Search "CNA classes" in New Hampshire and the state's own licensing board will hand you back a different acronym: LNA, or Licensed Nursing Assistant. Same scope of practice, same entry-level role in hospitals and nursing homes, just a New England naming quirk that trips up out-of-state job seekers and search engines alike.
Costs and formats vary sharply once you start comparing programs. Tuition ranges from free, through employer-sponsored and workforce-funded seats, up past $1,500 at private training centers, with schedules running from tight four-week accelerated tracks to full-semester community college courses taught in-person or hybrid.
That spread in price and pacing is really a spread in trade-offs: faster and cheaper often means less flexibility, while semester-length programs buy you deeper clinical hours before you sit for the CNA certification exam.
LNA Vs. CNA in New Hampshire: Why the Name Is Different
New Hampshire's Board of Nursing, under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), issues a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) credential rather than the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) title used in most other states.1 The distinction is largely one of terminology and legal structure, not job duties. Where many states maintain a nurse aide registry, New Hampshire grants an actual license, but the scope of practice, required training hours, and competency exam are functionally equivalent to CNA Classes & Programs elsewhere.
Same Job, Different Paperwork
Under state law, an LNA works under the direction of a registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse, providing direct client care such as bathing, mobility assistance, vital signs, and basic hygiene support. Renewal requires 200 hours of practice within the prior two years, along with a background check.2 Because the credential is recognized nationally as equivalent to CNA status, it transfers smoothly for reciprocity and employment purposes if you move to another state or apply from one.
What This Means for Your Job Search
Employers in New Hampshire frequently use "CNA" and "LNA" interchangeably in job postings, staffing agency listings, and facility websites. If you're comparing programs or applying from out of state, treat the two labels as describing the same job and the same license. Don't assume a posting that says "CNA needed" requires a different credential than the LNA you'll earn here.
The MNA Add-On
Once licensed as an LNA, some nursing assistants pursue the Medication Nursing Assistant (MNA) certificate, an advanced credential that authorizes delegated medication administration for stable clients. It requires completing Board-approved coursework and passing a separate competency exam, and the certificate must be renewed or it lapses within a year of expiration.34
New Hampshire's Highest-Rated LNA Training Programs, Ranked
New Hampshire's community college LNA programs combine low tuition, hands-on clinical training, and clear paths to certification. The four options below offer strong value for students who want to start working as licensed nursing assistants without taking on heavy debt.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt after completion
- Affordable net tuition and fees
- Access to institutional financial aid
- Program completion and retention rates
- Post-completion earnings outcomes
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
River Valley Community College
#1Claremont, NH · $15,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Prospective LNAs seeking employer-sponsored paid training
River Valley Community College in Claremont anchors LNA training across western New Hampshire, with cohorts also available in Keene and Lebanon. The seven-week certificate combines lab practice with clinical time at regional facilities and prepares students for NH Board of Nursing certification. A paid training partnership with Dartmouth Health creates an employer-sponsored entry option, while graduates can continue into the college's LPN and RN programs.
- Seven-week, 124-hour format combining lecture, lab, and clinical
- Total program tuition about $1,900
- Cohorts rotate across Claremont, Keene, and Lebanon
- Dartmouth Health partnership funds a paid training pathway
- Graduates can advance into RVCC LPN and RN programs
- ACEN-accredited Licensed Nursing Assistant certificate
White Mountains Community College
#2Berlin, NH · $7,000 – $15,000/yr
Best for: North Country residents wanting local hands-on cohorts
White Mountains Community College serves northern New Hampshire from its Berlin campus and Littleton Academic Center. The 120-plus-hour LNA course covers infection prevention, nutrition, home care, and professionalism, with clinicals anchored at long-term care facilities across the North Country. A regional nursing scholarship helps local students manage costs, and the certificate is built as a stepping stone to LPN and RN study.
- 120-plus-hour curriculum covers infection prevention and home care
- Offered at Berlin campus and Littleton Academic Center
- Clinicals at partner long-term care facilities in North Country
- Selective admissions process includes interview and drug screen
- Blackburn Nursing Scholarship available for local students
- Certificate opens pathway to LPN and RN study
Manchester Community College
#3Manchester, NH · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working adults needing flexible hybrid class schedules
Manchester Community College makes LNA training accessible to working adults through its Workforce Development Center. The 150-hour hybrid certificate blends online theory with in-person labs and clinical hours at Manchester-area facilities. New Hampshire residents receive admissions priority, and the LNA for Success partnership with the International Institute of New England adds specialized support for English Language Learners entering healthcare.
- 150 total hours: 60 online theory, 30 lab, 60 clinical
- Hybrid format through the Workforce Development Center
- Clinical sites include Bedford Nursing and Villa Crest
- Eight-week open enrollment schedule for working adults
- LNA for Success track supports English Language Learners
- New Hampshire residents receive admissions priority
Great Bay Community College
#4Portsmouth, NH · $16,000/yr (net price)
Great Bay Community College gives Seacoast students a fast, Board-approved route to LNA certification in Portsmouth. The hybrid training structure blends online theory with campus labs and clinical work at regional partner facilities, and frequent cohort starts keep entry easy. Students can also earn LNA licensure as part of the associate degree in nursing, so the program works both as a stand-alone credential and as a first step toward an RN.
- Six-week, NH Board of Nursing-approved training
- 60 hours online theory, 30 campus lab, 60 clinical
- Clinicals held with Seacoast-area partner facilities
- Registered apprenticeship path with Rockingham County Senior Living
- Multiple 2026 and 2027 cohort start dates
- Can also earn LNA licensure inside associate nursing degree
Side-By-Side: NH LNA Program Costs, Hours, and Formats
Comparing LNA programs across New Hampshire can be tricky because each school structures its training differently. The table below puts the key details side by side so you can weigh cost, time commitment, and format at a glance. All clinical hours are arranged by the program unless otherwise noted. Keep in mind that tuition figures may not include fees for textbooks, scrubs, background checks, or the state competency exam.
| Program | City / Region | Tuition (Approx.) | Total Training Hours | Clinical Hours | Format | Program Length | Schedule Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester Community College WDC LNA Certificate | Manchester | Contact school for current program tuition | 150 | 60 | Hybrid (online theory, in-person lab and clinical) | 8 weeks | Theory online; lab and clinical days scheduled by the program |
| NHTI LNA Program | Concord | Contact school for current program tuition | Not published for 2026 | 60 (estimated from partner program data) | Hybrid | 8 weeks | Clinical sessions have historically been daytime only |
| River Valley Community College LNA | Claremont / Lebanon area | Approximately $1,900 (total cost per program listing) | Not published | Not published | In-person (campus based) | Contact school | Summer 2025 schedule showed weekday theory and weekend clinical sessions |
| Great Bay Community College LNA | Portsmouth | Contact school for current program tuition | Not published | Not published | In-person (campus based) | Approximately 6 weeks | Contact school for day or evening availability |
| White Mountains Community College LNA | Berlin | Contact school for current program tuition | 120+ hours | Not published | In-person (campus based) | Contact school | Contact school for scheduling details |
| Concord Hospital LNA Program | Concord | Contact school for current program tuition | 150 | 60 | Hybrid (online theory, in-person lab and clinical) | Offered in summer and winter sessions | Session dates vary; contact hospital for schedule |
| LNA Health Careers | Multiple NH locations | Contact school for current program tuition | 110 | 60 | Contact school for format details | Not published | Contact school for day, evening, or weekend options |
| MCC LNA For Success Program | Manchester | Contact school for current program tuition | 144 | 60 | Hybrid (online theory, in-person lab and clinical) | 18 weeks | Extended program includes English language and professional skills support |
Your Path to LNA Certification in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires a minimum of 100 clock hours of board-approved training to become a Licensed Nursing Assistant, split between at least 40 hours of theory and 60 hours of supervised clinical experience. Here is the step-by-step process from enrollment to active registry status.
Explore other New Hampshire related topics
Free and Employer-Sponsored LNA Training in New Hampshire
Choosing No-Cost CNA Programs over paying out of pocket for training through an employer is one of the biggest decisions you will face as a prospective LNA in New Hampshire. Both paths lead to the same state certification, but each comes with trade-offs worth understanding before you commit.
Facilities That Currently Offer Free LNA Training
Several hospitals, long-term care centers, and rehabilitation facilities across the state cover tuition, and sometimes materials and exam fees, for trainees who agree to work at the facility during or after certification.
- Concord Hospital Health System: An employer-sponsored hospital based nursing program that pays total tuition and brings trainees on as full-time, benefits-eligible employees from day one.
- RiverMead (Peterborough): Free for staff members who have worked at least 90 days as a personal care assistant. Trainees are paid their hourly rate while attending class.
- New Hampshire Veterans Home (Tilton): Offers a genuinely free program with no tuition cost.
- Portsmouth Regional Hospital: A six-week, no-cost program based at the hospital.
- Cheshire Medical Center (Keene): A seven-week free program tied to the hospital system.
- Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center: Runs an LNA Apprentice Program that covers both training and the certification exam. Students may work as temporary universal workers while in class.
Specific post-certification work commitments and early-departure penalties vary by facility and are not always published upfront. Ask each employer directly about the length of any required service agreement before you enroll.
State and Grant-Funded Options
New Hampshire also channels workforce development dollars into LNA training. Guardian Angel Senior Services in Bedford, for example, received a Department of Health and Human Services grant to offer LNA scholarships in southern New Hampshire, partnering with LNA Health Careers and area community colleges. These scholarships serve residents in Hillsborough, Merrimack, Cheshire, and Rockingham counties. Additional state-funded workforce programs, including those administered through NH Works and community action agencies, may subsidize training for income-qualifying applicants.
Weighing the Trade-Offs Honestly
Free training saves roughly $800 to $1,500 or more in tuition and fees, which is meaningful when you are starting a career. But it typically locks you into one employer, one location, and potentially one shift pattern for months after you earn your license. Before signing on, ask yourself whether the facility's specialty (rehab, long-term care, acute hospital) aligns with your longer-term goals. If you plan to pursue LPN or RN education soon, confirm that the employer's scheduling will accommodate future coursework. A no-cost program is a smart financial move only when the work environment, commute, and career trajectory genuinely fit.
Online and Accelerated LNA Programs Available in New Hampshire
The biggest tension in New Hampshire LNA training is flexibility versus clinical reality: you can complete much of the theory online, but no approved program lets you finish certification without in-person hours in nursing simulation labs and a real care setting. Treat any program marketed as 100% online with caution; New Hampshire requires hands-on clinical hours for LNA certification.
Hybrid Options That Mix Online Theory With In-Person Labs
Several New Hampshire programs now offer hybrid formats that keep didactic work online while preserving required clinicals on site. Manchester Community College combines 60 online theory hours, 30 lab hours, and 60 clinical hours in a 150-hour program that it currently lists at 8 weeks. Lakes Region Community College offers a 106-hour hybrid option. LNA Health Careers combines 50 self-paced online theory hours with 60 clinical hours over 4 to 6 weeks. Thrive Health Career Institute runs a 4-week hybrid track, and both Concord Hospital and New Hampshire Technical Institute use hybrid delivery, with NHTI's version lasting 8 weeks and Concord pairing 60 online theory hours with 60 clinical hours and 30 lab hours.
Accelerated Tracks and Why Early Application Matters
For students who need to move fast, Thrive's 4-week program and LNA Health Careers' 4 to 6 week track are the shortest confirmed options. A typical 4 to 6 week accelerated cohort demands near-full-time attention, with weekday clinical blocks plus several hours of online theory each week. These tracks often run on fixed schedules rather than rolling admissions, and waitlists are common at the most affordable or employer-connected sites. If you are targeting a specific start date, apply several weeks ahead and ask the program directly about its current cohort calendar before you rely on published dates.
What LNAs Earn in New Hampshire and Where the Jobs Are
Licensed Nursing Assistants in New Hampshire earn a solid wage that outpaces the national median for nursing assistants, which sat near $38,200 as of May 2025. With a statewide median annual wage of approximately $45,090 and roughly 7,710 LNA positions across the state, demand remains strong in both metro corridors and rural communities. New Hampshire's LNA wages also compare favorably to several neighboring New England states, reflecting the region's higher cost of living and persistent workforce shortages in long-term care and hospital settings. The table below breaks out earnings by area so you can see where the strongest compensation is concentrated.
| Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage | Total Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire (Statewide, May 2025) | $23.70 | $45,090 | 7,710 |
| Manchester-Nashua MSA (May 2023) | $21.11 | $44,670 | 1,590 |
From LNA to LPN to RN: Advancing Your Nursing Career in New Hampshire
Starting as a Licensed Nursing Assistant gives you a meaningful clinical foundation. The patient-care hours and hands-on exposure you gain as an LNA strengthen applications to LPN and RN programs, and several New Hampshire community colleges (including NHTI) offer bridge programs designed to help you move up efficiently.
Picking the Right LNA Program: What Actually Matters
How do you know which New Hampshire LNA program is actually worth your time and money? The answer is not just about tuition. The strongest programs share a few non-negotiable features: state approval, exam pass rates, predictable scheduling, and a clear path to clinical hours.
State Approval Comes First
Only programs approved by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, or OPLC, qualify graduates to take the LNA licensing exam. Verify this directly with the OPLC before paying a deposit or committing to a schedule. A program that is cheap and close to home is still not worth it if it cannot make you eligible to test.
Look at First-Attempt Exam Pass Rates
Programs that consistently show high first-attempt pass rates usually have strong instruction, enough lab practice, and clinical preparation that mirrors the state exam. A single weak year may reflect a small class or unusual circumstances, but a multiyear trend of low pass rates should push that program down your list.
Do the Real Math on Location and Schedule
A program that is $300 cheaper but sits 90 minutes away can cost more than the savings in gas, tolls, and lost work hours. Factor in the full commute, not just the class time. If you work evenings or weekends, confirm whether nursing clinical rotations are scheduled for you or whether you will need to take time off without pay.
Ask Who Arranges Clinicals and What Happens Next
Some schools place students directly into partner facilities; others expect you to find your own supervised site, and that search can add weeks of delay. Finally, if LPN or RN school is on your radar, ask whether the program's parent institution offers articulation agreements or priority admission to NP Programs in New Hampshire.