Best CNA Classes in Wichita, KS (2027 Training Guide)

Wichita’s healthcare sector employs thousands of nursing assistants across major hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting roughly 4,760 CNA positions in the metro area as of 2024. Kansas projects an 11% increase in CNA jobs through 2026, far outpacing the national average and creating consistent entry points for new workers. Training timelines run as short as four to eight weeks for state-approved programs, though costs, schedules, and clinical site availability vary significantly between private schools and community colleges.

The sections ahead cover Wichita’s local job market, hybrid and online program realities, nearby accredited schools, current salary data, and step-by-step certification requirements.

Why Become a CNA in Wichita? Healthcare Landscape and Demand

Healthcare workforce shortages are reshaping the entry-level job market across Kansas, and Wichita sits at the center of that transformation. As the largest city in Kansas and a regional medical center for south-central Kansas and northern Oklahoma, Wichita supports a robust healthcare sector with consistently high demand for certified nursing assistants across hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and home health home health care.

A Regional Healthcare Hub

Wichita anchors a multi-hospital ecosystem serving a seven-county metro area. Ascension Via Christi, Wesley Healthcare, and Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center form the backbone of acute care, while dozens of skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities provide residential care. Employers such as Ascension Living HOPE and Via Christi Village Broadmoor regularly recruit CNAs for memory care, long-term care, and home health roles.² This diversity of care settings translates into a steady stream of job openings across all experience levels, from entry-level positions to specialized memory care roles.

Current Demand and Job Market

As of 2026, Kansas reports 658 total CNA job openings statewide¹, with Wichita accounting for a significant share given its concentration of healthcare facilities. Local job boards consistently list dozens of positions at any given time, spanning hospital floors, nursing homes, and home care agencies. Hourly wages for CNAs in Wichita currently range from $16 to $24, with general CNA positions starting around $16 to $18 per hour² and specialized roles like PRN memory care CNAs earning $22 to $24 per hour³. These wage bands reflect both the competitive market for healthcare talent and the premium placed on flexibility and specialized care skills.

Growth Drivers: Aging Population and Home Health Expansion

Two structural trends underpin CNA demand in Wichita. First, Kansas' aging population continues to drive growth in long-term care and assisted living facilities, creating persistent need for frontline caregivers. Second, the shift toward home-based care, accelerated by post-pandemic patient preferences and Medicare policy changes, has expanded the home health sector. CNAs now work in diverse settings including private homes, adult day programs, and hospice care, broadening the career paths available to newly certified aides.

For prospective students, this combination of a large employer base, diverse care settings, and demographic tailwinds makes Wichita a practical choice for launching a healthcare career. Graduates of CNA classes can expect to find work quickly, often before completing their state certification exam, and can build experience across multiple specialties within a single metropolitan area.

Online and Hybrid CNA Programs Available in Wichita

Fully online versus hybrid: both sound flexible, but in Kansas only one path can actually get you certified. State rules require hands-on clinical training, so any program claiming to be 100% online cannot lead to initial CNA certification in Kansas.¹ In practice, the best fit for busy students is a hybrid program that moves theory and coursework online while keeping the required 90 clinical hours in-person at an approved facility.

Why Hybrid Works for Wichita Students

For students juggling jobs, children, or irregular schedules, hybrid programs remove one of the biggest scheduling headaches: sitting through classroom lectures at a fixed time. You complete readings, videos, and knowledge checks on your own schedule, then arrange your clinical shifts around your life rather than the other way around. That combination of flexibility and real-world practice is exactly what hybrid formats are designed to deliver.

Programs to Know About

A few options stand out for Wichita-area students in 2026:

• We Care Online: This KDADS-approved program is based in Wichita and follows a hybrid format, pairing online theory with the full 90 required clinical hours completed in person. It’s a straightforward option for local students who want flexibility without traveling out of the area for clinicals.

• WSU Tech Certified Nurse Aide Program: WSU Tech’s two-month program runs approximately $922 and is primarily in-person, though it may include hybrid elements depending on the current schedule. It is also approved by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, making its graduates eligible to sit for the state certification exam.

• Certified Nurse Aide Refresher (Online): If you are a lapsed CNA looking to reinstate your certification rather than start from scratch, there is a KDADS-approved online refresher course available for $375. This route is for renewal only, not initial certification.

• Allied Health Career Training CNA Recertification: Another Wichita-based option for recertification, this hybrid program combines online or classroom work with an in-person competency check, priced at $125.

Checking State Approval

Before enrolling in any hybrid or online-adjacent program, confirm that it carries approval from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. KDADS maintains a list of approved training programs¹, and completing a non-approved course means you will not qualify to take the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam. A quick check against that list before you pay tuition can save a lot of frustration later.

2-Week (Accelerated) CNA Classes in Wichita, KS: What to Know

Can you truly finish CNA training in two weeks in Wichita? In most cases, no. Kansas CNA requirements include at least 90 hours in every nurse aide training program, and a legitimate two-week completion is rare because 45 of those hours must be hands-on clinical time at an approved facility.

Why a true 2-week class is uncommon

Kansas CNA training is normally structured as 45 hours of theory and 45 hours of in-person clinical work. Hybrid programs may allow the theory portion online, but the total still must reach 90 hours, and the clinical hours cannot be completed remotely. Advertised "2-week" formats often leave out orientation, lab time, exam dates, and clinical scheduling. In the Wichita area, accelerated options are more realistically 3 to 5 weeks.

Wichita-area accelerated formats

Life Care Center of Andover offers a 90-hour course with a 45-hour classroom and 45-hour clinical split, typically running around four weeks. Allied Health Career Training provides a part-time 90-hour program with 45 theory, 20 lab, and 25 clinical hours spread over multiple weeks. Bethel House Training Institute lists hybrid options in four-week day and five-week evening or weekend formats. These intensive schedules are what "accelerated" usually means in Wichita.

Before you enroll in a short program

Confirm that the program is currently listed among KDADS approved CNA programs, includes all 90 required hours, and provides a clear clinical schedule. Ask whether full-time attendance is required, when labs and exams are scheduled, and whether the clinical site is already assigned. Since calendars and start dates change, get the exact schedule in writing before paying.

CNA Training Programs Near Wichita: Top In-State Schools

Where can you find KDADS-approved CNA training programs in Wichita and surrounding areas that fit your schedule and budget? Wichita and the surrounding metro area offer several state-approved options for CNA training, ranging from fast-track private schools to community college choices. Each program prepares students for the Kansas nurse aide competency examination, but they vary in cost, schedule flexibility, and hands-on training environments.

Allied Health Career Training

Allied Health Career Training operates at 1217 W Douglas Ave in Wichita and provides a KDADS-approved nurse aide certificate program.¹ This private training center focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical practice, and all coursework aligns with Kansas state requirements for nurse aide certification.

Bethel House Training Institute

Located at 1005 S Glendale in Wichita, Bethel House Training Institute offers one of the fastest paths to CNA certification in the metro area. The program runs 20 days and provides both day and evening class schedules,¹ making it accessible for students who work or have family obligations. Bethel House holds KDADS approval and prepares students for the state competency exam through a blend of classroom theory and supervised clinical rotations.

WSU Tech

WSU Tech, situated at 4004 N Webb Road in Wichita, delivers a public technical college CNA program with a total cost of approximately $800. This KDADS-approved program typically spans 90 to 100 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.¹ As a public institution, WSU Tech often offers financial aid options and flexible payment plans. Students complete hands-on training in local healthcare facilities, gaining real-world experience before taking the state exam.

Midwestern College

Midwestern College at 7607 East Harry Street provides a KDADS-approved nurse aide program with day, evening, and weekend schedule options.¹ This flexibility allows students to maintain employment while completing training. Midwestern College emphasizes clinical partnerships with area healthcare providers, ensuring students practice skills in active care environments under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Butler Community College

For students willing to commute to El Dorado, Butler Community College at 901 S Haverhill Rd offers a public community college CNA program. Butler holds KDADS approval¹ and provides the comprehensive curriculum required for Kansas certification. Community college programs often include additional student support services, tutoring, and career counseling resources.

We Care Online LLC

We Care Online LLC serves Wichita-area students through a KDADS-approved hybrid program. This delivery model combines online theory coursework with in-person clinical practice sessions,¹ giving students greater control over their study schedule while still meeting the hands-on training requirements mandated by Kansas law.

Admission Requirements Across Programs

Most KDADS-approved programs require students to be at least 16 years old, though some prefer candidates who are 18 or older.¹ Common admission prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, tuberculosis (TB) testing, background checks, and proof of immunizations. Some programs also require a pre-enrollment health screening and drug test. Clinical rotations typically take place in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospital settings within the Wichita metro area, exposing students to diverse patient populations and care environments.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Wichita, KS

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants in Wichita held about 4,760 jobs in 2024. The median annual wage reached $36,360, which is competitive with other Kansas metro areas like Topeka and Lawrence. The table below breaks down employment and earnings across several nearby cities.

How to Become a CNA in Kansas: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a certified nurse aide in Kansas means completing a state-approved training program, passing a two-part competency exam, and getting your name listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. The process is straightforward, and most students complete all of it within a few months. Here is exactly what that looks like from start to finish.

Step 1: Complete a KDADS-Approved Training Program

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, known as KDADS, oversees nurse aide training in the state. Every program you attend must carry KDADS approval, or your hours will not count toward certification.

Kansas requires a minimum of 75 training hours (including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice) whether you're in Wichita or taking CNA classes Overland Park KS. Some programs offer an expanded curriculum that runs longer and provides additional hands-on experience. When comparing CNA programs near you, check the total hours and the ratio of classroom time to clinical time, since more clinical practice generally makes the skills portion of the exam easier to pass.

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents

Before you enroll and before you sit for the exam, you will need a few key documents in order:

• Photo identification: A government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
• TB test results: Most programs require documentation that you are free of active tuberculosis before clinical rotations begin.
• Criminal background check: Kansas requires a background screening. Certain convictions can affect your eligibility to work in facilities that serve vulnerable adults, so it is worth reviewing the KDADS guidelines early.
• High school diploma or GED: Not every program requires this for enrollment, but many do, and some employers expect it.

Gathering these items before your first day saves time and prevents delays at the clinical placement stage.

Step 3: Pass the Kansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam

After finishing your training, you apply to take the state competency exam through the approved testing vendor designated by KDADS. The exam has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration evaluated by a proctor. Both parts must be passed to earn certification. There is a fee to take the exam, and retake fees apply if you need to attempt either section again. Check the current KDADS website for the exact fee schedule, since amounts are updated periodically.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry

Passing the exam is not the final step. Your name must be added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work as a CNA in the state. The registry is maintained by KDADS and is the database employers check when hiring. Once listed, your certification is valid for two years. Renewal requires proof of paid employment as a nurse aide during that period. If you work the required hours, renewal is automatic through your employer. If you have a gap in employment, you may need to retest, so staying active in the field matters.

For official forms, fee schedules, approved program lists, and registry lookup, the KDADS website is your primary resource. You can also contact KDADS directly by phone if you have questions about eligibility or your specific situation.

CNA Certification Exam Locations in Wichita, KS

Finishing your course and passing the CNA state exam are two separate hurdles, and the second one has its own logistics. Kansas requires both a written knowledge test and an in-person clinical skills test, and you must pass both.

Where to Test in Wichita

No source gives a complete, current list of approved exam sites in Sedgwick County, so confirm with KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing before you book. Two local names come up most often:

• WSU Tech: 4501 E 47th St South, Wichita, KS 67210, 316-677-9400. Its testing center is the most commonly cited local option.
• NexStep Alliance: Wichita, 316-677-1150. It is a Pearson VUE center, but it is not confirmed as a Kansas nurse aide exam site, so ask first.

Bethel House Training Institute, Allied Health Career Training, and We Care Online are training providers, not confirmed exam sites.

Scheduling, Fees, and Documents

Once KDADS verifies your eligibility (generally an approved 90-hour course), you handle CNA skills exam scheduling through an approved site. There is no single statewide portal, so call your chosen site and ask about open dates, whether your appointment includes the clinical skills portion, payment, and test format. The written exam is 100 questions with a 75% passing score. Depending on the site, it may be on paper, on a computer, or oral. The skills test is always hands-on and in person.

Expect a $20 nonrefundable application fee each time you schedule. Site fees run roughly $38 to $45, and sources disagree on the combined total, so get the figure in writing. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security card.

Retakes

Approved-course candidates get three attempts within 12 months of starting the course. A no-show means paying another fee before rescheduling, so mark your date.

Questions to Ask Yourself

The Best CNA Programs for Wichita Students

Below are the top CNA programs serving Wichita students. Each option offers a state-approved path to Kansas nurse aide certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Wichita

Wondering about the details of CNA training in Wichita? Below are answers to common questions covering costs, timelines, online options, certification requirements, and more. Use this guide to plan your next steps toward a rewarding healthcare career.

1. How much do CNA classes cost in Wichita?

   Prices typically range from $650 to $950, with some programs like WSU Tech at $922² and KansasWorks at $669.³ A few employers, such as Life Care Center of Andover, offer free training⁴ if you commit to work afterward. Be sure to compare what's included, like textbooks, scrubs, and exam fees.

2. How long does it take to become a CNA in Kansas?

   Most programs in Wichita take one to two months, depending on schedule. Bethel House Training Institute, for instance, offers a one-month full-time day course.⁵ The state requires a minimum of 90 clinical hours, which these timelines include.

3. Can I take CNA classes online in Wichita?

   Many schools offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical labs. For instance, KansasWorks provides an online option³ alongside hands-on training. This flexibility lets you study theory at home while gaining required clinical experience in a local facility.

4. What jobs can I get after CNA certification in Wichita?

   certified nursing assistants can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Major employers in the Wichita area include Ascension Via Christi, Wesley Medical Center, and numerous long-term care centers. Job demand is strong, and our guide to landing your first CNA job can help you get started.

5. What are the requirements for CNA certification in Kansas?

   You must complete a state-approved training program of at least 90 hours, pass both a written and skills exam, and undergo a background check. A high school diploma or GED is typically required for program entry. After passing the exam, you are placed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry.

6. Do I need a high school diploma for CNA classes in Wichita?

   Most training programs in Wichita require a high school diploma or GED. It's a common prerequisite to enroll. However, some programs may also accept students who are at least 16 years old and can demonstrate basic reading and math skills. Check with individual schools for their specific admission criteria.

7. What is the CNA exam like in Kansas?

   The state exam has two parts: a multiple-choice written test and a hands-on skills demonstration. The skills test typically involves performing tasks like taking vital signs or assisting with mobility. The combined exam fee is $20, and you must pass both sections to earn certification.

8. Is a background check required for CNA certification?

   Yes, Kansas mandates a criminal background check as part of the certification process. You will be fingerprinted, and the results are reviewed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Certain past offenses may disqualify you, so it's important to disclose any history before applying.

9. How do I renew my CNA certification in Kansas?

   Certification must be renewed every two years. To qualify, you need to have worked at least eight hours as a paid CNA within the last 24 months. If you haven't met this requirement, you may need to retake the competency exam. Keep your contact information updated with the registry.

Related Articles