The Best Online CNA Classes of 2025
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) assist clinical and home healthcare teams by helping patients with daily activities and providing basic care. A CNA career is very accessible, making it worth considering if you are looking to train for a healthcare role quickly.
This guide focuses on the best online nursing programs that support CNA certification. Use it to learn about the CNA path and source educational opportunities to pursue it.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: 4-12 weeks
- Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, ability to pass a test of job-related physical abilities
- Top Skills Gained: Vital sign monitoring, basic patient care, patient safety, infection control, human anatomy, professional ethics
Best Online CNA Classes and Programs
Arlington Career Institute — Fastest and Most Affordable CNA Program
- Grand Prairie, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Complete Your CNA in 6 Weeks for Under $1,000
Arlington Career Institute offers a CNA program you can finish in just six weeks for under $1,000. The program includes 48 lecture hours, 100 externship hours in real care facilities, CPR and BLS certification, and hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art medical lab. Flexible scheduling makes it possible to balance classes, labs, and externship with a busy lifestyle.
Total Cost:
In-State | $995
Out-of-State | $995
Why Students Choose Arlington:
- Finish Quickly: Complete your CNA in under six weeks, along with CPR and BLS certification.
- Practical Experience: Complete 48 lecture hours, 12 lab hours in a state-of-the-art medical lab, and 100 supervised externship hours in real care facilities and be eligible for CPR and BLS certification.
- Comprehensive Skill: Receive training in patient care, vital signs, restorative services, mental health, and communication.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Clinicals and labs require weekday daytime availability.
- Physical demands include assisting patients with mobility, hygiene, and daily care.
- Payment plans and Federal Student Aid are available, with eligibility and amounts based on your specific situation.
94%
N/A
75%
N/A
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 439
- Institution Type
- Private
State Fair Community College — Top CNA Program for Maximum Online Flexibility
- Sedalia, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: 100% Online CNA Coursework With Only In-Person Clinicals
State Fair Community College's nursing aide/certified medication technician program offers fully online coursework with in-person clinicals, making it accessible for working adults and caregivers. The 31.5-credit program prepares you for both CNA and CMT certification exams, creating multiple career pathways. It meets education requirements for certification in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.Cost per Credit: In-State | $129 Out-of-State | $196
Why Students Choose SFCC:
- Fully Online: Learn remotely while completing clinicals in person, including hands-on training for CNA and medication technician roles.
- Multiple Pathways: Qualify for both CNA and CMT certifications in eligible states to open more career pathways.
- Comprehensive Education: Take courses in human biology, medical terminology, behavioral health, communication, health technologies, and CPR.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Some orientation sessions or proctored exams may require a short campus visit.
- CNA and CMT certifications from this program are only valid in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas.
- Payment plans and Federal Student Aid are available.
73%
$4,584
61%
$6,168
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,754
- Institution Type
- Public
Ultimate Medical Academy — Best Blended CNA Program Offering an Immersive Hybrid Experience
- Clearwater, FL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Online and Hands-On Learning With 1:1 Guidance and Certification Prep
Ultimate Medical Academy offers a two-month nursing assistant diploma blending online learning with hands-on training. The program includes 45 hours of supervised externship, small class sizes (with a maximum of 25 students), dedicated advisors, and prepares you for CNA certification. You'll receive focused preparation for the CNA exam, plus academic and job search support, at no extra cost.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Why Students Choose UMA:
- Hybrid Format: Combine online coursework with required in-person, hands-on training.
- Exam Prep: UMA provides certification preparation, supporting you in areas where you may need extra help at no additional cost.
- Strong Support: UMA offers one-on-one support, academic help, job search assistance, and dedicated advisors.
Know Before You Enroll:
- This program is not eligible for Federal Student Aid, so you must explore other payment options.
- This program is not fully online and has extensive on-site requirements.
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76%
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- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 7,436
- Institution Type
- Private
Price Check
CNA programs are short and inexpensive: In some cases, total tuition costs and required fees are less than $1,000.
What to Expect From an Online CNA Program
Online CNA programs last only a few weeks to a few months, creating an efficient path to entering a high-growth career. Like many of the best online nursing programs in other healthcare specializations, they usually have hybrid rather than fully online formats. Classroom-based instruction happens online, while hands-on instruction uses face-to-face formats.
Upon graduation, your school will likely offer job search and placement assistance. Placements are not usually guaranteed, but CNAs have strong job growth forecasts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 13% job growth for home healthcare aids and nursing assistants from 2024 to 2034.
Benefits of Earning Your CNA Online
Various Schools to Choose From
By studying online, you gain access to a larger set of schools offering online CNA classes. This allows you to choose the best match for your personal situation — and to select the lowest-cost program that aligns with your career training goals.
More Control Over Your Schedule
Online CNA programs often provide asynchronous courses, which are pre-recorded sessions that you can engage with anytime and anywhere. This gives you much more control than you get with in-person classes that meet at fixed times.
Cut Commuting Costs
While online CNA programs usually include in-person hands-on training classes, you can complete all academic coursework remotely. This reduces your time spent commuting and saves you money on gas or public transportation expenses.
CNA Licensing and Certification Requirements
States typically require nursing assistants to become licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state, but you will usually need to pass a state-issued exam that tests your knowledge of essential CNA concepts.
As you browse your options, pay attention to the language the school uses in its program description: Ensure the program leads to recognized academic credits that will qualify you to sit for your state’s CNA exam.
To learn more about your state’s requirements, consult the National Association of Health Care Assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Programs Online
CNA programs usually cover about 4-12 weeks. This timeline accounts for both your classroom learning and hands-on training. Shorter programs usually move at faster paces, while longer programs may include more courses.
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