Family Care Tenders
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Scholarship Program

CNA School

CNA Student

In most instances, state health departments are responsible for accrediting Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs within their jurisdiction. There are many on-line CNA classes but, in the real world, are of little value when the student is seeking CNA certification through the state administered exam. Most states require the student to have completed the course at an accredited in-state school before being eligible to take the exam.

CNA program guidelines require all students to complete 75 hours of training. 59 of those hours are spent in the classroom (36.5 of those hours can be completed online) and 16 hours (2 consecutive days) in the clinical setting such as a local nursing home. Many schools complete the course in as little as two weeks. CNA requirements by state and CNA class locations by state and city can be viewed here.

The following are minimum requirements for most Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) school participants:

 

  • Most state health departments do not require the student to possess a high school diploma nor a GED

 

  • Must be 16 to 18 years of age or older depending upon the state

 

  • Cannot have any felony convictions within the last 7 years

 

  • Must be free of all communicable disease

 

  • Cannot be pregnant

 

  • While enrolled in the program, all participants must arrive on time, attend all classes with only 6 missed hours permitted; all missed hours must be made up, and pass final test with score of 80% or higher.


Most all accredited CNA schools follow the course outline using the Workbook and Competency Evaluation Review for Mosby's Textbook for Long-Term Care Nursing Assistants, 6th Edition, Sorrentino & Kelly. The course areas covered that help the family caregiver provide the best and most knowledgeable care can be viewed here