New Orleans, like much of the United States, has an aging population of baby boomers that are in need of healthcare. What does that mean? It means job opportunities in the healthcare field. New Orleans is home to many nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations that need certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to help care for their patients. Becoming a CNA is a great way to break into the healthcare industry and the process is quick and inexpensive. We’ll teach you what you need to know and share with you some of the top CNA programs in and around New Orleans.
Highlights:
- Some programs in New Orleans offer 4-week CNA classes for speedy certificate completion.
- CNAs gain valuable experience allowing them to move up into many different healthcare roles.
- Some programs provide sponsored or even free CNA training with the guarantee of a job upon earning your license.
- CNA salary pay in New Orleans can be up to $42,000 per year.
Louisiana CNA Course Requirements
Every state has its own educational requirements for CNAs, a big one is the number of hours required. Louisiana has the following minimum hour requirements for accredited CNA programs:
- 80 total hours
- 40 classroom hours
- 40 clinical hours
Requirements for being a certified CNA in Louisiana include:
- Demonstrate that you are in good physical health
- Current on immunizations (w/ records)
- Completion of an accredited CNA program
- Pass a background check
- Successfully pass the state CNA exam
- Have an active listing in the state’s nurse aide registry
Top CNA Classes Near New Orleans
To become a CNA, you need the right education, but how do you choose the right school? We’ve created a list of top CNA programs in New Orleans to assist you in making your selection. See the summary list below for a quick overview and find further details on each program below.
Life Care
Life Care, LLC. offers a CNA certification program near New Orleans and Jefferson. This comprehensive course offers certification in only three weeks, complete with practical and theoretical training under the supervision of experienced professionals. Upon course completion, graduates receive a Training Verification Form, required by the Louisiana DHH to take the CNA certification exam.
The program includes two weeks of classroom instruction, one week of hands-on clinical experience, and CPR certification. Life Care accommodates flexible schedules with daytime and evening classes, with new cohorts beginning every three weeks. No high school diploma or GED is required, and students must pass a background check and provide proof of TB skin test.
Price: Contact the program for current tuition costs.
Address: 5100 Westbank Expy # 4, Marrero, LA 70072
Phone: 504.872.9985
URL: http://www.lifecareschool.com/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: 3-week accelerated CNA program.
St. Agatha Career Schools
At St. Agatha Career Schools, individuals are given the opportunity to earn a Nurse Aide certification in just 4-5 weeks. The course is 84 clock hours long and costs $670 in total. A payment plan is available for those who need it. Applicants must also pay an application fee of $40 on the first day, as well as two payments of $220 during the course – one on the clinical day and one on the last day. Upon completion of this training program and certification, students will be ready to apply for jobs in various healthcare settings such as long-term care facilities, acute care settings, clinics, and home health agencies.
Price: $670
Address: 10001 Lake Forest Blvd Suite 502, New Orleans, LA 70127
Phone: 504.245.7227
URL: http://www.sacsla.com/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: CPR training included.
Advance Nursing Training
Advance Nursing Training offers a Nurse Aide Training Program, which is approved by the Louisiana Department of Health and Board of Regents. This 5-week/133-hour course consists of 93 hours of classroom instruction and lab with licensed nurses, as well as 40 hours of clinical instruction in a skilled nursing facility. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Prometric Testing exam to become certified upon passing the written and skills exam.
The tuition includes CPR certification, state background check, initial state exam, textbook rental, and more. Applicants must be 16 or older with no criminal background convictions involving abuse or neglect. U.S. citizenship or authority to work legally in the US is also required. Pre-registration is available with a $200 deposit and payment plan options are available.
Price: $1,000
Address: 501 O’Bannon St Suite 111, New Orleans, LA 70114
Phone: 504.266.5773
URL: https://ant-no.com/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: 5-week program.
Nursing Network Association
Nursing Network Association is dedicated to helping students become certified and ready to make a difference in the medical field. Established in 1994, the school provides comprehensive training that focuses on career building. Students can expect relevant and state-of-the-art education, allowing them to reach their goals faster. This certification is perfect for those looking to accelerate their career and make a meaningful contribution to society.
Price: $570
Address: 4509 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.891.8088
URL: https://www.nursingnetworkschool.com/classese
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: 3-week accelerated daytime program.
Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College’s Nurse Assistant certificate program is an ideal preparation for students looking to pursue employment in long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals where basic bedside nursing care is needed.
Combining both clinical and didactic education, this program includes classroom instruction on the introduction to healthcare, infection control, basic nursing skills, body structure and function, and the job-seeking process, with an overview of computer skills related to the healthcare industry included.
Under the guidance and supervision of the instructor, students will also participate in clinical activities involving over 80 hours of basic nursing assistant care in approved facilities, with at least 40 hours of long-term care included. Students will practice using the nursing process to meet the biological, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of geriatric clients in selected environments, which includes rehabilitative care and support of death with dignity using therapeutic and preventive measures.
Upon completion of the Nurse Assistant certificate program, students will be eligible to take a certification exam, which is administered by a Prometric Testing Center. The program is approved by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and is held at the Jefferson Campus every Spring and Fall semester.
Price: $475
Address: 450 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504.568.2670
URL: https://www.dcc.edu/academics/charity-school-nursing/programs/certified-nursing-assistant.aspx
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Healthcare Training Institute **4-week CNA class
Healthcare Training Institute, LLC is dedicated to equipping its students with the skills and knowledge needed to gain employment and meet the needs of their local community. Founded in Kenner, LA, the institute provides comprehensive education and training in health care that enable individuals to venture confidently into a global workforce. As part of their mission, they strive to ensure that each student is adequately prepared for entry-level work in the field.
Price: Contact the institute for updated cost information.
Address: 2500 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: 504.467.2155
URL: http://healthcaretraininginstitutenola.net/programs
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
How much do CNA classes cost in New Orleans?
On average, CNA classes in New Orleans will cost around $700, though the price can vary greatly from one program to the next. We advise inquiring about what is and is not included in the advertised cost when you speak with admissions staff at a CNA program. Many times there are additional costs for scrubs, shoes, books, and other equipment that will increase your total cost.
What’s the salary for CNAs in New Orleans?
According to the latest May of 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs in New Orleans make $15.93 per hour on average. That works out to $33,130 per year, or about 16.3% lower than the national average for this position.
Where do CNAs work in New Orleans?
There are many healthcare operations that require the services of CNAs. Who employs the most? Well, have a look at the table below which details the estimated number of CNAs working across various industries in New Orleans.
| Employer | New Orleans CNAs Employed |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,577 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,293 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 471 |
| Home Health Care Services | 280 |
| Employment Services | 130 |
| Individual and Family Services | 121 |
Helpful links for New Orleans CNAs
Finding a local class in the New Orleans area is critical to becoming a CNA, but if you are still in the research phase of learning more about the profession or the requirements to gain your certification, we suggest the following links: