Nursing assistants are in demand in Charlotte, North Carolina and this job offers an excellent opportunity to break into the healthcare industry. Many employers in the area are looking to hire CNAs including hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare providers. We’ll give you some information on what it takes to become a certified CNA in North Carolina and also give you details about some of the top CNA programs in Charlotte.
Highlights
- There are more than 10,400 CNAs employed in the Charlotte metro area
- The average annual wage for CNAs in Charlotte is over $33,000
- With only 75 required educational hours, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Charlotte in a matter of weeks and begin earning money in your new career
A CNA is responsible for providing basic care to patients in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care centers under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. This includes tasks such as monitoring vital signs, helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and assisting with mobility and exercise.
Ready to learn more about how to become a CNA in Charlotte?
CNA Requirements in Charlotte
Class requirements for becoming a CNA vary from state to state, but the numbers below indicate the total number of training hours required to become a CNA in North Carolina and the breakdown of classroom versus clinical hours.
- 75 total hours
- 59 classroom hours
- 16 clinical hours
Beyond classroom hours, there are other expectations a CNA must meet in North Carolina.
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Demonstrate that you are in good physical health
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Pass a criminal background check
- Proof of graduating from a state-certified CNA program
- Pass the state CNA exam
- Being listed on the state CNA registry
Top 10 CNA Classes in Charlotte
Ready to become a CNA in Charlotte? We’ve curated a list of top CNA classes in Charlotte, based on reputation, flexibility and student satisfaction, to make your search easier. Our list includes programs for busy working professionals and recent high school graduates. Here’s a quick glance at our top picks, scroll down to find more information on each program like class schedules, cost, and links to their websites.
| Rank | School | Phone# |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unity Nursing Institute | 704.525.1448 |
| 2 | Serenity Nurse Aide Academy | 704.567.8000 |
| 3 | Central Piedmont Community College | 704.330.2722 |
| 4 | Carolina College of Health Sciences | 704.355.5043 |
| 5 | Belaire Health Care Center | 704.867.7300 |
| 6 | Chosen Health Care Institute | 704.547.1988 |
| 7 | Blooming Heart School of Health | 704.548.7726 |
| 8 | Umanah Healthcare Institute | 704.531.1100 |
| 9 | South Piedmont Community College | 704.290.5100 |
| 10 | Divine Health Academy | 704.566.2955 |
Best CNA Program in Charlotte
Unity Nursing Institute
Unlock the door to a fulfilling career in healthcare with Unity Nursing Institute. UNI’s state-approved program, led by experienced Registered Nurses, is designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care for residents in long-term care, home health, hospice, and hospital settings. Our goal is to empower students to not only pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) but to also be equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their future careers. The CNA program can be completed in just under six weeks.
Price: $675, only covers registration and tuition. All uniform costs, textbooks, required tests and background checks are extra.
Address: 5715 Westpark Drive, Suite 202
Charlotte, North Carolina 20217
Phone: 704.525.1448
URL: http://www.unitynursinginstitute.school/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Online enrollment and payment options
Best 4 Week CNA Classes in Charlotte
Serenity Nurse Aide Academy
Embark on a journey to a fulfilling career in the medical field with Serenity Nurse Aide Academy’s CNA-1 Training. This 115-hour program offers comprehensive and cost-effective education, equipping students with the skills needed to excel as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Join them throughout the year and take the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare.
The full program can be completed in 4 weeks and 3 days.
Price: $978 total cost for the registration fee, tuition, textbook, and state exam fees. Students responsible for TB test, criminal background check, Hepatitis B shot, shoes, uniform, blood pressure set, and CPR certification.
Address: 6636 E WT Harris Blvd., Suite G&H
Charlotte, North Carolina 28215
Phone: 704.567.8000
URL: https://www.serenitynurseaide.com/cna-training-in-charlotte-north-carolina
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Hybrid online CNA courses are available
Low-Cost CNA Classes in Charlotte
Central Piedmont Community College
CPCC offers a program that allows students to learn from instructors with experience in the field while receiving job training on a clinical rotation. The CNA program places an emphasis on clinical training and the aging process including patients’ rights, nutrition management, and many other physical, social, and mental needs of elderly patients. CPCC offers a variety of class schedules providing flexible options for Charlotte residents to earn their CNA at a reasonable price.
Price: $541 covers 6 required credit hours and $85 for textbooks. Additional fees, exams, and background checks are not covered.
Address: Levine Campus
PO Box 35009, Charlotte, NC 28235-5009
Phone: 704.330.2722, ext. 3487
URL: https://www.cpcc.edu/programs/become-nurse-aide
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Hybrid Online CNA Training in Charlotte
Carolina College of Health Sciences
Carolina Colleges’ Nurse Aide I program is perfect for those looking to enter the healthcare field. Learn basic nursing skills under the supervision of a registered nurse and be well prepared to become a CNA, a high-demand position. The program offers maximum flexibility with online asynchronous study and in-person labs and clinical education on weekends or evenings. The total course is 120 hours long.
Price: $880
Address: 2110 Water Ridge Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: 704.355.5043
URL: https://atriumhealth.org/education/carolinas-college-of-health-sciences/academic-programs/nurse-aide
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Nurse Aide Scholars program is available.
Free CNA Classes in Charlotte
Belaire Health Care Center
If you don’t have time or money to pay for a CNA training course, Belaire’s Temporary Nursing Assistant program offers the option to earn money while learning how to become a nursing assistant.
Price: Free for accepted applicants to the Temporary Nursing Assistant (TNA) program
Address: 2065 Lyon Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: 704.867.7300
URL: https://www.mfa.net/center/belaire-health-care-center
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Career development program
More CNA Classes in Charlotte
If you still want to see other options beyond our list of the top 5 CNA programs in Charlotte you can always use our search tool to find other local programs.
Chosen Health Care Institute
Chosen Health Care Institute in Charlotte is offering a comprehensive CNA course that will equip students with the knowledge and skills to become a vital part of the healthcare team. The course covers a variety of nursing skills including taking vital signs, communicating with patients, and assisting patients with daily activities.
To enroll in the course, students must meet the following requirements: be 18 years or older, have a high school or college transcript, a valid driver’s license or government-issued identification, and a Social Security Card. Additionally, students must complete an application, have proof of a COVID-19 vaccine (optional but recommended), pass a physical exam, complete a criminal background check, and take a TB test.
The course is 1 month (4 weeks) long and includes 122 hours of training, with 92 hours of class time and 30 hours of lab time.
Price: $600
Address: 8401 University Executive Park Dr., Suite 111
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704.547.1988
URL: http://www.chosenhealthcareinstitute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Class can be completed in 25 calendar days.
Blooming Heart School of Health
Blooming Heart School of Health offers a comprehensive 112-hour Nursing Aide 1 Program, approved by the NC State. The program provides students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to care for residents in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and assisted-living facilities. Students will learn how to provide compassionate care, including personal hygiene, feeding, and assisting with mobility. Additionally, they will learn how to take vital signs, monitor patients, and document appropriately.
To enroll in the program, students must have a valid TB Test (within the last 12 months), Social Security Card (non-laminated), Physical Examination (within the last 12 months), Criminal Background Check (within the last 12 months), and a Valid Driver’s License or Government-issued identification. They must also submit a completed Application Form with a non-refundable fee of $25 and a High School Transcript/GED or College Transcript.
Upon completion of the program, students will be required to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, a state exam that is the final hurdle before becoming a CNA.
Price: $650 – does not include state exam fee.
Address: 9301 Monroe Road, Suite C/D
Charlotte, NC 28270
Phone: 704.548.7726
URL: http://bloominghearts.net/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Tuition assistance available.
Umanah Healthcare Institute
Umanah Healthcare Institute is dedicated to providing quality education in the healthcare field. Our aim is to develop the knowledge, attitude, and competencies of our students so they can function with integrity and compassion in the healthcare system. They offer a range of programs, including CNA classes, to help students become prepared for nursing care responsibilities. Umanah’s classes fill up quickly, so be sure to enroll early to secure your spot. Students can expect to receive a well-rounded education and hands-on training to become a successful healthcare professional. Check out what past students have to say about their experiences at Umanah Healthcare Institute by reading the testimonials on their website (link below).
Price: $550
Address: 1404 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone: 704.531.1100
URL: https://www.umanahinstitute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classes run throughout the year. Accelerated 4-week CNA program.
South Piedmont Community College
South Piedmont Community College offers the Nurse Assistant I program, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality personal care for patients of all ages. The 8-15 week program features 50 hours of classroom instruction, 70 hours of lab experience, and 40 hours of clinical practice. Upon completion, students will be eligible to take the NC Certification exam through Credentia.
Admission to the program requires students to be at least 16 and a half years old and to provide a range of documentation, including a signed social security card, a current CPR card, and a current driver’s license. In addition, students must have a 10th grade reading level and an 8th grade math level, as demonstrated through a CASAS exam, or hold an Associates Degree or higher.
Price: $512
Address: 4209 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
Phone: 704.290.5100
URL: https://spcc.edu/areas-of-study/health-sciences-and-nursing/nursing-options/nurse-assistant-cna/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: CNA refresher course also available for additional fee prior to the NC state exam.
Divine Health Academy
Divine Health Academy in Charlotte offers a 112-hour approved Nursing Assistant Program to equip students with the core knowledge and skills necessary for providing quality health care to residents in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and hospital patients. The program teaches students the proper techniques for moving residents/patients, basic personal care, feeding, and bathing, as well as taking vital signs and emergency protocol.
To enroll in the program, students must have a high school diploma or GED and have undergone background testing, a physical examination within the last year, and have proof of immunizations. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the state examination and be listed in the Nurse Aide registry.
Price: $550 for CNA I, $697 for CNA II – does not include uniforms or textbooks.
Address: 5633 Monroe Road
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 704.566.2955
URL: http://www.divinehealthacademy.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Student loans available to qualified individuals.
How Much Do CNAs Get Paid in Charlotte?
The average salary for a CNA in Charlotte is $33,140 per year or $15.93 per hour. That’s 8.5% lower than the national average for this position. On the top end of the pay scale, however, the salary looks a little more promising, with the top 10% of CNAs in the metro area making $40,230 or more per year.
| CNAs Employed | Avg. Annual Pay | Avg. Hourly Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Metro | 31,280 | $35,650 | $17.14 |
| North Carolina | 54,260 | $31,780 | $15.28 |
| United States | 1,310,090 | $36,220 | $17.41 |
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Charlotte?
While CNA courses in some states can cost $1,500 or more, even with miscellaneous costs like uniforms, textbooks, and registration fees, it’s not uncommon to pay as little as $800 or $900 in total costs to receive your CNA certification in Charlotte. Many programs also offer financial aid and scholarships to further reduce the already low cost.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Charlotte
10,110 of the 54,260 CNAs in North Carolina are working in the Charlotte metro area. There are 8.6 CNAs out of every 1,000 employees in the Charlotte area, which is substantially lower than the average for a major metro area, which means there are ample opportunities to work as a CNA in this area and negotiate a strong wage.
Where do CNAs work in Charlotte? Based on numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the estimated number of CNAs working for area employers:
| Industry Type | Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 3,741 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 3,069 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 1,118 |
| Home Health Care Services | 663 |
| Employment Services | 309 |
| Individual and Family Services | 288 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 207 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 206 |
| Offices of Physicians | 139 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 128 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 113 |
Helpful Links for Charlotte CNAs
Finding a local training class is critical to becoming a CNA, but if you are still in the research phase of learning more about the profession or the requirements to gain your certification, we suggest the following links: