CNA Programs in Alabama

Are you ready to begin a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alabama? This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a CNA, highlight top state-approved programs, explore job prospects and salaries, and provide crucial information regarding the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. Let's dive in!

Requirements for Becoming a CNA in Alabama

To become a CNA in Alabama, you must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training that has been approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health. This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

Next, you must pass the state's CNA exam. Achieving a passing score is essential for certification.

After passing the exam, your name will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry, making you eligible to work as a CNA within the state.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Alabama

Choosing to train as a CNA in Alabama is a fantastic decision! The state boasts several excellent institutions that offer CNA programs. Below, you will find some of the top programs:

1. Coastal Alabama Community College

1900 US-31, Bay Minette, AL 36507

The Coastal Alabama Community College Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program prepares students for certification and a successful career in long-term care. This 75-hour OBRA-approved course includes classroom, lab, and clinical training at three campus locations in Fairhope, Thomasville, and Atmore.

Students learn CNA responsibilities such as patient hygiene, vital signs, nutrition, safety procedures, and care techniques. The curriculum combines lectures and skill labs focused on communication, infection control, resident rights, and basic nursing, among other topics. Clinical rotations occur at long-term care facilities to offer students hands-on work experience. Upon completing the Alabama CNA exam, graduates can search for local job openings in hospitals, clinics, rehab centers, group homes, private residences, and other healthcare settings.

Notably, the state projects strong growth for CNAs as the aging population drives additional demand. Coastal Alabama's CNA program prepares graduates for rewarding job opportunities to care for others.

• Cost: $790
• Program Length: 4-6 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, current TB skin test, and necessary forms (e.g., health exams and immunization records)
• Phone: (205) 856-7710

2. Jefferson State Community College

2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Preparation program at Jefferson State prepares students to work as CNAs, which entails providing hands-on patient care and assisting nurses. Key objectives of the program include learning about communication, safety procedures, body mechanics, age-related changes, diseases, end-of-life care, and other healthcare-related skills.

Attendance rules are strict; students must complete 100% of their hours to enter clinicals and take the state exam. Students must also pass drug screenings and background checks or they will be dismissed without refunds.

The course includes 20 hours of supervised clinical rotations to practice relevant skills, which are scheduled by the clinical coordinator. Clinical sites have their own health/vaccination requirements that students must meet at their own cost. Should they fail to do so, they will be terminated from the program without a refund. Those who complete the program receive a Jefferson State certificate of completion and have the option to take the National Nurse Aide state certification exam.

• Cost: $899
• Program Length: 4 weeks
• Prerequisites: Drug screening, background check, and health immunizations
• Phone: (205) 856-7710

3. Lawson State Community College

3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL 35221

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Lawson State Community College prepares students to work as nursing assistants in long-term care facilities. This 75-hour course fulfills the training requirements set forth by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) for certification as a nursing assistant.

Throughout the course, students develop the knowledge, skills, and qualities necessary to provide exceptional care to patients and residents in long-term care settings. Key topics covered include patient rights, communication skills, safety procedures, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, and more. Students will learn procedures such as taking vital signs, performing range of motion exercises, assisting with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and feeding), and other essential duties.

A significant portion of the program focuses on hands-on clinical skills training in a simulation lab and healthcare facility. This provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained from lectures and practice skills under the supervision of an experienced nurse. Upon completion of the CNA course, students will demonstrate competency in required skills through clinical evaluations. They must then pass a written final exam to become eligible for certification and employment as a CNA.

• Cost: Not specified (Estimated between $800 and $1,500)
• Program Length: 4-8 weeks
• Prerequisites: High-school diploma or GED
• Phone: (205) 925-2515

4. Snead State Community College

220 N Walnut St, Boaz, AL 35957

The Adult Nursing Assistant program at Snead State Community College is a two-semester program that prepares students to become CNAs. During the fall semester, students complete program content and testing online alongside skill lab instruction at the college's Robert Aderholt Health Science Building. In the spring, students participate in a clinical rotation at a long-term care facility.

This approximately 75-hour OBRA-approved program teaches students the information, attitudes, and skills required of nursing assistants in long-term care settings. Key topics include patient rights, communication, safety, basic nursing skills (e.g., taking vital signs), personal care skills (e.g., bathing and feeding), and appropriate documentation. A major focus is hands-on practice of various caregiving procedures in the lab and clinical environment under instructor supervision.

After finishing this CNA program, students are eligible to sit for the certification exam to become licensed nursing assistants. Certification allows students to begin working in the growing field of geriatric care and nursing home facilities. The program prepares competent, compassionate caregivers to meet the demand for qualified nursing assistants. Meeting minimum admission standards and proper registration procedures is required to enroll.

• Cost: $2,055
• Program Length: 4-6 weeks
• Prerequisites: High-school diploma or GED, proof of registration with the Albertville Career Center, and completed application
• Phone: (334) 983-3521

5. Wallace Community College

1141 Wallace Dr, Midland City, AL 36350

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Wallace Community College is a 25-day program that prepares students to provide basic care to patients and residents in healthcare facilities. This program equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and training to take the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry exam for certification.

This program covers key topics such as the role of the nursing assistant, communication and interpersonal skills, safety procedures, infection control, basic nursing care, personal care procedures, patient rights and dignity, and compassionate, competent caregiving. Students will receive classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training during which they can apply learned skills under direct supervision. Skill training focuses on areas such as taking vital signs, ensuring safe patient transfers, assisting with activities of daily living, completing documentation procedures, and more.

Following the CNA program, students can sit for the certification exam, leading to employment opportunities in various settings including nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and home health agencies. This allows students to begin rewarding careers providing quality care and meeting the region's strong demand for CNAs.

The program is offered on Wallace's Dothan campus, the Sparks campus, and at Bullock County Career Technical Center. Convenient day and evening class schedules are available.

• Cost: $875
• Program Length: 4-6 weeks
• Prerequisites: Background check, two TB tests with results, CNA uniforms, drug screening, and state-issued photo ID
• Phone: (256) 547-6222

6. Gadsden Job Corps Center

600 Valley St, Gadsden, AL 35901

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program offered through the Gadsden Job Corps Center provides students with the skills and experience necessary to begin a career in healthcare. This hands-on program teaches students how to properly care for patients by assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring patient health, reporting concerns, and maintaining safety.

Key topics covered include patient hygiene, mobility assistance, vital sign measurement, feeding techniques, communication methods, emergency procedures, and record keeping. Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations in nursing home facilities, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge under supervision.

Upon completion of training, students take the CNA exam. This credential, along with additional certifications in BLS, bloodborne pathogens, and driver's education, equips students for employment in various settings. These include hospitals, clinics, schools, senior living centers, and home health agencies. The program can also serve as a prerequisite for advanced nursing roles such as licensed practical nurse.

• Cost: Not specified
• Program Length: Not specified
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of introduction course, completion of performance and written tests, and background check
• Phone: (256) 547-6222

7. Gadsden State Community College

1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35903

The Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Gadsden State Community College prepares students for a career in healthcare by building essential skills in patient care and phlebotomy procedures. This 75-hour program meets growing workforce needs by training competent nursing assistants to provide routine care across various settings.

Through lectures and hands-on clinical training, students develop proficiencies in areas such as patient hygiene, mobility assistance, communication with patients and staff, taking vital signs, documentation, emergency protocols, feeding techniques, and more. The curriculum also covers core phlebotomy skills (e.g., specimen collection and processing, equipment use, quality procedures, and safety policies).

Upon completion of this program, students qualify to sit for the CNA exam and phlebotomy technician certification exam. Successful graduates can pursue employment opportunities in clinics, doctors’ offices, home health services, hospice organizations, labs, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Additional certifications can be earned through this program, including CPR training, making graduates highly competitive candidates for meeting in-demand healthcare staffing needs. The program schedule runs Monday through Thursday from 8am to 4pm, totaling over 300 hours of comprehensive medical training.

• Cost: $2,300
• Program Length: 11 weeks
• Prerequisites: State ID or driver’s license, and completion of the orientation class
• Phone: (256) 549-8200

8. Calhoun Community College

102 Wynn Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program at Calhoun Community College equips students with the skills necessary to launch a career in healthcare as a patient care provider. This program prepares trainees to perform vital functions such as assisting patients with activities of daily living, maintaining patient safety and comfort, taking vital signs, reporting patient statuses, and properly documenting care.

Through a blend of classroom-based lectures and hands-on clinical rotations, students gain well-rounded knowledge and competency in core caregiving procedures. Key topics include patient rights, communication tactics, proper body mechanics, basic nursing abilities, personal care, and more. Upon completion, students will meet eligibility requirements to take the Alabama CNA state board exam to become officially certified and listed on the Nurse Aide Registry.

With excellent employment prospects and job stability, becoming a CNA sets graduates up to begin rewarding healthcare careers as the first point of contact for patient health, comfort, and support. CNAs are urgently needed across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing care facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. Calhoun’s accelerated CNA training program allows students to begin this meaningful work in just weeks, filling high-demand roles advancing patient health.

• Cost: $899
• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Prerequisites: TB skin test, state certification exam fee, drug screening, and background check
• Phone: (256) 890-4700

9. J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College

3421 Meridian St N, Huntsville, AL 35811

J.F. Drake State offers a six-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that prepares students to meet growing workforce demands in healthcare. This program teaches the competencies necessary to provide basic care to patients and residents in facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living communities.

As a 75-hour OBRA-approved program, the curriculum covers communication tactics, patient rights, safety procedures, basics of the musculoskeletal system, infection control, measuring vital signs, proper documentation, and hands-on skills for assisting with mobility, personal hygiene, eating, elimination, and activities of daily living. Students gain practical experience in clinical settings by applying knowledge under direct supervision.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take the CNA competency evaluation to become certified through the state registry. This allows graduates to launch their healthcare careers as CNAs responsible for routine patient care operations (e.g., bathing, feeding, and transporting patients, reporting patient statuses to nurses, stocking supplies, and ensuring patient comfort).

With a convenient six-week format, this program makes it possible to quickly join the medical field in a role vitally supporting patient health and wellbeing. As a college that prioritizes inclusive admission and career readiness for all, Drake State’s CNA program removes barriers to entering this growing profession.

• Cost: $1,800
• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Prerequisites: TB skin test, Hepatitis B immunization, being at least 16 years of age, and completed application
• Phone: (256) 539-8161

10. Bevill State Community College

1411 Indiana Ave, Jasper, AL 35501

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Bevill State Community College prepares students to provide routine care and support to patients in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and residential facilities. This program develops the core competencies necessary to assist with activities of daily living, monitor and report patient statuses, and ensure comfort and safety under nursing supervision.

Key topics covered include communication techniques, ethics and legal responsibilities, safety protocols, basics of infection control, proper body mechanics for mobility assistance, personal patient hygiene, taking vital signs, nutrition and feeding approaches, patient transportation, and responding appropriately to behavior and emergencies. Students gain first-hand experience applying newly acquired skills through clinical training rotations focused on bathing, dressing, ambulation, elimination, range-of-motion exercises, and other routine care duties.

Upon completion of this OBRA-approved program, students are eligible to sit for the Alabama CNA exam to become officially registered to begin work as a CNA. With this certification, graduates can launch their healthcare careers in the growing long-term residential care field. The program prepares students for rewarding roles focused on developing caring, compassionate relationships with patients through consistent contact and support.

• Cost: $1,175
• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Prerequisites: Being at least 18 years old, high school diploma or GED certification, background check, drug screening, and copy of an Alabama state ID or driver’s license
• Phone: (800) 648-3271

11. University of West Alabama

Station 200, Livingston, AL 35470

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at the University of West Alabama is a 75-hour training program preparing students to provide routine care to patients and residents in healthcare facilities. This workforce development program aims to increase access to living-wage healthcare careers while addressing staffing shortages in rural communities.

Through 55 hours of classroom learning and 20 hours of clinical rotations, the curriculum covers the competencies necessary to assist with activities of daily living, ensure safety and infection control, properly mobilize patients, and provide compassionate communication and feeding. Key topics span patient rights, basic nursing abilities, personal hygiene assistance, vital signs measurement, mobility techniques, reporting protocols, and documentation.

Hands-on skill training in lab settings and supervised clinicals allows students to refine their abilities in bathing, dressing, and ambulation assistance to gain on-the-job experience. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the CNA state certification exam to launch their careers in this growing field.

With an emphasis on servicing vulnerable elderly and rural populations with quality care, this program prepares CNAs to meet staff demands at long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and adult day cares. Offering accessible training helps address regional economic needs while creating opportunities and financial stability.

• Cost: Not specified
• Program Length: 6-8 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
• Phone: (205) 652-3400

12. Montgomery Job Corps Center

1145 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offered through Montgomery Job Corps Center equips students with hands-on training to competently care for patients in medical facilities. This program covers skills such as bathing, feeding, mobilizing patients, taking vital signs, reporting patient statuses, and maintaining safety protocols.

In lectures, lab practice, and clinical rotations, key topics include patient rights, communication tactics, proper documentation, infection control, assisting with activities of daily living, and emergency response. CNA students gain professional experience in nursing home settings while applying their developing skills under supervision.

Upon completion, students take the exam to become a CNA. This credential, along with CPR certification and driver's education, allows graduates to pursue hospital, clinic, school, senior living, or home health careers. The CNA program also enables students to advance to phlebotomy, EKG technician, or licensed practical nurse roles. Offering accessible training in an in-demand field, this CNA program sets students up for stability and growth within the vast healthcare industry.

• Cost: Not specified (Estimated between $800 and $1,400)
• Program Length: 6-8 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, meeting reading and math requirements, completion of career preparation and introductory courses, and background check
• Phone: (334) 262-8883

13. Trenholm State Community College

1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36108

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Trenholm State Community College prepares students to competently care for patients in medical facilities through 75 hours of comprehensive training. Students develop skills in administering basic nursing care, assisting with activities of daily living, observing and reporting patient statuses, and maintaining safety.

Key topics span communication tactics, ethics, patient rights, emergency responses, infection control, proper body mechanics, taking vital signs, hygiene assistance, patient mobility, feeding approaches, and documentation. Students gain first-hand experience during clinical rotations in nursing homes and hospital settings practicing skills such as bathing, dressing, and transferring patients under supervision.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take the state CNA exam to launch their healthcare careers as CNAs. Successful graduates are qualified for open positions across a variety of settings (e.g., private homes, long-term care facilities, doctor’s offices, and hospice organizations) that urgently need compassionate, observant staff.

Trenholm’s CNA program increases access to this meaningful medical career path for students seeking to help others through direct caregiving support. Financial aid opportunities are also slated to become available to further reduce barriers to entering this growing profession.

• Cost: $800
• Program Length: 4-6 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, and background check
• Phone: (334) 420-4200

14. Northwest-Shoals Community College

800 George Wallace Blvd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674

The 80-hour Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Northwest-Shoals Community College provides introductory training to equip students with competencies in long-term care and home health assistance. This hybrid program blends online theory learning with in-person skill labs, clinical rotations, and testing.

Key topics covered include communication, safety protocols, patient rights, infection control, proper body mechanics, measuring vital signs, documentation, mobility assistance techniques, personal patient hygiene, ambulation, feeding approaches, and activities of daily living. Students apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts during supervised clinical hours at nursing facilities.

Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Alabama CNA state certification exam. Passing this test grants entry onto the state’s Nurse Aide Registry and qualifies students to begin work as CNAs. With urgent demand across care settings, graduates can obtain stable roles right away in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies, among other healthcare facilities.

Offering flexible access to this fast-growing field, the CNA program enables students to gain employable medical competencies. The program prepares compassionate, dedicated caregivers to meet evolving industry needs while launching rewarding careers.

• Cost: Not specified
• Program Length: 8-10 weeks
• Prerequisites: Negative TB skin test, verification of CPR certification, background check, and drug screening
• Phone: (256) 331-5200

15. Chattahoochee Valley Community College

2602 College Dr, Phenix City, AL 36869

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a one-semester program that equips students with essential skills to provide routine care to patients across healthcare settings. Through 75 hours of classroom learning and clinical training, students develop proficiencies outlined for OBRA compliance in bathing, grooming, feeding, ambulation assistance, obtaining vital signs, documentation, and other tasks as directed by nurses.

Key topics span patient rights, safety protocols, body mechanics, mental health considerations, basic nursing abilities, infection control, and appropriate responses during emergencies or changing patient behavior/health. Supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and nursing homes allow students to directly apply knowledge while supporting patients’ dignity and quality of life.

Upon passing the NAS 100 course and Alabama Nurse Aide Certification exam, students gain entry to the state registry as CNAs qualified to address evolving care demands. With excellent job prospects across settings from rehabilitation to home health, CVSCC’s CNA program prepares compassionate caregivers to leverage their skills and address labor gaps driven by the growing aging population. Program graduates gain access to a rewarding, yet accessible career path.

• Cost: $645
• Program Length: 12 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
• Phone: (334) 291-4900

16. Northeast Alabama Community College

138 AL-35, Section, AL 35771

Northeast Alabama Community College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that prepares students for entry-level work providing routine care across healthcare settings. This opportunity does not entail college credits or lead to a degree, enabling direct entry into the field in an accessible manner.

Through a balance of lectures and lab-based learning, students learn to assist patients and clients with activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, hygiene, and using the restroom. Additional topics include properly reporting patient statuses, maintaining safety, measuring vital signs, documenting care, emergency response protocols, nutrition and diet approaches, and upholding patients’ dignity.

Upon successfully demonstrating the appropriate knowledge and skills, graduates can sit for the Alabama CNA exam to gain their professional credentials. Passing this exam allows students to begin stable, in-demand careers as CNAs who are qualified to address staffing shortages for hospitals, private homes, doctor’s offices, senior communities, and rehabilitation centers seeking compassionate personnel.

Offering a path to certification and living-wage work that meaningfully impacts patients’ lives, NACC’s CNA program is ideal for those interested in exploring healthcare without committing to an intensive degree program. The program prepares adaptable allied health graduates to continually develop their competencies serving vulnerable populations across various settings.

• Cost: $785
• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, and background check
• Phone: (256) 638-4418

17. Shelton State Community College

9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Shelton State Community College’s 10-credit Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide (NA/HHA) program prepares students to competently care for patients while launching allied health careers. Comprised of lectures, skill labs, and clinical rotations, students develop proficiencies in areas such as patient hygiene, mobility assistance, vital signs measurement, reporting protocols, safety regulations, emergency response, infection control, proper body mechanics, nutrition, activities of daily living support, and documentation.

The curriculum and hands-on training aligns with Alabama Department of Public Health standards and qualifying requirements to sit for the Pearson VUE administered national nurse aide assessment exam. Upon successfully demonstrating the required caregiving knowledge and skills needed in a variety of settings, graduates can become certified and listed on the state registry to obtain well-paid work right away at long-term care centers, hospitals, private residences, and more.

With flexible career pathway options, students can leverage their patient care experience to advance into higher nursing roles like LPNs. Offering accessibility through adult education programs and assistance for those qualifying, Shelton’s CNA program enables diverse learners to quickly train for this meaningful in-demand allied health career that improves community healthcare outcomes.

• Cost: $2,086
• Program Length: 4 weeks
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, and ninth-grade equivalent reading test
• Phone: (205) 391-2211

CNA Job Outlook and Salary in Alabama

CNA positions are in high demand across Alabama. In fact, employment for CNAs is expected to grow by 5.5% from 2018 to 2028. Additionally, CNAs in Alabama enjoy competitive starting salaries, with a median annual salary of $31,280.

Take a look at the CNA employment and salary situation in different metro areas in Alabama below to get a detailed picture.

Alabama Nurse Aide Registry

If you have any questions about CNA programs or certification in Alabama, you can contact the Alabama Department of Public Health, Division of Healthcare Facilities at: