Online CNA Classes: Finding the Right Program in Texas

Is an Online CNA Program in Texas Right for Me?

Enrolling in a Texas online CNA program is a major commitment. In addition to cost, you need to think about the time and energy you’ll spend working toward your career goals. And learning online adds another dimension to the equation. Before taking your first steps down this higher education path, answer these key questions:

1. Will an online program provide the flexibility I need?
2. How does an online CNA program handle clinical training?
3. Will an online program meet Texas certification requirements?
4. What will it cost and can I afford it?
5. What type of student support and career placement does an online program have?

Inside Top Online CNA Classes in Texas

Online and hybrid programs are great for students with a busy schedule, but some CNA courses are intense and require full-time study. In Texas, most vocational schools offer hybrid CNA courses, meaning you’ll watch lectures online and learn from pre-recorded videos, but your lab hours require you to attend a clinic or school for hands-on training and skills assessment.

To help you better understand how online/hybrid CNA classes in Texas work, we’ve spotlighted three real programs. See if one of these programs could help you realize your CNA career goals.

How to Become a CNA in Texas: Requirements & Certification

When looking to become a CNA in Texas, you must complete five specific steps. Here’s a rundown of those steps:

Step 1: Meet basic eligibility. Each prospective CNA in Texas must be 18 years of age, up-to-date with immunizations (including a negative TB test), and be in good physical and mental health.

Step 2: Complete a state-approved CNA program. This Nursing Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) must include at least 100 hours (60 classroom and 40 clinical). Training covers topics such as communication, infection control, emergency procedures, patient rights, and direct care.

Step 3: Pass the State Competency Exam. Then National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) has written, oral, and clinical components. You must pass each portion, and you have three attempts to pass the exam within two years of your training program.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. After passing your certification exam, the Texas HHSC issues you a CNA certificate, which is valid for 3 years, and adds you to the state registry.

Step 5: Maintain and renew your certification. You must complete 24 hours of in-service training every 2 years, including geriatrics. You also need to provide proof of employment in a licensed facility during that period.

FAQs for Aspiring Texas CNAs

If you’re still exploring online CNA programs in Texas, it may be because you need more information to make an informed decision. You’re not the only one; below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions you and other students are likely to have about Texas CNA programs.

Can I really complete my CNA training online in Texas?

Yes. You can do most (if not all) of the academic coursework online, but the hands-on nature of CNA training means some in-person work is required. Typically, students enroll in courses at a local vocational, technical, or community colleges. These courses can be scheduled during the day, in the evenings, or even over the weekends.

How much do online CNA classes cost in Texas?

When you’re choosing the best online CNA classes and program for your needs, make sure you know how much they will cost. You’ll find a range of fees for programs in Texas, but it’s important to remember that the documented tuition estimates you’ll find online may not include fees or textbooks. Tuition can change without notice, so it’s always best to check with your schools of interest to see what they are charging for their CNA programs.

Keep in mind that many CNA programs offer financial aid and/or scholarships. You can also explore tuition reimbursement if you’re employed by a healthcare provider.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a CNA in Texas?

Every state-approved program in Texas is required to offer a total of 100 hours of training to students — 60 of which must be done in the classroom and 40 as hands-on training. Before you’ll be allowed to make your first direct contact with a patient, you’ll be required to have an initial 16 hours of introductory training. This preliminary training focuses on areas like communication, infection control measures, safety protocols, emergency procedures, fostering patient independence, and the preservation of patient rights.

Once you’re done with this required training, you are eligible to sit for the nurse aide competency examination.

What are the requirements for most CNA programs in Texas?

As an aspiring online CNA student in Texas, you are not required to have a GED or high school diploma, but you do have to be free from certain criminal offenses. If you have a clear record, you can directly enroll in a CNA program and begin your training. You will also have to provide proof of immunization, undergo drug testing, and have CPR training to be admitted into a program.

It’s important to choose a program approved by the state of Texas to make sure you’re receiving a top-tier education that smoothly transitions into employment following the successful completion of your competency exam.

How often will I need to renew my CNA license in Texas?

While every state has different requirements of license renewals, Texas CNAs are required to renew their certification every two years showing a minimum of 24 hours of in-service education. The in-service education must include training in geriatrics and the care of residents with dementia disorder, including Alzheimer’s disease.

To make the process convenient, Texas offers some computer-based in-service training, each module satisfying two hours of the overall requirement. To document successful course completion, you’ll print a copy of the course certificate available at the end of the training and keep the certificate for documentation. CNAs must complete these courses annually in order to renew a listing of active status on the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR).

Career & Salary Info

Best Schools for Online CNA Classes in Texas