Key Details: Online CNA Classes in North Carolina
Find state-approved campus and online CNA classes in North Carolina that can help you qualify for an in-demand healthcare career in as little as four weeks.
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 and convenient training to 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 how to become a CNA in North Carolina step-by-step. Keep reading to get answers to your key questions and find affordable, approved CNA classes in North Carolina that meet your needs.
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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.
Guilford Technical Community College
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
Now that you've learned the steps to becoming a CNA in North Carolina, let's explore the exciting job opportunities that await you. North Carolina's CNA job market is booming, with a projected growth rate of 11.50%, significantly greater than the nationwide average of 4.2%. With 62,060 new CNA jobs and an average of 8,970 annual openings, you'll have ample opportunities to launch your career in the Tar Heel State.
The Durham-Chapel Hill area offers the highest median salary, likely due to the presence of prestigious universities and research institutions. On the other hand, the Greensboro-High Point area has the lowest median salary, which may be influenced by factors such as cost of living and local economic conditions. Additionally, Raleigh, the state capital, boasts the highest-earning CNAs, with the 90th percentile earning $46,070. Review the data below to get a better idea of your earning potential as a CNA in North Carolina.
| 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 |
| North Carolina | 55,650 | 62,060 | 6,410 | 11.50% | 8,970 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $27,630 | $36,010 | $43,180 |
| Asheville, NC | $29,270 | $36,920 | $45,270 |
| Burlington, NC | $26,910 | $36,730 | $39,910 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $29,180 | $37,270 | $45,980 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $29,830 | $38,200 | $43,380 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $25,630 | $33,400 | $42,330 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $24,360 | $35,250 | $42,730 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $28,220 | $35,980 | $43,250 |
| Greenville, NC | $27,780 | $35,090 | $40,690 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $26,870 | $36,470 | $39,900 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $24,660 | $31,060 | $38,810 |
| New Bern, NC | $23,920 | $30,640 | $38,740 |
| Raleigh, NC | $28,720 | $37,380 | $46,070 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $24,850 | $34,110 | $39,030 |
| Wilmington, NC | $28,000 | $36,040 | $39,100 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $28,980 | $36,250 | $41,630 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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.
