16 Best Online CNA Programs in 2026

Discover the best 16 online CNA programs in 2026. Explore flexible, affordable, and approved options to start your nursing career and achieve your goals.
Best Online CNA Programs: Top 16 Choices in 2026

With over 1.45 million Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) employed in the United States, demand for quality CNA training programs continues to grow. CNAs provide vital care and assistance to patients across healthcare settings. As the population ages and more elderly individuals need care, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% employment growth for nursing assistants and orderlies from 2024 to 2034.

Online CNA programs provide a more accessible and flexible way for aspiring nursing assistants to complete part of their training. Most programs are hybrid, with online coursework plus in-person lab or clinical training. Before enrolling, confirm that the program is approved by the state where you plan to certify.

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, then attend 16 hours of in-person lab training and 16 hours of clinical training in Colorado Springs. The accelerated 75-hour program can be completed in as little as two weeks.

  • Cost: $599 USD
  • Program Length: 75 hours
  • Prerequisites: Age 16, background check, high school diploma or GED, proof of U.S. 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 videos covering mandatory nursing skills and written exam content. Students can study at their own pace and review skills such as handwashing, ambulation, catheter care, and taking vital signs. Experienced nurses are available 24/7 for support.

  • Cost: $89 USD
  • Program Length: Self-paced
  • Prerequisites: Age 16, background check, high school diploma or GED, proof of U.S. citizenship or residency

3.

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

Northern Colorado Training Institute's hybrid CNA course combines online and in-person learning. The program includes 20 hours weekly of online coursework, two 8-hour in-class skills sessions, and two 8-hour clinical rotations. Graduates earn a certificate of completion and can register for the Colorado CNA exam.

  • Cost: $995 USD
  • 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 to 16 weeks, including on-campus and 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.

  • Cost: $499 USD
  • Program Length: 4 to 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 course prepares students for Idaho's nurse assistant exams. Total cost is $999.

  • Cost: $999 USD
  • 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 include anatomy, physiology, fundamentals of care, and rehabilitation. Upon completion, Lehman College guides students through the CNA certification exam.

  • Cost: $500 to $1,700 USD
  • 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.

  • Cost: $1,680 USD
  • 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 and fees. Completion may support eligibility for state CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant certification.

  • Cost: $1,660 USD
  • Program Length: 5 weeks; 100 hours online and 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 complete a background check, drug screening, and vaccination requirements. The cost includes the prep course, textbook, Headmaster exam fee, and other certification requirements.

  • Cost: $740 in district and $964 out of district USD
  • Program Length: 75 hours total; 45 online and 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 over 4 to 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 and resident care and qualify for the state competency exam.

  • Cost: $500 to $1,500 USD
  • Program Length: 4 to 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 can earn skills certificates and a professional certificate, plus prepare for CNA and CMT certification exams. The program covers patient care and communication in healthcare facilities.

  • Cost: $500 to $1,200 USD
  • 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 that blends online theory with on-site learning. Students complete 60 hours of theory coursework online, then practice skills during 100 hours of in-person clinicals. Topics include anatomy, physiology, infection control, vital signs, and hands-on care.

  • Cost: $2,258 USD
  • Program Length: 60 hours online, 100 hours clinicals
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma/GED, proof of U.S. 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 course covers patient care, communication, and safety procedures.

  • Cost: $500 to $1,200 USD
  • Program Length: 30 to 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 includes video lectures on smartphones or computers. Graduates are eligible to take the state CNA exam.

  • Cost: $2,499 USD
  • 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 meet state certification requirements through a blended format with less face-to-face time.

  • Cost: $1,000 to $1,600 USD
  • 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 is taught over four weeks and prepares students for the state exam. Instruction covers care skills, procedures, communication, safety, and more.

  • Cost: $2,575 USD
  • 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 required.

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 prepare students for CNA certification exams that include clinical skills components, in-person lab work 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 students can expect to spend part of their 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 students to demonstrate proficiency with various skills, and this part of 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 should clearly state where, when, and how this training is handled.

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 can participate in and complete the required clinical skills training.

Can a reputable online CNA program be conducted entirely online?

No, reputable online CNA programs are never conducted entirely online. If a program claims to be entirely online, it may not be approved by your state and should be carefully reviewed before enrolling.

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?

Eligibility requirements may include a high school diploma or GED, an admittance exam or ACT/SAT scores, an application and fee, a criminal background check, TB test, and updated vaccinations before attendance.

How long do online CNA programs take to complete?

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

Are online CNA programs flexible?

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

How accessible are online CNA programs?

Online CNA programs are accessible because they can reduce commuting. Students can complete much of the coursework wherever they have internet access.

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

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

Why are online CNA programs less expensive?

Online programs can save money by reducing 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.

Next Step

If saving time and money are priorities, online CNA programs may be a good option. Evaluate approval status, cost, schedule, clinical requirements, and exam eligibility before choosing a program.

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