CNA Classes & Programs in Alabama
- CNA Programs in Alabama: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Alabama?
- Alabama CNA Training & Certification Requirements
- How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Alabama?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Alabama?
- Alabama CNA Coursework & Clinical Training Overview
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Alabama
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Alabama
- Alabama CNA Employment & Wages
- Choosing the Right CNA Program in Alabama
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Alabama
- 2026 Updated List of Alabama Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a critical role in Alabama's healthcare system, providing hands-on care to patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. If you're considering a fast, affordable pathway into healthcare, CNA training programs in Alabama offer a practical starting point with strong job demand across the state.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- Where to find CNA training programs across the state
- Alabama's CNA certification and training requirements
- How long it takes to become a CNA in Alabama
- Typical CNA salaries and job outlook statewide
- How to choose an Alabama-approved CNA program
CNA Programs in Alabama: At-a-Glance
| Category | Alabama CNA Requirements |
| Minimum Training Hours | 75 total hours (minimum) |
| Clinical Hours Included | Yes |
| Certification Exam | Alabama Nurse Aide Competency Exam |
| Registry | Alabama Nurse Aide Registry |
| Average CNA Salary | ~$31,000 per year |
| Major Employers | Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities |
Why Become a CNA in Alabama?
Alabama continues to experience steady demand for nursing assistants, particularly in rural areas and long-term care settings. An aging population, combined with increased healthcare utilization, makes CNA roles essential statewide.
According to labor market data, nursing assistant employment in Alabama is expected to remain stable through the next decade, with consistent openings driven by workforce turnover and long-term care needs. CNA training also serves as a strong foundation for advancing into LPN, RN, or other allied health roles.
Benefits of becoming a CNA in Alabama include:
- Short training timelines compared to other nursing careers
- Entry-level access to hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Opportunities to advance into LPN or RN programs
- Strong statewide demand, especially in elder care
Alabama CNA Training & Certification Requirements
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alabama, candidates must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and pass the competency exam.
Alabama CNA Requirements
- Minimum of 75 total training hours (including 16 hours clinical training and 16 hours lab training)
- Completion of classroom and supervised clinical training
- Passing score on the Alabama Nurse Aide Competency Exam
- Background check (as required by program or employer)
- Placement on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry
Learn more about CNA certification.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Alabama?
Most CNA programs in Alabama can be completed in 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the schedule and format. Some programs offer evening or weekend options designed for working adults, while others follow accelerated daytime formats.
Factors that affect program length include:
- Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
- Clinical scheduling requirements
- Program delivery (campus-based or hybrid)
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Alabama?
While fully online CNA programs are not approved for Alabama certification, there are hybrid options that combine virtual coursework with required in-person skills labs and clinical experience.
Key points to know:
- The State of Alabama does not approve strictly online CNA training; classroom and clinical components must be completed in person.
- Some Alabama schools offer hybrid programs where portions of the coursework are delivered online, but students still complete mandatory hands-on skills labs and clinical training at approved sites.
- All students must complete the required supervised clinical hours and pass state competency evaluations in person to qualify for certification.
Hybrid formats can provide greater flexibility for students balancing work or family obligations, but they do not replace the in-person training requirements set by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Alabama CNA Coursework & Clinical Training Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic patient care, safety procedures, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Measuring temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure |
| Communication & Ethics | Patient rights, professional conduct, teamwork |
| Anatomy Basics | Introductory overview of body systems |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice in healthcare settings |
Clinical Training Requirements
| Requirement | Alabama Standards |
| Total Training Hours | Minimum of 75 hours total, with 16 hours of clinical training and 16 hours of lab skills |
| Clinical Experience | Required and included in total hours |
| Clinical Settings | Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or approved labs |
| Supervision | Instructor-led, hands-on skill evaluation |
Clinical training allows students to apply classroom learning in real-world environments and prepares them for the skills portion of the Alabama Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
Learn more about CNA training programs.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Alabama
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Calhoun Community College |
|
|
| University of West Alabama |
|
|
| Wallace Community College-Dothan |
|
|
Students seeking the fastest path should confirm program approval and registry eligibility before enrolling.
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Alabama
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Gadsden State Community College |
|
|
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College |
|
|
| Bevill State Community College |
|
|
Some programs include exam fees, uniforms, and textbooks in tuition, while others charge separately.
Alabama CNA Employment & Wages
Certified Nursing Assistants in Alabama earn competitive wages relative to training time and cost.
CNA Salary in Alabama
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Alabama | 24,560 | $32,470 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Alabama CNA salaries vary by region, employer, shift differentials, and experience level. CNAs working night shifts or in specialized care settings may earn higher wages.
Choosing the Right CNA Program in Alabama
When evaluating CNA programs in Alabama, consider more than just cost or location. Program quality directly impacts exam success and job readiness.
What to Look for in an Alabama CNA Program:
- State approval and registry eligibility
- Strong clinical training partnerships
- CNA exam pass rates (when available)
- Job placement or employer connections
- Flexible scheduling options
Choosing a program with strong local healthcare ties can improve employment outcomes after certification.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Alabama
Many students use CNA certification as a stepping stone into nursing or allied health careers.
CNAs in Alabama often transition into LPN or RN programs after gaining clinical experience. Learn more about the CNA to RN bridge program pathway, or explore nursing schools in Alabama.
2026 Updated List of Alabama Schools Offering CNA Classes
Bay Minette, AL
Coastal Alabama Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Cost $790 includes books.
- 107 contact hours required.
- On-campus program format.
- Multiple campus locations available.
- Meets OBRA training requirements.
- No financial aid eligible.
- Payment deferment options.
- Registration deadlines vary.
Birmingham, AL
Jefferson State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant Prep
Campus Based - Website
- Program prepares for NNAAP certification.
- Course fee is $899.
- Requires 100% attendance.
- 20 clinical hours needed.
- Textbook cost around $150.
- Drug screen and background check required.
- Health immunizations mandatory.
- Campus-based program.
Lawson State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Healthcare
Campus Based - Website
- 5-week program duration.
- Includes classroom, lab, clinical.
- Immunizations and uniforms provided.
- State certification exam included.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Part of Adult Education program.
- Fast-track workforce training.
- On-campus instruction available.
Dothan, AL
Wallace Community College-Dothan
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 25-day program duration.
- Campus-based training.
- $875 total fee.
- Includes books and exam.
- Hands-on skills training.
- Alabama Nurse Aide Registry exam.
- Monday-Friday class schedule.
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Enterprise, AL
Enterprise State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 5-week comprehensive training
- 100 total credit hours
- Cost: $850
- Enterprise campus location
- Alabama competency exam prep
- Four weeks classroom, one week clinical
- Evening class schedule
- Multiple healthcare work settings
Gadsden, AL
Gadsden State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 11-week program length.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Tuition and fees $2,300.
- Books and supplies $300.
- CPR certification included.
- Phlebotomy certification included.
- Medical terminology training.
- Professional development training.
Huntsville, AL
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Five-week program length.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Total cost $899.
- Includes textbook and scrubs.
- CPR certification included.
- $85 state exam fee.
- Minimum age 16 years.
- BLS certification required.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Six-week comprehensive training
- Hybrid learning format
- OBRA requirement compliant
- Prepares for certification exam
- Supervised patient care skills
- 16+ years old requirement
- Virtual and in-person components
Jasper, AL
Bevill State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 9-week course duration
- Evening classes schedule
- Sumiton Campus location
- $1,175 program cost
- WIOA approved funding
- High school diploma recommended
- 16 clinical hours required
- Campus-based program format
Livingston, AL
University of West Alabama
- Certificate/Diploma - CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 75 total clock hours.
- 55 classroom instruction hours.
- 20 clinical practice hours.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Focuses on certification preparation.
- Teaches infection control skills.
- Covers patient safety techniques.
- Includes communication training.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Campus Based - Website
- 75 total clock hours.
- 55 classroom instruction hours.
- 20 clinical practice hours.
- Campus-based program delivery.
- Focuses on certification preparation.
- Teaches infection control skills.
- Covers patient safety techniques.
- Includes communication training.
Montgomery, AL
H Councill Trenholm State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assisting / Home Health Aide
Campus Based - Website
- 75-hour course length.
- $800 total cost.
- Includes tuition and textbooks.
- On-campus program in Montgomery.
- Prepares for national certification exam.
- Teaches patient care skills.
- Covers safety and hygiene.
- Includes CPR/First Aid training.
Muscle Shoals, AL
Northwest Shoals Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 80-hour nurse assistant course.
- Hybrid format with online lectures.
- In-person clinical rotations required.
- No high school diploma needed.
- Prepares for Alabama CNA certification.
- Clinical requirements include TB test.
- CPR certification required.
- Drug screening mandatory.
Phenix City, AL
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- One-semester program length.
- Four credit hour course.
- 75-hour OBRA training requirement.
- Classroom and clinical training.
- NAS 100 course code.
- Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant focus.
- Eligible for Alabama certification exam.
- Listed on Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.
Rainsville, AL
Northeast Alabama Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Non-credit program.
- Leads to certification.
- Entry-level employment focus.
- Includes WorkKeys course.
- 90 clock hours training.
- Nursing Assistant course.
- No college degree awarded.
Tanner, AL
Calhoun Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 7-week course length.
- Course fee $899.
- Includes textbook and scrubs.
- Must be 18 years old.
- Class limited to 16 students.
- 20-hour clinical rotation.
- Prepares for state exam.
- Background check required.
Tuscaloosa, AL
Shelton State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 86 classroom hours.
- 24-hour clinical externship.
- Martin Campus location.
- $1,200 program cost.
- High school diploma required.
- Immunizations and drug screen.
- Background check required.
- Not Pell grant eligible.
Wadley, AL
Southern Union State Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant / Medication Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Credit and non-credit options
- Alabama state approved program
- Certification exam preparation
- Multiple campus locations
- Classroom, lab, clinical instruction
- Health screening requirements
- CPR certification needed
- Drug screen required
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