CNA Classes & Programs in Rhode Island
- CNA Programs in Rhode Island: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Rhode Island?
- How CNA Certification Works in Rhode Island
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Rhode Island
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Rhode Island?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Rhode Island?
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Rhode Island
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island CNA Employment and Wages
- Choosing the Right CNA Program in Rhode Island
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Rhode Island
- 2026 Updated List of Rhode Island Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), also known as nurse aides, are vital members of Rhode Island’s healthcare teams. In hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies across Providence, Warwick, and coastal communities, CNAs provide hands-on support with daily care, mobility, and patient monitoring.
CNA training in Rhode Island is structured to be skill-focused and efficient, offering one of the quickest and most inexpensive paths into healthcare employment while meeting clear state standards for safety and patient care.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Rhode Island’s CNA training and certification requirements
- Required classroom and clinical hours
- What CNA classes typically include
- Program length and cost expectations
- How to evaluate CNA programs in Rhode Island
CNA Programs in Rhode Island: At-a-Glance
| Category | Rhode Island CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 100 hours (state-approved) |
| Clinical requirement | Supervised clinical experience required |
| Certification exam | Rhode Island CNA Competency Exam |
| State registry | Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | Around 6–12 weeks |
| Typical total cost | $900–$2,000+ depending on provider |
| Average CNA Salary in Rhode Island | Mid-$40k range |
Why Become a CNA in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island's healthcare system depends heavily on CNAs, especially in long-term care and rehabilitation services. As the state's population ages and demand for care grows, nurse aides are needed to support patient safety and comfort in both urban and community-based facilities.
Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home care agencies consistently seek trained CNAs, making certification a practical path to entry into the healthcare workforce. Many CNAs use the experience they gain to later advance to LPN or RN programs.
How CNA Certification Works in Rhode Island
Becoming a CNA in Rhode Island involves several straightforward steps:
Step 1: Training
Complete a state-approved CNA training program totaling at least 100 hours, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
Step 2: Testing
Pass the Rhode Island CNA Competency Exam, which includes a written or oral knowledge test and a practical skills evaluation.
Step 3: Registry Listing
Successful candidates are placed on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry, which authorizes them to work as CNAs.
Step 4: Maintaining Status
To remain active, CNAs must meet employment requirements within the renewal period or requalify as needed.
Learn more about CNA certification.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Rhode Island
Rhode Island CNA programs emphasize real-world patient care skills.
| Training Area | Skills Developed |
| Patient Care Fundamentals | Infection control, safety, resident rights |
| Daily Living Assistance | Bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility |
| Health Monitoring | Vital signs and reporting changes |
| Professional Communication | Teamwork and patient interaction |
| Clinical Practice | Supervised hands-on care |
Clinical training is required in person and typically occurs in nursing homes or healthcare facilities, ensuring students gain hands-on experience before certification testing.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Rhode Island?
Most Rhode Island CNA programs take approximately 6 to 12 weeks to complete. Completion time depends on:
- Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
- Day, evening, or weekend scheduling
- Clinical rotation availability
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Rhode Island?
While online components are commonly used, fully online CNA certification programs are not permitted in Rhode Island because in-person clinical training is required.
- Hybrid programs may offer online theory instruction
- All hands-on skills and clinical training must be completed in person
- In-person clinical experience is required to qualify for certification
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Rhode Island
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island |
|
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Rhode Island
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island |
|
|
Rhode Island CNA Employment and Wages
CNAs in Rhode Island often earn competitive wages, particularly in hospital and rehabilitation settings. Learn more about CNA salaries.
CNA Salary in Rhode Island
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Rhode Island | 8,450 | $44,160 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
Choosing the Right CNA Program in Rhode Island
When selecting a CNA training program, consider:
- State approval and exam eligibility
- Clinical placement arrangements
- Class schedule flexibility
- Transparent tuition and fees
- Career preparation and exam support
Programs that clearly explain their training process and clinical experience typically offer stronger preparation.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Rhode Island
| Role | Training Time | Main Duties | Work Setting | Advancement Path |
| CNA | Weeks | Direct patient care | LTC, hospitals, home care | LPN → RN |
| Medical Assistant | Months | Clinical + admin | Clinics | LPN/RN |
| LPN | ~1 year | Nursing care & meds | Hospitals, LTC | RN |
| RN | 2–4 years | Full nursing practice | All settings | APRN/leadership |
CNA training remains one of the shortest and most inexpensive ways to begin a healthcare career in Rhode Island. For those who know they eventually want to become full nurses, CNA to RN bridge programs are a convenient pathway. Check out nursing schools in Rhode Island for more options.
2026 Updated List of Rhode Island Schools Offering CNA Classes
Warwick, RI
Community College of Rhode Island
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Campus Based - Website
- Rhode Island Department of Health-approved.
- 160 total program hours.
- Hybrid online and in-person format.
- Free employee-sponsored opportunities.
- Open enrollment cost $1,400.
- Includes textbook and equipment.
- Multiple campus locations.
- Various cohort schedules available.
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 160 total instructional hours
- Rhode Island Department approved
- Hybrid learning format
- Some free tuition options
- Online and in-person components
- Multiple campus locations
- Includes textbook and equipment
- Flexible day/evening schedules
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