CNA Classes & Programs in New Jersey
- CNA Programs in New Jersey: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in New Jersey?
- New Jersey CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in New Jersey
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in New Jersey?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in New Jersey?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in New Jersey
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in New Jersey
- New Jersey CNA Employment and Wages
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in New Jersey
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in New Jersey
- 2026 Updated List of New Jersey Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), officially called Certified Nurse Aides in New Jersey, are frontline healthcare workers who provide essential daily care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. In a densely populated state with a large aging population, CNAs help ensure patients receive safe, attentive support in both urban areas like Newark and Jersey City and suburban or shore communities across the state.
New Jersey CNA training offers one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to enter healthcare, while still meeting clear state standards for safety, competency, and patient care.
What you’ll learn in this guide:
- New Jersey’s official CNA training and certification rules
- Required classroom and clinical hours
- How CNA classes are structured
- Typical timelines and cost expectations
- Tips for choosing a quality CNA program in NJ
CNA Programs in New Jersey: At-a-Glance
| Category | New Jersey CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 90 hours (classroom + clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | Yes, supervised clinical experience required |
| Certification exam | New Jersey Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation |
| State registry | New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health) |
| Typical program length | About 4–10 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $900–$2,000+ depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in New Jersey | ~$34,000–$48,000 annually (varies by region and employer) |
Why Become a CNA in New Jersey?
New Jersey's healthcare system consistently needs trained CNAs to support hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home care agencies. The state's aging population and concentration of medical facilities create steady workforce demand. CNAs often find employment opportunities quickly after certification, particularly in:
- Long-term care and rehabilitation centers
- Hospital inpatient units
- Memory care and assisted living communities
- Home health and community care programs
CNA experience in New Jersey also provides a solid foundation for those planning to move into LPN or RN programs, as it builds strong patient-care skills early in a nursing career.
New Jersey CNA Training & Certification
To work as a CNA in New Jersey, you must complete a state-regulated process:
- Complete a New Jersey Department of Health–approved CNA training program totaling at least 90 hours, including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
- Pass the New Jersey Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge test
- A hands-on skills examination
- Be placed on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry, which confirms eligibility to work as a CNA in the state.
CNA certification demonstrates that you meet New Jersey's standards for patient safety, infection control, communication, and personal care assistance. CNAs must also meet work requirements within the renewal period to remain active on the registry.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in New Jersey
New Jersey CNA classes focus on preparing students for real-world caregiving in structured healthcare environments.
CNA Coursework & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Foundations of Care | Patient safety, infection control, resident rights |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs |
| Communication & Professionalism | Interaction with patients and healthcare teams |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on patient care |
Clinical Training in New Jersey:
- Clinical hours are part of the 90-hour minimum and must be completed in person
- Training typically occurs in nursing homes or healthcare facilities
- Students practice mobility assistance, hygiene care, and patient interaction under instructor supervision
Hands-on clinical experience is required before sitting for the state competency exam.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in New Jersey?
Most New Jersey CNA programs can be completed in about 4 to 10 weeks. Program length varies depending on:
- Full-time vs. part-time attendance
- Day or evening class options
- Scheduling of clinical rotations
Accelerated programs allow students to finish in the shortest timeframe, while flexible schedules support working adults.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not approve fully online CNA certification programs, however:
- Some programs may offer hybrid formats, with online classroom instruction
- All clinical skills and lab training must be completed in person
- Hands-on clinical experience is required to qualify for certification and registry placement
Students should confirm that any online coursework is paired with approved in-person training.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in New Jersey
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Brookdale Community College |
|
|
| County College of Morris |
|
|
| Healthcare Training Institute |
|
|
2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in New Jersey
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Brookdale Community College |
|
|
| County College of Morris |
|
|
| Healthcare Training Institute |
| - |
New Jersey CNA Employment and Wages
CNA salaries in New Jersey tend to be higher than the national average due to the state's cost of living and strong healthcare sector.
CNA Salary in New Jersey
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| New Jersey | 31,310 | $44,910 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in New Jersey
When evaluating CNA programs in NJ, keep these priorities in mind:
Training Approval & Exam Eligibility
- Program must be approved by the NJ Department of Health
- Must prepare you for the written and clinical competency exams
Clinical Placement Support
- School should arrange supervised clinical hours
- Facilities should provide real patient-care exposure
Class Scheduling
- Options for day, evening, or weekend formats
- Hybrid models that combine online theory with in-person labs
Costs & Transparency
- Clear tuition breakdown including books, uniforms, exam fees
- Information about financial aid or payment plans
Career Connections
- Partnerships with long-term care or hospital employers
- Job placement or career services support
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in New Jersey
| Factor | CNA | Medical Assistant (MA) | LPN | RN |
| Training Time | ~4–10 weeks | ~9–12 months | ~12–18 months | ~2–4 years |
| Primary Duties | Basic patient care & ADLs | Clinical + admin tasks | Nursing care & meds | Full nursing care |
| Work Setting | LTC, hospitals, home care | Clinics, offices | Hospitals, LTC | All healthcare settings |
| Responsibility Level | Entry-level care | Support role | Licensed nurse role | Registered nurse role |
CNA training remains one of the quickest and most inexpensive entry points into New Jersey's healthcare workforce. For career mobility, many eventually pursue nursing careers. Explore New Jersey nursing schools and/or consider a CNA to RN program.
2026 Updated List of New Jersey Schools Offering CNA Classes
Jersey City, NJ
Hudson County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- New Jersey State Approved CNA program.
- Prepares for NJ Department of Health exam.
- Classroom and clinical instruction.
- Includes Basic Life Support certification.
- Includes Dementia Care certification.
- Covers medical terminology.
- Teaches fundamental workplace skills.
- U.S. citizenship or work visa required.
Lincroft, NJ
Brookdale Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide In Long Term Care (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- NJ Department of Health approved.
- 90-hour program length.
- Campus-based instruction.
- Cost: $1,499 plus fees.
- Age 18+ requirement.
- High school diploma or GED needed.
- Physical exam required.
- Immunizations documentation needed.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide in Long Term Care
Campus Based - Website
- 90-hour comprehensive healthcare training
- NJ Department of Health approved
- Clinical training in Monmouth County
- Prepares for certification exam
- Limited to 10 students per class
Randolph, NJ
County College of Morris
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- Program length 6-9 weeks.
- 50 lecture hours.
- 40 clinical hours.
- Training in nursing labs.
- Clinical experience in care facilities.
- Includes BLS certification.
- State-approved NJ certification exam.
- Criminal background check required.
Sewell, NJ
Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant
Campus Based - Website
- State-approved program.
- 50 classroom hours.
- 40 clinical training hours.
- Prepares for state exam.
- High school diploma required.
- Criminal background check needed.
- Proof of immunization required.
- Textbooks in bookstore.
Union, NJ
Healthcare Training Institute
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide
Campus Based - Website
- State-approved CNA program.
- 90 hours total training.
- 50 hours classroom instruction.
- 40 hours clinical training.
- Campus-based program in NJ.
- Admission requires background check.
- Vaccines required for admission.
- Program length is 2 months.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- 90 total training hours.
- 50 classroom hours.
- 40 clinical hours.
- State-approved program.
- Campus-based training.
- Two-month program length.
- Morning and evening classes.
- PPD vaccine required.
West Windsor, NJ
Mercer County Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.)
Campus Based - Website
- 90-hour comprehensive healthcare training
- 50 classroom, 40 clinical hours
- NJ State Exam preparation
- Background check required
- One academic credit awarded
- Certificate/Diploma - Direct Health Care Provider Program
Campus Based - Website
- 15-week program duration
- Prepares for CNA certification
- 90-hour CNA course included
- Optional CHHA and CMA courses
- State-approved curriculum
- Campus-based instruction
- High school diploma required
- English proficiency needed
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