According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. employs over 1.56 million certified nursing assistants, with 216,000 new CNA openings projected annually through 2032. Choosing the right CNA program is the first and most consequential step toward joining this high-demand healthcare workforce. This guide covers every type of CNA program available in 2026 — from community college courses and Red Cross training to fully online hybrid options — along with costs, timelines, accreditation requirements, and state-by-state program directories to help you find the best path to your CNA certification.
A CNA program trains students to perform essential patient care tasks — taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, documenting observations, and communicating with nursing staff — that form the foundation of bedside healthcare delivery. Every state requires CNA candidates to complete a state-approved training program before sitting for the certification exam.
Most CNA programs combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical rotations in a healthcare facility. The federal minimum under OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is 75 hours of training, but 35 states now require more, with some mandating up to 180 hours. Programs accredited by state nursing boards or the National League for Nursing maintain the highest exam pass rates and employer recognition.
If you are exploring how long the process takes from enrollment to working as a CNA, our how long does it take to become a CNA guide breaks down every timeline scenario.
Each program type leads to the same state certification exam. The key differences are cost, speed, and whether the credits transfer toward higher nursing degrees. If cost is your primary concern, explore free CNA classes — many employers and community organizations sponsor no-cost training in exchange for a short work commitment.
California requires 150 hours of state-approved training. Top programs include Los Angeles Trade-Tech Community College, Bay Area Medical Academy in San Francisco, Kash Career College in Sacramento, and California Medical College in San Diego. Many California programs qualify for WIOA workforce funding.
Oregon mandates 155 training hours. The Caregiver Training Institute in Portland (503-257-0117) and community colleges across the state offer OSBN-approved programs.
Washington requires 85 hours minimum. Everett Community College and Bellingham Technical College run popular programs with 90%+ pass rates.
Arizona programs require 120 hours. Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Pima Medical Institute in Tucson, and Mesa Community College all offer accredited tracks.
Montana programs are available at Miles Community College (2715 Dickinson St, Miles City, 406-874-6100) with both in-person and hybrid options.
Illinois requires 120 hours of training. In Chicago, Olive-Harvey College, Malcolm X College, and Wright College offer affordable community college tracks. Waubonsee Community College serves the western suburbs.
Michigan mandates 75 hours minimum. Kellogg Community College, Lake Michigan College, and Washtenaw Community College all provide state-approved programs with strong job placement.
Ohio requires 75 hours. Cincinnati State, Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, and Columbus State Community College run high-volume CNA programs.
Missouri programs include Preferred Futures Healthcare Academy in Warrensburg (660-422-8377), Meds-Medical Educational Development and Support in Independence (816-373-6337), and community colleges statewide.
South Dakota programs are available at Avera (3900 West Avera Drive, Sioux Falls, 605-322-4700), one of the region's largest healthcare employers offering employer-sponsored training.
Texas requires 100 hours of training. Lone Star College, NurseAid Training Academy, and Alamo Colleges offer programs across the state's major metro areas. Texas programs frequently include bilingual instruction.
Georgia mandates 85 hours. Chattahoochee Technical College near Atlanta, Athens Technical College, and Southern Regional Technical College provide state-approved tracks with high employer demand.
Florida requires 120 hours. Florida programs are among the most competitive due to the state's large elderly population — graduates find placement quickly in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.
North Carolina requires 75 hours. Care One Health Training Institute in Raleigh (919-773-7165) and community colleges across the state offer approved programs.
Kentucky programs include Health Education Center (Area Health Education Centers Program) in Louisville (502-762-5151) with clinical placements at major hospital systems.
New York requires 100 hours of training. In NYC, Hostos Community College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, and Trocaire College offer affordable programs. Finger Lakes Community College and SUNY campuses serve upstate students.
New Jersey mandates 90 hours. Camden County College, AMG Medical Institute, and multiple county vocational schools provide state-approved tracks with strong hospital partnerships.
Connecticut requires 100 hours. American Red Cross programs are popular throughout the state, alongside community college options at Quinebaug Valley Community College and Windham Technical High School.
Massachusetts requires 100 hours. Home Health Care Connection, InterHealth Learning Center in Watertown, and community colleges across the state offer programs with clinical rotations at major hospital networks.
Maryland programs include Anne Arundel Community College, Community College of Baltimore County, and hospital-sponsored programs at Johns Hopkins affiliates.
North Dakota requires 75 hours. Lake Region State College in Devils Lake (701-662-1600) offers a hybrid option combining online coursework with local clinical placement. Williston State College (701-572-2835) serves the western part of the state.
Minnesota requires 75 hours. Hennepin Technical College, Century College, and Rochester Community and Technical College all provide approved programs. The Mayo Clinic health system sponsors CNA training for committed employees.
Wisconsin mandates 120 hours. Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Fox Valley Technical College run high-capacity programs with waiting lists — apply early.
Iowa requires 75 hours. Des Moines Area Community College, Kirkwood Community College, and Iowa Western Community College offer affordable options with strong rural placement networks.
Program cost is only one factor in your total investment. Factor in scrubs, textbooks, a stethoscope, CPR certification ($25–$75), background check ($30–$50), and the state exam fee. Many students offset these costs through CNA scholarships or employer tuition reimbursement. For a complete breakdown of earning potential after graduation, see our CNA salary guide — median annual pay reached $38,270 in 2026.
Completing a CNA program is the first step in a healthcare career with multiple advancement paths. Many certified nursing assistants use their CNA experience as a launchpad:
For a complete map of every career path available to CNAs, visit our CNA careers guide.
Whether you are researching programs or already enrolled, these resources cover every aspect of the CNA journey:
Start your exam preparation today with the free CNA practice test — 175+ questions covering every exam domain, completely free. Learn more in our CNA arizona guide. Learn more in our CNA florida guide.