CNA Classes in Durham: Online & On-Campus Training Programs

What skills do you learn in CNA classes in Durham?

CNA classes in Durham help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the competency certification exam. Programs approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing offer at least 75 hours of instruction, including 59 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of hands-on clinical training.

Between your coursework and hands-on training, you’ll learn how to take patients’ vital signs, provide basic care for the elderly and infants, administer emergency care beyond CPR, control infections, and work with patients who suffer from common conditions including respiratory issues, cognitive impairment, and diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Being a valuable CNA also means knowing how to handle day-to-day activities of patients. Instruction at Durham Tech includes training in patient bathing, feeding, toileting, and assisting with mobility issues. Those in its nurse aide II training also learn about basic tasks such as oxygen setups, catheterizations, suctioning, and IV setups.

How much do CNA classes cost in Durham?

The cost of your CNA classes in Durham, NC, varies among programs.schools and the type of program. For-credit diploma or certificate programs usually charge tuition by the credit, semester, or individual course. For-credit programs are also more likely to be eligible for financial aid opportunities, especially student loans. Noncredit programs often charge a one-time payment for all of the CNA instruction you’ll receive throughout your program. Here’s a look at some of the tuition fees or course costs for prospective CNAs in Durham, NC.

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

Pursuing a diploma, certificate, or state-approved training for nursing aides can be a significant financial commitment for many students. They may be a lot less expensive than an associate or bachelor’s degree, but still cost prohibitive for many who does receive financial help. For those pursuing for-credit training at community colleges or vocational schools, various financial aid resources are out there to help offset your tuition costs and fees. While noncredit programs are less likely to be eligible for some forms of financial aid, you can still seek scholarships, loans, veterans benefits, and employer tuition assistance to help you cover your costs. Check out our CNA scholarships guide and financial aid guide to help you start your search.

How long do CNA classes in Durham take to finish?

The duration of your CNA classes in Durham, NC, will vary among programs. Typically, online and in-person learners can finish their CNA course requirements in 4-12 weeks. However other CNA programs take up to 10 months. The major difference is usually whether the program is for-credit or noncredit. For example, the Nurse Aide I program from Ideal Health Institute takes just seven weeks to finish. But then there’s the Durham Tech Nurse Aide Certificate program which requires the completion of 13 credits over two semesters.

Noncredit programs tend to be a lot shorter in duration compared to diploma or certificate programs. The noncredit program at Harris Training Institute, for example, is only four weeks long and requires you to attend class four full days a week and study outside of class time. Other programs last several more weeks because they are part-time programs that work better for those already working, offer more in-depth coursework, or prepare you for future careers and additional education. Durham Tech’s for-credit diploma program, for example, takes about 10 months to complete.

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

No, taking online classes will not affect your ability or eligibility to earn certification as a CNA. Online and hybrid CNA classes today are designed to meet your state’s standards for training and certification eligibility. The only way that online classes would affect your eligibility is if you receive your training from a program that’s not approved by the state of North Carolina. And offering a course online, in and of itself, has no bearing on whether a particular nurse aide program is approved or not.

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

They can be, but not usually because of their tuition rate. Online CNA classes in Durham often cost the same as traditional on-campus programs. However, remote students often save money by having fewer commutes to campus. Don’t forget that the flexibility of online learning also makes it easier to continue working while in school. This extra income can help defray the cost of the program.

Are online CNA classes more affordable than campus programs in Durham?

Online CNA classes in Durham cost the same or less than traditional on-campus programs. While many institutions charge online learners lower in-state tuition rates regardless of their location, remote students often save money by having fewer commutes to campus.

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

If you take classes through a program that offers self-paced courses online, you may be able to progress through the bookwork portion of the program more quickly than if you were in a traditional on-campus program. Your clinical in-person training, however, must follow state guidelines. In North Carolina, you’ll need at least 16 hours of in-person clinical training.