In Houston and across the United States, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who have been trained to provide basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Becoming a CNA in Houston is an attractive option for many workers because:
- According to the most recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics May 2024 data, the annual wage is over $36,600 in the Houston area
- There are nearly 18,000 CNA jobs in Houston
- You can become certified as a CNA in only a few weeks
Working under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), CNAs perform various tasks to assist and support patients, including helping with daily activities, taking vital signs, assisting with meals and feeding, and providing mobility and exercise assistance. In addition to these duties, CNAs may also be responsible for maintaining patient rooms and equipment, answering call lights, and communicating with patients and their families. As they work closely with patients, CNAs often serve as a valuable source of support and comfort, and they play a vital role in the healthcare team, helping to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care.
This page has information about a variety of CNA classes in Houston so you can research various programs to find the right one for you.
CNA Requirements in Houston
Class requirements for becoming a CNA vary from state to state, but we’ve listed the hour requirements for accredited CNA programs below. Any classes you take will need to meet these minimum requirements for you to become a CNA in Texas.
- 100 total hours
- 60 classroom hours
- 40 clinical hours
In addition to classroom hours, you’ll also need to meet these minimum requirements.
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Demonstrate that you are in good physical health
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Pass a criminal background check
- Proof of graduating from a state-certified CNA program
- Pass the Texas CNA exam
- Being listed on the Texas state CNA registry
Find the Best CNA Classes Near Houston
Planning on attending a CNA program in the Houston area? It can be frustrating to sift through the mountains of information, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best CNA classes in Houston based on a variety of criteria to help make your job easier. Here’s a quick list of our top picks, you can find more details on each program below.
| Rank | School | Address | Phone# |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Medical Institute Inc. | Building 2 – 6902 Cook Rd., Houston, TX 77072 | 713.772.5300 |
| 2 | Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute | 140 Eldridge Road # G, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 346.812.0147 |
| 3 | Alpha Center of Excellence Training Institute | 10101 Harwin Dr, Suite #110, Houston, Texas 77036 | 713.771.7737 |
| 4 | Almeda Health Care Center | 7015 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX 77054 | 713.799.2900 |
| 5 | ACE Training Center | 10101 Harwin Dr, Suite #110, Houston, TX 77036 | 713.771.7737 |
| 6 | Texas Health School | 11511 Katy Freeway Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079 | 713.932.9333 |
| 7 | Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute | 140 Eldridge Road # G, Sugar Land, TX 77478 | 346.8112.0147 |
| 8 | AZNI Health Institute | 5144 Sam Houston Pkwy. Suite 704, Houston, TX 77015 | 281.864.7042 |
| 9 | Smithwood Medical Institute | 7100 Regency Square Blvd. Suite 210, Houston, TX 77036 | 713.975.0971 |
| 10 | Victorious Healthcare Academy | 5625 NW Central Dr. Suite D108, Houston, TX 77092 | 832.791.3295 |
Best CNA Program in Houston
American Medical Institute Inc.
American Medical Institute Inc. of Houston, Texas offers a hands-on Nurse Aid Training program to help individuals become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Our experienced instructors provide personal instruction and student-centered courses to help you achieve success in the field.
This nurse aid training program is scheduled two days a week for six weeks and offers flexible payment plans to accommodate students’ needs. The training facility is spacious, with classes taking place in both the skills lab and classroom and clinical training is conducted in a nursing center to provide the hands-on experience needed to start a career in healthcare.
Price: $1111. This includes tuition and registration, books, lab fees, and your uniform. An optional CPR program can be added for $35.
Address: Building 2 – 6902 Cook Road
Houston, TX 77072
Phone: 713.772.5300
URL: http://www.amiinc.net/CNA-Training-Houston-TX.html
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Offers online continuing education courses for CNAs.
Best 4-Week CNA Classes in Houston
Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute
When it comes to accelerated CNA programs in Houston, this one is hard to beat. The Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute offers a two-part Certified Nurse Assistant training program designed to prepare students for a career in the healthcare field. The first part of the program focuses on classroom instruction, where students will gain knowledge on all aspects of patient care through lectures, audio-visual aids, and hands-on demonstrations.
After successfully completing the classroom training, students will then move on to the second part of the program, which is the clinical training or externship. During this phase, students will have the chance to gain hands-on experience by working directly with patients in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a licensed Nurse and Primary Nurse Assistant Instructor who is also a member of our school’s staff. The externship also provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as aides and nurses.
3 and 4-week CNA programs are available on weekdays along with a 6-week weekend program.
Price: $950 course fee includes books, equipment, and supplies, but not scrubs. Does not include registration ($100) or state test fee ($125).
Address: 140 Eldridge Road # G
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: 346.812.0147
URL: https://cnatraininginstitute.org/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Payment plan option available.
Low-Cost CNA Classes in Houston
Alpha Center of Excellence Training Institute
The Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute offers a thorough Certified Nurse Assistant training program that provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to assist patients and residents in healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. The course curriculum includes instruction on administering first aid, performing CPR, checking vital signs, and other key practices necessary for licensure as a CNA. Classes are 5 weeks long and the 60 classroom hours can be attended online via Zoom.
After completing the program, students will have the opportunity to take the Texas Nurse Aide exam, which is not included in the tuition fee, the cost of the test is $125 to obtain the licensure. The written section of the exam is available in both English and Spanish, while the skills portion will be performed in English per the request of the examiner.
Price: $900 covers the application fee, tuition, and criminal background check but does not cover the state exam fee.
Address: 10101 Harwin Dr, Suite #110
Houston, Texas 77036
Phone: 713.771.7737
URL: https://acetrainingcenter.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Classroom hours can be completed online, payment plan available.
Free CNA Classes in Houston
Almeda Health Care Center
The Almeda Health Care Center in Houston offers an opportunity for individuals interested in a career in healthcare but may be financially unable to pay for training, with a free Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training program. The program aims to assist the unemployed in finding stable employment within the expanding healthcare sector. The training program is completed in a short period of time and includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and hands-on clinical practice.
After successfully navigating the CNA courses, the program also offers job opportunities to graduates. The selection process takes into account candidates’ qualifications such as their academic background and financial needs as well as their commitment to the job.
Price: No cost.
Address: 7015 Almeda Rd
Houston, TX 77054
Phone: 713.799.2900
URL: n/a
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: n/a
Additional CNA Classes in Houston
While the above programs are all good options, they are not the only ones available in the Houston area. You can also check out the following local CNA programs.
ACE Training Center
ACE Training Center in Houston offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for providing basic care to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The program covers First Aid, CPR, vital sign checks, and more, providing students with the knowledge required to take the Texas Nurse Aide exam (fee not included). The written exam can be taken in either English or Spanish and the skills portion will be performed in English as per the examiner’s request.
Classes are held three days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) from 9 am to 2 pm for five weeks, with no evening or weekend classes available. Students can choose to attend in-person or participate in the live class through Zoom (60 hours). Clinical hours (40 hours) are mandatory and typically take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 am to 2 pm throughout the five weeks.
Price: $900
Address: 10101 Harwin Dr, Suite #110
Houston, TX 77036
Phone: 713.771.7737
URL: https://acetrainingcenter.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Hybrid online CNA classes available.
Texas Health School
The Texas Health School in Houston offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide (CNA) program to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide basic care to patients in various healthcare settings. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including communication with patients, patient rights, vital signs, nutrition, infection control, and proper body mechanics.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate and be eligible for state certification as a Nurse Aide. With employment opportunities available at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and more, the Texas Health School’s Nurse Aide program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Price: Contact school for current program fees.
Address: 11511 Katy Freeway Suite 200
Houston, TX 77079
Phone: 713.932.9333
URL: https://www.ths.edu/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Day, evening, and weekend classes available.
Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute
Consolidated Nurse Aide School in Houston offers a comprehensive and convenient CNA program, with classes completed in just three weeks. With smaller class sizes, students receive individualized training from multilingual instructors. Clinical rotations are available at nearby nursing homes, and periodic refresher courses help prepare students for the state exam. Onsite CPR (BLS) training is also available. With a 100% job placement rate for graduates, Consolidated Nurse Aide School is the affordable choice with payment plan options.
Price: $1,050
Address: 140 Eldridge Road # G
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: 346.8112.0147
URL: https://cnatraininginstitute.org/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Accelerated program available throughout the year along with day, evening, and weekend classes.
AZNI Health Institute
AZNI Health Institute in Houston offers a comprehensive 21-day Nurse Aide Training program, providing students with a fast track into the medical field. As a nursing assistant and health care professional, graduates of the program work closely with nurses and can find employment at local hospitals, rehab facilities, hospice facilities, psychiatric facilities, clinics, and personal care homes. With hospitals and agencies calling daily to hire graduates, finding a job will not be a problem.
Price: Packages range from $1,050 to $1,500
Address: 5144 Sam Houston Pkwy. Suite 704
Houston, TX 77015
Phone: 281.864.7042
URL: https://www.aznihealthinstitute.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: 21-day accelerated program.
Smithwood Medical Institute
Smithwood Medical Institute in Houston offers a comprehensive Nurse Assistant certification program, preparing students to provide top-notch comfort and care to patients. Rigorous training equips graduates with the knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism desired by healthcare employers, making them highly sought after in the field. The institute provides admissions support, financial guidance, and exam preparation, ensuring success in obtaining CNA certification. To see if Smithwood Medical Institute is the right fit, attend a virtual information session to experience the community firsthand.
Price: Contact the school for current fees.
Address: 7100 Regency Square Blvd. Suite 210
Houston, TX 77036
Phone: 713.975.0971
URL: https://www.smithwoodmedical.com/
Job Placement: Yes
Additional Features: Texas CNA exam preparation available for students – helps achieve their 90% pass rate.
Victorious Healthcare Academy
Victorious Healthcare Academy in Houston is a fully accredited and regulated institution, approved by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges. The academy offers a range of programs, including a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), Medication Aide, Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, Pharmacy Technician, IV Refresher, and CNA Exam Prep courses. With approval from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, students can be confident in the quality of education provided at Victorious Healthcare Academy.
Price: $750
Address: 5625 NW Central Dr. Suite D108
Houston, TX 77092
Phone: 832.791.3295
URL: http://www.victorioushealthcareacademy.com/
Job Placement: No
Additional Features: Flexible payment plans available.
How Much Do CNAs Make A Year in Houston?
CNAs in Houston earn just under to the average wages of CNAs in the United States. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for CNAs in Houston is $36,600 per year or $17.60 per hour. 80% of workers in this position make between $30,010 and $44,960annually.
| CNAs Employed | Avg. Annual Pay | Avg. Hourly Pay | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Metro Area | 17,860 | $36,600 | $17.60 |
| Texas | 84,960 | $35,370 | $17.01 |
| United States | 1,351,760 | $39,610 | $19.04 |
How Much Do CNA Courses Cost in Houston?
CNA programs are more affordable in Houston than in many parts of the country. It’s not uncommon to find lower-cost programs for less than $1,000. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,200 for most CNA programs in the area However, you do need to keep in mind that many program prices don’t include things like textbooks, scrubs, and registration fees. Be sure to ask about that when you’re researching programs so you get a complete picture of the total price.
Job Opportunities for CNAs in Houston
71,700 CNAs are employed in the state of Texas, with 15,940 of those coming in the Houston, Woodlands, and Sugar Land metro area. CNAs make up 5.86 out of every 1,000 jobs in the metro area, which is far lower than in other major metro areas like New York, Chicago, and Miami, which are all over 9 per 1,000. This means that comparatively, there should be more opportunities for work in these areas.
Where do CNAs work in Houston?
| Industry Type | Total Employment |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 5,712 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 4,686 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 1,708 |
| Home Health Care Services | 1,013 |
| Employment Services | 472 |
| Individual and Family Services | 439 |