CNA Classes in North Carolina: Online & Campus Training Programs

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.

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.

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.

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 Guide 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.