16 Best Online CNA Programs in 2025

Discover the best 16 online CNA programs in 2025. Explore flexible, affordable, and approved options to start your nursing career and achieve your goals.
Best Online CNA Programs: Top 16 Choices in 2025

With over 1.4 million Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) employed in the United States today, the demand for quality CNA training programs continues to grow. CNAs provide vital care and assistance to patients across a variety of healthcare settings. As our population ages and more elderly individuals require care and support, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for nursing assistants like CNAs will increase by 4% from 2023 to 2033.

Online CNA programs provide an accessible and flexible way for aspiring nursing assistants to gain the knowledge and training they need to begin rewarding healthcare careers. Earning a CNA certification online opens doors to jobs with good wages and job security. While online CNA training options are plentiful, some stand out above the rest when it comes to quality of instruction, range of educational resources, value for money, and student outcomes.

1.

2233 Academy Pl, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 900-5555

Voyager Home Health Care offers Colorado's only state-approved online CNA training and certification program. Students complete lectures remotely on their own schedule and then attend 16 hours of in-person lab training and 16 hours of clinicals in Colorado Springs. The accelerated 75-hour program allows students to finish quickly in as little as 2 weeks. Experienced instructors and an easy-to-use online platform provide a high-quality, career-changing experience.

  • Cost: $599
  • Program Length: 75 hours
  • Prerequisites: Should be 16 years of age, background check, high school diploma or GED, proof of US citizenship or residency

2.

2600 E Bay Dr Suite 210, Largo, FL 33771 (727) 614-8400

Elite Medical Academy offers a comprehensive online CNA prep program with unlimited access to educational videos covering all mandatory nursing skills and written exam content. Aspiring CNAs can study at their own pace to master skills like handwashing, ambulation, catheter care, and taking vital signs. Experienced nurses are available 24/7 to provide support. The course prepares students to pass Florida's CNA certification exam and launch their nursing careers.

  • Cost: $89
  • Program Length: Self-paced
  • Prerequisites: Should be 16 years of age, background check, high school diploma or GED, proof of US citizenship or residency

3.

110 SW 12th St #102, Loveland, CO 80537 (800) 276-0274

Northern Colorado Training Institute's blended "hybrid" CNA course leverages online and in-person learning to prepare students for CNA certification. The program includes 20 hours weekly of online coursework and two 8-hour in-class skills sessions, plus two 8-hour clinical rotations. Students gain knowledge through online lessons and real-world experience practicing skills and working with patients. Graduates earn a Certificate of Completion and can register for the Colorado CNA exam.

  • Cost: $995
  • Program Length: 3 weeks
  • Prerequisites: 16+ years old, English proficiency, clear background check and drug screen, required vaccines

4.

720 N 87th St, Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 354-7000

Nebraska Methodist College offers CNA training programs ranging from 4-16 weeks, including on-campus and online hybrid options. The curriculum focuses on compassionate, holistic patient care with emphasis on geriatrics. The college sponsors exam and training costs and helps place certified graduates at healthcare facilities. Program lengths and specifics vary.

  • Cost: $499
  • Program Length: 4-16 weeks
  • Prerequisites: 16 years of age, high school diploma or GED, background check

5.

500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 792-5272

Lewis Clark State College offers a hybrid CNA certification program with online and in-person components, including skills labs and clinical rotations. The 140-hour course prepares students for Idaho's nurse assistant exams. Total cost is $999.

  • Cost: $999
  • Program Length: 48 hours lab, 40 hours online, 8 hours CPR, and 40 hours clinical
  • Prerequisites: 16 years of age, high school diploma or GED

6.

250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468 (718) 960-8000

Lehman College offers a New York State-approved CNA training program blending online and in-person learning. Students complete online coursework then attend skills labs and clinical rotations on-site. Topics span anatomy, physiology, fundamentals of care, rehabilitation, and more. Upon completion, Lehman College guides students through the CNA certification exam. The comprehensive program prepares students for well-paying CNA jobs across healthcare settings.

  • Cost: Between $500 to $1,700
  • Program Length: 127 hours
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma/equivalent, English fluency, medical forms, COVID vaccination proof, CPR certification

7.

3327 Plaza Dr Suite 6, Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 718-8188

Central Coast Nursing Institute offers virtual, and hybrid online CNA classes approved by California. Students complete 60 hours of remote theory coursework then 112 hours of in-person clinicals and skills labs. The program takes 29 weekdays or 15 weekends using video conferencing and Canvas. Graduates can provide competent nursing care with their CNA certification across healthcare settings.

  • Cost: $1,680
  • Program Length: 60 hours online, 112 hours in-person
  • Prerequisites: Age 16+, TB test, SSN, background check, immunization records, ID card

8.

10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044 (443) 518-4981

Howard Community College offers a 5-week hybrid CNA program with 100 hours of online theory and 45 hours of in-person clinical training. The $1,660 total cost includes textbooks, fees, and eligibility for state CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant certification upon completion. Flexible timing options are available to prepare graduates for patient care roles across healthcare settings.

  • Cost: $1,660
  • Program Length: 5 weeks (100 hours online, 45 hours clinical)
  • Prerequisites: Background check, 16+ years of age, high school diploma or GED

9.

2715 Dickinson St, Miles City, MT 59301 (800) 541-9281

Miles Community College provides a 75-hour CNA program with 45 hours of online theory instruction plus 30 hours of clinical training. Students must undergo background checks, drug screening, and provide vaccination records. The estimated $1,000 cost includes the prep course, textbook, Headmaster exam fee, and other requirements to become certified for healthcare employment after completion.

  • Cost: in district $740 and out of district $964
  • Program Length: 75 hours total (45 online, 30 clinical)
  • Prerequisites: Vaccinations, background check, 16+ years of age

10.

1250 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02269 (617) 405-5961

Quincy College offers a flexible CNA program blending online and in-person learning for over 4-6 weeks. Students complete theory through remote coursework and practice skills during in-person lab and clinical training at a skilled nursing facility. The pathway prepares graduates to provide basic patient/resident care and qualify for the state competency exam for certification and healthcare jobs.

  • Cost: $500-1,500
  • Program Length: 4-6 weeks
  • Prerequisites: Immunization records, TB test, physical exam

11.

3201 W 16th St, Sedalia, MO 65301 (877) 311-7322

State Fair Community College offers a CNA and Certified Medication Technician program blending online and in-person formats. Students earn Skills Certificates and a Professional Certificate, plus prepare for CNA and CMT certification exams. The program covers nurse aide skills like patient care and communication in healthcare facilities. Students can enter the workforce and continue to boost employability with further education.

  • Cost: $500-1,200
  • Program Length: Self-paced
  • Prerequisites: Age 16+, TB test, SSN, background check

12.

2445 W Chapman Ave #210, Orange, CA 92868 (714) 941-9138

Allegiance Career Institute offers California state-approved nurse assistant training blending online and onsite learning. Students complete 60 hours of theory coursework online then practice skills during 100 hours of in-person clinicals. Topics span anatomy, physiology, infection control, vital signs, and hands-on care. Graduates earn their CNA license and certificate to provide quality care across healthcare settings.

  • Cost: $2,258
  • Program Length: 60 hours online, 100 hours clinicals
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED, proof of US citizenship or residency

13.

11133 1st Ave, Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 698-8301

Procareer Academy in California offers a state-approved online CNA program combining virtual theory classes and in-person clinicals. Students complete 60 hours of online evening instruction then practice skills during 100 hours of weekend clinicals at facilities. The comprehensive course covers patient care, communication, safety procedures, and more to prepare graduates for the state certification exam and healthcare careers.

  • Cost: $500-1,200
  • Program Length: 30-32 days
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma/equivalent, English fluency, medical forms, COVID vaccination proof, CPR certification

14.

6700 Indiana Ave Suite 255, Riverside, CA 92506 (951) 637-8332

Best American Healthcare College offers California-approved online CNA classes with in-person clinicals. Students complete 60 hours of theory remotely then practice skills during 100 hours at a clinical site. The online course covers modules through video lectures on smartphones or computers. Graduates are eligible to take the state CNA exam and gain certification to work in healthcare facilities.

  • Cost: $2,499
  • Program Length: 60 hours online, 100 hours clinicals
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma/equivalent, English fluency, medical forms, COVID vaccination proof, CPR certification

15.

921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83209 (208) 282-3372

Idaho State University offers a web-supplemented CNA course to minimize in-person meetings. Students complete online quizzes and lectures with skills training during scheduled on-campus labs. The 120 total hours meets state certification requirements through a blended format with less face-to-face time. Total cost for textbooks, fees, and other requirements is not specified.

  • Cost: Between $1,000 and $1,600
  • Program Length: 120 total hours
  • Prerequisites: 16 years of age, high school diploma or GED, background check

16.

4350 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 895-3394

UNLV Continuing Education has partnered with the Perry Foundation Academy of Health to offer hybrid CNA training blending online and in-person learning. The 96-hour program taught over 4 weeks prepares students for the state exam and a career assisting patients with daily tasks in healthcare settings. Instruction covers care skills, procedures, communication, safety, and more. Graduates gain CNA certification through the Nevada State Board of Nursing.

  • Cost: $2,575
  • Program Length: 4 weeks
  • Prerequisites: Background check, BLS or CPR certification, proof of immunization

FAQs

What is the most important aspect of selecting an online CNA program?

The most important aspect is choosing a program that is approved by your state. Unapproved programs may provide the necessary training but will not make you eligible to sit for your state’s CNA certification exam (in states where completing a CNA program is a requirement).

How can I ensure the program is approved for certification?

Before considering anything else, make sure the program is approved by your state and that you will be eligible to sit for the CNA certification exam upon completion.

Are online CNA programs conducted entirely online?

No, online CNA programs are not delivered completely over the internet. Since they are designed to prepare you for your state's CNA certification exam, which includes a clinical skills component, completing lab work in person is an essential part of the curriculum.

Are online CNA programs hybrid or blended programs?

Yes, online CNA programs are typically hybrid or blended programs, meaning they include clinical experience at local facilities in addition to online coursework.

Do online CNA programs require in-person training?

Yes, online CNA programs typically partner with local hospitals and other facilities, so you can expect to spend part of your training at such sites. Lab work is also part of the curriculum and must be completed in person.

Can the clinical skills portion of the CNA exam be completed online?

No, the clinical skills portion requires you to demonstrate proficiency with various skills, and this part of your training must be completed in person.

How should I review online CNA programs for clinical skills and lab work?

Carefully review every online CNA program to ensure you can fulfill its clinical skills and lab work requirements. Reputable programs will clearly state where, when, and how such training is handled, so you will know what to expect before enrolling.

How important is clinical skills training in online CNA programs?

Clinical skills training is crucial, as half of the CNA certification exam involves demonstrating those skills. Make sure you will be able to participate in and complete the clinical skills training.

Can a reputable online CNA program be conducted entirely online?

No, reputable online CNA programs are never conducted entirely online. If you encounter a program that claims to be entirely online, it is not approved by your state and should be avoided.

Are the eligibility requirements for online CNA programs the same as those for campus-based programs?

Yes, the eligibility requirements for most online CNA programs are the same as those for campus-based programs.

What are the eligibility criteria for online CNA programs?

To be eligible, you must meet some or all of the following criteria: High School Diploma/GED, Passing Admittance Exam, or Providing ACT/SAT Scores; Admission Application and Fee (if applicable); Criminal Background Check; Tuberculosis Test (TB Test); and Updated Vaccinations Two Weeks Prior to Attendance.

How long do online CNA programs take to complete?

Online CNA programs consist of a minimum of 75 hours of instruction and training. Most programs take between four to 12 weeks to complete.

Are online CNA programs flexible?

Yes, online CNA programs offer flexibility. Lectures and homework are mostly handled online, allowing you to complete them according to your own schedule.

How accessible are online CNA programs?

Online CNA programs are highly accessible, as they minimize the amount of commuting you need to do. You can complete much of your work wherever you have internet access.

Are online CNA programs more affordable than campus-based programs?

Yes, online CNA programs are often slightly less expensive than those conducted completely on campus.

Why are online CNA programs less expensive?

Online programs save you money by eliminating the need to commute back and forth.

How much do online CNA programs typically cost?

The cost of online CNA programs generally ranges from around $400 to $2,000.

Conclusion

So, if saving time and money are your priorities, online CNA programs might be the right choice for you. Be sure to evaluate your options and make an informed decision.

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