1. Home
  2. >>
  3. Find CNA Classes Near You
  4. >>
  5. CNA Classes in Alabama

CNA Classes in Alabama

Alabama’s population has seen positive growth every year since 1970. With this seemingly unending increase in population, there will also be a demand for skilled healthcare professionals, including certified nursing assistants. 

The state of Alabama requires CNAs to have graduated from a state-accredited program. However, Alabama is a little more flexible than other states. Student CNAs can work without certification for four months under the condition that they must be enrolled as a student while obtaining their certification. 

This site has tons of listings to help you find a CNA class in Alabama that fits your schedule. We also provide you with the details on what it takes to become a CNA and what you can expect working as a nursing assistant in Alabama.

Online CNA Classes in Alabama

While the Alabama Board of Nursing does not approve any fully online CNA programs, some schools may offer online classes for part of the theoretical component. This can be convenient for students who live in rural areas or have busy schedules. However, online classes are not a substitute for in-person classes and clinical hours. You will still need to attend campus or a clinical site for some sessions and complete the required number of hours of hands-on practice.

There are many online and hybrid CNA classes in Alabama that can help you prepare for the certification exam and the job market. However, not all of them are approved by the state and meet the standards for quality education. Here are some of the best online CNA classes in Alabama that you can consider:

  • Calhoun Community College: 6-week hybrid CNA program that includes online classes for part of the theoretical component and in-person classes and clinical hours for the practical component. The program costs $899, which includes textbook, one set of scrubs, and state exam fee. The program is available on the Huntsville campus.
  • Wallace Community College: Offers a 25-day hybrid CNA program that includes online classes for part of the theoretical component and in-person classes and clinical hours for the practical component. The program costs $875, which includes books, tuition, and state exam fee. The program is available on both the Wallace campus, the Sparks campus, and the Bullock County Career Technical Center.
  • Taite Healthcare Training: 4 week online CNA classes designed to help you prepare for the state certification exam and the job market. You will learn the theoretical and practical aspects of nursing assistant duties, such as anatomy, physiology, infection control, communication skills, patient rights, safety procedures, vital signs, intake and output, personal hygiene, and comfort and emotional support. 2 week in-person CNA classes are also available.

Online CNA classes are not for everyone. You need to have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. You also need to be self-motivated and disciplined to study on your own and meet deadlines. Online classes may not provide the same level of interaction and feedback as face-to-face classes. Therefore, you need to be proactive in communicating with your instructors and classmates.

Best CNA Program Providers in Alabama

CNA Programs in Birmingham

Lawson State Community CollegeLSCC has two flexible tracks to choose from to qualify for certification. Offered at the Birmingham and Bessemer Campus, the two tracks are one for the home health aide certification and the other for the CNA certification. The program costs $671 after tuition and fees.

Learn more about CNA classes in Birmingham.

CNA Programs in Montgomery

Easterseals. Easterseals Central Alabama is dedicated to providing specialized training to prepare individuals to deliver exceptional care in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, home health agencies, and private practices. To meet the growing demand for Nurse Aides, they offer a comprehensive five-week Nurse Aide Training Program. This program combines classroom and hands-on learning to cover important topics such as health, nutrition, safety, personal care, and the developmental and emotional needs of patients. The program has a high success rate, with 93% of graduates finding employment in the healthcare field, and many even receiving job offers before completing the class.

CNA Programs in Mobile

Saad Healthcare. Saad Healthcare’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is designed to teach students how to effectively care for patients while also encouraging independence and self-care. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including the role of the CNA in healthcare, basic knowledge and skills such as infection control and emergency procedures, essential nursing care techniques, restorative care and rehabilitation, and specialized skills for working with elderly and cognitively impaired patients, including end-of-life care. Additionally, students will learn about communication and documentation, legal and ethical responsibilities, and medical terminology.

All CNA Program Providers in Alabama

For further information about local CNA programs near you, check our listings. If you have additional questions on any of the programs you see here, please contact the providers directly.

Training ProgramCityZip CodePhone
Your Choice CNA AcademyAlabaster, AL35007205-602-6265
Salvation ArmyAnniston, AL36201256-236-5643
Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL36849334-844-4000
Coastal Alabama Community CollegeBay Minette, AL36507800-381-3722
Jefferson State Community CollegeBessemer, AL35022205-925-2515
Lawson State Community CollegeBessemer, AL35022205-925-2515
Fortis InstituteBirmingham, AL35211205-940-7800
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL35294205-934-4011
Family Private Care, LLCBirmingham, AL35223205-870-8855
Lawson State Community CollegeBirmingham, AL35221205-925-2515
LyfeLines Certification and StaffingBirmingham, AL35206205-502-7825
Morningside of CullmanCullman, AL35058256-737-1088
Wallace Community CollegeDothan, AL36303334-983-3521
Enterprise State Community CollegeEnterprise, AL36330334-347-2623
Wallace State Community CollegeHanceville, AL35077256-352-8000
Calhoun Community CollegeHuntsville, AL35805256-890-4700
Home Instead Senior CareHuntsville, AL35802256-229-3198
University of West AlabamaLivingston, AL35470888-636-8800
Bishop State Community College Main CampusMobile, AL36603251-405-7000
LEGACY SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE LLCMobile, AL36603251-405-7000
Saad Healthcare Career Training CNA, CMA, PhlebotomyMobile, AL36609251-287-8875
Saad HealthcareMobile, AL36609251-343-9600
Jackson HospitalMontgomery, AL36106334-293-8000
Trenholm State Community CollegeMontgomery, AL36108334-420-4200
George Corley Wallace State Community College SelmaSelma, AL36703334-876-9227
Central Alabama Community CollegeTalladega, AL35160256-480-2066
Calhoun Community CollegeTanner, AL35671256-306-2500
NHS Management, LLCTuscaloosa, AL35406800-489-1046
Shelton State Community CollegeTuscaloosa, AL35405205-391-2211
LEGACY SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE LLCTuscaloosa, AL35406205-462-8190
EAMC - Lanier Home HealthValley, AL36854334-756-1950
Southern Union CollegeWadley, AL36276256-395-2211

How much does a CNA make in Alabama?

A Certified Nursing Assistant is a rewarding career, by being able to help people in need, many enjoy the feeling of accomplishment by being able to give back and also making a difference in a person’s life. Of course, you also want to get paid. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hourly pay for a CNA in Alabama is $13.72, or an annual salary of $28,550. CNAs in the top 10% of earners make over $35,380 per year in Alabama. Below you can see wage and employment data for several different metro areas around Alabama.

Area NameEmploymentHourly mean wageAnnual mean wageAnnual 10th percentile wageAnnual 90th percentile wage
Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL510$ 12.45$ 25,890$ 19,940 $ 31,830
Auburn-Opelika, AL400$ 13.69$ 28,470$ 27,040$ 34,820
Birmingham-Hoover, AL4900$ 14.38$ 29,900$ 23,910$ 35,850
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL580$ 13.79$ 28,680$ 23,250$ 34,140
Decatur, AL270$ 14.34$ 29,820$ 24,430$ 35,210
Dothan, AL840$ 12.30$ 25,580$ 22,200$ 30,160
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL540$ 13.02$ 27,090$ 21,950$ 33,640
Gadsden, AL530$ 12.87$ 26,770$ 21,680$ 33,680
Huntsville, AL1740$ 14.59$ 30,350$ 25,180$ 36,380
Mobile, AL1850$ 13.50$ 28,090$ 23,260$ 34,590
Montgomery, AL1580$ 13.44 $ 27,960$ 23,220$ 35,930
Tuscaloosa, AL1070$ 14.13 $ 29,380$ 21,540$ 40,910

Alabama CNA Certification Requirements

A few requirements must be met before someone can take a CNA class in Alabama. These include:

  • Be 18+ years old
  • Pass a background check
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Basic writing, math, and reading comprehension skills
  • A negative TB test
  • Current immunization records
  • Ability to lift 40+ pounds

How Long are CNA Courses in Alabama?

To gain a full CNA certification in Alabama, you must pass a state-approved course. These courses may vary slightly in required hours but must have a minimum of 120 hours that’s split between classroom hours (with a minimum of 80) and a hands-on CNA program with a minimum of 40 hours. This combination of clinical and classroom education is designed to prepare CNAs for the real world. 

How Much Do CNA Classes Cost in Alabama?

Certification costs vary depending on your location and program. Typically, CNA classes in Alabama will cost in the neighborhood of $800 – $1500. You’ll see prices for many programs that are lower than this, but that often will not include other expenses that will come with the course such as:

  • Scrubs
  • Equipment
  • Licensing fees
  • Course materials
  • Testing fees

As you can see, the costs can quickly add up; however, some schools offer flexible payment plans. Other non-profits may provide free CNA classes or at least reimburse you for the costs, for a list of locations offering free CNA classes in Alabama, follow this link

What Should You Expect From an Alabama CNA Program?

While every CNA course is going to be a little different, they will all share similarities as they all shoot for the same goal – to get you to pass your CNA exams and earn your license in Alabama. Programs will include:

  • Lectures
  • Practical skills instruction
  • Clinical experience
  • Practice tests

More specifically, you will be taught important skills and subjects such as:

  • Human anatomy
  • Basic nursing care procedures
  • Patient care – using the toilet, bathing, grooming, etc.
  • Caring for people with impairments and disabilities
  • Safety and emergency protocol
  • Infection control
  • Professional communication
  • Taking and recording vital signs
  • Patient rights, patient privacy, and HIPAA
  • Restorative care skills
  • Mental health and psychosocial care

The Alabama CNA Licensing Exam

Depending on which program you choose, your CNA exam in Alabama could be developed by either Pearson VUE or Prometric, two major national testing providers. 

Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the two parts of the Pearson Vue Exam for CNAs in Alabama:

  • Written exam. This test comes with the option of doing an oral exam where the questions are read to you instead of a written test. Either way, there are two parts to this exam and you have two hours to complete it. The first part includes 60 multiple-choice questions. The second part includes ten multiple-choice questions where you must identify terms you would hear working in a long-term care facility. The number of questions by topic breaks down this way:
    • Activities of daily living: 9
    • Basic nursing skills: 23
    • Restorative skills: 5
    • Emotional and mental health needs: 6
    • Spiritual and cultural needs: 2
    • Communication: 4
    • Client rights: 4
    • Legal and ethical behavior: 2
    • Member of the health care team: 5
  • Skills exam. The skills evaluation is set up to mimic a caregiving situation in an environment similar to what you would experience working as a CNA. A volunteer will serve as your patient throughout the process as you perform various skills. You will ultimately have to demonstrate five skills from your CNA handbook over the course of 25 minutes, though one will always be the hand-washing skill. The other four will be comprised of one of the other 20+ skills in the handbook. Some examples are: 
    • Applying one knee-high elastic stocking
    • Assisting with the use of a bedpan
    • Counting and recording radial pulse
    • Measuring and recording blood pressure
    • Measuring and recording urinary output
    • Transferring patient from bed to a wheelchair using transfer belt

You must pass both sections of the exam in order to earn your CNA certification in Alabama.

How Much Does the CNA Exam Cost in Alabama?

The cost of the written exam and the skill exam from Pearson Vue in Alabama comes to a total of $100, but if you choose the oral testing option it will cost an additional $20. Any test retakes will cost $60.

Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry Information

The Alabama Department of Public Health oversees CNA licensing in Alabama. If you have questions for them, you can contact them directly using the information below. If you have a name or address change, it is recommended that you should contact the registry in order to receive the latest updates, or in the event, they must contact you.

Alabama Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Facilities
The RSA Tower, Suite 600
201 Monroe Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5169

Out of State CNAs

Alabama does allow for out-of-state CNAs to obtain certification. The CNA must be in good standing with the state they are transferring from with no claims of abuse or misconduct. Two steps can be taken for the process:

  • Apply to an in-state nursing home and then transfer your CNA certification once you are actively working. 
  • Another option is to complete the required classes in order to obtain a certification and take the exam.

CNA License Renewal in Alabama

In order to remain active in the State of Alabama, you must renew your CNA certification every two years through the Alabama Certified Nurse Aide Registry. All that is required is that you have at least 8 hours of practice every two years at a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, hospice agency, or mental health facility. Volunteer work does not count, an employer must compensate the eight hours. 

How Do You Verify Your CNA License in Alabama?

If you need to verify a CNA license status you can do so on the Alabama Public Health website.