7 Best (3-MONTH) Nursing Online Courses


Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

Interested in launching a career in healthcare as soon as you can? In just three months, you may be able to qualify to be certified as a nursing assistant. You can work part-time or full-time in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other medical facilities. An online 3-month nursing course will permit you to attain the necessary skills without pulling back on existing commitments because you’ll pursue your nursing assistant certification at your own pace. How can you determine what are the best 3-month online nursing courses? We’ve simplified that process with this guide to the 7 best 3-month nursing online programs.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSING SCHOOLS

What are the Best (3-MONTH) Nursing Online Courses in the Nation?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best 3-month nursing online programs in the nation. You can complete these programs in 3 months or less.)


1. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE


Program Length: 6 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: At Nebraska Methodist College, you will find one of the best 3-month nursing online courses. The program is designed to teach and prepare students to become Certified Nursing Assistants. The CNA program features a hybrid format consisting primarily of online coursework. You will also have weekly campus visits for in-person instructional sessions.

In this program, you will complete a minimum of 76 hours of classroom, competency, and skills training. No college credits are awarded for this program, but you will receive a Certificate of Completion.

You will follow a curriculum that includes didactic coursework and hands-on experiences designed to prepare you to sit for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services written and skills competency examination. The curriculum includes important topics, including professional communication, taking and recording vital signs, infection control, and age-related changes in adult patients.

Clinical Training: As a student in this program, you will have clinical opportunities at local long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers. Program faculty arrange and supervise clinical experiences to ensure you have adequate opportunities to learn and participate in hands-on patient care. You will assist residents and patients with activities of daily living, feeding, and grooming. You will also learn from experienced nursing assistants and nurses about ways to communicate and develop rapport with patients in your care.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program offered at Nebraska Methodist College is designed to be completed in six weeks.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for the CNA 3-month online nursing course at Nebraska Methodist College, you must be at least 16 years old, have the ability to read, write, and speak English, and be physically able to lift at least 50 lbs. You must complete the CNA online registration, submit a complete health history form, and show proof of immunizations by the first week of class to proceed.


Why Choose This Program

• At Nebraska Methodist College, you will learn from nursing faculty who are highly experienced, which means you will benefit from their real-world insight.
• The classes are available with daily, weekly, and weekend scheduling options, allowing you to choose an option that fits your busy lifestyle.
• At NMC, Nursing Assistant classes begin monthly, which makes it easy to find a time that fits your schedule to begin pursuing your certification.


2. High Desert Medical College - Lancaster, CA


Program Length: 6 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: High Desert Medical College offers another top 3-month nursing online course designed to prepare you for a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The CNA program is a 164-clock hour program that includes a mixture of classroom instruction and clinical externship hours.

At High Desert Medical College, you will learn basic nursing skills, including how to measure and record vital signs, intake and output, document patient care, and assist clients in achieving and maintaining independence. The curriculum includes intensive training in nutrition, anatomy and physiology, body mechanics, communication, asepsis, and restorative and rehabilitative care.

Clinical Training: In the High Desert Medical College Certified Nursing Assistant program, you will complete a minimum of 104 hands-on direct patient care clinical hours.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program at High Desert Medical College can be completed in as few as six weeks.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the High Desert Medical College 3-month nursing online course, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. All candidates must have a physical exam (completed within the last 90 days). You must provide TB test results and show proof of having a COVID-19 vaccination, Hepatitis B series vaccinations, and Flu shot. Additionally, you must submit copies of your fingerprints done by Life Scan.


Why Choose This Program

• High Desert Medical College offers low faculty-to-student ratios, with classes having a maximum of a 1:15 ratio. This means you have more individualized attention from faculty.
• You will learn vital skills in the college’s high-fidelity laboratory, where you can develop and learn in a safe, controlled environment before proceeding to the clinical externship and direct patient care.
• All qualified graduates are offered job placement assistance to help find and secure relevant employment opportunities after program completion.


3. Minnesota State College Southeast - Red Wing & Winona, MN


Program Length: 2 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: If you are searching for the best 3-month nursing courses online and want to become a CNA quickly, Minnesota State College Southeast is a wonderful place to start! The Certified Nursing Assistant program is a three-credit college course that features classroom learning and supervised clinical training.

Most classes are taught in an asynchronous online format. However, you will visit campus two to four days during the program for laboratory instruction and simulation exercises. Although the program is one of the shortest CNA programs available, you will gain a solid foundation in communication and relationship-building between CNAs and clients, patient rights, medical privacy and confidentiality, and how to respond properly in emergency situations.

Clinical Training: In addition to 60 hours of classroom training, you will complete 20 hours of supervised practical training in the Minnesota State College SE Certified Nursing Assistant program.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: If you enroll in daytime classes, you can complete the online 3-month nursing course to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in two weeks. You may choose to enroll in evening classes and complete the program in three weeks.


Admission Requirements: Although you will earn three college credits when you take the Certified Nursing Assistant course, you do not have to apply for admission to the college. Instead, prospective students who wish to pursue this program must apply as a “visiting student.” You must create a StarID to register for classes.


Why Choose This Program

• Nursing Assistant Training classes begin each month at MSCS, which means you do not have to wait months or longer to begin your training and become certified.
• You can pursue the CNA program at Minnesota State College Southeast without enrolling as a student at the college. By registering as a visiting student, you can take up to 6 credits but not have the hassle of meeting some of the admission criteria set forth for other programs.
• The 3-month online nursing course leading to CNA certification is one of the most affordable programs available. The program costs $875, which includes tuition, supplies, college fees, and the cost of taking the Nursing Assistant Registry examination.


4. Aims Community College - Greeley, CO


Program Length: 5 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: At Aims Community College, you will find another excellent online 3-month nursing course. The program is a five-credit pathway that includes 110 hours of learning.

The first part of the program involves taking the Nurse Aid Health Care Skills course. In this class, you will learn fundamental nursing skills such as communication, personal care, safety and emergency care issues, and restorative services.

Clinical Training: The CNA program at Aims Community College includes a 30-hour clinical practice. After completing the Nurse Aide Health Care Skills class, you will be assigned dates and times to complete the clinical requirement. Clinicals are completed in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the 3-month online nursing course for Nursing Assistants at Aims Community College in just five weeks.


Admission Requirements: Admission requirements to the Nurse Aid Certificate program at Aims Community College include having either an ACT score of 18 or higher, SAT score of 470 or higher, a transcript reflecting a college-level English class with a grade of “C” or better, or an ACCUPLACER reading score of 241 or better. All candidates must attend a mandatory orientation before enrolling in the program. You must be at least 16 years old to enroll. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must attend orientation with you and give written permission for you to enroll in the program.


Why Choose This Program

• Aims Community College offers CNA students job placement assistance following program completion.
• Many graduates of the Aims Community College CNA program go on to pursue other healthcare careers, including nursing, clinical medical assisting, radiologic technology, and surgical technology.
• Class sizes are usually limited to 15 students, which means you have more opportunities for one-on-one and individualized learning opportunities in the classroom, lab, and clinicals.


5. Holyoke Community College - Holyoke, MA


Program Length: 5 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: Holyoke Community College offers another great option among our featured 3-month nursing online courses. The program not only results in earning a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, but you will also earn a CPR/AED & First Aid Certification, Home Health Aide Certification, Dementia Certification, and complete Alzheimer’s and Dementia training.

The CNA program is designed to prepare you with entry-level healthcare skills that will allow you to embark on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant or take additional steps to earn higher degrees in the healthcare field. The curriculum includes instruction in the care of patients and residents in long-term care facilities. You will learn about proper body mechanics, infection control, mental health care of residents in long-term care, and promoting patient independence.

Clinical Training: The program includes one week of clinical rotations at an off-campus location. Your clinical training involves hands-on practice monitoring patient vital signs, using proper body mechanics, providing personal care, bathing, feeding, and promoting patient independence.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Holyoke Community College, you have the option of enrolling in morning CNA classes or evening classes. Students in the daytime program graduate in five weeks. Evening students take six weeks to complete the program.


Admission Requirements: To be accepted to the CNA 3-month nursing online courses at Holyoke Community College, you must be a Massachusetts resident who is at least 18 years of age. You must meet medical requirements, including submitting TB test results and showing proof of a physical examination, COVID-19 vaccine, flu shot, and current immunization records. Additionally, you must provide Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registry Information records.


Why Choose This Program

• If you receive SNAP/TAFDC benefits, you can take the CNA program at Holyoke Community College free of charge.
• After completing the CNA program, you can participate in a four-week Employment Search option, designed to help you find a job as a CNA.
• The program offers additional training focused on Home Health Aide, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s care.


6. Drake State Community & Technical College - Huntsville, AL


Program Length: 6 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: The 3-month online nursing course at Drake State Community and Technical College is an excellent Certified Nursing Assistant program. The program features an online hybrid format combining campus-based and online theory classes, lab simulations on campus and in-person, off-campus clinicals.

The program’s curriculum includes vital topics relevant to the Certified Nursing Assistant role. You will learn about regulatory and professional guidelines, healthcare facility roles and functions, professional work habits, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and time management skills.

Clinical Training: At Drake State CTC, you will complete one week of lab and clinical training. You will learn hands-on skills in the school laboratory to prepare for in-person clinicals, which occur at off-campus sites, as determined by program faculty.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The Certified Nursing Assistant program at Drake State Community and Technical College is designed to be completed in six weeks.


Admission Requirements: Candidates for the online 3-month nursing course at Drake State Community and Technical College must be 16 years of age or older. You must complete an application for admission to the program. Additionally, you must provide proof of having taken the Hepatitis Series B immunization and a negative TB skin test.


Why Choose This Program

• Drake State Community and Technical College fosters an atmosphere that promotes an appreciation for cultural diversity by providing educational access to people from diverse populations.
• The CNA program at Drake State CTC is committed to supporting historically underserved populations by preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and advocate for the needs of patients in these populations.
• Graduates of the CNA program have excellent passing rates on the Nurse Aide Registry Certification Examination.


7. Mid-America College of Health Sciences - Merriam, KS


Program Length: 6 Weeks


Type of Program: CNA


Program Details: Mid-America College of Health Sciences offers another of our featured 3-month nursing courses online that results in earning a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate of Completion. The program features asynchronous online lectures and in-person labs and clinical training.

The curriculum includes core topics, including Safety in Patient Care Delivery, Care of a Resident’s Space, Vital Signs, Understanding and Intervening for Problem Behaviors, Assisting with Activities of Daily Living, and communication Skills in the Healthcare Setting.

Clinical Training: Clinicals are an important part of the CNA program at Mid-America. You will complete 20 hours of laboratory training on campus and 25 hours of training at clinical sites, as determined by the school. You must successfully complete didactic and laboratory hours before progressing to in-person clinicals.


How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Students in the CNA program at Mid-America College of Health Sciences typically complete the program in six weeks.


Admission Requirements: Enrollment in the Nurse Aid training program at Mid-America College of Health Sciences is open to individuals 16 years old (with parental consent) or older. You must have a valid state ID, government-issued ID, or driver's license, a valid social security number, and current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association. Additionally, you must have a negative tuberculosis test result. You must have a working computer, reliable internet service, and a basic knowledge of Microsoft office suite.


Why Choose This Program

• The 3-month online nursing course at Mid-America College of Health Sciences has instructors with decades of nursing experience, which means you will learn from professionals who know what it takes to provide quality patient care and succeed in your career!
• The Great Jobs KC Job Training Program and Catholic Charities of North Kansas City offer financial assistance to candidates who wish to enroll in this program but need assistance paying.
• A new CNA class begins every month at Mid-America College of Health Sciences, making it easy to begin your studies quickly. Also, the school is known for graduating some of the most well-prepared CNAs in the region!


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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.