected to grow by nearly 11%. This translates to almost 6,000 brand new CNA positions each year. So, after you earn your CNA certification don’t be surprised if potential employers are banging down your door to hire you.

Job Outlook for CNAs in North Carolina (2020-2030)

New Jobs (2020-2030)	Job Growth Rate (2020-2030)	Average Annual Openings (2020-2030)
5,980	10.8%	7,670

Source: Projections Central

How much do CNAs make in North Carolina?

As you’ll see in the table below, North Carolina CNAs earn anywhere from $20,000 – $38,000 per year. Typically, CNAs start out on the low end of the pay scale, but quickly advance to earning closer to $26,000 – $29,000 annually. As you develop more experience and skills, your paycheck should increase accordingly.

Since CNAs are in high demand state-wide, wages are pretty consistent regardless of your location. However, as with most jobs, the higher salaries we see in places like Durham reflect the area’s higher cost of living. So, as a CNA you have the flexibility to live wherever you want without feeling like you are sacrificing your earning potential.

Annual Earnings for CNAs in North Carolina

Area	10th Percentile	Median	90th Percentile
North Carolina	$22,610	$29,230	$37,250
Asheville, NC	$23,310	$29,690	$37,500
Burlington, NC	$22,260	$28,750	$36,310
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC	$26,970	$30,410	$37,400
Fayetteville, NC	$21,490	$27,140	$36,630
Goldsboro, NC	$22,550	$29,570	$37,490
Greensboro-High Point, NC	$22,990	$29,230	$37,090
Greenville, NC	$22,720	$28,690	$36,330
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC	$22,660	$29,240	$35,480
Jacksonville, NC	$21,900	$28,000	$33,900
New Bern, NC	$20,350	$26,540	$35,220
Raleigh, NC	$23,300	$29,640	$37,460
Rocky Mount, NC	$21,290	$27,540	$34,010
Wilmington, NC	$22,570	$28,230	$35,140
Winston-Salem, NC	$23,200	$29,530	$36,730

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021

North Carolina CNA Student and Professional Resources

Scholarships and Online Resources for CNA StudentsEduMed’s scholarship and resource guide for CNAs provides a detailed overview of financial aid opportunities, student support services, and valuable membership organizations for CNA learners. Its list of school-based, national, and regional scholarships for CNA students offers students quick access to applications for excellent financial support.
North Carolina Nurses AssociationThe NCNA website offers CNAs in the state access to continuing education information, networking opportunities, and professional growth resources. Members can take advantage of online resources and articles, as well as an active job board for potential employment opportunities.
North Carolina Board of NursingThe North Carolina Board of Nursing serves as the best information hub for CNA students and professionals. From the latest news, publications, and continuing education opportunities to updated rules and regulations for CNAs, this site keeps students and professionals informed with accurate information.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human ServicesThe DHSR gives CNAs the chance to verify their registry information with the state. This is especially helpful for new nurse aide 1 CNAs who wish to check their registry status after passing the certification exam. The site also includes a FAQ section, online publications, and information on continuing education opportunities
Nurse Aide Practice Written ExamThis page offers prospective CNAs the chance to take a practice National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) written exam. This gives you the chance to get a feel for the exam and be able to check your answers with an answer key after you finish. You’ll also be able to see how long it takes you to complete the practice exam to help you plan or adjust your test-taking strategies.

CNA Classes in North Carolina: Online & Campus Programs