Alabama's CNA pathway moves faster than most allied health credentials, with full-time students at nursing schools in Alabama often finishing training in four to eight weeks. Entry still depends on completing an Alabama Department of Public Health approved program and passing a two-part competency exam.
Costs vary sharply by setting: community college programs may run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, while some nursing homes cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment. Fully online CNA training is not permitted, though hybrid formats can reduce campus time.
With statewide median pay near $14.69 per hour, the decision often comes down to whether the training cost and schedule justify a fast credential in a high-demand field.
Best CNA Programs in Alabama: 2027 Rankings
Alabama's strongest CNA programs are concentrated in the state's community college system, and the schools ranked here represent the most affordable and accessible routes to certification. Most programs pair classroom skills work with supervised clinical hours and end at the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry exam, with timelines ranging from a few weeks to a semester. Federal program-level earnings for CNA graduates are not yet published, so the cards below focus on published costs, program structure, and school-wide outcomes.
How we ranked these
- Net cost and affordability
- Financial aid generosity
- Graduate outcomes
- Program accessibility
- 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
Northeast Alabama Community College
#1Rainsville, AL · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
Best for: Younger students stacking CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy
The college pairs a 90-clock-hour Nursing Assistant course with a short WorkKeys workplace readiness module, so graduates leave with more than just CNA skills. The non-credit program is open to students as young as 16, unusually early compared with most Alabama programs, and the published cost includes the state Nurse Aide Registry exam. Upon completion, students can pursue certification as a nursing assistant, EKG technician, or phlebotomy technician. The college's overall graduation rate is about 56%.
- 90 clock hours of non-credit training
- Includes WorkKeys workplace readiness course
- Leads to state certification, not a degree
- Prepares graduates for entry-level healthcare roles
Snead State Community College
#2Boaz, AL · $3,000/yr (net price)
Best for: High school dual enrollment students earning college credit
This Boaz college offers two routes into nursing assistant work: a short-term certificate reserved for high school dual enrollment students and a two-semester adult track that pairs online theory with in-person skills labs and a long-term care clinical. The 10-credit curriculum covers communication, safety, infection control, and restorative care for patients of all ages, and it prepares graduates for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam and Alabama Nurse Aide Registry listing. The college accepts military benefits and offers scholarships and financial aid. Its institution-wide graduation rate is about 49%.
- 10 total credit hours
- Prepares for NNAAP exam and Alabama registry
- Open only to high school dual enrollment students
- Covers communication, safety, and infection control
- Includes theory, lab, and clinical experiences
- Accepts military benefits
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Requires current immunization records
Wallace Community College-Dothan
#3Dothan, AL · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
Best for: Adults needing a fast, all-inclusive path to certification
The college compresses CNA training into 25 morning sessions on its Dothan and Eufaula campuses, with a single $875 fee covering tuition, books, and the state exam. The fast-track program requires students to be 18 or older and includes a background check, drug screen, and TB testing. Funding options include WIOA, Pathways to Prosperity, MyCAA, and Sallie Mae loans. The college's overall graduation rate is about 35%.
- $875 total fee includes books and exam
- 25-day program, Monday through Friday
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. class schedule
- Offered at Dothan and Eufaula campuses
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Background check and drug screen required
- Two TB tests required
- Eligible for WIOA and Pathways to Prosperity funding
Bevill State Community College
#4Jasper, AL · $5,000 – $8,000/yr
The college teaches its nursing assistant course on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Sumiton Campus, a schedule built for students who work or have family obligations during the day. The nine-week program costs $1,175 and includes 16 clinical hours, with WIOA funding available to help cover tuition. A high school diploma or GED is recommended but not required, and graduates can build on the credential toward medication assistant or LPN/RN training. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is 38%.
- $1,175 program cost
- 9-week evening course, Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Offered at the Sumiton Campus
- 16 clinical hours required
- WIOA approved funding available
- High school diploma recommended but not required
- Prepares for hospital, nursing home, and residential roles
- Pathway to medication assistant or LPN/RN roles
Northwest Shoals Community College
#5Muscle Shoals, AL · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
The college offers its 80-hour nursing assistant course as a hybrid: online lectures paired with in-person skills assessment, clinical work, and testing at the Shoals and Phil Campbell campuses. No high school diploma or GED is required to enroll, and published tuition is among the lowest in the state, with typical student costs under $800. Clinical requirements include a negative TB test, CPR certification, drug screening, and a clear background check. The college's overall graduation rate is about 39%.
- 80-hour nurse assistant course
- Online lectures paired with in-person clinicals
- No high school diploma or GED required
- Three exam attempts within 24 months
- Clinical requirements include TB test, CPR, drug screen
- Certification valid in Alabama only
- Prepares for nursing home, hospital, and home health roles
Gadsden State Community College
#6Gadsden, AL · $4,000/yr
The college brands its offering as an Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant program because it bundles phlebotomy, medical terminology, CPR, and professional development into one 11-week course. Tuition and fees run about $2,300, with additional costs for books, supplies, and screening, and WIOA assistance is available for eligible students. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, and the dual certification track opens doors to clinics, doctors' offices, home health, hospice, and labs. The college's overall graduation rate is about 38%.
- 11-week advanced CNA program
- Bundles phlebotomy and medical terminology training
- CPR, BLS, and first aid certification included
- $2,300 tuition and fees plus $300 for books and supplies
- Meets Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Background check, drug screening, and physical required
- 75% attendance and 75% exam average required
- Prepares for both CNA and phlebotomy certification
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
#7Phenix City, AL · $4,000/yr
The college's CNA path is a single four-credit course, NAS 100, that packs the federally required 75-hour OBRA training into one semester of classroom and clinical work. Located in Phenix City near the Georgia border, the program is a convenient entry point for east Alabama residents and leads directly to the Alabama Nurse Aide Certification Exam and registry listing. The course is also a recognized pipeline into the college's practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs. The college's overall graduation rate is about 36%.
- One-semester, four-credit NAS 100 course
- Fulfills 75-hour OBRA training requirement
- Classroom instruction plus clinical experience
- Eligible for Alabama Nurse Aide Certification Exam
- Leads to Alabama Nurse Aide Registry listing
- Teaches bathing, vital signs, and mobility assistance
- Prepares for nursing homes, hospitals, and rehab centers
- Supervised by licensed nursing staff
Southern Union State Community College
#8Wadley, AL · $6,000/yr
The college's nursing assistant program combines CNA training with medication aide coursework, a combination that suits students who want to move quickly into long-term care with an added credential. The state-approved program is offered in credit and non-credit formats across multiple campuses, with admission requiring a 2.0 GPA, English and math prerequisites, and passing health screenings. High school students are eligible to enroll. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 36%.
- Combines nursing assistant and medication aide training
- Credit and non-credit options available
- Alabama state approved program
- Requires 2.0 GPA and English and math prerequisites
- Health screening, CPR, drug screen, and background check required
- High school students eligible
- Classroom, lab, and clinical instruction
- Prepares for certification exams and immediate employment
Lawson State Community College
#9Birmingham, AL · $6,000/yr (net price)
The college delivers its CNA course through the Adult Education "Educate to Elevate" initiative, a five-week fast track that includes classroom, lab, and clinical work. Immunizations, uniforms, and the state certification exam are built into the program, and applicants must be at least 18. It is a solid on-ramp for Birmingham residents entering healthcare for the first time. The college's overall graduation rate is about 27%.
- 5-week program duration
- Combines classroom, lab, and clinical training
- Immunizations and uniforms provided
- State certification exam included
- Must be 18 or older
- Part of Adult Education "Educate to Elevate" initiative
- Fast-track workforce training for healthcare entry
- Focus on practical healthcare skills
Enterprise State Community College
#10Enterprise, AL · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
The college's CNA program is a five-week course with an evening schedule, moving students from four weeks of classroom work into a one-week clinical placement, with total cost of $850. The schedule is designed for people who need to keep working while they train, and graduates leave ready for the Alabama Nurse Aide competency exam. Job settings span hospitals, nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The college's overall graduation rate is about 42%.
- 5-week comprehensive training
- Total cost $850
- Four weeks classroom, one week clinical
- Evening class schedule
- Prepares for Alabama Nurse Aide competency exam
- Teaches patient care and vital sign monitoring
- Prepares for hospital, nursing facility, and rehab roles
- Emphasizes interdisciplinary team collaboration
Calhoun Community College
#11Tanner, AL · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
The college runs a seven-week CNA course at its Huntsville campus with a $899 fee that covers textbooks and scrubs, plus a separate $85 state exam fee. The class is capped at 16 students, which keeps instructor attention high during the 20-hour clinical rotation. WIOA funding and scholarships are available for eligible students. The college's overall graduation rate is about 41%.
- 7-week course length
- $899 fee includes textbook and scrubs
- Class limited to 16 students
- 20-hour clinical rotation
- State exam fee $85 extra
- Background check, drug screen, and TB test required
- Huntsville campus location
- WIOA funding and scholarships available
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College
#12Huntsville, AL · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
The college offers two distinct CNA tracks: a six-week hybrid certificate that combines virtual instruction with in-person skills work, and a five-week evening workforce course priced at $899 with CPR certification and clinicals in the final week. Both prepare students for state certification, and the programs are open to students as young as 16. The college's overall graduation rate is about 14%.
- Six-week comprehensive training
- Hybrid format with virtual and in-person components
- Meets OBRA requirements
- Open to students 16 and older
- Prepares for written and clinical skills evaluations
- Covers supervised patient care skills
- Five-week program length
- Total cost $899 including textbook and scrubs
- CPR certification included
- Evening classes, Monday through Thursday
- Clinicals in the final week
- Prometric state exam, $85 fee
- Requires background check, drug screen, and TB test
- No financial aid accepted; scholarships possible
H Councill Trenholm State Community College
#13Montgomery, AL · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
The college's workforce development division runs a 75-hour nursing assistant and home health aide course for $800, including tuition and textbooks, at its Montgomery locations. The curriculum covers patient care, safety, hygiene, observation and reporting, and CPR and first aid, all aimed at the national certification exam. No financial aid is available for this course, so plan to pay the fee directly. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 16%.
- 75-hour course length
- $800 total cost includes tuition and textbooks
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Covers patient care, safety, and hygiene
- Includes CPR and first aid training
- Teaches observation and reporting skills
- No financial aid available
- Two Montgomery campus locations
Coastal Alabama Community College
#14Bay Minette, AL · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
The college's CNA course costs $790 including books and totals 107 contact hours, with clinical rotation and orientation built in. The program meets OBRA requirements for long-term care training and is offered across the college's regional campuses. Financial aid is not available, but payment deferment options can split the cost. The college's overall graduation rate is about 31%.
- $790 cost includes books
- 107 contact hours
- Meets OBRA long-term care training requirements
- Clinical rotation included
- No financial aid; payment deferment available
- Written exams and clinical skills assessment
- Orientation sessions provided
- Registration deadlines vary by campus
Shelton State Community College
#15Tuscaloosa, AL · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
The college's non-credit CNA and home health aide course combines 86 classroom hours with a 24-hour clinical externship at the Martin Campus in Tuscaloosa, priced at $1,200. A high school diploma or GED is required, along with immunizations, a drug screen, and a background check. The program is not Pell-eligible, but WIOA funding and ACCS scholarships may cover costs for qualifying students. The college's overall graduation rate is about 30%.
- 86 classroom hours plus 24-hour clinical externship
- $1,200 program cost
- High school diploma or GED required
- Immunizations, drug screen, and background check required
- Not Pell-eligible; WIOA and ACCS scholarships may help
- Prepares for NCSBN CNA national exam
- Focuses on activities of daily living
- Clinical training under nurse supervision
Jefferson State Community College
#16Birmingham, AL · $5,000 – $9,000/yr
The college's Certified Nursing Assistant Prep course is built specifically around the NNAAP certification exam, with a $899 course fee plus about $150 for the textbook. Students complete 20 clinical hours and must meet health, drug screening, and background check requirements before placement. Open enrollment makes it easy to start, and Career Pathways or WIOA scholarships may offset costs. The college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 26%.
- Prepares for NNAAP certification exam
- $899 course fee plus about $150 textbook
- 20 clinical hours required
- 100% attendance required
- Drug screen and background check required
- Open enrollment
- Career Pathways and WIOA scholarships may help
- CPR certification and malpractice insurance required
University of West Alabama
#17Livingston, AL · $11,000 – $20,000/yr
This four-year university delivers CNA training through its Division of Outreach Services, a 75-clock-hour course split between 55 classroom hours and 20 clinical hours in nursing home settings. The curriculum stresses infection control, safety, communication, vital signs, and basic life support, with a focus on long-term and rural healthcare needs. The university also gives students a clear path if they later want to pursue further nursing education. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 35%.
- 75 total clock hours: 55 classroom, 20 clinical
- Clinical experience in nursing home settings
- Covers infection control, safety, and communication
- Includes basic life support and vital signs training
- Focuses on long-term and elderly care
- Designed for quick entry into the workforce
- Targets rural healthcare needs in West Alabama
- Includes hands-on laboratory work
Quick Questions Before You Enroll in a CNA Program
Before you commit to a CNA program in Alabama, a few details can save you time and frustration. Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often, especially around the certification exam, age eligibility, and moving your credential into the state.
What is the CNA certification exam like in Alabama, and should I choose Credentia or Prometric?
Can high school students ages 16 or 17 enroll in CNA programs in Alabama?
How do I transfer my CNA certification to Alabama from another state?
Your Path to CNA Certification in Alabama
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alabama follows a clear, structured process overseen by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Most candidates move from enrollment to registry placement in roughly two to three months, depending on program format and exam scheduling.
Explore other Alabama related topics
Alabama CNA Training Requirements and Hours Explained
Federal staffing rules that took effect in 2024 have pushed Alabama nursing facilities to hire faster, and that pressure is reshaping how state-approved CNA programs pace their training. The rules themselves have not changed: the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) still sets the floor, and every approved program must meet it before a graduate can sit for the state exam.
The 75-Hour Minimum, Broken Down
ADPH requires a minimum of 75 total training hours. That total splits into three components:
- Classroom instruction: At least 43 hours covering topics like resident rights, infection control, communication, nutrition, and basic anatomy.
- Skills lab: A minimum of 16 hours practicing hands-on skills (bed making, transfers, vital signs, personal care) in a supervised lab setting before touching a real patient.
- Clinical rotation: A minimum of 16 hours of supervised patient care in a licensed long-term care facility.
Many Alabama programs exceed 75 hours, especially those tied to community colleges or hospital systems, and the extra time usually goes into clinicals.
Why ADPH Approval Matters
Only graduates of ADPH-approved programs are eligible to test for placement on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry. Before you pay a deposit, confirm the program appears on the current ADPH approved list. A course that looks legitimate but lacks approval will not qualify you for the exam, and refunds in that situation are rare.
Program Length and What You'll Need Before Day One
Most full-time programs finish in two to four weeks. Part-time or evening tracks stretch to six or eight weeks, which suits students already working. Accelerated bootcamp formats can compress the schedule further, but clinical hours still have to be scheduled around facility availability.
Expect to complete these prerequisites before your first clinical shift:
- Criminal background check (fingerprint-based)
- Two-step TB skin test or chest X-ray
- Documented immunizations, typically including MMR, Hepatitis B, varicella, and a recent flu shot
- Current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers is the standard)
Gathering these documents early keeps your start date on track.
Credentia vs Prometric: Choosing Your Alabama CNA Exam
After completing a state-approved nurse aide training program in Alabama, you must pass a two-part competency exam (a knowledge test plus a skills evaluation) within 24 months. Alabama authorizes two testing vendors, Credentia and Prometric, and the one you choose affects your cost, scheduling flexibility, and testing format. Here is a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.
| Feature | Credentia | Prometric |
|---|---|---|
| Full Exam Fee (Knowledge + Skills) | $135 | $75 ($35 knowledge + $40 clinical) |
| Knowledge Test Retake Fee | $55 | $35 |
| Oral Exam Option | Yes. Candidates may choose an oral version with two sections (60 questions and 10 questions); both sections must be passed. | Not available. The knowledge component is written only (55 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute time limit). |
| Online Proctoring | Yes. The written or oral knowledge test can be taken from home or another location with online proctoring. | No. All testing takes place at approved physical facilities such as nursing homes, CNA schools, and community colleges. |
| Scheduling Process | Create an online account through Credentia's Alabama nurse aide page, then register and schedule your exam through the platform. | Contact an approved test site directly (for example, Your Choice CNA Academy, Saad's CNA School, or Northeast Alabama Community College) to make an appointment. |
| Test Site Locations | Testing is coordinated through Credentia's online platform; skills evaluations are held at designated sites. | Exams are administered at nursing homes and other qualified facilities across Alabama. |
| Exam Structure | Two parts: Written (or Oral) Examination and Skills Evaluation. Both must be passed for certification and registry placement. | Two parts: Written Knowledge Exam and Clinical Skills Evaluation. Both must be passed for certification and registry placement. |
| Candidate Resources | Dedicated Alabama nurse aide test-taker page with login, sign-up, and exam information online. | Alabama CNA Candidate Information Bulletin with exam details, contact information, and appointment instructions. |
Free and Employer-Paid CNA Training Options in Alabama
Crowne Healthcare is one of the few organizations in Alabama that openly advertises a free CNA training program, and it even pays trainees during the process. While details like specific facility locations and post-training obligations are not always published, programs like this illustrate a common model across the state: no-cost CNA programs often involve a nursing home or healthcare system covering your tuition in exchange for a commitment to work at that facility after certification.
How Employer-Sponsored Training Typically Works
Many nursing homes hire candidates first, then pay for their CNA classes at an approved training site. Federal law requires newly hired nurse aides to become certified within four months of employment, and Alabama follows this standard. The employer absorbs tuition costs, and in return you agree to remain on staff for a set period, often six months to a year, though the exact commitment varies by facility and is rarely standardized.
Several facilities have historically offered or facilitated this type of arrangement, including:
- Birmingham area: Birmingham Nursing and Rehabilitation, Greenbriar at the Altamont, Hanover Health and Rehabilitation
- Huntsville area: Big Springs Specialty Care Center
- Hospital-based options: hospital based nursing programs at Huntsville Hospital System and Baptist Health Medical Center in Montgomery run their own training programs, though whether tuition is waived depends on hiring status and current openings
- Nonprofit providers: American Red Cross chapters in central and south Alabama also operate CNA classes
Availability changes frequently, so contact facilities directly to confirm whether they are actively enrolling.
Medicaid Funding and Other Financial Support
Alabama Medicaid has reimbursed nursing facilities for CNA training costs since 1989, which is one reason so many nursing homes can afford to train staff at no charge to the student. Community colleges and workforce development boards may also offer tuition waivers or scholarship slots, though these programs are not consistently funded year to year.
Verify ADPH Approval First
Before enrolling in any free or employer-paid program, confirm that the training provider is approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Completing a program that lacks ADPH approval means you will not be eligible to sit for the state certification exam, regardless of who paid your tuition. A quick call to the facility or a check with ADPH can save you significant time and frustration.
Can You Complete CNA Classes Online in Alabama?
If you are hoping to finish CNA training without stepping into a classroom or clinical site, adjust your expectations now. Alabama does not permit a fully online CNA program, but many schools blend online theory with in-person labs and clinicals, which can still reduce your weekly commute.
What Alabama Allows: Hybrid, Not Fully Online
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) sets nurse aide training rules. Every approved program must include supervised skills practice in a lab and direct patient care hours in a clinical setting. Those hours cannot be replaced with virtual simulations or recorded videos, so any program advertised as "online" in Alabama is really a hybrid.
What a Hybrid CNA Week Looks Like
- Online didactic work: lectures, readings, quizzes, and modules you complete on your own schedule.
- Scheduled skills labs: in-person practice for vital signs, bathing, transfers, and other competencies.
- Clinical rotations: supervised shifts at a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility. These require travel and careful nursing school clinical hours planning.
Hybrid Options in the Program Rankings
Several programs in the 2026 rankings above list a hybrid or online plus in-person format. The exact mix and lab location vary by campus, so verify the program type before enrolling. A school may call a program "online" while still requiring you to attend skills weekends or evening labs on campus.
Set Travel and Scheduling Expectations
Do not assume hybrid means location-free. You will still need reliable transportation for clinical sites, and some rotations may be scheduled during weekday daytime hours. Ask about clinical placement locations before you commit, especially if you live far from the school or are working while in nursing school.
Questions to Ask Yourself
CNA Pay in Alabama: Statewide and by Metro Area
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, nursing assistants in Alabama earn a statewide median hourly wage of approximately $14.69, which translates to a rough annual estimate of around $30,555 based on full-time hours. That places Alabama CNA wages below the national median, which was approximately $17.00 per hour during the same reporting period. Metro-level wage data for most Alabama cities has not been fully updated in recent releases, so the table below includes only areas where confirmed figures are available. Wages can vary by employer type, shift differentials, and experience level, so treat these figures as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
| Location | Median Hourly Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Approximate Annual Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (Statewide) | $14.69 | $15.04 | ~$30,555 |
| Mobile, AL | $14.54 | $14.57 | ~$30,243 |