Becoming a certified nursing assistant or certified nurse aide (CNA) in North Carolina can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those who are passionate about caring for others. However, the process of becoming a CNA requires meeting several requirements that are specific to the state. In addition to passing an accredited CNA program, aspiring CNAs in North Carolina must also meet other state-specific requirements. These may include passing a criminal background check, completing a certain number of training hours, and passing a competency evaluation exam.
If you’re in the Raleigh area and considering becoming a CNA, there are several potential programs available to help you achieve your educational and career goals. These programs can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings, from nursing homes to hospitals and beyond.
To assist you in your educational and career search, we’ve assembled a comprehensive list of potential CNA programs in the Raleigh area. By exploring these options, you can find the program that best fits your needs and helps you achieve your career aspirations.
Highlights:
- CNA courses can be as short as 4 weeks.
- Most CNA classes in Raleigh usually cost between $700 and $800.
- Some programs offer free CNA classes or agree to hire students once they earn their certification.
- Raleigh CNAs can make over $37,000 per year on average.
North Carolina CNA Requirements
- Graduate from an accredited course and pass the state exam.
- Complete a state-approved training program with at least 75 hours of instruction in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
- Legal status to work in the US is required, but there are no age requirements.
- Certification is overseen by the North Carolina Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Requirements for being a certified CNA in North Carolina include:
- 18+ years of age
- Pass a background check
- Up-to-date immunizations
- Pass a state-accredited CNA program and the state CNA exam
- Register with the state nurse aide registry
Top CNA Classes Near Raleigh
To embark on a career as a CNA, receiving the proper education is crucial. But with so many schools to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Fortunately, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best CNA programs in the Raleigh area to simplify your decision-making process. Below, you’ll find a summary of each program, with additional information available for further research.
Harmony Health Career Training
Harmony Health Career Training LLC is a licensed and approved proprietary school that focuses on providing allied healthcare training to individuals in and around the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. They offer a variety of courses, including Nurse Aide I, Phlebotomy Technician, Medication Aide, and comprehensive AHA CPR courses for healthcare and daycare providers.
The founder of Harmony Health Career Training LLC, Dr. Nicole Harrison, is dedicated to creating a learning community for students and scholars. She ensures that the faculty, staff, and students work together to create the optimal environment for learning. The professional standards and expectations are high, and the programs are rigorous to ensure that graduates are consistently sought after by future employers.
The school is committed to providing high-quality health career training to students. Their mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to become compassionate, high-quality, and person-centered healthcare providers in long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings.
Price: $725 – plus additional fees for background check, blood pressure kit, uniforms, CPR certification.
Address: 1708 Trawick Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919.615.1581
URL: https://www.harmonyhealthcareertraining.com/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Day and evening course options are available.
Care One Health Training Institute
Care One Health Training Institute provides quality nurse aide training to individuals who want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. The institute aims to improve patient care by providing professionally competent nurse aides. They teach their students to treat residents in the same way they would like to be treated and encourage individual students to create a basic response to the changing needs and conditions in healthcare and senior care.
At Care One, they strive to create an environment of teamwork and participation, where students pursue excellence and take pride in their work. They believe that the quality of their services is the key to success and maintain financial viability through a cost-effective operation to meet the organization’s long-term commitment to the community.
The institute offers CNA courses that teach individuals the necessary skills of vital signs, personal care, rehabilitative care, mental health and social needs, interpersonal skills, safety, and emergency procedures. These skills prepare the students for the state-approved Competency Exam.
The course details are as follows:
- Day: Meeting days are from Monday to Friday, with a course time from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The course runs for four weeks, with a total of 105 hours.
- Track: Meeting days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a course time from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The course runs for five weeks, with a total of 105 hours.
- Evening: Meeting days are from Monday to Thursday, with a course time from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The course runs for five and a half weeks, with a total of 105 hours.
- Weekend: Meeting days are on Saturdays and Sundays, with a course time from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The course runs for five and a half weeks, with a total of 105 hours.
Care One Health Training Institute is committed to excellence and strives to provide their students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the healthcare industry.
Price: $800
Address: 8701 Wadford Dr., Raleigh, NC
Phone: 919.773.7165
URL: https://careonehealth.org/
Job Placement: Yes, job placement assistance is available for graduates.
Additional Features: Day classes are an accelerated 4-week CNA program that can be completed in 20 days of attendance.
Shades of Purple
Shades of Purple provides a Nurse Aide I Training Program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to become a certified nursing assistant in North Carolina. The program focuses on comprehensive and supervised classroom, lab, and clinical experiences to help students develop appropriate nurse aide skills.
Students will receive training on basic nursing skills, personal care skills, and interpersonal skills. They will learn how to provide patient care in different settings such as Assistant Living, Rehabilitation, In-home, Hospitals, Hospice, and Long-term care facilities.
To be eligible for the program, students must be at least 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED. Shades of Purple is licensed and accredited by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Academy of Phlebotomy Technicians (AAPT). The program offers contact hours that are not transferable to another school.
Price: $1,100
Address: 6900 Six Forks Rd. Ste. 110, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919.926.9255
URL: http://shadesofpurple.info/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: CNA I and CNA II courses are available.
Wake Tech
The CNA classes offered at Wake Tech are designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to provide personal care and basic nursing assistance to elderly individuals and adults. The course curriculum emphasizes on various aspects of the aging process, including mental, social, and physical needs of the elderly, patient’s rights, nutrition management, elimination procedures, safe environment, restorative services, personal and special care procedures and activities, human body structure and function, and common diseases/disorders.
Moreover, the course also covers communication and documentation, death and dying, and the roles of the nurse aide and other health team members. The CNA program comprises of class, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences. After successful completion of the course and skill/competency evaluation, the graduate is eligible to apply for listing as a Nurse Aide I by the N.C. Division of Facility Services.
The program requirements for successful completion include attendance of 90% or above, participation in class and laboratory sessions, completion of tests and a final exam, possession of a Healthcare Provider CPR certification, physical examination, and immunizations, and submission of a Social Security card.
Moreover, clinical sites, both on-campus and off-campus, require documentation of criminal background checks, drug testing, and health and immunization information. Wake Tech mandates this information to be on file for each health science student before they commence the clinical portion of their health science program of study. The program also requires the submission of the Physical Examination Form, Influenza Vaccine Verification Form, Criminal Background Checks, Drug Testing, and Immunization Requirements.
Price: $366
Address: 2901 Holston Lane Allied Health Building, Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 919.747.0140
URL: https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/enhance-your-career/health-science/nurse-aide
Job Placement: Local job listings available for students.
Additional Features: Three locations in the Raleigh area: Perry Health Sciences Campus, Public Safety Education Campus, Scott Northern Wake Campus. Scholarships available for some students.
Legacy U Healthcare Consulting & Training Center
At Legacy U Healthcare Consulting & Training Center, students can enroll in the Nurse Aide 1 course, which equips them with the foundational skills needed to provide basic nursing care to patients or residents in a healthcare-related setting. The course is comprehensive, covering a total of 168 hours, divided into 64 hours of classroom instruction, 64 hours of hands-on practice in the laboratory, and 40 hours of clinical skills validation in a clinical setting. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to be listed as a Nurse Aide 1 with the Division of Health Service Regulations on the Nurse Aide 1 Registry in North Carolina.
To be eligible for enrollment, students must provide proof of being at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. They must also have up-to-date immunizations, pay the registration fee and tuition, and submit a signed admissions application and enrollment agreement. The course costs $700, which includes a $75 non-refundable registration fee, tuition, and a lab fee. Additionally, students must pay $51 for a drug screen and $30 for a book, bringing the total cost to $781.
Price: $781, does not include state testing fee.
Address: 3900 Merton Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919.516.9222
URL: https://www.legacyhctc.com/courses
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: 7 or 11 week courses available.
NC Assisted Living Consulting
These CNA classes are designed to offer a quality in-road to the medical community by preparing students with the necessary skills to provide basic health and personal care for patients and residents in a diversified setting.
Upon completion of the program, students will have gained the knowledge and skills required to fulfill the responsibilities of a healthcare professional. They will have the ability to provide basic health and personal care to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare settings.
The NA1 program at NCALC provides students with a sense of fulfillment and responsibility that comes with working in the healthcare industry. The program is led by Rosemary Nwankwo, RN BSN, who has 29 years of experience in the healthcare industry and is the founder and CEO of Eagle Healthcare Services.
The program consists of 108 clock hours, with 74 hours of classroom and lab training and 36 hours of clinical experience. Students can expect an exciting and rewarding experience and the opportunity to work collaboratively towards their success. NCALC welcomes all students to the NA1 program and wishes them all the best in their pursuit of a career in healthcare.
Price: $750 – includes textbook and registration fee. Does not include insurance, TB test, CPR certification, background check, drug test, student ID, uniforms (approximately $300 in additional costs)
Address: 1708 Trawick Rd #101, Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919.872.7686
URL: https://www.ncalc.agency/home
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: One of the few accelerated 4 week CNA programs in Raleigh.
Sembra School
Sembra School is a North Carolina-based institution that provides comprehensive Nurse Aide I (CNA) training programs to aspiring healthcare professionals. Their mission is to increase the number of CNA-trained healthcare professionals across the state, in order to ensure the health and safety of the aging population. They aim to provide accessible resources and learning opportunities that enable students to develop essential nursing aide skills through supervised classroom, lab, and clinical experiences.
Sembra School is dedicated to building productive relationships with healthcare employers in the Triangle and surrounding areas, making it easy for organizations to recruit and retain more CNAs. The school’s commitment to elevating the professionalism of the caregiver’s role in the healthcare team is evident in their efforts to advocate for direct care workers, both locally and nationally.
The CNA program at Sembra School offers a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students to provide basic health and personal care to patients and residents in a variety of healthcare settings. The program includes classroom instruction, lab training, and clinical experience, giving students the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to fulfill their responsibilities as healthcare professionals.
Through their commitment to providing quality training and advocacy for direct care workers, Sembra School is making a positive impact on the healthcare industry. They welcome all aspiring healthcare professionals to join their mission of increasing the number of CNA-trained healthcare professionals across North Carolina.
Price: $999
Address: 4000 Blue Ridge Road Suite 190, Raleigh, NC 27612
Phone: 919.704.7690
URL: https://sembraschoolcna.com/
Job Placement: Yes.
Additional Features: Has a partner program that offers sponsorships/scholarships and job placement for some students.
Wisdom Health Academy
Wisdom Health Academy offers an entry-level Nurse Aide 1 (NA1) program to prepare students with essential nurse aide skills necessary for providing care to individuals in various healthcare settings under the supervision of a registered nurse. The NA1 program consists of three sessions that will enable students to complete the 124-clock-hour requirement for certification.
The first session is an online lecture where students will be required to complete video modules, quizzes, and a presentation before moving on to the second session. The second session is in-person lab training, and it will be held at the school on specified days and times. After successfully completing the lab training, students will move to the third session, which is clinical training. The clinical training will also be held at the school on specific days and times.
Upon successful completion of the NA1 program, students will be eligible to take the state competency exam to become certified nursing assistants. Certified nursing assistants can enjoy job security and flexibility in their work schedules. They can work in various healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and in-home care.
The NA1 program at Wisdom Health Academy offers an excellent learning experience that prepares students to get into the healthcare field in just a few months. The program includes over 124 hours of instruction that covers essential skills such as communication, infection control, interpersonal skills, safety, emergency procedures, personal care skills, psychosocial needs, basic restorative skills, and basic nursing skills.
Price: $834
Address: 3622 Shannon Road, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919.908.9939
URL: https://wisdomhealthacademy.com/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Morning and evening courses are available.
CHAZ Training School
CHAZ Training School is a licensed proprietary school under the State Board of Community Colleges. The Nurse Aide I program at CHAZ is 119 hours long, which includes 79 hours of theory and 40 hours of clinical practice at a UNC healthcare facility. Successful completion of the course allows students to take the NC state department certification exam.
During the program, students learn essential skills and knowledge related to patient care. These include patient/resident rights, legal issues for nursing staff, medical terminology, infection control, medical unit environment, communication skills, documentation skills, and patient hygiene. Additionally, students learn how to take vital signs, bathe patients, dress wounds, move patients, feed them, provide oral care, and perform grooming skills.
After completing the program, students must schedule and pass a competency exam administered by Credentia. The test includes both a theory and a practical section.
The faculty at CHAZ Training School is made up of experienced professionals. Elizabeth Christy, MSN, CCRN, RN-BC, is the Administrator and Instructor for Chaz Training School. She has over 40 years of experience in bedside nursing and nursing education. Tina Scott, MSN, RN, is the Clinical Compliance Officer. She has been a registered nurse for 28 years and enjoys teaching and helping students succeed.
Price: Contact the school for current tuition fees.
Address: 1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway Suite 101, Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 919.260.9171
URL: https://www.chaztrainingschool.com/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Clinicals take place at UNC healthcare facilities.
Ideal Health Institute
Ideal Health Institute offers comprehensive training programs for individuals looking to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As healthcare professionals, CNAs encounter a wide range of challenges, crises, and trials while providing essential support to patients.
Ideal Health Institute provides students with various schedules and affordable rates, allowing them to choose the training that suits their needs. The program prepares students to work in different settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private homes, and assisted living homes.
The faculty at Ideal Health Institute is made up of experienced professionals who have acquired expertise in their respective fields. They are dedicated to imparting their knowledge, skills, and passion for excellence in care to students. The training covers essential topics such as patient care, medical terminology, infection control, documentation skills, and communication skills.
Ideal Health Institute offers a dynamic learning environment where students receive personalized attention and practical training in real-world settings. The program prepares students for the state certification exam, which they must pass to become certified nursing assistants.
Price: $625 – state exam fee is not included.
Address: 1731 Trawick Road Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919.900.7844
URL: http://www.idealhealthinstitute.com/
Job Placement: Yes.
Additional Features: Ideal Health is also a staffing agency, giving them a unique position to offer job opportunities to CNA graduates.
How much do CNA classes cost in Raleigh?
Prices vary quite a bit from program to program, but for the most part, you should be able to find a CNA class in Raleigh for around $750. We advise that you ask about any additional fees that may not be advertised. There can be quite a few additional costs for equipment, books, fees, etc.
What’s the salary for CNAs in Raleigh?
The average salary for a CNA in the Raleigh metro area is $34,300 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to an average hourly wage of $16.03.
Where do CNAs work in Raleigh?
CNAs have a lot of job opportunities in the Raleigh area. Estimates for the top employers in the Raleigh metro area are as follows:
| Employer | Raleigh CNAs Employed |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,921 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,576 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 574 |
| Home Health Care Services | 341 |
| Employment Services | 159 |
| Individual and Family Services | 148 |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 106 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | 106 |
Helpful links for Raleigh CNAs
Finding a local class in the Raleigh area 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: