CNA Classes & Programs in Nevada
- CNA Programs in Nevada: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Nevada?
- Nevada CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Nevada
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Nevada?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Nevada?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Nevada
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Nevada
- Nevada CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Nevada
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Nevada
- 2026 Updated List of Nevada Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Nevada's Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as nurse aides, are key members of the state's healthcare teams, supporting patients, residents, and clients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. From Las Vegas and Henderson to Reno and rural counties, CNAs provide direct, hands-on care, supporting nurses with daily living assistance, safety monitoring, and compassionate patient interaction. With Nevada’s fast-growing population and aging demographic, demand for CNAs continues to expand.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What Nevada requires for CNA training and registry placement
- How many hours and types of instruction are mandated
- Typical program timelines and cost ranges
- What CNA curricula cover and how clinicals work
- Practical tips for selecting quality CNA programs
CNA Programs in Nevada: At-a-Glance
| Category | Nevada CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 100 hours minimum (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Supervised practical clinical experience is required as part of minimum hours |
| Certification exam | Nevada CNA Competency Evaluation (written/oral + skills) |
| State registry | Nevada Nurse Aide Registry (NDPBH) |
| Typical program length | Between 6 and 12 weeks (varies by schedule & provider) |
| Typical total cost | Varies by program (generally $800–$2,000+) |
| Average CNA Salary in Nevada | See salary section below |
Why Become a CNA in Nevada?
Nevada continues to experience strong demand for CNAs as its population grows and ages. The state's major medical centers and long-term care facilities in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, along with rural clinics and home health providers in northern Nevada, rely on CNAs to ensure safe, everyday care for patients and residents. Healthcare workforce data indicate consistent openings for nurse aides across acute care, rehab, and senior living sectors, making CNA training a practical choice for individuals seeking a quick pathway into healthcare.
Becoming a CNA in Nevada not only offers employment opportunities in a range of care settings but also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced nursing roles, such as LPN or RN, in the future.
Nevada CNA Training & Certification
To practice as a CNA in Nevada, candidates must complete a state-approved training and certification process:
- Finish a state-approved nurse aide training program that meets Nevada's 100-hour minimum requirement, including both classroom and supervised clinical instruction.
- Pass the Nevada Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge exam
- A practical skills demonstration exam
- Be listed on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (NDPBH). Registration on the registry is required to legally work as a CNA in Nevada.
Registry status must be kept active by meeting employment work requirements (usually working as a paid CNA within a specific timeframe) or by retesting if needed.
Passing the competency exam shows that you have the knowledge and skills Nevada expects of entry-level CNAs. Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Nevada
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic care principles, patient safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Assisting with bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording blood pressure, pulse, temperature |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction and interdisciplinary collaboration |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on experience in a healthcare environment |
Clinical experience in Nevada:
- Clinical training must be completed in person as part of the 100-hour minimum requirement.
- It typically occurs in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or long-term care centers.
- Supervised clinical practice ensures students can perform essential CNA tasks, from transfers to hygiene care, in real care environments before testing.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Nevada?
Most Nevada CNA students complete their training in about 6 to 12 weeks, depending on program scheduling and whether they attend full-time or part-time. Accelerated tracks can shorten the timeline for students able to commit to intensive classroom and clinical schedules, while evening or weekend programs extend options for working learners.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Nevada?
Nevada does not approve fully online CNA certification programs, but some online coursework may be involved.
- Some schools may offer hybrid formats, where theory coursework is delivered online, but all skills labs and clinical training must be completed in person.
- Hands-on clinical hours are required for state-approved training, and only in-person clinical experience qualifies students to sit for the Nevada Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
Online theory alone is insufficient for Nebraska's certification requirements.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Nevada
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Great Basin College |
|
|
| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas |
|
|
| Truckee Meadows Community College |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Nevada
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada |
|
|
| Great Basin College |
|
|
| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas |
| - |
Nevada CNA Employment and Wages
CNAs in Nevada often earn competitive wages compared to the national average, bolstered in many areas by high demand and cost of living differences (especially around Las Vegas and Reno). Many healthcare facilities offer wage incentives for evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
CNA Salary in Nevada
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Nevada | 8,670 | $45,060 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Learn more about CNA salaries.
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Nevada
Choosing a quality Nevada CNA program involves practical consideration of training quality, certification alignment, and career outcomes.
State Approval & Registry Eligibility
Ensure the program is approved by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health and prepares students for both the written/oral and clinical exams required for registry placement.
Clinical Placement Support
Programs that assist with clinical placements in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals often streamline your path to completing supervised hours.
Class Scheduling & Format
Look for options that fit your schedule: daytime, evening, weekend, or hybrid formats with online theory and in-person clinicals.
Transparent Costs & Career Services
Choose schools that clearly outline tuition, books, uniforms, testing fees, and offer job placement support or connections with local employers.
A strong CNA program should offer structured support from training through the state competency exam.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Nevada
| Comparison Aspect | CNA | Medical Assistant (MA) | LPN | RN |
| Training Time | ~6–12 weeks | ~9–12 months | ~12–18 months | ~2–4 years |
| Scope of Practice | Basic care, ADLs, vitals | Clinic support + admin | Nursing care + meds | Full nursing practice |
| Typical Setting | LTC, hospitals, home health | Clinics, outpatient | Hospitals, LTC | All healthcare settings |
| Responsibility Level | Under nurse supervision | Under provider supervision | Licensed nurse role | Registered nurse autonomy |
Nevada CNA training offers one of the shortest and most inexpensive pathways into healthcare while building foundational patient care experience. For advancement opportunities, explore CNA to RN programs or consider nursing schools in Nevada.
2026 Updated List of Nevada Schools Offering CNA Classes
Carson City, NV
Western Nevada College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for Nevada licensing
- One required course
- 6-unit nursing assistant course
- Teaches basic patient care
- Focus on daily living assistance
- Communication skills training
- Long-term care preparation
Elko, NV
Great Basin College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based CNA training program
- Multiple Nevada campus locations
- Comprehensive skills and knowledge training
- Prepares for NSBN certification
- Healthcare career entry pathway
Las Vegas, NV
College of Southern Nevada
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate of Achievement program.
- Campus-based learning.
- Mandatory orientation required.
- English proficiency prerequisites.
- Clinical class requirements.
- Networking through Nurses Lounge.
- Open Entry Program Checklist.
- Health Programs Advisement Offices.
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant /Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate program.
- On-campus delivery.
- Approximately six weeks.
- Entry-level career training.
- Covers clinical skills.
- Includes infection control.
- Teaches emergency procedures.
- Focuses on basic nursing.
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide Certificate Program
Campus Based - Website
- 6-week certificate program
- On-campus training
- Entry-level healthcare career
- Clinical skills focused
- Patient care fundamentals
- Multiple work environments
- Hands-on clinical externship
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-week hybrid training program
- 96-hour comprehensive curriculum
- $2,650 total program cost
- Prepares for state nursing exam
- 18+ age requirement
- High school diploma needed
- Background check required
- CPR/BLS certification needed
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- 4-week program duration
- Hybrid online/in-person format
- $2,650 program cost
- 18+ age requirement
- High school diploma required
- Background check mandatory
- Immunization proof needed
- Prepares for NSBN exam
Reno, NV
Truckee Meadows Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- One-semester program length.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Meets Nevada certification requirements.
- Minimum age 16 years.
- NURS 130 course required.
- Prepares for healthcare entry.
- Skills certificate available.
- Hands-on clinical training.
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