17 Best (4-WEEK) Online CNA Programs
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
When you’re a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you don’t have to look too hard to find an employer who wants to hire you! Many online CNA training courses will only take you four short weeks to complete, and the cost is very affordable. With an online CNA program, you can fit your coursework around your other obligations at a pace that fits your busy life. What are the best 4-week online CNA programs? They’re flexible programs, but they offer the practical training you’ll need in this field. This list of the 17 best 4-week CNA online programs is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become a certified nursing assistant.
What are the Best (4-WEEK) CNA Online Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 17 best 4-week online CNA classes in the nation. You can complete these programs in 4 weeks or less.)1. University of Kentucky - Lexington, KY
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The curriculum includes a hybrid mix of in-person and online classes and supervised clinical practice, totaling 75 hours: 59 class hours and 16 clinical hours. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the State Registered Nurse Assistant competency evaluation/examination.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online CNA program takes four weeks to complete at the University of Kentucky.
Admission Requirements: To enroll in the 4-week online CNA course at the University of Kentucky, you must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 years old, you must have parental or guardian consent to enroll in the class. You must register for the UK College of Nursing State Registered Nurse Aid (SRNA) training program. Before participating in clinical hours, you must show proof of current immunizations and pass a background check and drug screening.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Kentucky is a military-friendly school, working with military service men and women and their families to utilize available assistance, such as the GI Bill, to pay for the program.• With classes offered year-round, you can begin your studies at a time that works best to accommodate your needs without interfering with other obligations.
2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The CNA program consists of 96 total hours consisting of theory, laboratory, and clinical hours. Theory and clinical classes meet four days per week, for six hours each day. Laboratory schedules vary.
In this 4-week online CNA course, you will learn about a broad range of subjects, including professional communication, interpersonal skills, personal care skills, basic restorative skills, emergency and safety procedures, and psychosocial needs.
Admission Requirements: To enroll in the online 4-week CNA course at UNLV, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent or satisfactorily complete a preadmission assessment examination. You must provide evidence of a physical exam completed within the previous year and documentation of current immunizations. CPR/BLS for the Healthcare Provider administered by the American Red Cross is required. Additionally, all students must pass a background check before progressing to clinical training.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Las Vegas-Nevada reports graduates of its 4-week online CNA program have outstanding pass rates on state certification examinations, which is a testament to the quality of education the program provides.• Although the program is primarily online, you will work closely with faculty advisors and preceptors who are dedicated to your success in the program and in your career following graduation.
3. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College - Valdosta, GA
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The program consists of 96 contact hours, which include classroom and virtual learning and clinicals. You will take classes such as Diet and Nutrition for Allied Health Sciences, Introduction to Healthcare, and Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online CNA class at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College takes four weeks to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the 4-week online CNA program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, you must be at least 16 years old. In addition to completing an application and paying your application fee, you must submit your official high school transcript or official GED scores. All applicants must present acceptable ACT, ASSET, ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, SAT, or PSAT scores. Additionally, you must have current Healthcare Provider CPR Certification from the American Heart Association, pass a criminal background check and drug screen, pass a physical examination, and provide copies of up-to-date immunizations.
Why Choose This Program
• Wiregrass Georgia Technical College practices a maximum 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio for its online 4-week CNA program to ensure you get the attention you need to succeed in the program.• The school reports excellent employment rates for program graduates, with most graduates finding employment as CNAs within just a few months of completing the program.
4. Minnesota State College Southeast - Winona, MN
Program Length: 2 Weeks
The program consists of 80 contact hours, 60 hours of class time, and 20 hours of practical training. While didactic coursework is completed primarily online, you will attend campus for two to four days to participate in lab simulations.
This program, which is one of the nation’s best 2-week CNA online programs, costs approximately $875. The program cost includes tuition, supplies, college fees, and the cost of one attempt at taking the Nursing Assistant Registry test.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The CNA online program at Minnesota State College Southeast has two options: Daytime classes are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, and take two weeks to complete. Evening classes are Monday through Friday, 4 pm to 9:30 pm, and take three weeks to complete.
Admission Requirements: Because the CNA class is a “for-credit” college course, you must sign up as a visiting student. To be eligible for admission, you must be a resident of Minnesota able to work in the United States legally. You must be over the age of 16, in good physical condition, pass a Department of Human Services background check, and complete tuberculosis testing and vaccine requirements.
Why Choose This Program
• The online CNA program at Minnesota State College Southeast is a for-credit college course, which means you may be able to transfer the credits to another degree program if you choose to pursue another certification or degree.• The college reports excellent pass rates on Nurse Aid Certification exams among all graduates.
5. Heart To Heart Healthcare Training - Lewisville, TX
Program Length: 3 Weeks
The CNA program includes 100 contact hours of training. You will receive comprehensive instruction to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the CNA online program at Heart to Heart Healthcare Training in just three weeks!
Admission Requirements: If you are interested in the online CNA program at Heart to Heart Healthcare Training, you must provide a negative TB test result obtained within the last 12 months, pass a background check, and be at least 17 years old. You May schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor to get help with the registration process or register online at your convenience.
Why Choose This Program
• Heart to Heart Healthcare Training offers personalized learning plans to help meet your specific needs and promote your success.• The program features instructors who are highly knowledgeable and passionate about teaching and preparing Certified Nursing Assistants to begin their healthcare careers.
• The school reports graduates of the 4-week online CNA program have “achieved great success on state exams,” which is a good indication that you will be well-prepared to earn your certification and begin your CNA career.
6. South Denver School of Nursing Arts - Centennial, CO
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The program consists of instructor-led lectures, interactive skills lab practice with at-home skills supplies, and a two-day clinical workshop, which focuses on real-life simulations and experiences in healthcare facilities. At South Denver SNA, you will learn basic nursing practices, physical care, psychosocial care, restorative practices, and team-building skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for the State CNA Registry exam, which includes a 22-skills portion and a written portion.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online CNA program at South Denver School of Nursing Arts is a four-week program.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the 4-week CNA online course at South Denver School of Nursing Arts, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid social security number. All candidates must pass a drug screen and background check. To attend mandatory clinicals, you must also have proof of a COVID-19 vaccine and/or booster, proof of a negative TB test, and BLS/CPR certification (American Heart Association credentials preferred).
Why Choose This Program
• The CNA program at South Denver School of Nursing is taught by experienced nurses from diverse backgrounds who are dedicated to your success!• The program limits class size to 10 students, ensuring you have individualized attention to help promote your understanding and success.
7. Texas Career Institute - Dallas, TX
Program Length: 1 Month
Your curriculum will focus on the care of patients and residents of hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitative facilities. You will learn to practice professional communication, promote safety, and to provide basic patient care to help promote positive patient outcomes and independence. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the state CNA certification exam and obtain nurse aid certification and licensure in Texas.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The nursing assistant program at Texas Career Institute is a one-month or 4-week online CNA course.
Admission Requirements: Applicants for the 4-week CNA online classes at TCI must be at least 16 years old with parental consent and have a minimum 8th grade education. You may complete registration for the program online and must pass a criminal background check. Before attending clinical training, you must show proof of current immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine and appropriate boosters.
Why Choose This Program
• Texas Career Institute reports high student satisfaction rates based on post-graduation surveys, which is a positive sign that the school provides a quality education.• Graduates of the program consistently have excellent pass rates on the Texas State Nurse Aide Certification examination.
8. Quincy College - Quincy, MA
Program Length: 4 Weeks
This CNA program includes 144 clock hours. You will complete 120 hours of online classwork and on-campus labs and 24 hours of clinical training at local skilled nursing facilities. The program prepares you to provide basic care for residents of long-term care facilities and patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the state’s CNA Competency exam to gain state certification.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Quincy College’s online 4-week CNA class requires full-time participation and can be completed in four weeks.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the 4-week CNA online class at Quincy College requires meeting the following criteria. You must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Additionally, you must pass a physical exam showing you have no physical restrictions, provide evidence of a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray, and current immunization record. Also, all students must submit to a CORI check and drug test.
Why Choose This Program
• Quincy College offers job placement assistance to program graduates, helping to ensure you get a good start on your CNA career.• Your clinical training in a Skilled Nursing Facility will prepare you to care for patients with varying degrees of health issues, all under the supervision of your dedicated faculty.
9. Rogue Community College - Grants Pass, OR
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The program is a 105-hour pathway featuring courses focused on basic patient care, safety, legal/ethical issues, nutrition, and mental and physical disease processes. The first three weeks of the program include 37 hours of online classes that you may complete at your own pace, and 28 hours of campus-based lab training. The last week of the program requires you to complete 40 hours of hands-on, preceptor-supervised patient care. The school arranges clinical sites and preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the online CNA course at Rogue Community College in just four weeks.
Admission Requirements: If you want to attend the 4-week CNA online course at Rogue Community College, you must be 17 years old or older. Once you complete the Nursing Assistant Program screening application, you will receive an email from the school to schedule an interview. All candidates must pass a criminal history/background check and drug screening. Additionally, you must show proof of a negative TB test dated within one year of the final date of the program, submit proof of current immunizations, and have a current BLS/CPR Healthcare Provider Card issued by the American Heart Association.
Why Choose This Program
• Rogue Community College is a military-friendly school, offering tuition assistance options for military service men and women and their families attending the online 4-week CNA program.• Small cohort sizes allow for personalized attention and support from faculty and preceptors.
10. Springpack Healthcare Career - Arlington, TX
Program Length: 2 Weeks
This fast-paced program features independent didactic work, including watching videos, completing assignments, and taking tests online. The final day of the program is your clinical day and lasts from 9 am to 6:30 pm.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The CNA program at Springpack Healthcare Career takes two weeks to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the CNA program at SHC, you must first pay $600 for tuition, which can be made by Zelle or at the school office. After payment is made, you must then complete a school application and email it to the school along with a copy of your social security card, state or government photo ID, and high school diploma/GED/ transcripts.
Why Choose This Program
• The online CNA program offered at Springpack Healthcare Career is one of the shortest available, preparing you to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in just two weeks!• Online classes are available with day or evening schedules, making this program an excellent option if you have a job or other responsibilities that you need to work around.
11. Arise Health Training Institute - High Point, NC
Program Length: 2 Weeks
Enrolled students will complete virtual orientation before beginning the refresher course. The Nurse Aide 1 Refresher-Hybrid Program features one week of online coursework and one week of onsite instruction and clinicals.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The Nurse Aide 1 Refresher course is designed to be completed in just two weeks.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the Arise Health Training Institute's Nurse Aide 1 Refresher-Hybrid Program must have either a current or expired NA1 registry number, any state-recognized health credential, military healthcare training equivalent to NA1 training, or a school transcript reflecting success in courses equivalent to Nurse Aide 1 training. You may complete an online application. You must also provide a valid state- or government-issued photo ID and a copy of your social security card. The price of the program is $480, which includes tuition, registration fees, and course material.
Why Choose This Program
• Arise Health Training Institute offers job placement assistance to all graduates of the program.• The program offered at AHTI is an excellent option for individuals who need a refresher and do not want to repeat a CNA course in its entirety.
12. SMTL School of Faith and Nursing - Orlando, FL
Program Length: 2 Weeks
The program is a self-paced online pathway that includes face-to-face class days on Fridays and Saturdays to practice hands-on clinical skills. The curriculum includes studies about topics including basic personal care, hygiene, safety, infection control, patient privacy and confidentiality, professional communication, and healthcare ethics.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program offered at SMTL School of Faith and Nursing is a two-week program.
Admission Requirements: To apply, you must complete an application and provide copies of photo identification, your social security card, and high school diploma or GED, if applicable. Please note, a high school diploma or GED is not required, but you may submit them to strengthen your application. You must pass a Level II background screening and have negative results from a recent tuberculosis screening.
Why Choose This Program
• SMTL School of Faith and Nursing offers the Joyce D. Rhynes Scholarship to 20 eligible students yearly. The scholarship includes free tuition for students to receive nursing assistant training.• Because class days are self-paced, you can work ahead and finish coursework early at your convenience. Many students enjoy this perk of the program because it frees more time to practice skills for clinical training and to prepare for the certification examination.
13. Healthcare Essentials Training Institute - Louisville, KY
Program Length: 3 Weeks
The blended online program involves online coursework and in-person clinicals at the main campus. The curriculum features one class with multiple components to prepare you to provide basic nursing care to patients in hospitals and residents in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The CNA program at the Healthcare Essentials Training Institute is designed to be completed in three weeks.
Admission Requirements: The CNA class is open to any candidate who is 17 years old or older. You must pass a criminal background check, two-step TB skin test, and drug screen.
Why Choose This Program
• Although it is not required, if you want to participate in an externship to gain experience, Healthcare Essentials Training Institute will assist you in finding appropriate placement.• The school also offers job placement assistance to graduates, helping to ease the transition from student to CNA.
14. Alliance Specialty Healthcare Services - Milwaukee, WI
Program Length: 4 Weeks
Although the online portion of the program is self-paced, you must complete all online sections successfully before the end of the third week before progressing to the final week of the program. The final week consists of Monday through Wednesday skills labs on campus and Thursday and Friday clinical training at a designated clinical site.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the online CNA program at Alliance Specialty Healthcare Services in four weeks.
Admission Requirements: To begin the admission process for the online 4-week CNA course at Alliance Specialty Healthcare Services, you must complete a School Application Form and a COVID-19 Self-Screening Questionnaire. All candidates must submit to a criminal background check and have a current COVID-19 vaccine and necessary boosters. If you have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, some clinical sites may allow you to participate in clinical training with a medical exemption from your healthcare provider, but you must be fit tested for an N95 mask. This matter should be discussed before beginning the class.
Why Choose This Program
• Faculty of the online 4-week CNA course at Alliance Specialty Healthcare Services have over 20 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings, which means you will benefit from their vast knowledge and firsthand experiences.• All necessary resources are included in the price of tuition, including books, which means you only need a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop to download the required reading and assignments. Additionally, a uniform and gait belt are provided at no extra cost.
15. Colorado Medical Health Training - Centennial, CO
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The CNA program consists of 102 contact hours, which includes online classes and laboratory study, as well as clinical training at a long-term care facility. Because classes are limited to 10 students, you can connect on a more personal level with your instructors and peers for a better and more individualized learning experience.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The CNA online program at Colorado Medical Health Training can be completed in four weeks.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the 4-week online CNA program at Colorado Medical Health Training, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate or be age 16 or older and enrolled in high school. All candidates must pass an entrance exam and a criminal background check, including a violent sexual offender and predatory registry search, as well as a social security number validity check. You must show proof of a negative TB skin test or clear chest x-ray taken within the past year. Finally, you must interview with the program director.
Why Choose This Program
• At Colorado Medical Health Training, you will learn from bachelor’s-prepared registered nurse instructors. Their vast array of experience and skills will prepare you to enter the field as a CNA with confidence.• The school offers free practice sessions to all students prior to taking the state board exam.
• Job placement assistance is available through the school for all graduates of the online 4-week CNA program.
16. All American Training Academy - College Park, GA
Program Length: 4 Weeks
The school utilizes a curriculum that combines the use of textbooks and videos to demonstrate CNA roles and responsibilities to help you gain the theoretical knowledge behind what it takes to become a successful nursing assistant. You will put your classroom and lab learning into practice through in-person training at a nursing home, assisted living, long-term care facility under the direction of program faculty or approved preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the online CNA program at All American Training Academy in four weeks.
Admission Requirements: Admission requirements for the CNA online program at All American Training Academy include the following. You must be at least 17 years old and schedule a one-on-one consultation with an admission advisor to determine eligibility for admission to the program. Prospective students must submit a current TB test or chest x-ray reflecting negative TB results and have a negative COVID-19 test result.
Why Choose This Program
• The staff of the All American Training Academy online 4-week CNA program have over 40 years of experiencing training CNAs, which means you can feel confident that the education you receive will be high quality and prepare you for certification and your new role as a Certified Nursing Assistant.• The program is a low-cost CNA pathway. The cost includes tuition, all materials, books, supplies, lab fees, a background check, and a state certification exam fee. (Payment plans are also available.)
17. Global Health Education Network - Garland, TX
Program Length: 4 Weeks
You will learn basic skills, including how to promote patient safety, hygiene, nutrition, communication, and infection control measures. In addition to online classes, you will complete in-person clinical training at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. Successful completion of this program qualifies you to take the Texas State Nurse Aid Certification exam.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The CNA online program at GHEN is designed to be completed in four weeks.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the online CNA program at Global Health Education Network, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or college transcript. If you did not graduate high school, you must have a minimum 8th grade education, and you must take an aptitude test to determine eligibility to take the class. Additionally, you must have a negative TB skin test or negative chest x-ray.
Why Choose This Program
• Global Health Education Network is partnered with Dreambound to provide tuition-free training to eligible students in the nurse aid program.• As a student in this program, you will work with a licensed nurse trainer who will facilitate and guide you throughout the course. Your trainer will monitor your pace throughout sessions and ensure you receive quality training to help you succeed.
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.