Best CNA Classes in Charlotte: Online & On-Campus
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are some of the most important people in healthcare. They directly interact with patients to help them with all basic activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, feeding, walking, and dressing. Because of this, it is a profession well suited to truly empathetic individuals who enjoy knowing that they are making a direct and positive impact on patients’ wellbeing.
In addition to the rewarding nature of the career, CNAs also gain excellent experience that can serve as a steppingstone to more advanced roles in healthcare.
If you are a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina who is interested in becoming a CNA, you will be pleased to discover that there are several excellent hybrid and on-campus programs in the city that can lead to certification in a matter of months. This guide contains everything you need to know to find a quality program in Charlotte and get started, so keep reading to learn more.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Best CNA Classes and Training Programs in Charlotte
Prospective students have a variety of CNA classes in Charlotte, North Carolina, to choose from, but sorting through the programs and figuring out why one might be better than another can seem like a daunting task. To help jump-start your search, we’ve identified three top-notch programs. All of these are state-approved, which means they’ll teach you everything you need to know to become a licensed nursing aide.
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
The nurse aide I program at Carolinas College is intended to prepare students for an entry level position in the healthcare setting. Therefore, the curriculum teaches students to deliver nursing skills under the supervision of a registered nurse.
The curriculum is unique in that it requires 150 total hours of instruction, which is more than many similar CNA classes in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the nurse aide I program uses a traditional, on-campus delivery format, classes are arranged in as flexible a manner as possible. This means students can complete their coursework and practical training on nights or weekends. Depending on the course schedule students choose, they can complete the entire program in as little as two months.
To apply, aspiring CNAs must complete an online application, pass a criminal background check, and have access to the internet. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts (or the academic equivalent) showing at least a 2.0 GPA.
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College is a full-service post-secondary institution offering various academic programs, including associate degrees, academic coursework, and vocational programs including the nurse aide program.
This program is set up as a conventional academic program, with two formal classes. The nurse aide I course consists of three class credits, three clinical credits, and four lab credits. Completion of this class prepares students to become licensed as a nurse aide I with the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation.
The second class is nurse aide II, which places a greater emphasis on hands-on training. This means in addition to the three credits from the classroom, students earn six credits from clinicals and two credits from lab work. Upon completion of this class, students are eligible to become licensed as a nurse aide II with the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
CPCC admission requirements for the nurse aide I and II programs include a high school diploma and completion of a math and English 100+ level course with a C grade or higher. Some applicants may need to complete placement tests. All students must be at least 18 years of age by the time they begin their clinicals.
Unity Nursing Institute
The nurse aide I program at Unity Nursing Institute is designed so students complete their CNA courses in Charlotte, North Carolina, as quickly and as conveniently as possible. The program lasts just six weeks; due to the coronavirus pandemic, the first two weeks can be completed online. For additional flexibility, students choose between morning or evening classes. Students learn about a variety of subjects, such as:
- Human anatomy
- Infection control
- Patient safety and care
- Care practices and techniques
- Diet education
- Mobility skills
- Monitoring vital signs
- Daily living assistance
Students may also consider enrolling in the nurse aide II program to learn more advanced nursing skills, with a special emphasis on sterile techniques.
To begin the application process, complete the online application form. Besides passing the medical and criminal history checks, prospective students must also provide high school or college transcripts and pass a drug test.
FAQs About CNA Classes in Charlotte
What skills do you learn in CNA classes in Charlotte?
Most CNA programs use the initial coursework to teach foundational concepts. Typical nurse aide I programs cover human anatomy, legal and ethical rules in the medical setting, and the aging process. Students also complete lab and clinical experiences, but these hands-on requirements don’t start until later in the program. At that point students spend less time in the classroom and more time in a lab or medical setting as they practice their new skills.
Students who enroll in a nurse aide II program, such as the one offered by Chosen Health Care Institute, Inc., learn more advanced nursing care methods, many of which are taught in a clinical setting. Students in a nurse aide II program spend less time in the classroom and more time learning skills such as inserting catheters, treating wounds, sterilizing instruments, and assistive feeding techniques.
How much do CNA classes cost in Charlotte?
Given that most Charlotte CNA programs provide students with a certificate or similar academic credential, the cost is relatively low compared to programs that grant degrees. Most programs require a flat payment that covers tuition plus fees. Below is a list of three Charlotte institutions offering CNA courses; this gives you a good idea of what to expect in terms of cost.
Serenity Nurse Aid Academy
Total Training Hours: 115 hours of training
$740 in total program costs
American Academy of Healthcare
Total Credits: 136 hours of training
$700 in total program costs
Where can I get help paying for my CNA classes in Charlotte?
Even though CNA programs cost far less than two- or four-year degree programs, they can still impose significant financial hurdles to prospective certified nursing aide students. Luckily, there are several sources of financial aid to help pay for the cost of education. These include student loans, grants, and scholarships. Some may only be available to students who attend a program that’s either accredited or approved by their state licensing authority. To learn more about paying for a CNA credential, please see the CNA scholarships guide and the main financial aid guide.
How long do CNA classes in Charlotte take to finish?
Most CNA classes in Charlotte, North Carolina, can be completed in a few months. Some programs include training for both nurse aide I and nurse aide II certifications. Students wishing to complete both credentials will need about twice as much time to complete their program. Another factor to consider is class timing; some programs offer weekend classes instead of weekday classes. This can lengthen the time it takes to graduate.
Generally speaking, students can finish a CNA I program in less than two months. Some institutions, like Serenity Nurse Aide Academy, allow students to finish in less than five weeks.
Inside Look at Online CNA Classes in Charlotte
As with most nursing education, fully online CNA programs are nonexistent because hands-on training in the form of labs and clinicals is integral to producing competent graduates. Nevertheless, a few programs do offer hybrid options that allow you to complete certain components online, and you might wonder how this could affect your overall education. Keep reading to gain some perspective on this and find answers to a few common questions about online CNA classes.
Common Questions About Online CNA Classes in Charlotte
Will taking CNA classes online in Charlotte impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
As long as the state approves your training program, it does not matter what format your classes take. Before enrolling, consult the list of state-approved Nurse Aide I training programs maintained by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to make sure that your selected program is included.
Do employers care if I take some of my CNA classes online?
Employers will not be concerned with whether you completed some of your CNA classes online. They are only focused on whether you have completed a state-approved training program and passed the required exam—the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) Exam. These measures prove that you are competent in the skills necessary for the job.
Are online CNA classes more affordable than campus programs in Charlotte?
In terms of CNA classes in Charlotte, it does not appear that studying online will save you any money. This is probably because online options are so infrequently offered that instructional format is not factored into cost at all. For example, the tuition for the hybrid program at Carolinas College is $880, but the traditional, in-person program at Central Piedmont Community College costs significantly less at $456.
Can I complete my Charlotte CNA training faster by taking classwork online?
For those attending Charlotte CNA programs, completing coursework online does not typically save time. Keep in mind that most programs can be completed in just a few months and substantial hands-on training elements in addition to traditional classroom instruction.
How to Become a CNA in Charlotte
North Carolina recognizes two types of CNAs. The first is the nursing aide I. These professionals are registered with the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation at its N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry. To obtain this license, an individual must complete at least one of the following:
- Obtain a training waiver and pass the nurse aide I licensing exam
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide I program and pass the nurse aide I licensing exam
- Request the CNA license based on already having an eligible North Carolina nursing license
The nurse aide I licensing exam is administered by NACES Plus Foundation, Inc., and Pearson VUE. Students register with Pearson VUE to take the exam and pay the fee of $140.
The second type of state-recognized CNA is the nursing aide II. These healthcare professionals are registered with the North Carolina Board of Nursing. To become a nurse aide II in North Carolina, a person must:
- Have a current nurse aide I license
- Have no findings of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of property
- Complete a nurse aide II program that’s recognized by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
To get more detailed information about becoming a CNA, see our North Carolina CNA page.
Earnings Outlook: How Much Does a CNA Make in Charlotte?
The median wage for CNAs in Charlotte is $29,620, which is only slightly higher than the statewide median wage of $29,230. However, compared to the lowest-paid area in North Carolina—New Bern at $26,540—Charlotte’s pay is more desirable. Earnings elsewhere in the state are about the same as those in Charlotte. In fact, even the highest-paying area (Durham-Chapel Hill at $30,410) only exceeds Charlotte’s pay by $790.
Annual Earnings for CNAs in Charlotte
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
| Charlotte, NC | $23,850 | $29,620 | $37,530 |
| 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 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
