Looking to become a CNA in Wichita, Kansas? Check out our list of the top CNA programs in the area, carefully curated based on their quality of education, reputation, job placement opportunities, and affordability. We’ll also provide you with information on what it takes to be a CNA as well as some career info to help you decide if this is the right career path for you.
Quick highlights:
- There are more than 4,000 CNAs employed in the Wichita area.
- The average CNA makes over $32,000 per year with top earners making $40,000 or more.
- With many assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, there are lots of employment options in the area.
- With 4-week CNA classes in Wichita, it’s possible to quickly earn your license and begin earning a paycheck.
Kansas CNA Requirements
To become a CNA in Kansas you’ll need to pass an accredited CNA program. State-approved programs must have a minimum of 90 hours of instruction with at least 45 hours of classroom education and 45 hours of clinical instruction. The clinical instruction can be done in a simulated lab environment or at a health care facility under the supervision of a licensed practitioner.
To be admitted to a program, there can be some variance depending on where you choose to pursue your license, but in general you’ll be expected to meet the following requirements:
- Have current immunizations
- Pass a TB test
- Be in good physical health
- Meet a minimum age requirement (generally 18+ with some exceptions)
- Pass a criminal background check
Once you complete your program you will need to pay the necessary fees to sit for the state CNA exam. If you are able to pass that you can then earn a listing on the state nurse aide registry and begin working as a CNA in Wichita or elsewhere in Kansas.
Top CNA Programs in Wichita
Here are our choices for the best CNA classes available near Wichita.
Allied Healthcare Training
Allied Healthcare Training offers CNA classes that provide students with the basic nursing skills necessary to assist residents in healthcare facilities. These skills include taking vital signs and assisting with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and walking. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work as nurse aides in nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
The CNA classes are part-time and consist of 90 hours, divided into three components: 45 hours of theory/didactic training, 20 hours of skills lab, and 25 hours of clinicals. Students must provide a current government-issued photo identification card (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and there is no age restriction.
Private pay (non-sponsored) students must pay the full course fee prior to the start of the program, and a non-refundable deposit is due at the time of enrollment to reserve a seat. Sponsored students, on the other hand, may be exempt from paying the full course fee, depending on their funding source.
The course fee includes state exam and certification fees, an electronic textbook, one set of scrubs (top and pant), and a gait belt. For courses that require a COVID vaccine, the course fee is $769, and unvaccinated students will be charged an additional $50 fee. Vaccinated students may enroll in courses that do not require a vaccine, while unvaccinated students may not enroll in courses that require a vaccine.
Price: $769
Address: 1217 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
Phone: 877.376.8593
URL: https://alliedhealthcareertraining.com/wichita-cna
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: The school works with community partners to help students find financial assistance.
WSU Tech
WSU Tech offers a CNA course designed to prepare students for entry-level caregiver roles in nursing homes. The program provides comprehensive training in basic nursing skills and teaches students to work under the supervision of licensed nurses.
The instruction includes a combination of classroom lectures, skills lab exercises, and clinical experiences. To successfully complete the program, students must meet attendance requirements as outlined in the course syllabus, achieve satisfactory grades, and successfully pass a competency skills checklist.
The program is approximately eight weeks long and meets the guidelines set by the Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the state examination to become CNAs upon successful completion of the course.
WSU Tech’s CNA program offers students the opportunity to learn essential nursing skills and develop a foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Price: $877
Address: 213 N Mead St, Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: 316.677.9400
URL: https://wsutech.edu/short-term-health/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: CNA update course is also available for current CNAs.
Butler Community College
Butler Community College offers a comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide CNA course that prepares students to take the exam developed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). As CNAs, students will be responsible for providing day-to-day care in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care settings, working under the supervision of licensed nurses.
The CNA program at Butler Community College is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of basic nursing skills and knowledge. The program boasts a pass rate of more than 95 percent for the state certification exam, thanks in part to its small class sizes and dedicated instructors who work closely with students.
Upon completion of the program, some students may choose to continue their education in the Patient Care Pathways program, while others may begin their careers as Nurse Aides. The program is an excellent opportunity for students looking to make a difference in the lives of residents in long-term care settings while developing valuable healthcare skills.
Price: $500 for Butler County residents, $650 for other Kansas residents
Address: 901 S Haverhill Rd., El Dorado, KS 67042
Phone: 316.321.2222
URL: https://www.butlercc.edu/info/201197/pre-nursing-and-health-science/243/certified-nurse-aide
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Students may qualify for the Kansas Promise scholarship that covers tuition, fees, and books.
Bethel House Training **4-week CNA class
Bethel House Training Institute offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program that prepares students for entry-level positions in residential care facilities. The program covers basic patient care skills, including taking vital signs and assisting with daily needs such as bathing, dressing, and serving meals. Day and evening classes are available, and tuition includes books, scrubs, state testing, and other materials. There are no additional fees for unvaccinated students. The program is designed for busy working adults and offers a traditional/hybrid class with a smaller online portion. The course is four weeks long, with four class days and three clinical days.
Price: $650 – will match lower competitor prices.
Address: 1005 S Glendale, Wichita, KS 67218
Phone: 316.771.7316
URL: https://www.bethelhousetraining.com/certified-nurse-assistant
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: 4-week accelerated CNA class in Wichita. Weekday and weekend courses are available.
We Care Online
We Care Online offers a Certified Nurse Aide Course designed to develop the skills of nurses’ aides in hospitals or long-term care facilities. The course consists of 45 Clock Hours of online didactic learning and 45 Clock Hours of lab and clinical work, totaling 90 Clock Hours as required by KDADS. If the minimum number of students do not register,
We Care Online reserves the right to cancel the course. The expected income ranges from $9.70 to $15.80 per hour depending on the location and type of work. Reimbursement for the class may be available through your facility. We Care Online provides clinical guidelines and attire for students and offers resources for the Kansas State Registry for CNAs and practice CNA state exams. The Kansas state curriculum can also be downloaded or printed.
Price: $719
Address: 4601 E Douglas Ave #112, Wichita, KS 67218
Phone: 888.932.2501
URL: https://wecareonlineclasses.com/courses2/kansas/certified-nurse-aide-kansas/
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Online CNA course accompanies in-person clinicals.
Cowley College
Cowley College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant course designed to provide students with the basic skills, human understanding, and attitude needed to upgrade the services rendered for adult care facilities in the state of Kansas. The 90-hour course requires successful completion of a state examination, and students will receive certification from the state of Kansas upon passing.
The course is classified as 2.5 credits lecture and 2.5 credits lab, with practicum hours in long-term care facility required. Students must meet a minimum reading score and have a background check completed at the start of the course. High school vocational students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be at least 16 years old. Upon completion of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to become a nurse’s aide.
Price: $725 for Cowley County residents, and $775 for other Kansas residents.
Address: 125 S 2nd St., Arkansas City, KS 67005
Phone: 620.442.0430
URL: https://catalog.cowley.edu/content.php?catoid=7&navoid=2337
Job Placement: No.
Additional Features: Payment plans are available.
How much do CNA classes cost in Wichita?
The cost of CNA classes in Wichita, Kansas, typically ranges from approximately $600 to $800. This cost often includes tuition, textbooks, training materials, and may cover the certification exam fee. Additional expenses such as uniforms and background checks may apply. Financial aid options may be available. Contact the training programs for detailed information on tuition fees and financial assistance.
What’s the salary for CNAs in Wichita?
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs in the Wichita regional area make an average of $32,470 per year or $15.61 per hour. This is 10.4% lower than the national average for CNA salaries.
Where do CNAs work in Wichita?
CNAs in Wichita may end up working in a wide variety of settings for many different types of employers. Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top employers for CNAs in Wichita include:
| Employer | Wichita CNAs Employed |
|---|---|
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,656 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1,358 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 495 |
| Home Health Care Services | 294 |
| Employment Services | 137 |
| Individual and Family Services | 127 |
Helpful links for Wichita CNAs
For more information on becoming a CNA in Wichita or CNA courses in Kansas, try the following links.