Key Points
- Earn your CNA certificate in just 9.5 weeks at Lone Star College.
- Program costs $1,434 with financial aid available for eligible students.
- Houston adds 3,260 CNA jobs yearly with a median salary of $37,848.
Start Your CNA Career in Under 10 Weeks with Lone Star College’s New Program
Everything you need to know about Lone Star College's 9.5-week CNA program in Houston.
Houston's healthcare system employs 20,137 nursing assistants, yet still needs 3,260 more annually.1 Lone Star College-University Park has launched a 9.5-week Nurse Aide Certificate to help close that gap, priced at $1,434 with evening classes and no prior experience required. The short timeline and evening format fit into working adults’ schedules, making certification accessible when the region’s demand for qualified caregivers continues to outpace supply.
Program Overview: What Is the Lone Star College 9.5-Week CNA Program?
In just 9.5 weeks, Lone Star College, University Park prepares students for the state certification exam through a 108-hour Nurse Aide Certificate program. The accelerated format responds to Houston's growing need for skilled nursing assistants, a trend underscored by a strong CNA job outlook that shows approximately 3,260 new openings each year in the region.1 By condensing essential training into a short, evening-based schedule, the college makes it possible for working adults, career changers, and recent graduates to enter the healthcare field without putting their current obligations on hold.
Addressing Houston’s Healthcare Workforce Shortage
Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies across the Houston area report persistent staffing gaps for certified nursing assistants. Lone Star College, University Park designed this program specifically to help close that gap. Rather than requiring years of schooling, the certificate equips students with foundational patient care skills in under three months, allowing them to test for state certification and begin working quickly. The program’s launch reflects a broader effort by Texas community colleges to create direct employment pipelines into high-demand healthcare roles.
Program Structure at a Glance
The 108-hour curriculum is divided into two complementary parts: 64 hours of classroom and lab instruction, plus 44 hours of supervised clinical experience. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., giving students structured, predictable evenings. All sessions take place on the third floor of Lone Star College, University Park, allowing students to gain practical experience through modern nursing labs and simulation in CNA training. The blend of theory and hands-on practice means graduates are ready to perform essential CNA duties, such as taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and maintaining a safe patient environment, from day one on the job.
Who This Program Is For
No prior medical experience is required to apply, making the Nurse Aide Certificate an open door for anyone interested in healthcare. It appeals to a wide range of students: recent high school graduates exploring nursing careers, parents returning to the workforce, or professionals pivoting from other industries. Because evening classes accommodate daytime work or family responsibilities, the program fits easily into a busy life. Gail Smith, Director of Continuing Education at Lone Star College, University Park, captures the program’s impact: "I've seen this certificate program change lives," a testament echoed in real CNA success stories. For many graduates, it becomes the first step toward advanced nursing degrees or long-term careers in patient care.
Class Schedule and Curriculum Breakdown
Balancing a rigorous healthcare curriculum with a full-time job and family obligations can seem impossible, but the Lone Star College-University Park CNA program structures its schedule to fit into working adults' lives. The 9.5-week evening format packs 108 total hours1 of training into a fast-paced yet manageable timeline, allowing students to earn a Nurse Aide Certificate without quitting their day jobs.
A week-by-week view
The first portion of the program immerses students in classroom theory and hands-on lab practice. Over 64 hours1, you learn fundamental nursing concepts, from patient safety and infection control to measuring vital signs and assisting with activities of daily living. As you gain confidence, the second half shifts to a 44-hour clinical rotation at an approved long-term care facility2, where you apply your skills with real patients under instructor supervision. Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.2, so your evenings are dedicated to building a new career while your days remain free for work or family.
Core competencies covered
The curriculum aligns with Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services requirements, preparing you for the state competency exam. Key competencies include:
- Patient care basics: Bathing, grooming, feeding, and mobility assistance
- Vital signs: Measuring blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature
- Safety and emergency procedures: Fall prevention, CPR basics, and responding to common emergencies
- Infection control: Proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and sterile techniques
- Communication and interpersonal skills: Effectively interacting with patients, families, and healthcare team members
- Activities of daily living: Supporting independence in eating, toileting, and transferring
Hands-on training environment
The on-campus lab simulates a real clinical setting using full-sized patient mannequins, hospital-style beds, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and daily care supplies1. This technology lets you practice everything from transferring a patient to making an occupied bed before you ever step into a facility. The clinical rotation then places you in an approved long-term care environment2, giving you the confidence that comes from working directly with residents and experienced nurses.
Lone Star College-University Park's 9.5-week CNA program is among the fastest in Houston, where most programs take 12 to 16 weeks. This accelerated timeline lets you enter the workforce and start earning an entry-level salary in under three months.
Cost, Financial Aid, and Payment Options
Before you commit to paying the full $1,434 out-of-pocket, explore the financial aid for nursing school options that can drastically reduce or eliminate your costs. Lone Star College, University Park sets its accelerated Nurse Aide Certificate at $1,434, but the final amount you pay depends on which aid avenues you qualify for.
Program Cost: What’s Included and What’s Not
The $1,434 fee covers the 108-hour program, but prospective students should confirm exactly what’s included before enrolling. At many CNA programs in Texas, this price may or may not cover textbooks, scrubs, lab supplies, and the state certification exam fee (approximately $125). Reach out directly to Lone Star’s continuing education office to get a line-item breakdown so there are no surprises.
Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) and Need-Based Aid
TPEG is a state-funded, need-based grant available to Texas residents who demonstrate financial hardship.2 Because the CNA program is a continuing education certificate, it qualifies for TPEG when you submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is your gateway; awards vary by funding availability and your Expected Family Contribution. While federal Pell Grants do not apply to non-credit programs like this one,3 TPEG fills that gap for many students.
Additional Financial Assistance for CNA Students
- Workforce Solutions/WIOA: This federally funded program can cover full tuition, books, supplies, and exam fees if you are unemployed, underemployed, low-income, or career-changing.2 Eligibility is determined through your local Workforce Solutions office.
- MyCAA: Military spouses may receive up to $4,000 toward the program through the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship.2
- Hazlewood Act: Texas veterans can access tuition and fee exemptions, potentially wiping out the entire cost.1
- Scholarships: Hospitals, nursing homes, and community organizations often offer targeted CNA training scholarships and grants ranging from $500 to $2,000.1 Check with local healthcare employers and the Lone Star College Foundation.
- Employer-sponsored training: Some healthcare providers will pay your tuition in exchange for a work commitment of 3 to 12 months after certification.2 This is a great option if you already have an employer in mind.
- Payment plans: While Lone Star’s specific installment policy wasn’t publicly confirmed at press time, many Texas programs break the total into 2-4 monthly payments with a down payment of 25-50%.1 Ask the continuing education office if a similar option exists.
How Lone Star’s Price Compares to Other Houston CNA Programs
At $1,434, Lone Star’s program sits in the middle of the Houston market. Budget-friendly CNA courses in Texas can sometimes be found at lower costs, but these are often longer or offered in smaller rural settings. Accelerated cna training programs houston typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 in the Houston metro. What sets Lone Star apart is the combination of a rapid 9.5-week timeline, evening classes, and access to state grant funding, making it one of the most cost-effective accelerated options in the region.
Houston CNA Salary Snapshot
According to the most recent data, CNAs in the Houston metro area earn a median annual wage.
Admission Requirements and How to Enroll
What does it take to get into Lone Star College’s accelerated CNA program? The process is straightforward and designed to get you into the classroom quickly, even if you have no medical background.
Basic Prerequisites
No prior healthcare experience is required to apply. However, like most state-approved nurse aide certificates, the program does ask for a few standard items:1 - Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. - Background check: A clear criminal background check is mandatory before clinical rotations. - Health screenings: A negative TB test and proof of up-to-date immunizations (such as MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B) are usually needed. - Drug screening: Some programs also require a drug screen; check with the Continuing Education office for the latest policy. Meeting these requirements early can speed up your enrollment, so it’s wise to gather documents as soon as you decide to apply.
Application Steps
The enrollment path for the Nurse Aide Certificate at LSC-University Park follows a clear sequence: - Select your program: Visit the Lone Star College Continuing Education website and browse the Nurse Aide Certificate option. - Attend an information session: Many programs offer a no-obligation info session to review expectations and answer questions. This is a great chance to learn about the 9.5-week format and evening schedule. - Apply to Continuing Education: Submit your application through the CE portal. You’ll need to provide proof of high school completion or equivalency. - Complete additional requirements: This may include the background check, TB test, immunizations, and any other program-specific forms. - Register for the cohort: Once accepted, you’ll register online for the upcoming start date. Classes fill on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay.
Key Dates and Enrollment
The next cohort begins on September 21, 2026. For the latest schedule, check the CNA certificate start options. Classes run Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the LSC-University Park campus. While no formal application deadline is published, early submission is strongly encouraged because capacity is limited. Contact the CE office to confirm your spot and ask about any registration cutoffs.
Contact and Support
For personalized help, reach out to Lone Star College-University Park Continuing Education. You can find up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses on the official LSC Continuing Education webpage. Prospective students are also welcome to explore program details and ask questions through cnaclasses.org for guidance on getting started.
Houston CNA Job Outlook and Salary Potential
The Houston metropolitan area employs over 19,500 nursing assistants, with a median annual wage of $36,940. According to Lone Star College, the region sees approximately 3,260 new CNA job openings each year, driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare facilities. Salaries can increase with experience, add-on certifications like medication aide, or specialization in settings such as hospitals or long-term care.
| Location | Total Employment | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 19,510 | $35,360 | $36,940 | $44,780 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 23,280 | $36,180 | $37,260 | $42,620 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 6,910 | $33,100 | $35,990 | $38,070 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 5,920 | $36,060 | $37,460 | $43,190 |
How It Compares to Other Accelerated CNA Programs in Houston
Comparing accelerated CNA programs in Houston goes beyond simply scanning tuition or start dates; a thoughtful evaluation looks at scheduling, financial aid, accreditation, and the support each school provides on the path to state certification.
Where to Find Current Program Details
Because programs update their offerings frequently, the most reliable information comes directly from official school websites. Institutions like Houston Community College (hccs.edu), Legacy Career Institute (legacycareerinstitute.com), and Smithwood Medical Institute (smithwoodmedicalinstitute.com) publish current tuition, class schedules, and enrollment criteria. You can also find an up-to-date list of approved nurse aide training programs through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Nurse Aide Registry , an essential step for confirming that a program meets state requirements.
For broader context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics website outlines typical training commitments and employment outlook for nursing assistants. However, the BLS does not endorse individual schools; use it as a general benchmark rather than a program-specific guide.
Key Comparison Factors
When you narrow your list, a phone call to each admissions office can reveal nuances that websites omit. Here are the most important details to ask about:
- Schedule format: Does the program meet evenings or weekends, like Lone Star College-University Park’s Monday-Wednesday evening model? If you need daytime or hybrid attendance, confirm those options exist.
- Total duration and hours: Programs marketed as “accelerated” may cut clinical hours; verify that the clock hours (for example, 108 total hours in Lone Star’s case) comply with Texas state minimums.
- Cost and financial aid: Ask whether grants, scholarships, or payment plans are available. Public institutions may access Texas educational grants, while private schools sometimes have their own assistance programs.
- Prerequisites: Many CNA programs require a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and a negative TB test. Others may have no prerequisites at all; confirm before you apply.
- Job placement support: Some schools partner with local healthcare facilities, expanding CNA training opportunities and helping graduates find employment. This can give you a head start even before you sit for the certification exam.
Verifying Quality and Certification Eligibility
A program’s price tag and length mean little if it is not properly accredited or state-approved. The Texas Workforce Commission recognizes certain career schools, and national organizations like the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) can serve as additional indicators of program quality. Always verify that a program is listed on the state CNA registry; graduates of unapproved programs cannot take the Nurse Aide Competency Exam in Texas.
Taking these steps ensures you compare programs on equal footing. While Lone Star College’s new 9.5-week Nurse Aide Certificate offers a specific blend of evening convenience, public-school pricing, and September enrollment, other schools in Houston may match or differentiate themselves on these exact factors. Armed with the right questions, you can find the accelerated track that fits your life and launches your healthcare career.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lone Star College CNA Program
Here are answers to common questions about Lone Star College's new 9.5-week Nurse Aide Certificate program, from costs and class schedules to certification exam details and job prospects in Houston.
Lone Star College's program lasts 9.5 weeks, totaling 108 hours (64 classroom/lab, 44 clinical).1 After completing the program, you must pass the Texas HHSC State Examination (written/oral and skills). Once you pass, your name is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. Including exam scheduling, the entire process typically takes about 3 to 4 months.
The program costs $1,4341, which covers all instruction. Additional expenses such as textbooks, scrubs, background checks, and the state certification exam are not included. Financial assistance is available through Texas public educational grants.
No prior medical experience is required.1 You will likely need a valid ID, a high school diploma or GED, and a Social Security number. A criminal background check and health screenings (including a TB test) are standard. Contact Lone Star College for the full list of current requirements.
Yes, Lone Star College's 9.5-week evening program is one of the fastest in Houston. Other area schools offer accelerated programs ranging from 4 to 8 weeks, but Lone Star's combination of low cost, evening schedule, and state approval makes it a popular choice.1
Houston's demand for CNAs is strong: approximately 20,137 CNAs are currently employed, with about 3,260 new openings each year. Salaries start around $31,963 for entry-level roles, consistent with broader entry level healthcare salaries, median pay is $37,848, and experienced CNAs earn up to $48,321. The region's aging population continues to drive demand.
Lone Star College reports a 95% pass rate1 on the Texas HHSC State Examination, a metric highlighted in our CNA Program Pass Rates: Why They Matter guide, significantly higher than the national first-time pass rate range of 70% to 87%2.
Yes, Lone Star College provides career services1 including job fairs, resume workshops, and employer networking events. While not a guarantee, these resources help CNA graduates connect with Houston-area healthcare employers.
Yes, the Nurse Aide Certificate program is approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)1 as a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Graduates are eligible to take the state competency exam and, upon passing, be listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
