North Carolina is the 9th most populous of the 50 United States, and the largest banking center in the nation after New York City. That means that healthcare providers are constantly in high demand, and Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, are an essential part of a successful healthcare system. As a state that has one of the highest CNA employment rates per metropolitan area and a total of 15 metropolitan centers, the time is right to be a part of the community that helps the population remain healthy. Additionally, CNAs in North Carolina can make up to $38,000 in the highest paying positions. If you’re interested in earning your CNA license in NC, this site will provide you with helpful information.
Before CNAs can be employed in North Carolina state-licensed facilities, they need to obtain certification. Luckily, this is a process that is relatively quick and painless, getting you ready to work as quickly as possible.
Online CNA Classes in North Carolina
More and more CNA programs in North Carolina are offering online CNA classes, which reflects the evolving educational landscape and the growing demand for accessible learning options. This shift acknowledges the diverse needs of individuals seeking a CNA career and the benefits that online learning brings to the table. By embracing technology, these programs are enabling aspiring CNAs to gain valuable skills and knowledge while maintaining their personal and professional commitments. This trend is reshaping how healthcare education is delivered, providing a pathway for North Carolina residents to embark on a rewarding and impactful career in the healthcare sector.
Advantages of Online CNA Classes
- Flexibility: Fit studying around your schedule.
- Accessibility: Learn from anywhere in North Carolina.
- Cost-Effective: Save on commuting and potential financial aid.
- Self-Paced Learning: Learn at your own speed.
- Personalized Environment: Tailor your learning space.
- Diverse Resources: Interactive materials enhance understanding.
- Real-World Application: Blend online theory with practical experience.
- Time-Efficiency: Save time on commuting.
- Supportive Community: Engage with peers and instructors online.
- Career Advancement: Quickly enter the healthcare field.
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Carolinas College offers online CNA classes they refer to as their Nurse Aide I program. The program equips students with fundamental nursing skills in a structured healthcare environment, overseen by registered nurses. The program offers great flexibility through online classes and accommodates various schedules with in-person labs and clinical education on weekends or evenings. Successful completion leads to certification as a nursing assistant (CNA), a profession in high demand in North Carolina.
Program Details:
- Cost: Unclear – contact program for details.
- Duration: 2-3 months.
- Schedule: Choose weekend or evening options for labs and clinical education.
- Prerequisites: High school transcripts (or equivalent), computer, internet access, criminal background check.
- Certification: Graduates are eligible for the national certifying examination offered at Carolinas College.
Key Points:
- Flexible online asynchronous study combined with in-person labs.
- Rapid program completion and credentialing in a few months.
- Financial aid, educational assistance, and scholarships available.
- Commitment to diversity through the Todd and Janelle Collins Nurse Aide Scholars Program.
Application Requirements:
- Online application submission.
- Proof of education (high school diploma, transcripts).
- Computer and internet access.
- Successful criminal background check.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2110 Water Ridge Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28217
- Phone: 704-355-5043
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://atriumhealth.org/education/carolinas-college-of-health-sciences/academic-programs/nurse-aide
Fast Track Career Prep – Nurse Aide I Hybrid Course
Fast Track Career Prep introduces an accelerated Nurse Aide I Hybrid Course, presenting an efficient pathway to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). This program delivers fundamental nursing skills for compassionate patient care through online instruction and in-person labs and clinicals. Completing the program in just 5 weeks, graduates enjoy swift entry into the healthcare field. The curriculum covers essential tasks, diagnostic support, charting, and more, with CNAs being vital in various healthcare settings.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: 5 weeks.
- Schedule: 2 weeks of online classes (Monday-Friday) and 5 consecutive weekends for labs and clinicals (Saturday & Sunday, 8am-4:30pm on-site).
- Curriculum: 136hr State Approved Program, including 47 lab hours & 32 clinical hours.
- Certification: Successful graduates are eligible for the North Carolina NNAAP exam.
- Additional Requirements: Criminal background check, drug test, malpractice insurance purchase, material kit purchase, uniform, textbook.
Price Comparison:
- Fast Track Price: $620.00 (Tuition, Registration Fee, Malpractice Insurance, Material Kit).
- Competition Price: $523-$618 (Tuition, Background Check/Drug Test, Malpractice Insurance, Blood Pressure Cuff/Stethoscope, Textbook, Uniforms).
Contact Information:
- Website: https://www.fasttrackcareerprep.com/nurse-aide-i
- Email: [email protected]
Wake Tech Nurse Aide Programs – Building Foundations in Healthcare
Wake Tech’s Nurse Aide programs, also known as Certified Nursing Assistant programs, offer comprehensive training in essential nursing skills within healthcare settings, approved by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. Here’s an overview of the offerings:
Program Locations:
- Perry Health Sciences Campus, Raleigh, NC 27610
- Public Safety Education Campus, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Scott Northern Wake Campus, Raleigh, NC 27616
Course Format: Nurse Aide courses primarily involve in-person classes. While some courses may have an online component, campus attendance remains mandatory.
Open Lab Schedule: Open lab sessions are accessible at Scott Northern Wake Campus (Building E, Room 135), exclusive to Wake Tech Nurse Aide students. Verification through a Wake Tech ID is required.
- Monday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Instructor usually available; self-practice if not.)
- Monday – Thursday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Lab open if instructor present; call to verify.)
Financial Assistance: The Propel program at Wake Tech offers scholarships covering registration, fees, books, supplies, and credentialing exams. Propel scholarship applications reopen on October 1. Additionally, scholarships related to the Nurse Aide program and job information at healthcare facilities are available.
Questions and Contact: For more information, inquiries, or registration, reach out via email: [email protected] or phone: 919-747-0120.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How to Register: Register online or visit the Nurse Aide Offices in person. Call 919-747-0120 ahead to confirm assistance availability.
- Prerequisites: No prerequisites, but you must be at least 16½ years old by the first day of class.
Professional Licensure: Wake Tech’s programs designed for professional licensure align with North Carolina or national certifications. For those seeking licensure outside of North Carolina post-program, refer to the Professional Licensure section on the college’s distance education authorization page for more details.
North Carolina CNA Certification Requirements
There is no minimum education requirement but a high school diploma or a GED is recommended i you want to earn your CNA certification in NC. Trainees with specific criminal convictions (found here) will not be allowed to practice as a CNA. Other state requirements include:
- Being 17 years or older
- High school diploma or GED (recommended)
- Passing a drug test
- Negative TB test
- FBI criminal background check
- Doctor’s clearance that you have no communicable diseases and are physically fit to handle the rigors of the job
- Immunization records, including varicella, Hepatitis B, TDaP, and two-step PPD
North Carolina CNA Classes & Testing Costs
North Carolina is one of the few states that still do not demand nurse aides to undergo a program before their competency evaluation. Classes are recommended, however, as it will provide the chance to grow the knowledge and skills the exam will require from you.
State-approved programs offer a minimum of 75 hours of instruction, which will include 16 hours of hands-on learning. If you fail the competency exam three times, you must enroll in a North Carolina state-licensed program before you can sit the test again.
In North Carolina, the cost of CNA classes is significantly lower than in other states at an average cost of $400. There might not be an abundant option for upfront financial aid, however, if you are employed within a year of certification, you may apply for reimbursement of your expenses. Sites that offer employer sponsored classes can be found here.
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in North Carolina
If becoming a CNA in North Carolina is starting to sound like a good opportunity, we encourage you to check out the following programs to see if they’re a good fit for your current situation and schedule. There are no fully online CNA classes in North Carolina, but hybrid online/in-person courses are offered by some providers. Some of these locations may offer employer sponsored CNA classes, while others may be tuition-based. Please contact them directly if you have questions on their curriculum or costs.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanly Community College | Albemarle, NC | 28001 | 704-982-0121 |
| Randolph Community College | Asheboro, NC | 27205 | 336-633-0200 |
| Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Asheville, NC | 28801 | 828-398-7900 |
| Brunswick Community College | Bolivia, NC | 28422 | 910-755-7300 |
| Cape Fear Community College | Burgaw, NC | 28425 | 910-259-4966 |
| Chosen Health Care Institute, Inc. | Charlotte, NC | 28262 | 704-547-1988 |
| Serenity Nurse Aide Academy & Nursing Services | Charlotte, NC | 28215 | 704-567-8000 |
| Unity Nursing Institute | Charlotte, NC | 28217 | 704-525-1448 |
| Carolinas College of Health Sciences | Charlotte, NC | 28217 | 704-355-5043 |
| Umanah Healthcare Institute | Charlotte, NC | 28212 | 704-531-1100 |
| Umanah Healthcare Institute | Charlotte, NC | 28212 | 704-531-1100 |
| Maxim Healthcare Services | Charlotte, NC | 28204 | 704-366-1075 |
| American Academy of Healthcare | Charlotte, NC | 28205 | 704-525-3500 |
| Divine Health Academy | Charlotte, NC | 28212 | 704-566-2955 |
| Sampson Community College | Clinton, NC | 28328 | 910-592-8081 |
| Mary Gran Nursing Center | Clinton, NC | 28329 | 910-592-7981 |
| Mary Gran Nursing Center | Clinton, NC | 28329 | 910-592-7981 |
| Haywood Community College | Clyde, NC | 28721 | 828-627-2821 |
| Isothermal Community College | Columbus, NC | 28722 | 828-894-3092 |
| Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | Concord, NC | 28025 | 704-403-1555 |
| Gaston College | Dallas, NC | 28034 | 704-922-6200 |
| Surry Community College | Dobson, NC | 27017 | 336-386-8121 |
| Bladen Community College | Dublin, NC | 28332 | 910-879-5500 |
| Triangle Nurse Aide Program | Durham, NC | 27707 | 919-908-9939 |
| Triangle Nurse Aide Program | Durham, NC | 27707 | 919-908-9939 |
| Harris Training Institute, Inc | Durham, NC | 27703 | 919-224-8081 |
| NuAngels Home Care, LLC | Durham, NC | 27707 | 984-244-7835 |
| WISDOM HEALTH ACADEMY | Durham, NC | 27707 | 919-908-9939 |
| Comfort Keepers Home Care | Durham, NC | 27707 | 919-504-2473 |
| Durham Technical Community College | Durham, NC | 27703 | 919-536-7200 |
| Maxim Healthcare Services | Durham, NC | 27707 | 919-419-1484 |
| Right at Home | Durham, NC | 27707 | 919-237-2333 |
| College of The Albemarle — Edenton-Chowan | Edenton, NC | 27932 | 252-482-7900 |
| College of The Albemarle – Elizabeth City | Elizabeth City, NC | 27909 | 252-335-0821 |
| SCC Elkin Center | Elkin, NC | 28621 | 336-386-3605 |
| Golden Years Nursing Home | Falcon, NC | 28342 | 910-980-1271 |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville, NC | 28303 | 910-678-8400 |
| Miller-Motte College | Fayetteville, NC | 28311 | 910-238-3077 |
| Miller-Motte College | Fayetteville, NC | 28311 | 910-238-3077 |
| Blue Ridge Community College | Flat Rock, NC | 28731 | 828-694-1700 |
| Southwestern Community College - Macon Annex | Franklin, NC | 28734 | 828-339-4426 |
| Wayne Community College | Goldsboro, NC | 27534 | 919-735-5151 |
| Alamance Community College | Graham, NC | 27253 | 336-578-2002 |
| Pamlico Community College | Grantsboro, NC | 28529 | 252-249-1851 |
| Caring Hands Home Health Inc | Greensboro, NC | 27408 | 336-389-1297 |
| CNA Today | Greensboro, NC | 27408 | 877-221-7757 |
| UNCG School of Nursing | Greensboro, NC | 27402 | 336-334-5016 |
| GTCC Greensboro Campus | Greensboro, NC | 27405 | 336-334-4822 |
| One Day CNA | Greensboro, NC | 27409 | 336-833-3066 |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 27858 | 252-328-6131 |
| Richmond Community College | Hamlet, NC | 28345 | 910-410-1700 |
| Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson, NC | 27536 | 252-492-2061 |
| Catawba Valley Community College | Hickory, NC | 28602 | 828-327-7000 |
| Caring For Life | Jacksonville, NC | 28540 | 910-989-2273 |
| Coastal Carolina Community College | Jacksonville, NC | 28546 | 910-455-1221 |
| Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown, NC | 27282 | 336-334-4822 |
| Southern College of Health Sciences | Kannapolis, NC | 28083 | 704-707-3965 |
| James Sprunt Community College | Kenansville, NC | 28349 | 910-296-2400 |
| Summerstone Health & Rehabilitation Center | Kernersville, NC | 27284 | 336-515-3000 |
| Summerstone Health & Rehabilitation Center | Kernersville, NC | 27284 | 336-515-3000 |
| Lenoir Community College | Kinston, NC | 28504 | 252-527-6223 |
| Gaston College - Lincoln Campus | Lincolnton, NC | 28092 | 704-748-1040 |
| Robeson Community College | Lumberton, NC | 28360 | 910-272-3700 |
| College of The Albemarle — Dare, 205 Highway 64 S. | Manteo, NC | 27954 | 252-473-2264 |
| College of The Albemarle — Dare, 132 Russell Twiford Rd | Manteo, NC | 27954 | 252-473-2264 |
| Central Piedmont Community College - Levine Campus | Matthews, NC | 28105 | 704-330-4200 |
| Davidson County Community Clg | Mocksville, NC | 27028 | 336-751-2885 |
| Mitchell Community College- Mooresville Campus | Mooresville, NC | 28115 | 704-663-1923 |
| Carteret Community College | Morehead City, NC | 28557 | 252-222-6000 |
| Western Piedmont Community College | Morganton, NC | 28655 | 828-448-3500 |
| Tri-County Community College | Murphy, NC | 28906 | 828-837-6810 |
| Mayland Community College | Newland, NC | 28657 | 828-733-5883 |
| Sandhills Community College | Pinehurst, NC | 28374 | 910-692-6185 |
| Central Carolina Community College - Pittsboro Campus | Pittsboro, NC | 27312 | 919-545-8000 |
| South Piedmont Community College | Polkton, NC | 28135 | 704-272-5300 |
| Sandhills Community College | Raeford, NC | 28376 | 910-875-8589 |
| North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | 27695 | 919-515-2011 |
| Allcare Home Health Agency, Inc | Raleigh, NC | 27615 | 919-301-0236 |
| Miller-Motte College | Raleigh, NC | 27604 | 919-230-6471 |
| Miller-Motte College | Raleigh, NC | 27604 | 919-230-6471 |
| Care One Health Training Institute | Raleigh, NC | 27603 | 919-773-7165 |
| Tri-County Community College | Robbinsville, NC | 28771 | 828-479-9256 |
| Nash Community College | Rocky Mount, NC | 27804 | 252-443-4011 |
| Edgecombe Community College | Rocky Mount, NC | 27801 | 252-823-5166 |
| Central Carolina Community College | Sanford, NC | 27330 | 919-775-5401 |
| Westfield Rehabilitation & Health Center | Sanford, NC | 27332 | 919-775-5404 |
| Westfield Rehabilitation & Health Center | Sanford, NC | 27332 | 919-775-5404 |
| Cleveland Community College | Shelby, NC | 28152 | 704-669-6000 |
| Central Carolina Community College | Siler City, NC | 27344 | 919-663-1266 |
| Johnston Community College | Smithfield, NC | 27577 | 919-934-3051 |
| Smithfield Manor Nursing and Rehab | Smithfield, NC | 27577 | 919-934-3171 |
| Lenoir Community College | Snow Hill, NC | 28580 | 252-747-3434 |
| Wilkes Community College | Sparta, NC | 28675 | 336-372-5061 |
| Isothermal Community College | Spindale, NC | 28160 | 828-286-3636 |
| Mayland Community College | Spruce Pine, NC | 28777 | 828-765-7351 |
| Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation/Spruce Pine | Spruce Pine, NC | 28777 | 828-765-7312 |
| Mitchell Community College | Statesville, NC | 28677 | 704-878-3200 |
| Davis Regional Medical Center | Statesville, NC | 28625 | 704-873-0281 |
| Southwestern Community College - Jackson Campus | Sylva, NC | 28779 | 828-339-4000 |
| Davidson County Community College | Thomasville, NC | 27360 | 336-249-8186 |
| Lenoir Community College Jones County | Trenton, NC | 28585 | 252-448-5021 |
| Vance-Granville Community College Warren Campus | Warrenton, NC | 27589 | 252-257-1900 |
| Warren Hills Rehabilitation & Nursing Center | Warrenton, NC | 27589 | 252-257-2011 |
| Warren Hills Rehabilitation & Nursing Center | Warrenton, NC | 27589 | 252-257-2011 |
| Beaufort County Community College | Washington, NC | 27889 | 252-946-6194 |
| Halifax Community College | Weldon, NC | 27890 | 252-536-4221 |
| Ashe Campus-Wilkes Community college | West Jefferson, NC | 28694 | 336-846-3900 |
| Southeastern Community College | Whiteville, NC | 28472 | 910-642-7141 |
| Liberty Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center of Columbus County | Whiteville, NC | 28472 | 910-642-7139 |
| Wilkes Community College | Wilkesboro, NC | 28697 | 336-838-6100 |
| Martin Community College | Williamston, NC | 27892 | 252-792-1521 |
| Bradley Creek Health Center | Wilmington, NC | 28403 | 910-769-7550 |
| Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington, NC | 28401 | 910-362-7000 |
| Wilson Community College | Wilson, NC | 27893 | 252-291-1195 |
| Martin Community College | Windsor, NC | 27983 | 252-794-4861 |
| Caring Hands Home Health Inc | Winston-Salem, NC | 27106 | 336-289-0325 |
| Davidson County Community College | Winston-Salem, NC | 27106 | 336-289-0325 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College Main Campus | Winston-Salem, NC | 27103 | 336-723-0371 |
| Forsyth Tech Community College - Woodruff Center | Winston-Salem, NC | 27105 | 336-734-7950 |
| Forsyth Tech | Winston-Salem, NC | 27103 | 336-723-0371 |
| Wake Forest Baptist Health - Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center | Winston-Salem, NC | 27157 | 336-716-2011 |
| Mount Eagle College and University | Winston-Salem, NC | 27105 | 336-776-0357 |
| Pitt Community College | Winterville, NC | 28590 | 252-493-7200 |
CNA Programs in Charlotte, NC
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). This program offers new classes every semester. The students will train with experienced instructors and are allowed to register for the CNA exam upon successful completion of the course. After obtaining a listing on the state’s Nurse Aide I registry, graduates can apply for Nurse Aide II classes available at CPCC.
American Academy of Healthcare. This program costs around $575 and offers both day and evening classes. Upon completion, the individual receives a Certificate of Completion. The classes are small in number to ensure trainees get the attention they need to grow and develop.
College of Health Sciences. They have classrooms and laboratories for the students’ use, as well as clinical facilities which include Carolina’s Medical Center, Carolina’s Rehabilitation and Sardis Nursing Home among others. Nurse Aide 1 and Nurse Aide 2 programs are provided. Registration will be confirmed only if there is available space. Tuition is $595 and includes Basic Life Support, study packet, and clearance of clinical coursework. Students are responsible for state testing fee, scrubs and other supplies.
Learn more about CNA classes in Charlotte.
CNA Programs in Raleigh, NC
Wake Tech Community College. This program teaches applicants basic nursing skills over a four-week state-approved course which follows all the guidelines set by the North Carolina Division of Health. Included in the list of subjects are communication, patient’s rights, personal care, mental health, nutrition, safety, vital signs, first aid, rehabilitation, and emergency. All graduates are eligible to take the two-part state competency exam which can be taken at the institution in either English or Spanish.
Care One Health Training Institute. The CNA 1 tuition fee at this institution is around $650 including registration and textbooks fees and around $925 for CNA 2. The CNA1 program provides trainees with expert demonstrations of taking patient’s vital signs, responding to emergencies using approved procedures, providing personal and rehabilitative care, meeting patient’s social needs and mental health, etc. The CNA2 program teaches skills that build on the knowledge obtained in CNA1 classes.
Learn more about CNA classes in Raleigh.
CNA Programs in Durham, NC
Durham Technical Community College. This comprehensive course is around 170 hours and goes beyond what is the state-required minimums. It lasts for 16 weeks but they also offer a 9-week option. Both include classroom and hands-on learning. Tuition is approximately $540 which includes registration fees, textbooks, criminal background checks, TB skin tests, NA exam fees, insurance fees, equipment, and uniform. The program qualifies for financial assistance. The grant deadline is 10 days prior to the class start date.
Harris Training Institute Inc This is a 9-week long program but there is also a fast-track option completed in 4 weeks. The program consists of theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. Tuition is around $550 and does not include the cost of textbooks, uniform, criminal background check, immunization, or state exam fee.
Additional North Carolina CNA Resources
The above information can likely get you started on your path to becoming a CNA in the state of North Carolina, however, the links below may also be helpful in your educational path or in the future after you’ve gained your CNA certification in North Carolina.
North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
To contact the North Carolina CNA Registry, use the information below:
NC Department of Health & Human Services
Division of Health Service Regulation
2709 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699Phone: (919) 855-3969
License Verification: (919) 715-0562
Fax: (919) 733-9764
Website
Out-of-State CNAs
North Carolina does not practice exchange or transfer of CNA licenses between states. The procedure of transferring your license is a little more complicated than other states. To gain placement on the nurse aide registry to be permitted for work, you will need to pass the state-approved nurse aide classes and competency exam and pass the state evaluation administered by Pearson Vue.
CNA Renewals in North Carolina
Once you pass the competency exam your license is valid for 24 months, which can be renewed for another 24 months if you report your qualifying employment to the registry. This needs to be paid-for work, under the supervision of a registered nurse, and a minimum of eight hours within the two-year period.
A renewal application will be mailed to you by the registry three months prior to expiration. If your license expires, you will need to retest and/or retrain in order to renew.
How much does a CNA make in North Carolina?
Like in any job, your salary will vary depending on where you work as well as the institution or organization that will employ you. Metro areas offer higher salaries than rural as there is more demand for workers, but there is generally a higher cost of living. On average the hourly mean wage in North Carolina is $15.28 and the average annual salary is $31,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics latest data from May of 2022.
