Key Points
- Over 3,000 new CNA positions are projected in North Carolina by 2030.
- Charlotte-area CNAs earn a median annual wage of $38,580.
- One in six CNA positions statewide are currently vacant.
A complete guide to state-approved CNA training in Statesville—compare costs, class schedules, admission requirements, and clinical training options.

Iredell County is adding healthcare jobs faster than local training programs can fill them, and CNAs are at the center of that shortage. The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area, which includes Statesville, reported a median annual wage of $38,580 for nursing assistants in 2024, with Iredell Health System and regional long-term care operators posting open positions month after month.
Affordable, state-approved CNA training is available in Statesville and within a short commute, primarily through community college programs that cost a fraction of private training schools. The practical tension most applicants face is scheduling: North Carolina requires hands-on clinical hours, so no program is fully online, and balancing work or family obligations with those clinical shifts is the real planning challenge.
Statesville's healthcare sector is quietly reshaping itself, with Iredell Health System expanding outpatient services and long-term care operators competing hard for certified nursing assistants. That competition is good news if you're thinking about how to land your first CNA job here.
The city sits inside a healthcare corridor anchored by a mix of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community-based care providers. Major local employers include:
Iredell County's population is aging faster than the national average, and hospital systems are expanding outpatient and post-acute services to keep up. CNAs handle the hands-on work that keeps units running: bathing, feeding, vital signs, mobility assistance, and the constant patient observation that RNs rely on.
To work in any of these settings, you must be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, maintained by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation. Registry listing confirms you completed a state-approved CNA training in North Carolina program and passed the competency exam. Your scope covers direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse: personal care, basic clinical tasks, and reporting changes in patient condition. Invasive procedures, medication administration, and independent assessments fall outside CNA scope in North Carolina.
Fully in-person CNA training versus hybrid programs: the choice usually comes down to how much flexibility you need in your weekly schedule. North Carolina does not permit a 100% online CNA program because state regulations require hands-on clinical hours at approved facilities. What you can find, however, are hybrid programs that move lectures and theory online while keeping skills labs and clinical rotations in person.
In a hybrid model, the classroom portion (anatomy basics, infection control, patient rights, communication) is delivered through recorded video lectures, reading assignments, quizzes, and sometimes virtual patient simulations. You complete this coursework on your own schedule, usually within weekly deadlines. Then you show up in person for skills labs, where instructors verify you can safely perform tasks like transfers, vital signs, and personal care. Clinical rotations happen at a partner facility (a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care center) near the school.
Several North Carolina providers run hybrid Nurse Aide I programs that Statesville residents can reach:
Which schools near Statesville are actually approved by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to run a Nurse Aide I training program? The list is shorter than you might expect, and most students end up choosing between Mitchell Community College and a nearby private academy in Mooresville. Here's a rundown of what is available within a reasonable commute.
Mitchell Community College is the anchor CNA provider in Iredell County. It runs the Nurse Aide Training Program at three sites, all state-approved by NC DHHS:1
All three sites deliver the same state curriculum and prepare students for the NNAAP exam. Mitchell's continuing education office publishes the current schedule, tuition, and required textbooks each term. For the most accurate cost breakdown (registration fee, textbook, uniform, and exam fee), contact Mitchell Community College's Healthcare Continuing Education office directly rather than relying on outdated estimates online.
GraceMed Academy is a private, state-approved provider at 470 North Broad Street, Suite E, Mooresville, NC 28115. Its Nurse Aide Training Program is listed on the NC DHHS approved-programs roster,1 and the academy advertises training seven days a week, which gives working students far more scheduling flexibility than a traditional college term. If evenings and weekends are the only times you can attend, GraceMed is worth a direct call to ask about upcoming start dates and total program cost.
Before you commit to any program, ask each provider the same set of questions so you can compare fairly:
North Carolina requires a minimum of 75 clinical hours and passage of the NNAAP exam1 to be listed on the Nurse Aide I Registry, so any legitimate program you consider will meet those baselines. If a school cannot confirm it is on the NC DHHS approved list, walk away.
The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area, which includes Statesville, employed 13,050 nursing assistants in 2024 with a median annual wage of $38,580, or about $18.55 per hour. Recent job postings from Statesville employers such as Iredell Health System and Brookdale Senior Living show typical starting wages between $15 and $18 per hour, with some facilities offering sign-on bonuses up to $5,000. The local job market is active, with 29 open CNA positions in the area, and growth projections remain strong as healthcare demand increases across Iredell County.
| Metro Area | Total Employment | Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 13,050 | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 6,460 | $38,840 | $18.67 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 5,570 | $38,760 | $18.63 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 4,410 | $38,710 | $18.61 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 4,230 | $37,900 | $18.22 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 3,010 | $36,050 | $17.33 |
Roughly 1 in 6 certified nursing assistant positions across North Carolina are currently vacant, according to projections from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. That persistent shortage means CNA graduates in Statesville and the surrounding Charlotte metro area step into a job market where employers are actively competing for qualified candidates.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in North Carolina involves completing a state-approved training program, passing a competency exam, and registering with the state. The process is straightforward, but each step has specific requirements to meet before you move forward.
You can start CNA training at age 16 in North Carolina. While the state does not mandate a high school diploma or GED for certification, most programs in and around Statesville require one for enrollment. You will also need to pass a criminal background check before starting clinical rotations.
North Carolina requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Programs in Statesville typically require the following before you can begin:
Some programs help you obtain CPR certification as part of enrollment, so check with your specific school about what they provide and what you need to arrange independently.
After completing your training, you must pass the NNAAP exam administered by Credentia. The test has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge exam with 70 questions and a hands-on skills evaluation. You have 120 minutes for the written portion. North Carolina gives candidates up to three attempts to pass. Many employers in Statesville, including local nursing homes and hospitals, cover exam fees or reimburse new hires after successful completion.
Once you pass your exam, your name is added to the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the NCDHHS Division of Health Service Regulation. This registry allows employers to verify your credentials.
Your CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. To stay active, you need to document at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work during each renewal period. North Carolina does not require continuing education credits, but you must keep your registry listing current to remain employable.
For the most up-to-date rules and application forms, visit the NCDHHS Nurse Aide I page directly.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in North Carolina involves a clear sequence of steps. Here’s your roadmap from enrollment to employment.

The real question most prospective students face isn't whether they can handle the training; it's whether they can afford it. The good news: CNA programs in the Statesville area are among the most affordable healthcare credentials available, and several funding sources exist specifically to help local residents cover every line item.
All-in costs for CNA programs near Statesville typically fall between $400 and $1,500, depending on the school, format, and what the program bundles together. That range covers more than just tuition. Before you enroll, budget for:
Asking admissions staff for a complete fee schedule before you commit is worth the extra five minutes.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, administered locally through the Centralina Workforce Development Board, is often the most powerful option for eligible students. WIOA can cover tuition, fees, textbooks, uniforms, the certification exam, and sometimes transportation or childcare.1 Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, North Carolina residency, and a demonstrated need based on unemployment, underemployment, or income.1 Turnaround times vary, so contact the Centralina Workforce Development Board early in your search rather than after you have already chosen a program.
The NC Workforce Continuing Education Scholarship is another route worth exploring. It is geared toward residents enrolled in short-term workforce credential courses and can cover registration and required course costs for eligible students who are unemployed, underemployed, veterans, or members of underserved populations.2
For students pursuing a curriculum-based path, the NC Community College Grant3 and the Next NC Scholarship1 both require a completed FAFSA and NC residency determination through the state's Residency Determination Service. Next NC is particularly notable: for households earning under $80,000 per year, it can cover full tuition and fees at a participating NC community college.1 The Golden LEAF Scholarship adds up to $250 and is open to students in rural or economically distressed counties who demonstrate financial need.2
On the employer side, Iredell Health System and other regional healthcare employers sometimes offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for employees who commit to working with them after certification. If you are already employed in a healthcare setting, even in a non-clinical role, ask your HR department whether a benefit like this exists.
Mitchell Community College may offer payment plans that let you spread program costs across the enrollment period. Call the continuing education office directly to ask.
For WIOA, the first step is scheduling an intake appointment with the Centralina Workforce Development Board or your nearest NCWorks Career Center in Iredell County. Bring documentation of residency, income, and employment status. Staff will assess your eligibility and, if approved, connect you with an approved training provider list that includes local CNA programs.
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont has historically supported workforce training for area residents, so it is worth contacting them directly to ask about current CNA-specific funding cycles and any application requirements.
Many students who start the financial aid conversation early end up completing their CNA training without paying a dollar out of pocket. Talk to admissions staff at every program you consider and ask directly: are there grants, sponsors, or payment plans available for this course? The answer is often yes.
The following list ranks the most affordable CNA programs within commuting range of Statesville, NC, ordered by net price after financial aid. Each option is evaluated for its accessibility, program quality, and value for local residents.
Charlotte, NC · $3,000 – $9,000/yr
Best for: Cost-conscious Charlotte metro students
Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, just a 40-mile drive south of Statesville, offers the lowest net price in this ranking. Its Nurse Aide certificate equips students with hands-on lab and clinical experience, and graduates report strong earnings, making it the top value for budget-conscious commuters.
Dobson, NC · $3,000 – $9,000/yr
Best for: Rural learners needing quick entry
Surry Community College in Dobson, about an hour northwest of Statesville, pairs an ultra-low net price of $4,961 with a fast, eight-week course. The program has no admission prerequisites and includes lab and clinical activities, ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Rock Hill, SC · ~$6,000/yr (est.)
Best for: SC border residents using WINS
York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC, sits near the state line about an hour southwest of Statesville and offers the best out-of-state value with a $5,931 net price. Its SC DHHS-approved CNA program can be fully covered by the SC WINS scholarship for eligible South Carolina residents.
Dallas, NC · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Gaston College in Dallas, NC, about 50 miles southwest of Statesville, provides two CNA training pathways with a net price of $6,592. Its hybrid Nurse Aide option combines online learning with in-person labs, while the campus-based Certified Nurse Aide I keeps things traditional, both at very low tuition.
Winston-Salem, NC · $7,000/yr (net price)
Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, less than an hour east of Statesville, offers both Nurse Aide I and II programs with a combined net price of $7,200. Its eight-week daytime courses fit well for students who can commit to an intensive, on-campus schedule.
Marion, NC · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
McDowell Technical Community College in Marion, about 75 miles west of Statesville, serves the rural foothills with a one-semester Nurse Aide I program. At $7,784 net price, it offers personal care training with a focus on dementia and end-of-life care, plus local starting wages around $16 per hour.
Salisbury, NC · $2,000 – $7,000/yr
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, just 25 miles southeast of Statesville, is the closest option on this list. Its Nurse Aide I program costs $7,981 net and runs days, evenings, and weekends across multiple campuses, giving Statesville students maximum scheduling flexibility.
Thomasville, NC · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Davidson-Davie Community College in Thomasville, about 50 miles east of Statesville, delivers its Nursing Assistant I through a hybrid format that pairs online theory with campus labs and clinicals. With a net price of $8,753, the 158-hour course covers total costs around $500, including materials and background checks.
Hudson, NC · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, about 55 miles northwest of Statesville, offers a traditional campus-based Nurse Aide I program. At $10,810 net price, it includes a low $210 registration fee, though books and supplies are extra, and prepares students for NC state exam eligibility.
Jamestown, NC · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, about 60 miles east of Statesville, offers a thorough 214-hour Nursing Assistant I program. Though the net price of $15,002 is the highest listed, the $283 registration fee covers textbooks, and graduates qualify for the NC state exam and registry.
With hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies all hiring across Iredell County, Statesville offers one of the most accessible entry points into North Carolina's growing healthcare workforce.
Have questions about becoming a CNA in Statesville? Find quick answers below about training length, costs, requirements, and local program options. If you don’t see your question, reach out to the program directly.
North Carolina requires a minimum of 75 training hours. Full-time students can complete a program in four to six weeks, while part-time or evening options may take eight to twelve weeks. After finishing your training, you must pass the state competency exam. Plan on one to three months from start to certification.
Typical prerequisites include being at least 16 or 18 years old, holding a high school diploma or GED (or being enrolled in a program), passing a criminal background check, and providing immunization records such as a TB test. Many programs also require a physical exam and current CPR certification. Check with specific schools, such as Mitchell Community College, for their exact requirements.
In the Statesville area, CNA program costs generally range from $500 to $1,500. Mitchell Community College offers some of the most affordable rates, often under $800 for in-district students. The price may include textbooks, supplies, and the state exam fee. Always confirm what is covered and ask about payment plans or financial assistance.
Yes, several training providers in the Statesville region offer flexible scheduling. Mitchell Community College occasionally offers evening or hybrid cohorts for working adults. Contact local community colleges and private training centers for current evening availability, as schedules can change each semester based on demand.
In Iredell County, the main state-approved provider is Mitchell Community College in Statesville. Some high schools may offer dual-enrollment options, and a few private training centers might hold approval. To be safe, always verify a program’s current status on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry website before enrolling.
Yes, financial assistance is available for qualifying students. Options include federal Pell Grants for college-based programs, state scholarships targeted at healthcare training, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants for eligible individuals, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement. Contact the financial aid office at Mitchell Community College to explore your options.