How do I earn a CNA license online?

Technically, there is no such thing as a CNA license. CNAs earn certification or are added to their state's nurse aide registry, depending on state requirements. No state issues a CNA license based solely on online coursework. To earn your certification, you must complete a state-approved program that includes both an online or in-person classroom component and supervised in-person clinical hours. After finishing the program, you must pass your state's two-part competency exam, which includes a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation. Once you pass, you are listed on your state's nurse aide registry as a certified nursing assistant. Our guide on how to prepare for CNA school covers what to expect throughout the process.

Can you get your CNA certification online?

Partially, yes, you can get your CNA certification online. The classroom and theory portion of many CNA online classes can be completed online, and some states offer fully self-paced online coursework options through state-approved platforms. However, the clinical hours required by every state must be completed in person at an approved facility, and the competency exam is also conducted in person. There is no fully online path to CNA certification in any U.S. state. Use our location search to find CNA courses online with in-person clinical options near you.

CNA Classes Online

Searching for CNA classes online? Many nurse aide programs now offer a portion of their coursework in an online format, giving students greater flexibility in how and when they complete the classroom component of their education. This guide explains how online CNA classes work, what to expect from a hybrid program, and how to find CNA programs online that are approved in your state.

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What Are Online CNA Classes?

When people search for CNA classes online or online CNA certification, they are typically looking for programs that allow them to complete coursework remotely rather than attending in-person lectures. These are commonly referred to as hybrid programs, and understanding how they work is an important first step before enrolling.

No state currently approves a fully online CNA program. Federal law under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 establishes a minimum of 75 total program hours for nurse aide education, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice completed in person at a licensed healthcare facility. Many states require more than this federal minimum. As a result, every CNA course online combines remote or self-paced classroom coursework with mandatory hands-on clinical hours that must be completed in person.

What this means in practice: students in hybrid programs can complete the theory and knowledge-based portion of their education remotely: anatomy, infection control, patient rights, safety procedures, medical terminology, and more. All of these can be completed online at your own pace. The clinical hours and the state competency exam, however, must be completed in person.

For a preview of what online coursework covers, explore our CNA lesson guide before you enroll.

How Online CNA Programs Are Structured

Most CNA programs online follow a similar structure, though the specific requirements vary by state. Here is a general overview of what to expect.

Online Classroom Coursework

The didactic portion of a CNA program covers the foundational knowledge needed to pass the state competency exam and provide safe, effective patient care. This portion can typically be completed online through self-paced modules, recorded lectures, and assessments. Common topics include human anatomy and physiology, patient rights and dignity, communication and interpersonal skills, infection control and safety procedures, emergency response, and basic nursing skills.

In-Person Clinical Hours

After completing the online coursework — or sometimes alongside it, depending on the program — students must complete a set number of supervised clinical hours at an approved healthcare facility. The federal minimum is 16 hours, though many states require significantly more. These hours must be completed in person and cannot be substituted with additional online coursework.

State Competency Exam

Upon completing the program, students must pass a state competency exam to earn certification and become listed on their state's nurse aide registry. The exam consists of a written or oral knowledge section and a hands-on clinical skills demonstration. Both parts are administered in person. Testing vendors vary by state and can include Credentia, Prometric, or Pearson VUE, depending on where you are located.

To find state-approved programs in your area, use our CNA program location search to browse options by zip code.

What to Look for When Comparing CNA Programs Online

Not all online CNA certification programs are structured the same way. When evaluating options, consider the following:

State approval is the most important factor. A program must be approved by your state's health or nursing authority for your certification to be recognized. Enrolling in an unapproved program means you cannot sit for the state exam.

Clinical site location matters as much as the online component. Even if all coursework is available remotely, you will still need to travel to an approved clinical facility to complete your required hours. Confirm that a program's clinical partners are located in your area before enrolling.

Program length and schedule flexibility vary. Some programs offer fully self-paced online modules, while others follow a set weekly schedule. Class, course, and program lengths may vary.

Take the next step. Enter your zip code below to explore CNA schools in your area and online options that fit your schedule.

How Much Does It Cost to Complete an Online CNA Program?

Program costs vary depending on the state, the type of institution, and what is included in the program fee. In many cases, the cost of CNA training is covered by employers: under federal rules, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities are required to cover the cost of CNA education for employees who complete a program within 12 months of being hired.* Additional costs may include background check fees, exam registration, immunization documentation, and other requirements set by individual programs or states.

*Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). https://www.cms.gov/priorities/nursing-home-careers/overview/certified-nursing-assistant-cna

Find CNA Programs Near You

Ready to explore online CNA classes in your area? Use our CNA program location search to find CNA programs near you by zip code, compare program formats, and get information on CNA courses near you that fit your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technically, there is no such thing as a CNA license. CNAs earn certification or are added to their state's nurse aide registry, depending on state requirements. No state issues a CNA license based solely on online coursework.
To earn your certification, you must complete a state-approved program that includes both an online or in-person classroom component and supervised in-person clinical hours. After finishing the program, you must pass your state's two-part competency exam, which is a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation.
Once you pass, you are listed on your state's nurse aide registry as a certified nursing assistant. Our guide on how to prepare for CNA school covers what to expect throughout the process.
Partially, yes, you can get your CNA certification online. The classroom and theory portion of many CNA online classes can be completed online, and some states offer fully self-paced online coursework options through state-approved platforms.
However, the clinical hours required by every state must be completed in person at an approved facility, and the competency exam is also conducted in person. There is no fully online path to CNA certification in any U.S. state. Use our location search to find CNA courses online with in-person clinical options near you.
Program length depends on your state's hour requirements and your weekly schedule. Many hybrid CNA programs can be completed in a matter of weeks, though states with higher required training hours will take longer.* Some programs are fully self-paced, while others follow a set weekly schedule. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. After completing the program, additional time is needed to schedule and pass the state competency exam.
*Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).https://www.cms.gov/priorities/nursing-home-careers/overview/certified-nursing-assistant-cna

Disclaimer: The program information presented on this page is provided for informational purposes only. According to Campus Explorer's algorithm and methodology, results are based on aggregated data including program availability, student reviews, and other publicly available metrics. Program cost information is sourced from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is provided for general reference only. Employer coverage of training costs is subject to federal eligibility rules. Actual program costs vary by state, institution, and program structure. Completing a CNA program does not guarantee any specific outcome. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to those who qualify; eligibility requirements vary and no financial aid is guaranteed. Class, course, and program lengths may vary. CNA certification requirements are governed by individual state health authorities and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with your state before enrolling.

CNA Classes Online​​