CNA Classes & Programs in Nebraska
- CNA Programs in Nebraska: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Nebraska?
- Nebraska CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Nebraska
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Nebraska?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Nebraska?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Nebraska
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Nebraska
- Nebraska CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Nebraska
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Nebraska
- 2026 Updated List of Nebraska Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), often referred to as nurse aides, are essential caregivers in Nebraska’s healthcare landscape. From bustling hospitals in Omaha and Lincoln to rural clinics and long-term care facilities in Kearney and Grand Island, CNAs support patients with daily living tasks, monitor health changes, and assist nurses in delivering high-quality care. With Nebraska’s aging population and expanding healthcare needs, the demand for trained CNAs remains strong.
This guide provides practical, state-specific details on CNA training, certification, careers, and how to start working in Nebraska’s healthcare workforce.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Nebraska’s official CNA training and registry requirements
- What CNA classes teach and how clinical training works
- Typical timelines, costs, and formats (in-person/hybrid)
- How to select the right CNA program in Nebraska
CNA Programs in Nebraska: At-a-Glance
| Category | Nebraska CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 75 hours minimum (state-approved program) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised clinical instruction required |
| Certification exam | Nebraska Nurse Aide Competency Exam |
| State registry | Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry (DHHS) |
| Typical program length | Around 3–8 weeks (varies) |
| Typical total cost | Varies by program (generally $500–$1,500+) |
| Average CNA Salary in Nebraska | Approx. $29,461–$47,970 annually (typical salary range) |
Why Become a CNA in Nebraska?
Nebraska's healthcare workforce relies on CNAs to ensure patients receive attentive, compassionate care every day. With a distributed population across agricultural regions and growing communities in Lincoln and Omaha, CNAs help fill crucial staffing needs in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health agencies. Workforce data show that Nebraska's healthcare support roles consistently have numerous job openings, reflecting both turnover and ongoing demand.
Becoming a CNA can provide:
- Job opportunities statewide, including in rural and metropolitan areas
- Hands-on experience that builds a foundation for advanced nursing careers
- Flexible shift work, which suits many students and career changers
Many CNAs progress into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles over time, using their early clinical experience as a strong stepping stone.
Nebraska CNA Training & Certification
To work legally as a CNA in Nebraska, you must complete the following steps:
- Graduate from a state-approved nurse aide training program that meets the 75-hour minimum including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
- Pass the Nebraska Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge test
- A practical skills evaluation (clinical competency exam)
- Be placed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Registry status remains active if a CNA has worked in a paid position within the past 24 months; otherwise, reactivation often requires re-exam.
Passing the state exam shows you can safely assist with resident care, infection control, basic nursing skills, and patient communication needed for employment. Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Nebraska
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic patient care, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs |
| Communication & Professionalism | Interaction with patients and healthcare teams |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice in a licensed setting |
Clinical Training in Nebraska:
- Clinical instruction is required as part of the 75-hour minimum and includes supervised practice in nursing homes or healthcare facilities.
- Many programs mix lecture, lab skills sessions, and direct patient care experience.
- This hands-on time ensures students can confidently perform essential CNA tasks before testing.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Nebraska?
Most Nebraska CNA training programs can be completed in approximately 3 to 8 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time, part-time, or via a hybrid schedule. Some schools offer accelerated formats that combine lecture and clinical hours more intensively, while others spread training over additional weeks to accommodate evening or weekend learners.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Nebraska?
Nebraska generally does not allow fully online CNA certification programs that eliminate in-person training. However:
- Hybrid formats exist that deliver lecture content online while requiring in-person lab and clinical hours.
- All students must complete hands-on skills training and clinical practicum in person to qualify for the Nebraska Nurse Aide Competency Exam and registry placement.
This ensures that every CNA has had direct patient care experience, which is essential for safe, effective work in medical settings.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Nebraska
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Bryan College of Health Sciences |
|
|
| Central Community College |
|
|
| Nebraska Methodist College |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Nebraska
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College |
|
|
| Metropolitan Community College Area |
|
|
| Northeast Community College |
|
|
Nebraska CNA Employment and Wages
CNAs in Nebraska can earn competitive pay compared with national and regional averages.
CNA Salary in Nebraska
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Nebraska | 16,490 | $38,620 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
CNA salaries vary by city, facility type, shift differentials, and experience level, and many employers offer additional benefits over time.
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Nebraska
Selecting a program that prepares you for certification and employment involves several practical checks:
State approval & exam eligibility
- Is the program approved by Nebraska DHHS to meet the 75-hour requirement?
- Does it prepare students for both the written/oral and clinical competency exams?
Clinical support
- Does the school provide help securing clinical placements?
- Are clinical hours well-structured and supervised?
Class schedules & format
- Are there daytime, evening, or hybrid course options that match your availability?
- Is the online lecture content supplemented with local lab and clinical experiences?
Costs & transparency
- Is tuition clearly outlined, including fees for books, uniforms, supplies, and exam registration?
- Are there scholarship or payment plan options?
Local employer connections
- Does the school partner with long-term care facilities or hospitals in Nebraska for job placement or internships?
A strong program should answer these questions clearly and guide you from training through certification.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Nebraska
| Factor | CNA | Medical Assistant (MA) | LPN | RN |
| Main Focus | Daily patient care & support | Clinical tasks + admin duties | Nursing care & medications | Comprehensive nursing care |
| Work Setting | Hospitals, LTC, nursing homes | Clinics, physician offices | Hospitals, clinics, LTC | Hospitals, specialty care |
| Training Length | Weeks | Months | ~1 year | 2–4 years |
| Level of Responsibility | Entry-level patient care | Support role | Licensed nursing role | Full nursing scope |
| Next Career Step | LPN or RN | LPN or RN | RN | APRN, leadership |
CNA training remains one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to enter Nebraska healthcare while building experience for future nursing advancement. For those ready to level up, CNA to RN programs can be a great pathway. Explore nursing schools in Nebraska for more information.
2026 Updated List of Nebraska Schools Offering CNA Classes
Grand Island, NE
Central Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant Training
Campus Based - Website
- 76-hour training program.
- Meets Nebraska state requirements.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Eligible for state competency exam.
- Includes written and skills tests.
- Prepares for nursing assistant roles.
- Job prospects are excellent.
- Stepping stone to LPN or RN.
Lincoln, NE
Bryan College of Health Sciences
- Certificate/Diploma - CNA-Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid course format.
- Online lecture and in-person labs.
- Tuition $500 total.
- Includes student manual and workbook.
- Full tuition due at registration.
- $50 non-refundable deposit.
- Refunds available up to two weeks before start.
- Must be 16 years old.
Southeast Community College Area
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Approved by Nebraska Department of Health.
- Leads to Nurse Aide Registry placement.
- Hybrid online and in-person format.
- 8-week or 16-week course options.
- Cost: $375 for NE residents.
- Cost: $438 for non-residents.
- No high school diploma required.
- Minimum age 16 years old.
Norfolk, NE
Northeast Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Short-term 3-credit training
- 76 total contact hours
- 31 lecture hours online
- 45 clinical hours in-person
- $384 training cost
- Additional $45 exam fee
- In-person or hybrid delivery
- Meets Nebraska certification requirements
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- State-compliant training program.
- 76 contact hours total.
- 31 lecture hours online.
- 45 clinical skills hours.
- In-person or hybrid delivery.
- $384 training cost.
- $45 certification exam fee.
- Financial assistance available.
Omaha, NE
Clarkson College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses
Online Learning - Website
- Online and on-campus options
- Year-round course offerings
- Certification and renewal programs
- Healthcare professional training
- Comprehensive medical skills education
- Certificate/Diploma - Nurse Aide (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Nurse Aide (CNA) certification program.
- Online + Lab course format.
- Leads to Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry.
- Cost: $525 for main course.
- On-campus lab components.
- State exam preparation included.
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Hands-on training provided.
Metropolitan Community College Area
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Course prepares for state certification.
- Program is on campus.
- Instructors are RNs with degrees.
- Application process required.
- Supplemental documents needed.
- Cost sheet available for estimates.
- Helps with nursing program entry.
- Supports pre-medicine preparation.
Nebraska Methodist College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Program cost $499.
- Includes CPR training.
- Includes state testing.
- Minimum age 16.
- English proficiency required.
- Good physical health needed.
- Program length 4-16 weeks.
- On-campus and hybrid options.
Scottsbluff, NE
Western Nebraska Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Basic Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for state exam.
- Leads to CNA certification.
- Available at three campuses.
- Cost is $488 plus $100.
- Must be 16 or older.
- Teaches basic nursing skills.
- Includes hands-on healthcare training.
- Focuses on patient care.
Latest Articles & Guides
One of the keys to success as a registered nurse is embracing lifelong learning. Our articles and guides address hot topics and current events in nursing, from education to career mobility and beyond. No matter where you are on your nursing journey, there’s an article to help you build your knowledge base.
Browse our latest articles, curated specifically for modern nurses.
