Key Points
- Over 14,000 nursing assistants work in the Austin-Round Rock metro.
- Complete your CNA training in as little as 4 weeks.
- Most Round Rock CNA programs cost under $1,500 total.
Compare local, state-approved CNA training options in Round Rock, TX: costs, schedules, and certification steps.
The Austin-Round Rock metro area employs over 14,000 nursing assistants, with demand projected to grow 9% through 2034. Round Rock's expanding network of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and senior living communities drives steady hiring for entry-level healthcare workers who can provide hands-on patient care. For residents considering this path, the practical question is which training program fits their schedule, budget, and career timeline.
Most CNA programs in the area run 4 to 12 weeks and cost under $1,500, though tuition, clinical availability, and class formats vary among providers. Texas requires all candidates to complete in-person clinical hours before sitting for the state competency exam, which shapes how hybrid and evening programs structure their schedules.
Jump straight to the program list below.
Healthcare employers across the Austin metro area consistently seek certified nursing assistants to fill roles in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. Round Rock sits at the center of this demand, offering prospective CNAs access to a growing job market, competitive wages, and multiple pathways into the profession, including CNA classes in Texas.
The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area has experienced steady population growth, and healthcare infrastructure has expanded to keep pace. Large health systems operate facilities throughout the region, regularly posting openings for entry-level nursing assistants. Skilled nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and memory care communities also maintain ongoing hiring needs as resident populations rise. For job seekers, this translates into more opportunities to secure employment shortly after completing training and passing the state competency exam.
To get a sense of current hiring activity, visit the career pages of major regional employers. Health systems headquartered in or serving central Texas, such as those near CNA training in Austin TX, often list dozens of CNA positions at any given time, spanning day, evening, and overnight shifts. Checking these listings can help you understand which facilities are hiring, what shifts are available, and whether employers offer sign-on incentives or tuition reimbursement.
CNA wages in the Austin-Round Rock area generally compare favorably to statewide averages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics that break down nursing assistant compensation by metro area. Reviewing that data can give you a realistic baseline for what to expect as a new graduate. Many employers also offer shift differentials for nights or weekends, health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan contributions.
Training programs in the region often maintain relationships with local healthcare facilities. Some schools report job placement rates or highlight employer partners on their websites. Before enrolling, ask admissions staff whether the program coordinates clinical rotations at hiring facilities or offers career services such as resume workshops and interview preparation. Programs with strong employer connections can shorten the path from certification to your first paycheck.
If you want a broader view of hiring facilities, contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or local nursing home associations for directories of licensed long-term care providers in Williamson and Travis counties. These lists can help you identify potential employers beyond the major hospital systems, including smaller assisted living residences and home health agencies that may offer flexible schedules or specialized care environments.
Can you complete CNA Training online if you live in Round Rock? Texas regulations require all certified nursing assistant candidates to complete in-person clinical hours1, but many programs now offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with local clinical placements. This structure gives working adults and students with family commitments the flexibility to study theory at home while fulfilling hands-on requirements close to home.
Hybrid CNA programs split training into two components. Students complete classroom lectures, textbook readings, and exams online at their own pace, typically through a learning management system. Once the online portion is finished, students attend scheduled lab days and clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities in the Round Rock or North Austin area. Texas allows up to 51 hours of classroom instruction to be delivered online, but the state mandates a minimum of 24 clinical hours in a supervised healthcare setting1. Most programs exceed this minimum to ensure students gain sufficient bedside experience.
Several training providers in the Round Rock area offer hybrid or flexible scheduling to accommodate working students:
Hybrid programs are especially valuable for students juggling employment or childcare. Completing lectures and quizzes at night or on weekends frees up daytime hours for work, while scheduled clinical shifts offer predictable planning. Many hybrid programs also offer weekend or evening clinical slots, though availability varies by facility and enrollment. If flexibility is your top priority, confirm clinical scheduling options with the program before enrolling.
The following directory lists state-approved CNA programs accessible to Round Rock residents. Contact each school directly for the most current start dates and enrollment information.
A 3-month program with day and evening schedules, including 108 clinical hours. State-approved and costs $1,110.
Provides morning and evening training with 100 clinical hours. State-approved and costs $995.
A 1-week hybrid program costing $650. State-approved with flexible online and in-person components.
Getting your CNA certification in Texas follows a clear path from classroom to career. Most students complete the entire process in as little as 4 to 12 weeks.

CNA training offers one of the most affordable entry points into healthcare, but understanding the full cost picture helps you plan effectively. Round Rock students have several funding options that can reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.
Tuition for CNA programs in the Round Rock area typically ranges from $700 to $2,000. However, your total investment will likely fall between $900 and $2,500 once you factor in additional expenses:
Some programs bundle these items into their base tuition, while others list them separately. Always ask for a complete cost breakdown before enrolling so you can compare programs accurately.
Several funding sources can help offset your training costs. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides grants for eligible students who are unemployed, underemployed, or meet low-income thresholds.1 Contact your local Workforce Solutions office in Round Rock to determine eligibility and apply for WIOA funding before starting your program.
Texas also offers the Texas Public Education Grant, one of the grants for CNA classes available to students at approved institutions. While this grant primarily supports college-level programs, some CNA training providers at community colleges qualify. Healthcare-focused scholarships through local foundations and professional organizations typically award between $500 and $2,000 to aspiring nurse aides.
Employer-sponsored training represents another valuable option. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies in the Austin metro area offer funding for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after graduation.
Most local training providers understand that paying the full tuition upfront is not realistic for everyone. Many schools offer in-house payment plans2 that allow you to make a down payment followed by scheduled monthly installments3 throughout your training. These arrangements typically do not require credit checks and carry little or no interest.
To illustrate your options, consider this general comparison of program types serving Round Rock students:
Before committing to any program, ask admissions staff directly: What is the total cost including all fees? Do you accept WIOA funding? What payment plan options are available? Getting these answers in writing helps you budget confidently and avoid unexpected expenses.
Below are the top CNA programs serving Round Rock students. This ranking highlights state approved schools with strong completion rates, affordable tuition, and schedules that fit working adults.
Houston, TX · $30,000 – $35,000/yr
Best for: Accelerated four week program
Texas Health School delivers one of the fastest CNA programs in the state, combining 100 hours of hands on campus training with day, evening, and weekend schedules. The four week course covers essential patient care skills and ethics, fully preparing graduates for the Texas competency evaluation. With a high program completion rate and strong employer connections, it is a practical launchpad for healthcare careers.
Pharr, TX · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Job placement assistance focus
Rio Grande Valley College offers a campus based Nurse Aide certificate that emphasizes patient centered care and communication. The program includes job placement assistance, helping graduates secure roles in long term care, hospitals, and clinics. Admission is straightforward with no entrance exam, making it an accessible entry point into nursing support.
Waco, TX · $4,000 – $6,000/yr
Best for: Working adults needing evening classes
McLennan Community College provides a 100 hour Certified Nurse Aide Training that includes the state exam fee in its affordable tuition. Multiple class schedules accommodate working students, and the curriculum covers healthcare systems, legal ethics, and practical nursing functions. This public community college option combines low cost with solid preparation for entry level patient care roles.
Carthage, TX · $2,000 – $5,000/yr
Panola College offers a 116 hour Certified Nurse Aide program at multiple East Texas locations with evening schedules. The total cost of $784 covers tuition, textbooks, fees, and state testing, and scholarships can reduce costs for eligible students. The curriculum blends 64 lecture hours with 52 clinical hours, focusing on basic patient care for hospitals, long term care, and home health settings.
Odessa, TX · $3,000 – $5,000/yr
Odessa College provides an accelerated Certified Nurse Aide program that can be completed in 8 weeks, with both campus and hybrid options. The $1,900 tuition includes textbooks, scrubs, and the Texas Nurse Aide exam fee. Small class sizes and a simulation lab enhance hands on learning, and weekend clinical rotations fit busy schedules.
Mount Pleasant, TX · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Northeast Texas Community College offers a six week evening CNA course on its main campus for $750, with financial assistance available. The face to face program includes clinical experience and prepares students for the Texas certification exam. Admission requires being at least 18, immunization records, and CPR certification, and the program runs in fall, spring, and summer.
Brownsville, TX · $3,000/yr (net price)
Texas Southmost College provides two paths to a CNA credential: a one semester credit certificate and a six week non credit program. Both emphasize basic nursing skills and clinical training, with the non credit option offering a fast 112 hour track. Admission requirements include immunizations, background check, and drug screening, and graduates are eligible for the state exam.
Texas City, TX · ~$1,000/yr (est.)
College of the Mainland offers a two month campus based Certified Nursing Aide certificate in Texas City. The face to face program requires a high school diploma, background check, and health insurance, with no entrance exam. Clinical experiences are included, and graduates enter a field with strong job demand across multiple healthcare settings.
Clarendon, TX · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Clarendon College offers a state approved Certified Nurse Assistant program at multiple campus locations. The curriculum combines lecture, lab, and clinical training to prepare students for the Texas Registry Exam. Admission is open to individuals over 16 who are proficient in English and complete drug screening, immunizations, and a background check.
Victoria, TX · $3,000/yr (net price)
Victoria College provides a hybrid Nurse Aide program that begins with a free online theory course through Health and Human Services, followed by 50 60 clinical hours on campus and in local agencies. Tuition is $650 including a textbook, and successful completion qualifies students for the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam. Evening classes and flexible scheduling are available at the Victoria and Gonzales locations.
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from students considering CNA training in Round Rock. Whether you are wondering about costs, schedules, or the path to certification, this guide covers the essentials to help you get started.