Key Points
- Wichita CNA training finishes in 4 to 8 weeks.
- Kansas expects an 11% increase in CNA jobs through 2026.
- Wichita CNAs earned a median $36,360 annually in 2024.
Begin Your Nursing Career: CNA Training Programs in Wichita, KS
Compare top CNA classes in Wichita by cost, length, and format to launch your healthcare career.
Wichita’s healthcare sector employs thousands of nursing assistants across major hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting roughly 4,760 CNA positions in the metro area as of 2024. Kansas projects an 11% increase in CNA jobs through 2026, far outpacing the national average and creating consistent entry points for new workers. Training timelines run as short as four to eight weeks for state-approved programs, though costs, schedules, and clinical site availability vary significantly between private schools and community colleges.
The sections ahead cover Wichita’s local job market, hybrid and online program realities, nearby accredited schools, current salary data, and step-by-step certification requirements.
Why Become a CNA in Wichita? Healthcare Landscape and Demand
Healthcare workforce shortages are reshaping the entry-level job market across Kansas, and Wichita sits at the center of that transformation. As the largest city in Kansas and a regional medical center for south-central Kansas and northern Oklahoma, Wichita supports a robust healthcare sector with consistently high demand for certified nursing assistants across hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and home health home health care.
A Regional Healthcare Hub
Wichita anchors a multi-hospital ecosystem serving a seven-county metro area. Ascension Via Christi, Wesley Healthcare, and Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center form the backbone of acute care, while dozens of skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities provide residential care. Employers such as Ascension Living HOPE and Via Christi Village Broadmoor regularly recruit CNAs for memory care, long-term care, and home health roles.2 This diversity of care settings translates into a steady stream of job openings across all experience levels, from entry-level positions to specialized memory care roles.
Current Demand and Job Market
As of 2026, Kansas reports 658 total CNA job openings statewide1, with Wichita accounting for a significant share given its concentration of healthcare facilities. Local job boards consistently list dozens of positions at any given time, spanning hospital floors, nursing homes, and home care agencies. Hourly wages for CNAs in Wichita currently range from $16 to $24, with general CNA positions starting around $16 to $18 per hour2 and specialized roles like PRN memory care CNAs earning $22 to $24 per hour3. These wage bands reflect both the competitive market for healthcare talent and the premium placed on flexibility and specialized care skills.
Growth Drivers: Aging Population and Home Health Expansion
Two structural trends underpin CNA demand in Wichita. First, Kansas' aging population continues to drive growth in long-term care and assisted living facilities, creating persistent need for frontline caregivers. Second, the shift toward home-based care, accelerated by post-pandemic patient preferences and Medicare policy changes, has expanded the home health sector. CNAs now work in diverse settings including private homes, adult day programs, and hospice care, broadening the career paths available to newly certified aides.
For prospective students, this combination of a large employer base, diverse care settings, and demographic tailwinds makes Wichita a practical choice for launching a healthcare career. Graduates of CNA classes can expect to find work quickly, often before completing their state certification exam, and can build experience across multiple specialties within a single metropolitan area.
CNA training in Wichita can be completed in as little as 4 to 8 weeks, letting you enter the healthcare field fast. Many programs offer day, evening, or weekend options so you can get certified and start working quickly.
Online and Hybrid CNA Programs Available in Wichita
Fully online versus hybrid: both sound flexible, but in Kansas only one path can actually get you certified. State rules require hands-on clinical training, so any program claiming to be 100% online cannot lead to initial CNA certification in Kansas.1 In practice, the best fit for busy students is a hybrid program that moves theory and coursework online while keeping the required 90 clinical hours in-person at an approved facility.
Why Hybrid Works for Wichita Students
For students juggling jobs, children, or irregular schedules, hybrid programs remove one of the biggest scheduling headaches: sitting through classroom lectures at a fixed time. You complete readings, videos, and knowledge checks on your own schedule, then arrange your clinical shifts around your life rather than the other way around. That combination of flexibility and real-world practice is exactly what hybrid formats are designed to deliver.
Programs to Know About
A few options stand out for Wichita-area students in 2026:
- We Care Online: This KDADS-approved program is based in Wichita and follows a hybrid format, pairing online theory with the full 90 required clinical hours completed in person. It’s a straightforward option for local students who want flexibility without traveling out of the area for clinicals.
- WSU Tech Certified Nurse Aide Program: WSU Tech’s two-month program runs approximately $922 and is primarily in-person, though it may include hybrid elements depending on the current schedule. It is also approved by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, making its graduates eligible to sit for the state certification exam.
- Certified Nurse Aide Refresher (Online): If you are a lapsed CNA looking to reinstate your certification rather than start from scratch, there is a KDADS-approved online refresher course available for $375. This route is for renewal only, not initial certification.
- Allied Health Career Training CNA Recertification: Another Wichita-based option for recertification, this hybrid program combines online or classroom work with an in-person competency check, priced at $125.
Checking State Approval
Before enrolling in any hybrid or online-adjacent program, confirm that it carries approval from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. KDADS maintains a list of approved training programs1, and completing a non-approved course means you will not qualify to take the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam. A quick check against that list before you pay tuition can save a lot of frustration later.
CNA Training Programs Near Wichita: Top In-State Schools
Where can you find KDADS-approved CNA training programs in Wichita and surrounding areas that fit your schedule and budget? Wichita and the surrounding metro area offer several state-approved options for CNA training, ranging from fast-track private schools to community college choices. Each program prepares students for the Kansas nurse aide competency examination, but they vary in cost, schedule flexibility, and hands-on training environments.
Allied Health Career Training
Allied Health Career Training operates at 1217 W Douglas Ave in Wichita and provides a KDADS-approved nurse aide certificate program.1 This private training center focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical practice, and all coursework aligns with Kansas state requirements for nurse aide certification.
Bethel House Training Institute
Located at 1005 S Glendale in Wichita, Bethel House Training Institute offers one of the fastest paths to CNA certification in the metro area. The program runs 20 days and provides both day and evening class schedules,1 making it accessible for students who work or have family obligations. Bethel House holds KDADS approval and prepares students for the state competency exam through a blend of classroom theory and supervised clinical rotations.
WSU Tech
WSU Tech, situated at 4004 N Webb Road in Wichita, delivers a public technical college CNA program with a total cost of approximately $800. This KDADS-approved program typically spans 90 to 100 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.1 As a public institution, WSU Tech often offers financial aid options and flexible payment plans. Students complete hands-on training in local healthcare facilities, gaining real-world experience before taking the state exam.
Midwestern College
Midwestern College at 7607 East Harry Street provides a KDADS-approved nurse aide program with day, evening, and weekend schedule options.1 This flexibility allows students to maintain employment while completing training. Midwestern College emphasizes clinical partnerships with area healthcare providers, ensuring students practice skills in active care environments under the supervision of licensed nurses.
Butler Community College
For students willing to commute to El Dorado, Butler Community College at 901 S Haverhill Rd offers a public community college CNA program. Butler holds KDADS approval1 and provides the comprehensive curriculum required for Kansas certification. Community college programs often include additional student support services, tutoring, and career counseling resources.
We Care Online LLC
We Care Online LLC serves Wichita-area students through a KDADS-approved hybrid program. This delivery model combines online theory coursework with in-person clinical practice sessions,1 giving students greater control over their study schedule while still meeting the hands-on training requirements mandated by Kansas law.
Admission Requirements Across Programs
Most KDADS-approved programs require students to be at least 16 years old, though some prefer candidates who are 18 or older.1 Common admission prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, tuberculosis (TB) testing, background checks, and proof of immunizations. Some programs also require a pre-enrollment health screening and drug test. Clinical rotations typically take place in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospital settings within the Wichita metro area, exposing students to diverse patient populations and care environments.
According to state and federal data, Kansas expects an 11% increase in CNA jobs through 2026, compared to only 2% nationally. This sharp demand mirrors the growing number of older adults requiring skilled nursing assistance.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Wichita, KS
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants in Wichita held about 4,760 jobs in 2024. The median annual wage reached $36,360, which is competitive with other Kansas metro areas like Topeka and Lawrence. The table below breaks down employment and earnings across several nearby cities.
| Location | Total Employment | Mean Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | 4760 | 37070 | 35280 | 36360 | 37420 |
| Topeka, KS | 2320 | 39000 | 36680 | 37020 | 42720 |
| Manhattan, KS | 730 | 37700 | 34360 | 36110 | 40980 |
| Lawrence, KS | 530 | 37660 | 35160 | 37500 | 40180 |
How to Become a CNA in Kansas: Step-By-Step Guide
Becoming a certified nurse aide in Kansas means completing a state-approved training program, passing a two-part competency exam, and getting your name listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. The process is straightforward, and most students complete all of it within a few months. Here is exactly what that looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: Complete a KDADS-Approved Training Program
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, known as KDADS, oversees nurse aide training in the state. Every program you attend must carry KDADS approval, or your hours will not count toward certification.
Kansas requires a minimum of 75 training hours (including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice) whether you're in Wichita or taking CNA classes Overland Park KS. Some programs offer an expanded curriculum that runs longer and provides additional hands-on experience. When comparing CNA programs near you, check the total hours and the ratio of classroom time to clinical time, since more clinical practice generally makes the skills portion of the exam easier to pass.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents
Before you enroll and before you sit for the exam, you will need a few key documents in order:
- Photo identification: A government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
- TB test results: Most programs require documentation that you are free of active tuberculosis before clinical rotations begin.
- Criminal background check: Kansas requires a background screening. Certain convictions can affect your eligibility to work in facilities that serve vulnerable adults, so it is worth reviewing the KDADS guidelines early.
- High school diploma or GED: Not every program requires this for enrollment, but many do, and some employers expect it.
Gathering these items before your first day saves time and prevents delays at the clinical placement stage.
Step 3: Pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam
After finishing your training, you apply to take the state competency exam through the approved testing vendor designated by KDADS. The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration evaluated by a proctor. Both parts must be passed to earn certification. There is a fee to take the exam, and retake fees apply if you need to attempt either section again. Check the current KDADS website for the exact fee schedule, since amounts are updated periodically.
Step 4: Get Listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry
Passing the exam is not the final step. Your name must be added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work as a CNA in the state. The registry is maintained by KDADS and is the database employers check when hiring. Once listed, your certification is valid for two years. Renewal requires proof of paid employment as a nurse aide during that period. If you work the required hours, renewal is automatic through your employer. If you have a gap in employment, you may need to retest, so staying active in the field matters.
For official forms, fee schedules, approved program lists, and registry lookup, the KDADS website is your primary resource. You can also contact KDADS directly by phone if you have questions about eligibility or your specific situation.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you comfortable providing hands-on personal care to patients?
CNAs assist with bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. If you feel motivated by helping people through their most vulnerable moments rather than uneasy about it, this role is a strong fit.
Do you thrive in fast-paced, physically demanding environments?
Shifts in hospitals and long-term care facilities involve constant movement, lifting, and multitasking. Being honest about your stamina and stress tolerance now can prevent burnout later.
Are you looking for a stepping stone toward an RN or LPN career?
Many nurses in Wichita started as CNAs. If you see this as the first chapter of a longer nursing career, the clinical experience you gain will give you a meaningful advantage in future programs.
Can you commit to a training schedule that may last several weeks?
Most CNA programs in Wichita run four to twelve weeks and include both classroom hours and clinical rotations. Consider whether your current work and family obligations allow that level of commitment.
The Best CNA Programs for Wichita Students
Our ranking of Kansas CNA programs highlights schools that combine affordability, strong exam pass rates, and flexible scheduling available to Wichita-area students. While some campuses are located outside of Wichita, each program on this list offers accredited training that meets Kansas certification requirements. We considered program costs, delivery formats, and student support to help you choose the right fit.
Factors considered
- Affordability and total cost
- Program length and format flexibility
- State exam pass rates
- Hands-on clinical training hours
Data sources
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
North Central Kansas Technical College
#1Beloit, KS · $12,000/yr
Best for: Hybrid learners needing flexible scheduling
North Central Kansas Technical College offers a CNA program with hybrid flexibility and multiple start dates each year. Students gain essential nursing skills through a blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical labs. The program prepares graduates for the Kansas state certification exam and can serve as a stepping stone to advanced healthcare roles.
- 5-credit certificate program
- Hybrid or on-campus format available
- Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters
- Includes lecture, lab, and clinical experiences
- Prepares for Kansas State CNA Certification Test
- Students must be at least 16 years old
- Computer literacy required for online components
- Clinicals may require TB test and flu vaccination
Manhattan Area Technical College
#2Manhattan, KS · $10,000/yr
Best for: Budget-conscious students seeking full support
Manhattan Area Technical College provides a comprehensive, hands-on CNA program that combines classroom instruction with clinical practice. The program costs approximately $1,350 and includes tuition, fees, and textbooks, with reduced rates for high school students. Graduates are eligible to sit for the state certification exam and may apply credits toward advanced nursing programs.
- Approximate total cost $1,350
- Includes tuition, textbooks, and fees
- High school student reduced rate available
- 5-credit certificate program
- Campus-based with classroom and clinical hours
- Prepares for Kansas state certification
- Computer and internet access required
- Eligible for Kansas Promise Scholarship
Salina Area Technical College
#3Salina, KS · $6,000/yr
Best for: Career changers needing flexible afternoons
Salina Tech's CNA program is an affordable, eight-week certificate that gets students into the workforce quickly. With afternoon and evening class options, it accommodates working adults. The $774 program cost includes 25 hours of clinical experience, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in Kansas.
- 8-week program length
- Total cost of $774
- Afternoon and evening class schedules
- 25 hours of clinical experience
- Reading placement test required for admission
- Meets Kansas state certification requirements
- Refresher course available for $139
- Located in Salina, KS
Flint Hills Technical College
#4Emporia, KS · $16,000/yr (net price)
Flint Hills Technical College's six-week CNA program offers intensive, hands-on training in Emporia. Students complete 90 hours of instruction covering vital signs, wound care, and documentation. With experienced RN instructors and strong employer connections in east-central Kansas, graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment.
- 6-week accelerated format
- 90 hours of instruction
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Prepares for state certification exam
- Taught by experienced RN faculty
- Curriculum includes wound care and documentation
- Cost sheets available upon request
- Located in Emporia, KS
Cloud County Community College
#5Concordia, KS · $12,000/yr (net price)
Cloud County Community College offers a hybrid CNA program with campuses in Concordia and Junction City. The 90-hour course combines online learning with in-person labs, and limited class sizes ensure personalized attention. Military benefits and financial aid may apply for those who qualify.
- 90-hour blended online/face-to-face format
- Hybrid delivery with online and on-campus components
- Prepares for Kansas state certification
- Limited class sizes for individualized training
- Financial aid and military benefits accepted
- Lift 50 pounds requirement
- Clinicals conducted at local healthcare facilities
- Multiple campus locations available
Hutchinson Community College
#6Hutchinson, KS · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Hutchinson Community College, located just an hour from Wichita, provides a foundational nursing aide program focused on long-term care skills. The curriculum covers personal care, restorative techniques, and quality-of-life support. As an accredited institution, it offers a clear pathway into broader allied health careers.
- Focus on long-term and elderly care
- Accredited by KDADS and Higher Learning Commission
- Training in personal care skills (bathing, dressing)
- Restorative care and range-of-motion exercises
- Prepares for entry-level nursing assistant roles
- Can serve as foundation for advanced healthcare programs
- Located in Hutchinson, KS
- U.S. Department of Education recognized institution
Garden City Community College
#7Garden City, KS · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Garden City Community College's small, hybrid CNA classes (8-10 students) offer personalized instruction and flexible schedules. Students train in a state-of-the-art lab and complete clinicals at approved facilities. The program is approved by the Kansas Department of Aging and prepares students for state certification.
- Hybrid format with online and campus sessions
- Small class sizes (8-10 students)
- Hands-on training in state-of-the-art lab
- Approved by Kansas Department of Aging
- Scholarships available through financial aid
- Flexible schedules for working students
- Direct instructor advisement
- Located in Garden City, KS
Seward County Community College
#8Liberal, KS · $4,000 – $5,000/yr
Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas, offers a full-time CNA program with experienced RN instructors. The program emphasizes compassionate care and clinical supervision, preparing students for the state exam. Its affordable tuition and strong healthcare network make it a solid choice for southwest Kansas residents.
- Full-time campus program
- RN instructors with clinical experience
- Prepares for Kansas state certification
- Focus on patient care and safety
- Clinical supervision included
- Allied Health Division training
- Affordable tuition rates
- Located in Liberal, KS
Washburn Institute of Technology
#9Topeka, KS · $9,000/yr
Washburn Tech in Topeka offers a semester-long CNA program with morning, afternoon, and evening cohorts to fit diverse schedules. The 90-hour curriculum includes both classroom and clinical components, and classes start each August and January. It serves as a prerequisite for advanced healthcare pathways at Washburn University.
- Semester-long program (90 hours)
- Morning, afternoon, and evening cohorts available
- New classes start each August and January
- Prepares for Kansas state certification exam
- Includes OSHA 10 certification
- High school and adult students eligible
- Prerequisite for advanced healthcare programs
- Located in Topeka, KS
Colby Community College
#10Colby, KS · $8,000/yr (net price)
Colby Community College's Nurse Aide certificate is a 5-credit course that provides foundational skills for entry-level healthcare positions. The campus-based program prepares students for the state licensing exam and can be completed quickly. Prospective students should contact the advising center for current admissions and cost details.
- 5-credit hour certificate program
- Campus-based instruction
- Prepares for state licensing exam
- Entry-level healthcare training
- Part of Allied Health certificates
- Contact Trojan Advising Center for details
- Quick pathway to nursing assistant career
- Located in Colby, KS
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Wichita
Wondering about the details of CNA training in Wichita? Below are answers to common questions covering costs, timelines, online options, certification requirements, and more. Use this guide to plan your next steps toward a rewarding healthcare career.
Most programs in Wichita take one to two months, depending on schedule. Bethel House Training Institute, for instance, offers a one-month full-time day course.5 The state requires a minimum of 90 clinical hours, which these timelines include.
Many schools offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical labs. For instance, KansasWorks provides an online option3 alongside hands-on training. This flexibility lets you study theory at home while gaining required clinical experience in a local facility.
certified nursing assistants can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Major employers in the Wichita area include Ascension Via Christi, Wesley Medical Center, and numerous long-term care centers. Job demand is strong, and our guide to landing your first CNA job can help you get started.
You must complete a state-approved training program of at least 90 hours, pass both a written and skills exam, and undergo a background check. A high school diploma or GED is typically required for program entry. After passing the exam, you are placed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.
Most training programs in Wichita require a high school diploma or GED. It's a common prerequisite to enroll. However, some programs may also accept students who are at least 16 years old and can demonstrate basic reading and math skills. Check with individual schools for their specific admission criteria.
The state exam has two parts: a multiple-choice written test and a hands-on skills demonstration. The skills test typically involves performing tasks like taking vital signs or assisting with mobility. The combined exam fee is $20, and you must pass both sections to earn certification.
Yes, Kansas mandates a criminal background check as part of the certification process. You will be fingerprinted, and the results are reviewed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Certain past offenses may disqualify you, so it's important to disclose any history before applying.
Certification must be renewed every two years. To qualify, you need to have worked at least eight hours as a paid CNA within the last 24 months. If you haven't met this requirement, you may need to retake the competency exam. Keep your contact information updated with the registry.
