Key Points
- CNA jobs in Eugene are projected to grow 16% by 2032.
- Free CNA training often requires a 6- to 12-month work commitment.
- Oregon's CNA certification levels changed significantly in July 2025.
Your Complete Guide to CNA Training in Eugene, Oregon
Explore CNA training options in Eugene, OR. Compare state-approved programs, costs, schedules, and career prospects.
Lane County's healthcare sector now employs more than 1,290 nursing assistants, and that number is expected to climb 16 percent by 2032 as the population aged 65 and older continues to grow. CNAs are the backbone of long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies across Eugene and Springfield, performing daily patient care that keeps these operations running.
Finding the right training program means balancing cost, schedule, and local job-placement outcomes. Eugene offers a mix of community college programs, employer-sponsored training, and accelerated private courses, each with distinct price points and timelines.
CNA Job Market and Top Employers in Eugene
Eugene’s CNA job market is seeing a pronounced shift toward higher pay and more competitive benefits as providers compete for skilled nursing assistants. The metro area’s healthcare sector continues to expand, with acute-care hospitals and post-acute facilities driving steady demand for new graduates.
Major Employers in Eugene
- Hospitals: PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend is the largest hospital between Portland and San Francisco and a major CNA employer. McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center frequently lists CNA openings.
- Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation: Facilities such as Green Valley Rehabilitation Health Center, South Hills Rehabilitation Center, Avamere Rehabilitation of Eugene, Hillside Heights Rehab Center, Valley West Health Care Center, Good Samaritan Society , Eugene, and Creekside Health and Rehabilitation all hire CNAs regularly.
- Staffing and Home Health: Ro Health actively recruits CNAs for assignments across skilled nursing, assisted living, and home health settings, offering flexible schedules.
Wage Growth and Hiring Trends
Recent data shows wages on the rise across several facilities. Starting hourly pay ranges from $21.89 at Avamere and Volare to $24.02 at Sapphire.1 EmpRes and Meadow Park offer around $23 per hour. Notably, Meadow Park raised wages by 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, while Avamere and Volare each increased pay by 3%.1 These gains, driven by new union contracts and heightened competition for staff, mirror broader CNA employment trends.
Job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter consistently feature multiple CNA openings in Eugene, and hiring events at local facilities signal ongoing recruitment.
What This Means for New Graduates
For CNA graduates in Eugene, the job outlook is exceptionally favorable. The combination of acute care hospitals, numerous skilled nursing centers, and home health agencies means you can often choose a setting and shift that fits your lifestyle. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or pathways to advance into nursing roles, making a CNA position a strategic first step, and guidance on landing your first CNA job can help you take it.
Oregon's nursing assistant workforce is projected to grow 16 percent between 2022 and 2032, significantly outpacing average job growth across all occupations. This surge is driven largely by Lane County's rapidly aging population, where residents aged 65 and older represent one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the state.
Online and Hybrid CNA Programs Serving Eugene Students
Fully online CNA programs are not permitted in Oregon, so Eugene students must choose between traditional in-person training or hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with hands-on clinical requirements. Understanding your options can help you find a format that fits your schedule while meeting state certification standards.
Oregon's Clinical Requirement
Oregon requires all CNA students to complete clinical training in person at approved healthcare facilities. This means even hybrid programs will require you to travel for supervised patient care hours. Programs typically arrange clinical placements for students, so you will not need to secure your own site.
Hybrid Programs Available to Oregon Students
Several community colleges across Oregon offer hybrid CNA programs that could serve Eugene students willing to travel for clinicals:
- Treasure Valley Community College: Offers a 110-hour Nursing Assistant Course with four weeks of synchronous evening online instruction. Clinical placements are arranged in Ontario, a significant distance from Eugene.1
- Clackamas Community College: Provides a Nursing Assistant 1 program with online lectures and clinical placements in the Portland area. This program is currently full with a waitlist for Fall 2026.2
Portland Community College offers a Non-Credit Nursing Assistant program, though it is delivered entirely in person at their Sylvania Campus with clinical placements in the greater Portland area.3
Finding Programs That Serve Eugene
To locate approved programs, check the Oregon State Board of Nursing website for their current list of CNA training providers, which indicates delivery formats and service areas. Visit individual school websites and search for CNA or nursing assistant programs to see specific schedules and clinical placement locations.
You can also contact the Oregon Health Care Association or local nursing homes in Eugene to ask about programs that partner with facilities in your area for clinical placements. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Find Training feature and CareerOneStop allow you to search CNA programs by location and filter by delivery method, which can help identify options closer to home.
Free and Employer-Sponsored CNA Training Options in Eugene
Where can I find free CNA training in Eugene, Oregon? If the price of a traditional program is holding you back, several local employers and organizations offer training at no upfront cost to you.
Employer-Sponsored Programs
- Avamere Rehabilitation Centers in Eugene offers free CNA training for individuals who commit to working at an Avamere facility after certification. Reach out to their human resources department to ask about upcoming cohorts and the length of the work agreement.
- Volare Health also provides a zero-cost Nurse Assistant Training program at its Eugene location. Similar to Avamere, you'll typically need to agree to a post-training employment period.
- Long-Term CareWorks CNA Apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction at no charge. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but a work agreement is required.
- Carewell SEIU 503 runs a free, intensive three-week CNA training program in Lane County for individuals who are already Carewell SEIU 503 care providers. Enrollment is capped at just 10 students, so early application is essential.
State Reimbursement and Financial Aid
If you pay for your own training up front, you can still end up with a zero net cost. Under Oregon's CNA Reimbursement Policy, you can receive 100% reimbursement of your training costs if you begin work as a CNA within 12 months of completing an approved program. For example, if you enroll in the Lane Community College Nursing Assistant program (which costs $1250), you can recoup that entire amount once employed.
The Goodwill Industries Prosperity Center in Lane County offers Individual Development Accounts that may be used toward CNA training expenses. Contact them directly to learn about eligibility and application windows.
How to Secure a Sponsored Spot
Sponsored and free spots fill quickly. Call the human resources offices at local healthcare facilities, including PeaceHealth, Prestige Care, and Avamere, and ask specifically about paid training cohorts or tuition reimbursement programs. Inquire about eligibility requirements, which often include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and committing to a set period of employment after licensure.
Free CNA training sounds appealing, but most employer sponsored programs require a 6 to 12 month work commitment at that facility. If you leave early, you may owe the full tuition back. Paying $1,200 to $2,500 out of pocket gives you immediate job flexibility to choose where you work from day one.
Oregon CNA Licensing Requirements: A Step-By-Step Path
Before you can work as a CNA in Oregon, you must complete two key processes: a state application and a national competency exam. Both are managed through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), which consolidated all CNA credentials under its authority in July 2025.
Complete Your State-Approved Training
First, finish an OSBN-approved CNA training program, as CNA classes in Oregon require a minimum of 75 hours of instruction. Your school will issue a certificate of completion, which you’ll need to apply for the exam.
Submit Your Application and Background Check
After training, create an account on the OSBN Nurse Portal and submit your application.2 The application triggers a mandatory fingerprint-based criminal background check. The background check fee is $70.50, payable directly through the portal. Do not delay this step: OSBN must approve your eligibility before you can schedule your exam.
Pass the CNA Competency Exam
Oregon relies on Headmaster as its approved testing vendor. After OSBN approves your application, you’ll schedule your knowledge test and skills test through the TMU/Headmaster system.3 The combined exam fee is $106.3 You must pass both components to earn your CNA credential. Headmaster offers test dates at multiple sites; schedule early to avoid waiting periods.
Get Listed on the Oregon CNA Registry
Once you pass, OSBN adds your name to the Oregon CNA Registry. Employers verify your status online, so you cannot begin working until your listing appears. The registry is public and searchable, making it easy for hiring managers to confirm your active status.
Recent Changes and Deadlines
All temporary or emergency CNA licenses issued during the COVID-19 pandemic have expired. There are no longer any shortcuts: you must complete the standard CNA training, background check, and exam path. For the most current forms, fees, and exam scheduling, visit the OSBN website directly. Their contact information and portal links are updated whenever policies shift.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Eugene, OR
In the Eugene-Springfield metro area, nursing assistants earn a median annual wage of $46,900, with the middle half of earners making between $40,880 and $54,900. Employment stands at 1,290 as of 2024. For comparison, nearby Portland and Salem have slightly higher medians and larger employment bases, reflecting their bigger healthcare sectors.
| Metro Area | Total Employment | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | 1,290 | $46,900 | $40,880 | $54,900 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 7,600 | $48,520 | $46,090 | $55,910 |
| Salem, OR | 1,330 | $48,280 | $45,820 | $58,690 |
| Bend, OR | 490 | $47,560 | $47,450 | $56,150 |
| Medford, OR | 840 | $46,520 | $43,500 | $50,570 |
CNA 1 Vs. CNA 2 in Oregon: Certification Levels Explained
If you're considering CNA classes in Oregon, here's a key development: Oregon's two-tier CNA system was overhauled on July 1, 2025, and the old CNA 1 vs. CNA 2 distinction no longer works the way it used to.1
What Changed in 2025
Historically, Oregon issued two separate credentials. A CNA 1 handled basic bedside care (bathing, feeding, vitals, mobility support), while a CNA 2 was trained for more advanced tasks like sterile dressing changes, tube feedings, and other acute-care skills. CNA 2 required an active CNA 1 credential first, plus additional state-approved training and a separate competency exam.
As of July 2025, the Oregon State Board of Nursing consolidated these into a single CNA credential. There is no separate CNA 2 license path in 2026. Instead, additional authorized duties are now handled at the employer level: the hiring facility provides the training and an RN validates competency on the job.1
What This Means for Eugene Students
- One credential to start: You pursue a single CNA certification, not two.
- Advanced skills come from your employer: Hospitals and acute-care settings in Eugene that previously required CNA 2 now train qualified CNAs in those extended duties directly.
- Training doesn't always transfer: When you change employers, the new facility typically requires its own training and competency validation for advanced tasks.
- Employer sponsorship is common: Many Eugene hospitals and skilled nursing facilities cover the cost of this advanced on-the-job training for CNAs they hire.
If a job listing in Eugene still references "CNA 2" language, ask the employer directly what training they now provide under the consolidated rules.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you want to work in a nursing home or in a hospital?
Most long-term care facilities hire CNA 1s, while Oregon hospitals typically require CNA 2 certification. Your preferred setting should drive which level you pursue first.
Are you willing to complete extra training for higher pay and more clinical responsibilities?
CNA 2 programs add clinical hours and skills like IV monitoring, but they cost more time and money upfront. The pay difference can be meaningful, so weigh that against your current schedule.
Does your target employer offer CNA 2 sponsorship or tuition reimbursement?
Some Eugene-area hospitals and health systems will pay for CNA 2 training if you commit to working for them. Starting as a CNA 1 and letting an employer sponsor your upgrade can eliminate the cost entirely.
How to Evaluate CNA Programs in Eugene: Key Factors
Program-arranged clinical rotations versus student-sourced placements represent two fundamentally different training experiences. In Eugene, most approved programs assign your clinical site, simplifying logistics and ensuring partnerships with reputable facilities. Before you enroll, verify four non-negotiable criteria that separate strong programs from weak ones.
State Approval: Your First Checkpoint
Every legitimate CNA program appears on the Oregon State Board of Nursing's approved training directory. Check the directory before paying a deposit. Unapproved programs cannot qualify you to sit for the Oregon state exam, regardless of how polished their website looks. If a provider's name does not appear on the official list, walk away.
Clinical Placement: Who Finds Your Site?
Most Eugene programs handle clinical assignments for you. Lane Community College rotates students through local skilled nursing facilities, and Dare 2 Care coordinates placements at partnering long-term care centers in the Eugene area.2 A few programs require students to secure their own clinical sites, a task that can delay your timeline by weeks if you lack healthcare contacts. Ask the admissions office directly: does the school arrange your 48-hour or 75-hour clinical rotation, or is placement your responsibility?
Program Length and Schedule Flexibility
Eugene programs range from 3 weeks to 12 weeks. Dare 2 Care offers a Level One Nursing Assistant program with 3- to 6-week cohorts in day and evening formats. Lane Community College runs a 12-week track2 (morning and evening sessions) and a 4- to 6-week intensive option for faster completion.3 Match the calendar to your work schedule. Evening cohorts appeal to current employees; daytime tracks suit full-time students.
Total Cost: Demand an Itemized Breakdown
Tuition is only part of the bill. Request line-item costs for textbooks, scrubs, background checks, fingerprinting, CPR certification, and the state exam fee. Compare that total to the free employer-sponsored programs discussed earlier. A program listing a low headline tuition may add $300 in mandatory fees at registration, erasing any advertised savings.
Comparing CNA Programs in Eugene: Costs, Schedules, and Deadlines
Choosing a CNA program means weighing three practical factors side by side: how much you will pay, how the schedule fits your life, and when you need to apply. Eugene has a small but varied set of training options, each structured differently enough that a direct comparison can save you time and money.
Community College Programs
Lane Community College offers a Nursing Assistant 1 certificate at its main campus on East 30th Avenue. Total program cost is approximately $1,250, which covers tuition, fees, and related expenses for a non-credit certificate. The program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and prepares students for the Oregon CNA-1 exam. Cohort sizes are small, typically around 10 students, so seats fill quickly. A background check is required before enrollment, and clinical hours are completed on campus or at partnered facilities. Because Lane runs multiple cohorts per year, check their continuing education catalog for the next available start date, as application windows can close weeks in advance.
Private Training Centers
Dare to Care Learning Center, located on Willagillespie Road in Eugene, is a private training center offering CNA coursework. Private programs in Oregon generally cost more than community college options, with tuition typically ranging from $1,800 to $3,000. The tradeoff is that private centers may offer more flexible scheduling, including evening or weekend sessions, and shorter wait times between cohorts. Before enrolling, confirm that any private program you consider is on the Oregon State Board of Nursing approved programs list, as only graduates of approved programs are eligible to sit for the state certification exam.
Employer-Sponsored Training
Avamere Rehabilitation facilities in the Eugene area offer employer-sponsored CNA training at no cost to participants.3 In exchange, trainees typically commit to working at the sponsoring facility for a set period after certification. A background check is required.4 This path eliminates tuition entirely, but you should factor in the employment commitment before signing on.
Key Comparison Points
- Tuition range: Community college programs cost roughly $600 to $1,700 across Oregon, while private centers can run $1,800 to $3,000. Employer-sponsored options may be free.
- Clinical hours: All Oregon CNA-1 programs require a minimum of 105 clinical hours, regardless of provider type.
- Class size: Smaller cohorts (like Lane's 10-student cap) mean more hands-on instructor time but fewer openings per term.
- Deadlines: Community college programs often have set enrollment periods, while private and employer-sponsored programs may accept rolling applications.
When comparing options, request a full cost breakdown from each provider. Ask specifically about fees for textbooks, uniforms, CPR certification, and the state exam, as these are sometimes bundled into the quoted price and sometimes not. Programs that look cheaper on paper can end up costing the same once every line item is counted.
CNA Exam Pass Rates and Job Placement Outcomes in Eugene
Prospective CNAs increasingly prioritize programs that demonstrate clear exam success and job placement results. While not all data is centralized, a few targeted checks can reveal how well a training program prepares you for licensing and employment.
Finding Official Exam Pass Rates
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) compiles annual exam pass rate reports for every approved CNA training program in the state. These reports show the percentage of a program's graduates who pass the competency exam on their first attempt. Visiting the OSBN website and searching for Eugene-area providers gives you a direct comparison of how schools stack up. High first-time pass rates often signal strong clinical preparation and attentive instruction.
Evaluating Job Placement Claims
Many Eugene programs list job placement rates or employer partnerships on their own websites. When reviewing these, look for specifics. Is the rate based on graduates who sought employment, and over what timeframe? Schools with strong ties to local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living centers can often connect students to interviews or hiring events before graduation.
Beyond the Numbers: Local Hiring Trends
State and federal sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide broader job outlook data for nursing assistants in the Lane County area, though they do not track program-level outcomes. For a ground-level view of hiring patterns, the Oregon Health Care Association and local long-term care associations can be valuable contacts. They sometimes share insights on which facilities are actively recruiting and what they look for in new CNAs. Speaking directly with program staff or attending information sessions can also uncover unofficial patterns, such as which clinical sites routinely hire students after clinical rotations.
Top CNA Programs for Eugene Students: Ranked by Value and Outcomes
Here are the top CNA training options serving Eugene-area students, ranked by value and verified graduate outcomes. Each school’s net price, graduation rate, and median earnings are drawn from the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
Factors considered
- Affordability and net price
- Graduate earnings potential
- Program completion rate
- Return on investment
- Local availability and format
Data sources
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Oregon Coast Community College
#1Newport, OR · $8,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Rural learners seeking hybrid CNA training
Oregon Coast Community College in Newport offers a state-approved Nursing Assistant program with hybrid flexibility, blending online lectures with in-person skills labs and clinicals. The 120-hour, 7-credit course prepares students for OSBN certification. While program-specific earnings are not yet reported, the college’s effective net price is $7,666 and its graduation rate is 36%.
- 120-hour training across online lectures, skills lab, and clinical rotation
- 7 academic credits, eligible for federal financial aid
- Oregon State Board of Nursing approved curriculum
- 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience in local healthcare facilities
- Focus on bedside nursing, infection control, and patient rights
- Available at Newport and Lincoln City campuses
- Prepares graduates for immediate OSBN CNA certification exam
Umpqua Community College
#2Roseburg, OR · $8,000/yr
Best for: Career changers targeting high ROI certification
Umpqua Community College in Roseburg delivers an 11-week hybrid Nursing Assistant Level One program with high first-time exam pass rates. Students benefit from in-state tuition and a strong return on investment, with median earnings of $36,676 for federal aid recipients. The effective net price is $8,340, and the graduation rate is 31%.
- 11-week hybrid program with classroom and clinical training
- Prepares for the Oregon State Board of Nursing licensing exam
- Strong first-time OSBN exam pass rates
- Modern clinical training facility on the Roseburg campus
- Stand-alone certificate with no additional coursework required
- Teaches bedside nursing, restorative techniques, and patient rights
- Scholarships and grants available to reduce out-of-pocket cost
Southwestern Oregon Community College
#3Coos Bay, OR · $9,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Students pursuing dual CNA Level 1 and 2 certification
Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay provides an Advanced Nursing Assistant Career Pathway Certificate that covers both CNA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and health information technology. Institutional median earnings are $38,349, with a net price of $8,527 and a graduation rate of 40%.
- 19-credit program leading to both CNA Level 1 and Level 2
- Oregon State Board of Nursing approved curriculum
- Hands-on clinical rotations in partner healthcare facilities
- Integrates health information technology skills training
- Career pathway designed for immediate employment or further nursing education
- Covers documentation, medical records, and bedside care techniques
Chemeketa Community College
#4Salem, OR · ~$8,000/yr (est.)
Chemeketa Community College in Salem runs a 136-hour Basic Nursing Assistant program on a lottery-based admission system. The non-credit course costs about $1,466 plus additional fees and includes 66 hours of clinical experience. Median earnings are $40,968, the net price is $8,200, and the graduation rate is 21%.
- 136-hour training comprising classroom, lab, and clinical components
- Oregon State Board approved, non-credit certification course
- 66 hours of supervised clinical experience in long-term care
- Year-round offerings at Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses
- Lottery-based admission: submit application and prerequisites
- Total program cost approximately $1,466 (tuition and fees)
- Requires CPR certification, background check, and drug screening
Central Oregon Community College
#5Bend, OR · $5,000 – $14,000/yr
Central Oregon Community College in Bend offers a one-year Nursing Assistant Certificate that combines CNA training with community health worker competencies. The campus-based program spans three terms, and students should budget for additional expenses like immunizations and scrubs. Median earnings are $38,940, the net price is $12,266, and the graduation rate is 25%.
- One-year certificate (three terms) with CNA and community health worker focus
- 34–43 credits covering nursing, communication, and public health
- Prepares for Oregon CNA certification and immediate employment
- Requires immunizations, criminal history check, and drug screen
- Must be 18 years old by clinical start; 2.0 GPA required
- Additional expenses: ~$600 immunizations, $170 background check
- Stand-alone NUR 103 option available for quicker entry
Lane Community College
#6Eugene, OR · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
Lane Community College in Eugene is the primary public CNA option locally, but its Nursing Assistant 1 and 2 classes are currently on hold while the college hires a new instructor. When active, the 12-week, $1,250 program includes CPR certification and textbook. Median earnings are $38,075, the net price is $9,123, and the graduation rate is 20%.
- 12-week program: 6 weeks classroom/lab plus 6 weeks clinical
- Cost of $1,250 includes CPR card and textbook
- Prepares for the Oregon State Board of Nursing CNA exam
- Limited to 10 students per class, first-come registration
- English language support and PASS Lane resources available
- No prior healthcare experience required
- One-term non-credit course building on CNA 1 skills
- Cost of $1,250 includes CPR certification and textbook
- Covers advanced nursing skills, anatomy, and medical terminology
- Limited to 10 seats, first-come, first-served enrollment
- Classroom, lab, and clinical components in healthcare settings
- Prepares for Oregon certification and expanded care roles
Rogue Community College
#7Grants Pass, OR · $11,000/yr (net price)
Rogue Community College in Grants Pass offers a fast 4–5 week hybrid Nursing Assistant 1 program that combines online coursework with on-site labs. Tuition is $1,750, and the program includes 105 hours of training. Median earnings are $36,845, the net price is $11,042, and the graduation rate is 9%.
- 4–5 week hybrid program: online lectures plus in-person labs
- 105 total training hours, state-approved by Oregon Board
- $1,750 tuition with a $150 non-refundable deposit
- Clinical training at local facilities in Josephine and Jackson counties
- Prepares for OSBN CNA certification exam
- Requires BLS Provider Course, immunizations, and TB test
- VA tuition assistance and WorkSource funding may be available
Treasure Valley Community College
#8Ontario, OR · $11,000/yr (net price)
Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario provides a 110-hour CNA program with in-state tuition as low as $725. The campus-based course includes CPR training and clinical experience. Median earnings are $36,738, the net price is $11,172, and the graduation rate is 37%.
- 110-hour program including clinical experience and CPR certification
- Campus-based with hybrid evening online classes and Saturday labs
- In-state tuition $725; out-of-state $800 plus fees
- 10-week program leading to Oregon CNA certification eligibility
- Minimum age 16; high school diploma or GED required
- Background check, drug screening, and current immunizations needed
- Limited seating; applications processed in order received
Clackamas Community College
#9Oregon City, OR · $8,000/yr
Clackamas Community College in Oregon City runs a one-term hybrid Nursing Assistant 1 course costing around $1,730. The limited-entry program admits 10–20 students per cohort and includes clinical rotations in long-term care. Median earnings are $42,886, the net price is $7,855, and the graduation rate is 23%.
- One-term hybrid program: online lectures and in-person labs
- 6.5 credits, costing approximately $1,730 all-in
- 45 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care facility
- Offered every term with 10–20 students per cohort
- Requires mandatory orientation, CPR, and background check
- Scholarships and grants may lower out-of-pocket cost
- Prepares for Oregon CNA licensing exam upon completion
Klamath Community College
#10Klamath Falls, OR · $5,000 – $8,000/yr
Klamath Community College in Klamath Falls offers a 5-credit Nursing Assistant course that prepares students for the Oregon CNA exam. The campus-based program has a low net price of $7,050 and accepts up to 10 students on a first-come basis. Median earnings are $34,357, and the graduation rate is 43%.
- 5-credit course covering personal care, safety, and infection control
- Prepares for the Oregon State Board of Nursing CNA exam
- Campus-based format with limited enrollment of 10 students
- First-come, first-serve registration; no strict application deadline
- Focus on legal/ethical issues and interpersonal communication
- Net price as low as $7,050; financial aid may be available
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Eugene
Have questions after reviewing the training options in Eugene? Below are clear, direct answers to the most common inquiries from aspiring nursing assistants, based on current Oregon requirements and local job market data.
CNAs in Eugene earn a median annual wage of about $41,900, or roughly $20.15 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $16.39 and $22.69 per hour. These figures, from ZipRecruiter salary data for Eugene, reflect current regional pay; for national comparisons, see our CNA salary data. Pay can vary with experience, shift differentials, and employer type.
Yes, the CNA 2 credential is still active in Oregon. It requires completing an additional 88-hour training program (including 28 clinical hours) after you hold a CNA 1 certification. CNA 2s can perform more advanced tasks, like sterile procedures and tube feedings, under the direction of a nurse, and are regulated by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
You can complete the theory portion of CNA training online, but Oregon mandates in-person supervised lab skills practice and clinical hours. No program is entirely virtual. This hybrid model lets you study lectures remotely while still gaining the hands-on experience required for state board approval.
Standard CNA 1 training in Oregon totals 155 hours, with 75 clinical hours. A full-time schedule can generally be finished in 4 to 6 weeks; part-time or evening cohorts may extend to 8 to 12 weeks. The CNA 2 upgrade adds 88 hours (28 clinical), typically completed in a few weeks.
To enroll in a state-approved CNA program in Oregon, you will need a valid government-issued ID, a criminal background check clearance, and current adult CPR certification. Most schools also require a high school diploma or GED. After training, you must pass the Oregon CNA competency exam, which carries a $106 fee.
Costs vary widely. While employer-sponsored programs can eliminate the tuition expense, most area programs charge between $500 and $1,500. This range typically covers tuition, supplies, and lab fees but may not include the $106 state exam fee, CPR certification, or scrubs. Always request a detailed fee breakdown directly from the school; for help with tuition, explore our guide to paying for nursing school.
