CNA Classes & Programs in New Hampshire
- CNA/LNA Programs in New Hampshire: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA/LNA in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire CNA (LNA) Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in New Hampshire
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA/LNA in New Hampshire?
- Do Online CNA/LNA Programs Exist in New Hampshire?
- 2026 Fastest LNA Training Program Options in New Hampshire
- 2026 Affordable LNA Training Program Options in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire CNA/LNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA/LNA Program in New Hampshire
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in New Hampshire
- 2026 Updated List of New Hampshire Schools Offering CNA/LNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
In New Hampshire, Certified Nursing Assistants are officially called Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs), and they serve as vital caregivers throughout the state’s healthcare system. From Manchester and Concord to Nashua and rural regions, LNAs help patients with daily living activities, monitor basic health indicators, and support nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab facilities, and home care settings. The LNA role is often the quickest, most accessible entry point into direct patient care and a strong foundation for further nursing education.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- New Hampshire’s official CNA/LNA training and registry requirements
- How much classroom vs. clinical training is required
- Typical timelines, cost ranges, and formats (on-campus & hybrid)
- What LNA classes cover and how clinicals operate
- How to choose the right CNA/LNA program in the Granite State
CNA/LNA Programs in New Hampshire: At-a-Glance
| Category | New Hampshire CNA/LNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 100+ hours total (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised clinical practice required (60+ hours commonly) |
| Certification exam | New Hampshire Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written/oral + skills) |
| State registry | New Hampshire Licensed Nursing Assistant Registry (Board of Nursing) |
| Typical program length | Roughly 4–12 weeks depending on format |
| Typical total cost | Varies by provider (often $1,200–$2,500+) |
| Average CNA/LNA Salary in New Hampshire | Mid-$40k range |
Why Become a CNA/LNA in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's healthcare workforce has a steady demand for Licensed Nursing Assistants, driven by an aging population, expanded home health services, and a need for patient-centered care across settings. LNAs are in demand in both urban centers like Manchester and Nashua and rural areas where healthcare staffing can be a challenge.
State data show that nurse aide roles (LNA) remain a consistent source of open jobs each year, making this an excellent choice for students seeking quick career entry and reliable employment prospects.
Becoming an LNA often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced nursing roles, such as LPN or RN pathways, while building valuable hands-on experience early in a healthcare career.
New Hampshire CNA (LNA) Training & Certification
In New Hampshire, the CNA role is known as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) and is regulated by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The process to become an LNA includes:
- Complete a state-approved LNA training program with at least 100 hours of combined classroom theory and supervised clinical practice.
- Pass the LNA Competency Exam, which includes a written or oral knowledge test and a practical skills demonstration.
- Submit an application to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing with background check/fingerprinting to obtain your LNA license.
New Hampshire's training requirements build in pre-direct care instruction (e.g., patient rights, safety, communication) in the first 16 hours, then expand into clinical duties such as bathing, hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and emotional support over the remainder of the curriculum. Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in New Hampshire
CNA (LNA) Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Foundations of Care | Orientation to role, patient rights, safety procedures |
| Basic Nursing Skills | Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, infection control |
| Vital Signs & Health Monitoring | Recording temperature, pulse, respiration |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction, interdisciplinary communication |
| Supervised Clinical Practice | Hands-on care in real healthcare settings |
Clinical Training Highlights:
- LNA programs include significant supervised clinical hours (typically ~60 hours in New Hampshire) coordinated with approved facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals.
- Students must complete clinical practice in person to demonstrate competency in direct patient care.
- Clinicals occur after initial classroom theory and lab preparation, with instructors or preceptors ensuring safe application of skills.
Programs such as those at community colleges and healthcare partners offer hybrid options with online theory, on-campus labs, and extensive clinical placements.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA/LNA in New Hampshire?
Most licensed nursing assistant programs in New Hampshire can be completed in approximately 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Hybrid and accelerated formats exist, but all clinical hours must be completed in person at approved facilities. Some programs may total 106–144 hours when classroom, lab, and clinical components are combined.
Do Online CNA/LNA Programs Exist in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire allows hybrid programs where classroom theory may be delivered online, but:
- Hands-on clinical training must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities.
- Some programs mix online theory with in-person lab days and scheduled clinical rotations.
No program that avoids in-person clinical experiences will satisfy state certification requirements.
2026 Fastest LNA Training Program Options in New Hampshire
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bay Community College |
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| Manchester Community College |
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| River Valley Community College |
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2026 Affordable LNA Training Program Options in New Hampshire
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Great Bay Community College |
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| Manchester Community College |
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| River Valley Community College |
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New Hampshire CNA/LNA Employment and Wages
CNA/LNA wages in New Hampshire tend to be competitive compared with national averages due to the state's cost of living and demand for high-quality care providers. Some sources report New Hampshire CNAs earn above national median wages, reflecting strong regional demand and staffing needs. Find out more about CNA salaries.
CNA Salary in New Hampshire
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| New Hampshire | 7,190 | $46,050 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA/LNA Program in New Hampshire
Use this practical checklist when evaluating New Hampshire LNA training programs:
State Approval & Certification Eligibility
- Confirm the program is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing to satisfy training and exam prerequisites.
Clinical Placement Support
- Does the school assist with arranging supervised clinical hours in skilled nursing or hospital settings?
- Are local preceptor partnerships established for you?
Scheduling & Flexibility
- Are theory lectures offered online or hybrid?
- Are lab and clinical hours scheduled at times that fit your other commitments?
Transparent Costs & Prep Support
- Is tuition transparent with itemized fees?
- Do they offer state exam prep, practice tools, or career support?
A strong program will provide both structured learning and clear support through the state competency exam and registry application.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in New Hampshire
| Factor | CNA/LNA | Medical Assistant (MA) | LPN | RN |
| Training Time | ~4–12 weeks | ~9–12 months | ~12–18 months | ~2–4 years |
| Primary Focus | Direct patient care, ADLs | Clinic procedures + admin | Nursing care + meds | Full nursing practice |
| Supervision | Works under nurses | Works under provider | Works under RN/MD | Autonomous nursing care |
| Typical Settings | LTC, hospitals, home care | Clinics, offices | Hospitals, LTC | All healthcare settings |
Licensed Nursing Assistant training in New Hampshire remains one of the shortest and most accessible paths into direct patient care. For advancement opportunities, explore New Hampshire nursing schools and/or consider a CNA to RN bridge program.
2026 Updated List of New Hampshire Schools Offering CNA/LNA Classes
Berlin, NH
White Mountains Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 120-hour plus program.
- Campus-based in New Hampshire.
- Leads to LNA exam eligibility.
- Covers infection prevention.
- Includes nutrition topics.
- Focuses on mental health.
- Teaches home care skills.
- Emphasizes professionalism.
Claremont, NH
River Valley Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Fast-paced, hands-on healthcare training
- Tuition: $1,900 total cost
- Multiple campus locations
- State certification preparation
- Job growth 10-25%
- Clinical practice included
- Financial aid available
Manchester, NH
Manchester Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - WDC Licensed Nursing Assistant, Cert.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Healthcare career pathway
- Patient care training
- Quick certification program
- Flexible scheduling options
Portsmouth, NH
Great Bay Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Training Program
Campus Based - Website
- Six-week intensive training
- NH Board of Nursing approved
- Direct patient care focus
- Comprehensive healthcare skills
- Prepares for healthcare roles
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