The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

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Author: Mikala Lugen, BS
Mikala Lugen is a writer and journalist with over 10 years of experience producing content across general higher education, nursing, healthcare, allied health. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Kent State University.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareHealthcare Admin.Nursing
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Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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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:

A smiling woman wearing a black hat and a green shirt stands outdoors with bright yellow autumn leaves in the background.
Author: Mikala Lugen, BS
Mikala Lugen is a writer and journalist with over 10 years of experience producing content across general higher education, nursing, healthcare, allied health. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Kent State University.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareHealthcare Admin.Nursing
HealthcareHealthcare Admin.Nursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

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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

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR 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

Show entries
Filters
  • Area
  • 10th Percentile
  • Median
  • 90th Percentile
U.S.
10th Percentile $31,390
Median $39,530
90th Percentile $50,140
North Carolina
10th Percentile $29,370
Median $37,670
90th Percentile $45,960
Asheville, NC
10th Percentile $30,410
Median $38,740
90th Percentile $47,740
Burlington, NC
10th Percentile $29,650
Median $40,580
90th Percentile $46,920
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
10th Percentile $30,900
Median $38,580
90th Percentile $46,620
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
10th Percentile $35,120
Median $38,710
90th Percentile $47,510
Fayetteville, NC
10th Percentile $28,100
Median $36,150
90th Percentile $43,990
Goldsboro, NC
10th Percentile $29,270
Median $36,550
90th Percentile $43,430
Greensboro-High Point, NC
10th Percentile $29,530
Median $38,760
90th Percentile $44,580
Greenville, NC
10th Percentile $29,670
Median $38,340
90th Percentile $41,820
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
10th Percentile $30,290
Median $36,050
90th Percentile $43,810
Jacksonville, NC
10th Percentile $27,690
Median $33,330
90th Percentile $37,420
Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC
10th Percentile $28,450
Median $35,920
90th Percentile $41,180
Raleigh-Cary, NC
10th Percentile $30,030
Median $38,840
90th Percentile $48,840
Rocky Mount, NC
10th Percentile $27,350
Median $35,580
90th Percentile $41,660
Wilmington, NC
10th Percentile $29,960
Median $36,410
90th Percentile $46,070
Winston-Salem, NC
10th Percentile $30,230
Median $37,900
90th Percentile $43,690
Showing 1 to 10 of 17 entries

Source: Nursing Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.


United States
Curr. Jobs 1,361,300
Proj. Jobs 1,417,800
New Jobs 56,500
Growth % 4.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 202,400
North Carolina
Curr. Jobs 55,650
Proj. Jobs 62,060
New Jobs 6,410
Growth % 11.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 8,970

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in North Carolina

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
49% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
44% Students w/ Aid
2
28% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
76% Students w/ Aid
3
30% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
39% Students w/ Aid
4
19% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
39% Students w/ Aid
5
5
32% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
19% Students w/ Aid
6
38% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
42% Students w/ Aid
7
27% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
11% Students w/ Aid
8
25% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
18% Students w/ Aid
9
30% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
38% Students w/ Aid
10
10
39% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
20% Students w/ Aid

Mikala Lugen, BS AUTHOR

Mikala Lugen is a writer and journalist with over 10 years of experience producing content across general higher education, nursing, healthcare, allied health. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Kent State University.

Read More About Mikala Lugen

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
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