CNA Classes & Programs in Louisiana
- CNA Programs in Louisiana: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Louisiana?
- Louisiana CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Louisiana
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Louisiana?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Louisiana?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Louisiana
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Louisiana
- Louisiana CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Louisiana
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Louisiana
- 2026 Updated List of Louisiana Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as nurse aides, are a critical part of Louisiana’s healthcare workforce, supporting patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings throughout the state. From Baton Rouge and New Orleans to rural parishes, CNAs help meet daily care needs while working under the supervision of licensed nurses.
Louisiana-approved CNA training programs offer one of the shortest and least expensive pathways into healthcare, making them a popular option for career changers and students seeking quick entry into patient care roles.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Louisiana’s official CNA training and certification requirements
- Minimum training hours and clinical expectations
- How CNA classes are structured in Louisiana
- Typical timelines and program costs
- How to choose a state-approved CNA training program
CNA Programs in Louisiana: At-a-Glance
| Category | Louisiana CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 80 hours (state-approved program) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes – supervised clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation |
| State registry | Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | 4–8 weeks |
| Typical total cost | Varies by program |
| Average CNA Salary in Louisiana | Mid-$30,000 range (varies by region and setting) |
Why Become a CNA in Louisiana?
Louisiana continues to experience steady demand for direct-care healthcare workers, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health services. The state's aging population, combined with ongoing workforce shortages in nursing facilities, has made CNAs an essential part of care delivery across both urban and rural communities.
According to workforce data, tens of thousands of CNAs are currently employed statewide, with especially strong demand in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. CNA training offers a practical way to quickly enter healthcare, gain hands-on experience, and build a foundation for future advancement into LPN or RN roles.
Louisiana CNA Training & Certification
To work legally as a CNA in Louisiana, individuals must complete the state's certification process:
- Complete a Louisiana Department of Health–approved CNA training program that meets the 80-hour minimum requirement
- Pass the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge exam
- A hands-on clinical skills exam
- Be listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, which authorizes employment as a CNA
- Maintain active registry status, typically by completing paid CNA work within the renewal period
CNA certification confirms that an individual meets Louisiana's standards for safe, entry-level nursing care and is legally eligible to work as a CNA in healthcare facilities across the state.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Louisiana
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic patient care, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, feeding, dressing assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction, workplace communication |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice |
Clinical training in Louisiana:
- Takes place in nursing homes, hospitals, or other approved healthcare facilities
- Is required and must be supervised by qualified instructors
- Counts toward the state's 80-hour minimum training requirement
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Louisiana?
Most Louisiana CNA classes can be completed in approximately 4 to 8 weeks. Program length varies based on whether students attend full-time or part-time, class scheduling (day vs. evening), and how quickly clinical placements are completed.
Accelerated programs may allow motivated students to finish training in as little as one month.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not allow fully online CNA certification programs.
- Some schools offer hybrid CNA classes, with online coursework for theory portions
- All clinical skills and hands-on training must be completed in person
- In-person clinical experience is required to qualify for the state exam and registry placement
Students should be cautious of any program advertising 100% online CNA certification in Louisiana.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Louisiana
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Community College |
|
|
| Infinity College |
|
|
| Louisiana Delta Community College |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Louisiana
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Compass Career College |
| - |
| Louisiana Delta Community College |
|
|
| Nunez Community College |
|
|
Louisiana CNA Employment and Wages
CNA salaries in Louisiana remain competitive, particularly in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and facilities offering shift differentials or weekend schedules.
CNA Salary in Louisiana
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Louisiana | 20,550 | $30,240 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Louisiana
When evaluating CNA training programs in Louisiana, look for the following:
- State approval by the Louisiana Department of Health
- Eligibility to sit for the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation
- Guaranteed clinical placement arranged by the school
- Flexible scheduling options (day, evening, or weekend classes)
- Transparent tuition and supply costs
- Connections to local healthcare employers
Choosing a reputable, state-approved program ensures eligibility for certification and smoother entry into the workforce.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Louisiana
| Role | Training Time | Scope of Practice | Credential |
| CNA | 4–8 weeks | Basic patient care, ADLs, vital signs | State registry |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | 9–12 months | Clinical + administrative tasks | Certificate |
| LPN | 12–18 months | Nursing care, medications | State license |
| RN | 2–4 years | Full nursing responsibilities | State license |
CNA training offers the quickest and least expensive entry into hands-on patient care, while longer nursing pathways provide greater scope and earning potential. If you’re curious about advancement opportunities, consider a CNA to RN program, or check out nursing schools in Louisiana.
2026 Updated List of Louisiana Schools Offering CNA Classes
Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 100-hour program length.
- Campus-based training.
- Includes theory and lab.
- External clinical experience.
- Non-credit course offering.
- Part of healthcare category.
- Prepares for CNA certification.
- Entry-level career focus.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Sponsorship
Campus Based - Website
- Tuition-free CNA program
- Partnership with Our Lady of the Lake
- Requires high school diploma/GED
- One-year post-graduation commitment
- Clinical training included
Chalmette, LA
Nunez Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing and Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Career and Technical Certificate program.
- Prepares for basic bedside care.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Multiple healthcare settings covered.
- Includes long-term care facilities.
- Hospital employment preparation.
- Home health care training.
- Other healthcare facilities included.
Hammond, LA
- Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 80 clock hour program.
- 7 week duration.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Clinical hours included.
- Hands-on patient care training.
- Focus on safety procedures.
- Infection control education.
- Communication skills development.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 80 clock hours total.
- 7 weeks program length.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Includes clinical hours.
- Courses on patient care.
- Focus on safety procedures.
- Training in infection control.
- Hands-on laboratory practice.
Compass Career College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide Training
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program in Louisiana.
- Prepares for Louisiana Nurse Aide certification.
- Includes BLS Provider certification.
- Covers anatomy and patient care.
- Focuses on elderly and diverse populations.
- Meets DHH program requirements.
- Eligible for Prometric competency exam.
- Teaches infection control practices.
Kenner, LA
Healthcare Training Institute
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Four-week program duration.
- DHH-approved certification program.
- Campus-based learning format.
- Part-time program schedule.
- CNA students exempt from diploma/GED.
- Requires criminal background check.
- Application completion required.
- Registration fees apply.
Lafayette, LA
Infinity College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 2-week program duration.
- 80 total clock hours.
- Day and evening classes.
- Flexible schedule options.
- Small class sizes.
- Experienced faculty access.
- Externship included.
- Infection control training.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-week program duration.
- Hybrid program type.
- Evening classes available.
- Small class sizes.
- 80 total clock hours.
- Includes externship component.
- Curriculum covers infection control.
- Teaches safety procedures.
South Louisiana Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 6-week course duration
- 80 classroom instruction hours
- 45 clinical experience hours
- $2,200 program cost
- Tuition assistance available
- Age 16+ requirement
- No high school diploma needed
- Campus-based program
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 6-week course duration.
- 80 hours classroom instruction.
- 45 hours clinical experience.
- Tuition cost $2,200.
- Age requirement 16+.
- No high school diploma required.
- Campus-based program.
- Multiple location options.
Lake Charles, LA
SOWELA Technical Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Eight-week training program.
- Prepares for Louisiana certification exam.
- Cost is $1,950.
- Tuition includes books and scrubs.
- Covers first exam attempt.
- Classes Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon.
- Held at Jennings location.
- Counts as three credit hours.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training
Campus Based - Website
- Eight-week comprehensive training
- Prepares for Louisiana certification
- Cost: $1,950 with financial aid
- Monday-Friday morning classes
- Includes books and scrubs
Minden, LA
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Long-term patient care focus
- Medical terminology training
- Clinical and lecture components
- Hands-on patient care practice
- Prepares for healthcare roles
Monroe, LA
Louisiana Delta Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 75 classroom/lab hours.
- 40 clinical hours required.
- Program cost $1998.
- Scholarships available.
- Background check required.
- LDH requirements must be met.
- Prometric certification test eligible.
- Campus-based program.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program in Bastrop.
- Cost is $1,998.
- Scholarships available.
- 75 classroom/lab hours.
- 40 clinical hours required.
- Background check needed.
- LDH approval required.
- Prometric test eligible.
New Orleans, LA
Delgado Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program
Campus Based - Website
- 80 hours clinical experience
- City Park Campus location
- Louisiana Department Health approved
- Long-term care focus
- Certification exam preparation
- Age requirement: 16+
- High school diploma needed
- Criminal background check required
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for healthcare employment.
- Includes 80 clinical hours.
- Approved by Louisiana Department of Health.
- Eligible for certification exam.
- Offered spring and fall semesters.
- Held at City Park Campus.
- Requires high school diploma.
- Background check required.
Schriever, LA
Fletcher Technical Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 8-week program length.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Clinical rotation experience.
- Prepares for CNA exam.
- Credit and non-credit options.
- Tuition from $1,159.76.
- Minimum age 16 years.
- Background check required.
Shreveport, LA
Southern University at Shreveport
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Undergraduate credit or continuing education.
- Four credit hours for undergraduate option.
- Classroom, skills lab, and clinical training.
- Leads to Certified Nursing Assistant credential.
- Focus on basic patient care skills.
- Eligible for Final Competency Examination.
- Certificate of Completion awarded.
- Prepares for long-term care settings.
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