Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Concordia, Kansas

Introduction to CNA Classes in Concordia, KS

Kansas nursing assistant positions are projected to generate 2,740 annual openings through 2032, and communities like Concordia feel the need acutely as an aging rural population strains healthcare capacity. Two Concordia providers, Cloud County Community College and Mount Joseph Senior Community, offer in-person training that meets Kansas’s 90-hour clinical requirement.

For Concordia students weighing training costs against immediate employment, the most direct path often starts with a local program that minimizes travel and fits around existing obligations.

CNA Job Opportunities and Healthcare Employers in Concordia

Which healthcare employers in Concordia are hiring CNAs right now, and what can you expect from the local job market?

Concordia may be a small city, but its healthcare sector offers steady employment for certified nursing assistants. The community relies on a network of long-term care facilities, skilled nursing centers, and nearby hospitals that consistently need qualified CNAs to care for aging residents and patients.

Major Employers in Concordia

Several facilities anchor the local CNA job market:

• Sunset Home: A continuing-care community that provides multiple levels of senior care, from independent living to skilled nursing. This facility is actively hiring CNAs in 2026.²
• Concordia Manor: A skilled nursing facility offering round-the-clock care for residents who need ongoing medical supervision. This employer is also actively recruiting nursing assistants.³
• Cascade Health Services: A healthcare staffing agency serving Concordia that offers flexible shifts, weekly pay, and 401(k) matching benefits. Agency positions can pay up to $21 per hour.¹

Regional Hospital Opportunities

CNAs willing to commute a short distance can access additional positions at area hospitals. Republic County Hospital in Belleville hires CNAs for acute care and intermediate swing bed roles,⁴ while Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit staffs nursing assistants in their acute nursing department.⁵ These hospital positions often provide experience in a faster-paced clinical environment compared to long-term care settings.

Why Rural Kansas Means Job Stability

Rural communities like Concordia face ongoing challenges recruiting and retaining healthcare workers. This persistent demand translates into job security for CNAs who complete their CNA training locally. When fewer workers are available to fill positions, employers compete for talent, which benefits job seekers through better wages and working conditions.

Hiring Incentives Worth Noting

Many Kansas healthcare employers offer sign-on bonuses ranging from $1,500 to $5,000⁶ to attract new CNAs. Belleville Healthcare and Rehab Center, located about 20 miles north of Concordia, has offered a "Weekend Warrior" incentive program for CNAs willing to work weekend shifts.¹ Hourly wages in the Concordia area typically range from $17 to $21¹, competitive with statewide averages⁷.

While specific employment projections for Cloud County are not published at the program level, the combination of an aging population, limited workforce availability, and multiple actively hiring facilities suggests CNAs who train in Concordia will find employment opportunities close to home.

Online CNA Classes Available to Kansas Students

Kansas requires 90 hours of hands-on clinical training for CNA certification¹, which means no program in the state is fully online. Every accredited option uses a hybrid model: online coursework paired with in-person labs and clinicals arranged at a facility near where you live¹. For Concordia students, that flexibility opens the door to programs located hundreds of miles away.

Accredited Hybrid Programs That Accept Kansas Residents

Several programs approved by KDADS (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services) and KDHE deliver theory online while coordinating clinicals locally:

• We Care Online: The Kansas Certified Nurse Aide Program is approved by KDADS and the Kansas Board of Regents. Didactic content is delivered online, with clinicals arranged at partner long-term care facilities across the state².
• Johnson County Community College: Offers a Certified Nurse Aide Certificate with online coursework plus 96 hours of in-person labs and clinicals³.
• Fort Hays Technical College: Runs hybrid and face-to-face tracks. Recent hybrid clinical sites have included Beloit, Ellis, Hill City, Ness City, Osborne, and Plainville, several of which are within driving distance of Concordia⁴.
• Independence Community College: An 8-week hybrid program with online assignments, 2 lab days, and 3 clinical days, meeting the 90-hour clinical requirement⁵.
• Mid-America College of Health Sciences: A 6-week hybrid program using asynchronous online lectures with in-person lab and clinical days⁶.

How the Hybrid Model Works

You complete lectures, quizzes, and reading modules on your own schedule, then travel to a partner nursing home, hospital, or skilled nursing facility for skills labs and supervised patient care. Programs like We Care Online and Fort Hays Tech specifically coordinate clinicals in rural Kansas communities²⁴, which is a practical fit for Concordia residents who don't want to relocate.

Online vs. In-Person: Timing and Flexibility

Hybrid programs typically run 6 to 8 weeks, similar to traditional in-person CNA courses⁵⁶. The main difference is scheduling: online modules let working adults and parents study evenings and weekends, while clinicals still require fixed daytime shifts. If you need maximum flexibility on the theory side but can commit to consecutive clinical days, a hybrid program is often the better fit.

In-Person CNA Programs in Concordia and Nearby Cities

Demand for trained CNAs across north-central Kansas continues to push local colleges and care facilities to keep programs running year-round, making 2026 a solid time to enroll.

Cloud County Community College

Cloud County Community College (CCCC) offers a Certified Nursing Assistant course (AH 197) that runs 90 hours total. According to the Spring 2026 CNA flyer, the cohort began with an orientation on January 7; classes ran from January 14 through May 14, and the certification exam was scheduled for May 22. The format is hybrid: lecture and coursework are completed online, while skills practice and clinical hours take place in person at Park Villa Nursing Home in Clyde, KS, just a short drive from the Concordia campus.

Total program cost for 2026 is $755, which makes it one of the more affordable routes in the region. The program is approved by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), so graduates are eligible to sit for the state certification exam.

• Contact: [email protected]
• Phone: 800-729-5101

Fall and spring cohort availability can vary, so reaching out early is worthwhile if you missed the January start date. Specific waitlist information is not publicly listed, but seats in smaller hybrid programs like this one fill quickly.

Mount Joseph Senior Community

Mount Joseph Senior Community in Concordia periodically offers a facility-based CNA training program. These employer-sponsored programs are common in long-term care settings and sometimes include a commitment to work at the facility after certification. Scheduling, cost details, and current seat availability are best confirmed directly with their nursing or HR department, as cohort dates shift based on staffing needs.

Commuter Options: Salina and Beloit

If local schedules do not line up with your availability, two nearby cities offer CNA programs worth considering.

Salina Area Technical College (Salina Tech) is roughly 65 miles south of Concordia, about a 55-minute drive. Salina Tech runs CNA programs with multiple start dates each year and is a well-established option for students who can manage the commute or arrange temporary lodging.

NCK Tech in Beloit sits about 30 miles east of Concordia, typically a 30-minute drive. That proximity makes it a practical backup if CCCC's schedule does not work, and the shorter commute reduces the logistical burden compared to traveling to Salina.

For both commuter programs, contacting the schools directly is the best way to confirm current start dates, tuition, and whether seats are available without a waitlist.

Questions to Ask Yourself

CNA Program Admission Requirements in Concordia

Most CNA training programs in Kansas require applicants to be at least 16 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check before beginning clinical rotations. These baseline standards are set by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, which oversees nursing assistant training and certification statewide. Local programs in Concordia and surrounding communities build on these state mandates with additional health and readiness criteria designed to ensure students can meet the physical and professional demands of the role.

State-Mandated Requirements

The Kansas Board of Nursing and the Department for Aging and Disability Services jointly administer CNA certification standards. Prospective students should visit ksbn.kansas.gov to review the most current state rules, which typically include proof of identity, completion of an approved training course, and clearance of a criminal background check. Many programs also require current immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and tetanus, along with a tuberculosis screening, before students enter clinical sites such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Program-Specific Prerequisites

Cloud County Community College, which operates campuses in Concordia and Beloit, is a primary training provider for the region. Applicants should consult the college's official website or contact the nursing and allied health department directly to confirm the current admission checklist, which may include a pre-admission physical exam, drug screening, and documentation of lifting and mobility capacity. Mount Joseph Senior Community in Concordia also offers CNA training; prospective students should reach out to their human resources or training coordinator to learn about cohort schedules and any facility-specific requirements.

Nearby Options for Commuting Students

For residents who live between Concordia and larger regional hubs, Salina Area Technical College in Salina offers another accredited CNA pathway roughly 50 miles to the south. That program maintains its own admissions portal and timeline, so early inquiry is recommended. The Cloud County Community College campus in Beloit, approximately 40 miles west of Concordia, follows the same institutional policies as the Concordia campus but may have different cohort start dates. Calling the admissions office at each location ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date information about application deadlines, prerequisite coursework, and any entrance assessments required before enrollment.

Health and Safety Standards

Because CNA students work directly with vulnerable populations during clinical training, programs universally require proof of health insurance or signed liability waivers, current CPR certification, and negative drug screens. Some schools also mandate that students demonstrate the ability to lift at least 50 pounds and perform tasks such as standing for extended periods and assisting with patient transfers. These physical requirements protect both students and the patients they serve, and they mirror the day-to-day realities of the CNA role.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Concordia? A Detailed Breakdown

Understanding the full cost of CNA training helps you budget realistically and explore funding options before classes begin. Here is what you can expect to pay for programs serving Concordia students.

Cloud County Community College Cost Breakdown

Cloud County Community College offers one of the most accessible CNA programs in the region. For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, the total program cost is $725¹, which includes your CNA license fee. However, textbooks are not included in this price¹, so plan to add approximately $50 to $100 for required course materials¹. Other expenses to budget for include:

• Uniform and supplies: Expect to spend $40 to $80 on scrubs, supportive footwear, a watch with a second hand, and a stethoscope.¹
• CPR certification: If not already certified, budget $40 to $75 for an American Heart Association BLS course.¹
• State competency exam: The license fee is included in your program tuition at Cloud County, saving you the separate testing cost many students face elsewhere.

High school students enrolled through a Career and Technical Education pathway can take advantage of a waiver that reduces the total cost to just $100¹, making this an exceptional opportunity for younger learners.

Comparing Regional Options

Mount Joseph Senior Community and similar long-term care facilities in the area sometimes offer training programs for prospective employees. While specific pricing for these employer-based programs varies, many facilities provide free or heavily subsidized training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Contact local nursing homes and assisted living centers directly to ask about current opportunities, as availability changes based on staffing needs.

Commuting to programs in Salina or Manhattan may seem like an alternative, but traveling to cities like CNA classes in Wichita, KS or CNA training Overland Park, KS would add significant time and expense. For most Concordia residents, Cloud County's local program offers the best combination of convenience and affordability.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

Kansas residents have several pathways to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket training costs:

• WIOA funding: The Kansas Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides tuition assistance for eligible job seekers. Cloud County's CNA program is listed as an approved training provider through KansasWorks², meaning qualified applicants may receive full tuition coverage.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Many healthcare employers, including hospitals and nursing facilities, offer tuition reimbursement for employees who complete CNA certification. Some require you to work a set number of hours or months after training.
• Payment plans: Cloud County Community College typically offers payment arrangements for students who cannot pay the full amount upfront. Contact the financial aid office to discuss options.
• Scholarships: While CNA-specific scholarships are limited, general scholarships through Cloud County and community organizations may apply. Check with the college's scholarship office for current deadlines.

Free Training Through Employers

Some long-term care facilities train CNAs in-house at no cost to the student. In exchange, you typically agree to work at that facility for six months to a year after certification. This arrangement benefits students who already know where they want to work and prefer to avoid any upfront expense. Ask human resources departments at local nursing homes whether they offer paid training programs for new hires.

Related Articles

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Concordia, KS

CNA wages in Concordia may start lower than national averages, but the cost of living and local benefits often make up the difference. Understanding local pay scales, what drives earnings higher, and the non-salary perks helps you see the full financial picture.

What You Can Expect to Earn

Recent data shows nursing assistants in the Concordia area earning a median hourly wage of $16 to $17.¹ The typical range spans from $15 on the low end up to $21² for experienced or specialized roles. For context, the Kansas median is $18.27 per hour³, and the national median sits at $19³. Concordia’s slightly lower numbers reflect the rural Kansas economy, where lower living costs can stretch your paycheck further.

Factors That Influence Your Paycheck

Several elements can push your earnings toward the top of the local range:

• Experience: New CNAs often start near the floor, but wages tend to rise with each year on the job.
• Shift differentials: Evening, overnight, and weekend shifts commonly pay an extra $1 to $3 per hour.
• Employer type: In Kansas, hospital CNAs average $19.18 per hour, compared to $18.27 in skilled nursing and $16.99 in assisted living³. Concordia’s mix of employers mirrors this pattern: hospitals and larger nursing homes often pay above the area median.
• Certifications and added skills: Earning your CNA is the first step; additional credentials like medication aide or restorative aide can boost your rate.

Beyond the Hourly Rate: Benefits That Add Value

Many Concordia-area healthcare employers offer benefits that significantly increase your total compensation. Typical packages include:

• Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, often with employer contributions.
• Retirement plans: 401(k) or pension options with matching in some facilities.
• Paid time off: Vacation, sick days, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement: Especially valuable if you plan to pursue an LPN or RN degree later, with some employers covering a significant portion of tuition.

Job Outlook: Steady Demand in Cloud County

Rural Kansas faces a growing need for CNAs, and Concordia is no exception. With an aging population and limited training seats, newly certified nursing assistants find multiple job offers quickly, and understanding how to get a CNA job can help you land the best one. The statewide employment level for CNAs is strong and projected to keep climbing, ensuring that Concordia graduates can expect stable, long-term career prospects right at home.

Kansas CNA Certification: Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Licensed

Kansas CNA certification is the official process that transforms your training into a recognized credential, allowing you to work legally as a Certified Nursing Assistant anywhere in the state. This multi-step process involves completing an approved program, passing a state exam, and registering with the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. Here is exactly how to navigate each stage.

Complete a KDADS-Approved Training Program

Kansas requires a minimum of 90 hours of training through a program approved by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). This breaks down into 45 hours of classroom instruction covering topics like infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing skills, plus 45 hours of supervised clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Cloud County Community College and other regional programs, such as CNA classes in Olathe KS, meet these requirements, ensuring your training counts toward certification.

Pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam

After completing your training, you must pass the state competency exam, which has two parts:

• Written component: A 100-question test covering nursing assistant knowledge, with a passing score of 75 percent required.
• Skills demonstration: You will perform selected clinical tasks in front of an evaluator to prove hands-on competency.

CNA testing takes place at multiple statewide locations, including community colleges and adult care homes. The exam fee runs approximately $100. You have three attempts to pass within 12 months of completing your training. If you do not pass after three tries, you must retake the full training program.

Register with the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass both exam portions, your name is added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. This listing confirms your active certification to employers and is required before you can work. Initial costs beyond the exam include a background check fee of about $45 and an application fee between $20 and $25, bringing total initial licensing costs to around $170.

Maintain Your Certification Through Renewal

Kansas CNA certifications must be renewed every two years. To stay active, you need to complete 8 hours of in-service training and verify that you have worked as a CNA during the renewal period. Kansas does not require additional continuing education beyond this in-service training.

Understand Background Check Requirements

Kansas mandates a criminal background check for all CNA candidates. Certain convictions may disqualify you from certification, so addressing any concerns with KDADS before starting your program can save time and frustration.

Transfer Your Certification from Another State

If you hold an active CNA certification from another state, Kansas offers reciprocity. You will need to submit proof of your current certification, pass a background check, and pay a $20 reciprocity fee. Unlike initial certification candidates, reciprocity applicants receive only one attempt at the Kansas exam if testing is required, so thorough preparation matters.

Student Success Stories: Inside Cloud County Community College's CNA Program

Community colleges in rural Kansas are increasingly becoming launchpads for healthcare careers, and Cloud County Community College in Concordia is a strong example. With an open admissions policy, a 90-hour CNA certificate program¹, and accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission², the college has built a reputation as an accessible starting point for aspiring nurse aides.

What Students and Graduates Are Saying

Cloud County Community College holds an overall rating of roughly 3.98 out of 5 based on more than 230 reviews. While individual CNA program testimonials are not broken out separately, the college's general feedback highlights small class sizes, supportive instructors, and hands-on clinical experiences. Students frequently note that the close-knit campus environment makes it easier to get one-on-one help, a factor that matters in a skills-intensive program like CNA training.

Certification Exam Performance

A program-specific pass rate for the Kansas Nurse Aide Certification Exam is not publicly reported by the college at this time.³ If you are evaluating the program, contacting the nursing department directly is the best way to ask about recent exam outcomes. Strong clinical preparation during the 90-hour curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for both the written and skills portions of the state exam.

Career Outcomes and Advancement

Across all programs, Cloud County reports a combined employment-or-transfer rate of about 85 percent, with roughly 75 percent of graduates transferring to four-year institutions.⁴ For CNA graduates specifically, local employers such as long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and the Concordia community hospital are common first destinations. Many graduates begin working within weeks of earning certification, given the ongoing demand for nurse aides in north-central Kansas.

The CNA credential also serves as a stepping stone. Graduates who choose to continue their education frequently pursue LPN or RN programs, using their clinical hours and patient care experience to strengthen their applications. Cloud County's nursing pathway courses can help smooth that transition, keeping students close to home while they build toward higher licensure.

Tips for Prospective Students

• Talk to recent graduates: Ask the admissions office to connect you with alumni who completed the CNA program.
• Visit the campus: Seeing the skills lab and meeting instructors can help you gauge whether the learning environment fits your needs.
• Ask about job placement support: Career services can point you toward local employers actively hiring CNAs in Concordia and surrounding communities.

For the most current program details, including upcoming class schedules and tuition, visit the Cloud County Community College CNA program page or reach out to the health sciences department directly.

Top 5 Most Affordable CNA Programs in Kansas for Concordia Students

Below are the top CNA programs serving Concordia students, ranked by affordability and program fit. These schools are all approved by KDADS, ensuring graduates are eligible to sit for the Kansas state certification exam. Each entry highlights the net price after financial aid, giving a realistic picture of your out-of-pocket investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Classes in Concordia

Prospective CNA students in Concordia often have questions about program length, cost, schedules, and job prospects. Below are clear answers to the most common queries, drawing on details from local training options, such as Cloud County Community College, and the broader Kansas requirements.