Online CNA Classes in North Carolina: Top Schools & More
Looking for an in-demand healthcare career without spending years in school? If so, CNA classes in North Carolina might be a great choice for you. In this guide, we show you what to expect from online CNA classes, highlight some quality programs in North Carolina, answer common CNA student questions, and highlight salary and career opportunities.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Healthcare Administration Nursing Editorial Senior Care Dementia CareHow Nurses Recommend Finding the Right CNA Program in North Carolina
The programs in this guide represent strong CNA training options for North Carolina students. Getting to the right one requires thinking through your own circumstances: your location in the state, how soon you need to finish, and what you plan to do after certification. Our EduMed nursing experts share what they recommend looking for beyond the rankings.
Prioritize Clinical Placement Quality
North Carolina has a lot of CNA programs, so you might experience some option paralysis. My advice is to look at clinical placements before anything else. Where you do your hours and what kind of hands-on education you get matters more than just about anything. Starting here will make you a better CNA and make your program decision easier.
Treat Exam Prep Seriously
One thing I like about CNA training is that it gives you exposure to different healthcare environments, and North Carolina is one of the more affordable states for CNA training. Note that passing the state competency exam and getting listed on the Nurse Aide Registry is a requirement in the state, so treat exam prep as seriously as the coursework itself.
Reviewing Online CNA Classes in North Carolina
Many schools in North Carolina offer certified nursing assistant programs with online components. The online portion is the academic coursework, and the hands-on training comes in the form of clinicals.
As you search for an online CNA class or program in North Carolina, make sure you ask what amount of coursework can be completed online vs. in-person. You may also want to consider which mode of online learning you prefer; while asynchronous classes can be completed at your own pace and at any time, synchronous online courses take place on a specific day and time. Let’s see how three of the state’s top CNA programs work.
Nurse Aide I (Continuing Education) – Durham Technical Community College
The Nurse Aide I course at Durham Technical Community College is an affordable course that prepares students to sit for the North Carolina Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. A successful score on this exam allows students to be listed in the Nurse Aide registry, which many employers require.
Lectures are held online, and skills labs are conducted on campus. Students must also complete a hands-on clinical experience, which is held at healthcare facilities in Durham and Orange counties. Durham Technical also offers a specialized training program for hospital-based nurse aides.
Duration: 139 hours
Mode: Hybrid – online courses and in-person labs and clinicals
Cost: $272
Admissions Requirements:
- Must be at least age 16 and a half
- Present proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Provide an up-to-date immunization record and health insurance coverage
- Complete a criminal background check
Curriculum:
- Mental, social, and physical needs of the elderly
- Patients’ Rights
- Nutrition Management
- Elimination Procedures
- Safe Environment
- Restorative Services
- Human Body Structure and Function
- Related/Common Diseases and Disorders
- Communication and Documentation
- Death and Dying
Programs that might interest you:
Nurse Aide I – Wake Technical Community College
The Nurse Aide I program at Wake Technical Community College is recognized by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation and is a rigorous program that prepares students to care for patients, especially the elderly. The training includes online lectures and in-person clinicals with a focus on basic nursing skills as well as communication and collaboration with the entire healthcare team.
The program’s curriculum covers topics such as fulfilling patient’s physical, mental, and social needs, death and dying, and basics of the human body. Students must pass a skills/competency evaluation in order to graduate. Successful graduates are eligible to apply for registry listing as a Nurse Aide I.
Duration: 168 hours
Mode: Hybrid – online courses and in-person clinicals
Cost: $250; however, extensive financial assistance is available for CNA students
Admissions Requirements:
- Must be at least age 16 and a half
- Provide an up-to-date immunization record and health insurance coverage
- Complete a criminal background check and drug test
Curriculum:
- Person-centered care
- Aging process
- Communication
- Safety/emergencies
- Infection prevention
- Legal and ethical issues
- Measurements
- Elimination
- Nutrition
- Basic restorative care and rehabilitation
- Dementia
- Mental health
- End-of-life care
Nurse Aide Program (CNA) – Carolinas College of Health Sciences
The Certified Nurse Aid program at Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a flexible and affordable option that can be completed in just 2-3 months. The online components are offered in an asynchronous format, and there are weekday, weekend, and evening options available for the in-person skills labs and clinicals.
The program features affordable tuition and scholarships are available for high school graduates from the Charlotte, NC, area. The school is a public, non-profit college associated with the healthcare network, Atrium Health, and because of the association there are often ample professional opportunities for graduates.
Duration: 120 hours of learning (weekday courses) / 136 hours of learning (weekend courses)
Mode: Hybrid – online courses combined with in-person labs and clinicals
Cost: $1,200
Admissions Requirements:
- Submit an online application
- Provide high school or equivalent transcripts
- Pass a criminal background check
Curriculum:
- Transportation
- Mobility for Disabled Patients
- Bathing/Grooming
- Feeding
- Identification of Common Diseases
- Infection Control
- Communication
Frequently Asked Questions from CNA Students
It’s normal to have questions as you consider investing your time and money in an online CNA program in North Carolina. Below, we’ve sourced some common questions that potential students have and answered them in detail. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect as a CNA student.
What skills do you learn from 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 will give you the chance to learn everything you need to know to pass the state certification exam and officially become a CNA. 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 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 require learners to make a one-time payment upfront.
In general, you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 to $1,200, depending on what type of training the program offers and what’s covered. As you weigh costs, be sure to note what is and isn’t included, such as: uniforms, equipment, books, and criminal background checks.
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 are 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. Be sure to research scholarships for CNA classes before enrolling to give you a clear idea of what you could pay.
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 a few months to complete. Alternatively, there are non-credit training programs in North Carolina such as Serenity Nurse Aide Academy, that can prepare you to sit for the state certification exam in as few as four to six weeks. Be sure to review requirements for in-personal clinical rotations, as they can affect the length of the program.
Will taking CNA classes online in North Carolina impact my ability to get certified or licensed? And do employers care if courses are taken online?
For both of these questions, the answer is 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. And when it comes to employment, 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.
Career Growth and Salary Predictions for CNAs in North Carolina
Nursing Assistants
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $30,260 | $38,460 | $47,080 |
| Asheville, NC | $33,670 | $40,170 | $49,030 |
| Burlington, NC | $30,480 | $39,090 | $45,650 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $33,730 | $39,430 | $49,050 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $36,830 | $40,560 | $49,320 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $28,660 | $37,530 | $44,990 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $29,920 | $38,540 | $46,580 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $29,600 | $38,260 | $45,920 |
| Greenville, NC | $29,290 | $39,480 | $43,060 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $31,240 | $37,430 | $44,860 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $30,130 | $35,880 | $42,070 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $29,830 | $36,930 | $43,570 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $30,660 | $39,710 | $47,740 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $27,600 | $37,650 | $43,740 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $31,210 | $38,990 | $47,440 |
| Wilmington, NC | $29,710 | $37,710 | $47,100 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $32,510 | $38,660 | $45,630 |
Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 17 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Nursing Assistants
| 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
