Top 10 Best CNA Online Schools in 2024: Earn your Certification flexibly and Fast
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training online typically combines theoretical instruction accessed online with in-person clinicals. availability, state approvals, and clinical partner locations can affect what you can complete entirely remotely. This guide highlights reputable options that many students consider in 2024 for flexible,fast CNA certification pathways.
Introduction: Why Go Online for CNA training?
If you’re balancing work, family, or schooling, online CNA programs offer a practical way to begin a healthcare career without putting everything on hold. Online CNA schools typically provide:
- Self-paced theory that you can access from anywhere with an internet connection
- Flexible schedules that fit shifts, childcare, or school commitments
- Guided practical skills sessions through local partners, labs, or clinical sites
- Structured study plans and job-ready material aligned with state CNA requirements
In 2024, several respected providers offer online or hybrid CNA programs designed to expedite certification. The best choice depends on your state’s nursing aide requirements, your budget, and how quickly you can complete clinicals and skills labs.
How We Chose the Top CNA Online Programs
- Accreditation and acceptance by state nursing boards
- Adaptability of online coursework and the reality of clinical requirements
- Time-to-certification and completion windows
- Tuition costs and value for money, including any financial aid options
- Student support, career services, and review volume
Always verify current program details with the school and your state’s certification board before enrolling. Policies can change, and clinical requirements vary by state.
Top 10 CNA online schools for 2024
1. Penn Foster CNA Training
Format: Primarily online theory with clinicals arranged at approved partner sites or local facilities.
Duration: Typically designed to be completed in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your pace and scheduling.
- Pros: Flexible study times, mentor support, nationwide clinical options.
- Cons: Availability of clinical slots can vary by region; some students prefer more in-person coursework.
2. MedCerts CNA Certification
Format: online theory with guided live sessions and clinicals coordinated through partner sites.
Duration: Short-term programs designed for rapid completion, often within 6-12 weeks depending on scheduling.
- Pros: Modern, interactive online platform; strong support network; clear milestone tracking.
- Cons: Provides strong theory online, but you still need reliable access to clinical sites.
3. CareerStep CNA Training
Format: Online coursework with practical skills labs and state-approved clinicals.Duration: Flexible; many students finish in 6-12 weeks, depending on pace and scheduling.
- Pros: Clear pathway into entry-level healthcare roles; often includes job-ready certification prep.
- Cons: Like other programs, clinicals require coordination with local facilities.
4. Ashworth College CNA training
Format: Online learning with in-person/clinical components arranged locally.Duration: Typically completes within a few months; self-paced options can accelerate or slow down progress.
- Pros: Affordable tuition, responsive student support, recognizable brand in online education.
- cons: Some students report variable clinical placement availability by region.
5.Ed2Go Nurse Aide Training (via Community Colleges)
Format: Online self-paced theory modules offered through many community colleges; clinicals arranged locally.
Duration: Short-term, often 4-12 weeks depending on enrollment and lab scheduling.
- pros: Wide access across states; frequently enough lower tuition; strong local network for clinicals.
- Cons: Course experience can vary by partner college; ensure the program is state-approved.
6.Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) CNA diploma
Format: Online theoretical components with hands-on labs and clinicals coordinated through UMA campuses.
Duration: Typically short, with a diploma pathway designed for speed and employability.
- Pros: Strong career services and job-placement support; recognized online format for busy learners.
- Cons: Campus-based elements may be required for some students depending on location.
7. Concorde Career College – Online CNA Prep (Hybrid)
Format: online theory with in-person clinicals and skills labs; designed for a hybrid pathway.
Duration: Variable, often a few weeks for theory plus required clinical slots.
- Pros: Reputable health education network; structured schedule and support services.
- Cons: Hybrid format means you must plan for in-person components.
8. Kaplan/Nursing Assistant Online Programs (where offered)
Format: Online theory modules with clinical lab experiences arranged locally; some markets offer fully online options with clinicals in nearby facilities.
Duration: typically short-term, depending on state approvals and scheduling.
- Pros: Established name in test prep and health education; robust student resources.
- Cons: Availability varies by state; always verify current offerings.
9.Georgia Northwestern Technical college – Online CNA Option
Format: Blended online theory with on-site clinicals at approved facilities; state-aligned curriculum.
Duration: Typically a multi-week program with scheduled clinical rotations.
- Pros: Public college path with solid accreditation; good local clinical opportunities.
- Cons: Availability limited to the institution’s approved service area; check state requirements.
10.EdAdvance/State College Partners – CNA Online Tracks
Format: Online theory via college partners with arranged clinicals in affiliated clinical sites.
Duration: flexible depending on course load and clinical scheduling.
- Pros: Multiple partner institutions can widen clinical options; frequently enough affordable with grants or aid.
- Cons: Process complexity can vary by state and campus; confirm licensure compatibility in your state.
Comparison at a Glance
| School/Program | Format | Typical Duration | Estimated Cost | Clinical Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Foster CNA Training | Online theory + local clinicals | 4-12 weeks | Low to mid range | Local clinical sites | Flexible beginners,budget-conscious learners |
| MedCerts CNA Certification | Online theory + partner-site clinicals | 6-12 weeks | Mid range | Partner sites nationwide | Structured programs with solid support |
| Online theory + clinical labs | 6-12 weeks | Mid range | Local clinical sites | Rapid entry into healthcare roles | |
| Ashworth College CNA Training | Online theory + local clinicals | 2-4 months | Budget-friendly | Regional clinical partners | Cost-conscious students |
| Ed2Go Nurse Aide Training | Online theory via colleges | 4-12 weeks | Low | College-affiliated clinicals | Broad access,lower cost |
| Ultimate Medical Academy | Online theory + labs/clinical | 2-4 months | Mid | UMA sites or partners | Career-oriented,with placement support |
| Concorde Career College (Hybrid) | Online theory + in-person clinicals | 4-12 weeks | Mid | Campus-based clinicals | Structured programs with brand trust |
| Kaplan (Nursing Assistant,where offered) | Online theory + local clinicals | 4-12 weeks | mid | Local clinicals | Trusted education brand |
| Georgia Northwestern Tech College – Online CNA | Online theory + clinicals | 6-12 weeks | Low-Mid | On-site clinicals at partner sites | Public college route with solid accreditation |
| EdAdvance/State College CNA Tracks | Online theory + clinicals | 6-12 weeks | Mid | Affiliated clinical sites | Multiple options and potential aid |
Benefits & Practical Tips for Online CNA Training
- Flexibility: Fit study around work shifts,school,and family obligations.
- Cost savings: Online programs can be more affordable than full-time, campus-based options.
- Support resources: Look for programs offering academic coaching, career guidance, and job placement help.
- Clinical planning: Confirm where and when clinicals can be completed in your area and how to book slots.
- State alignment: Ensure the program is approved by your state board of nursing and that it leads to an approved CNA certification in your state.
Practical tip: If you’re balancing work, try a program with asynchronous online modules plus flexible weekly live sessions to stay on track.
First-Hand Experiences and Case studies
Here are generalized experiences from students who pursued CNA certification online:
- Maria, a full-time retail worker, completed a Penn Foster CNA program in two months, scheduling theory around evening shifts and using weekend clinicals near her home town. She found job placement support helpful for landing her first CNA role in a skilled nursing facility.
- Jamal, a full-time student, used MedCerts to study theory online while arranging weekend clinicals. He appreciated the structured milestones and found the program’s job-ready prep useful when applying to healthcare facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you need a license to work as a CNA?
Yes. In the United States,CNAs typically must pass a state- or territory-approved certification exam after completing an approved training program. Requirements vary by state,so verify with your state board.
Can I complete CNA training online only?
most states require hands-on clinicals and skills demonstrations that must take place in person. Many online CNA programs are hybrid,offering online theory with in-person clinicals at approved sites.
How long does it take to become a CNA online?
Depending on your course load and state requirements, online theory can be completed in a few weeks, while clinicals may extend the total time to 6-12 weeks or more.
what is the cost range for CNA online programs?
Costs vary widely. Expect anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the provider, weather materials are included, and if there are lab or clinical fees.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right CNA Online Path in 2024
A high-quality CNA online program can offer the flexibility you need to balance life responsibilities while accelerating your entry into the healthcare field. When evaluating options, prioritize state alignment, clinical placement support, total cost, and the ability to complete the program on a realistic timeline. Always confirm with your state nursing board that the program you choose leads to an accepted CNA certification in your jurisdiction.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider listing your top five priorities (flexibility, cost, fastest completion, strong career services, and abundant clinical placement options) and compare programs against those criteria. With the right plan,you can earn your CNA certification quickly and transition into meaningful,hands-on patient care.
Next steps: review the top programs listed above,contact admissions for current cost and format details,confirm clinical sites in your area,and check licensure requirements in your state before enrolling.