How to Become a CNA in High Point, NC: Training & Certification Guide

The Greensboro, High Point metro employs over 4,600 CNAs with a mean annual wage near $36,000, and nursing assistant positions are projected to grow steadily across the Triad through 2032. For many, the immediate hurdle is finding training that balances low upfront cost (some local programs run under $1,200) with strong clinical placement and job-search support. Online-hybrid formats and commuter-accessible sites within an hour’s drive widen the options, but program pass rates and employer relationships vary sharply. Knowing North Carolina's certification steps and the real earnings spread across settings before you enroll can prevent a dead end after graduation.

CNA Job Demand and Major Employers in High Point and the Triad

The Greensboro, High Point metro area employed 4,670 certified nursing assistants in 2023, with a mean annual wage of $35,980 and an average hourly rate of $17.30. This large employment base reflects the region's robust healthcare infrastructure and growing demand for entry-level nursing staff across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.

Major Healthcare Employers in High Point

High Point Medical Center, part of the UNC Health system, serves as the city's primary acute-care hospital and a major employer of CNAs for medical-surgical units, emergency departments, and specialty care floors. Novant Health operates multiple facilities throughout the Triad, including Forsyth Medical Center in nearby Winston-Salem and Kernersville Medical Center, all of which maintain active CNA hiring pipelines. Cone Health, anchored by Moses Cone Hospital and Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro, provides another extensive network of inpatient and outpatient services that regularly recruit nursing assistants.

Beyond hospital settings, High Point and surrounding Guilford County are home to dozens of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities. GrayBrier Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in nearby Trinity offers CNA positions with pay ranging from $16 to $22 per hour.² Prolific Nursing, based in High Point, advertises rates between $20 and $22 per hour for qualified CNAs.³ UPSCALE Management Services, also in High Point, posts openings at $21 per hour for nursing assistant roles in long-term care settings.⁴

Job Openings and Growth Outlook

Across the Greensboro, Winston, Salem, High Point area, 391 CNA job openings were recently posted, reflecting steady turnover and expansion in healthcare services.¹ Skilled nursing facilities account for the largest share of postings, followed by home health agencies and assisted living communities. Many employers offer sign-on bonuses, flexible scheduling, and tuition reimbursement to attract candidates in a competitive labor market.

High Point's location within the Triad gives CNAs access to a broader job market that includes Greensboro's CNA programs and Winston-Salem's CNA training, both within a 20- to 30-minute commute. This geographic advantage allows graduates to compare wages and benefits across multiple health systems and choose employers that align with their career goals and preferred work environments.

Online and Hybrid CNA Training Options Serving High Point Students

Balancing work, family, and school often creates the central tension for adults pursuing CNA certification, and hybrid CNA programs that blend online coursework with in-person clinicals can ease that pressure. While North Carolina requires hands-on clinical hours for nurse aide certification, many programs now offer flexible scheduling that accommodates working students in the Piedmont Triad.

Finding State-Approved Programs

The North Carolina Board of Nursing posts an official list of approved CNA classes in North Carolina on its website. Before enrolling, verify any program's status directly through the Board. Only graduates of state-approved programs can sit for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I competency evaluation, so this step protects both your time and investment.

Another useful resource is the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, which includes a "Find Training" feature. This tool helps you locate CNA programs by geographic area, allowing you to filter options within commuting distance of High Point.

How Hybrid Programs Work

Hybrid CNA training typically delivers classroom instruction through online modules while requiring students to complete clinical rotations at partnered healthcare facilities. This format works well for students who need evening or weekend flexibility but still want the hands-on experience that prepares them for bedside care.

When searching online for programs, use phrases like "online CNA programs with clinicals in High Point NC" to narrow results. Always confirm that any program you find holds proper state approval before submitting an application or deposit.

Connecting with Local Healthcare Facilities

Many hospitals and long-term care facilities in the region partner with training programs to host clinical rotations. Contacting healthcare employers directly can reveal training partnerships that may not appear in standard searches. Some facilities offer tuition assistance or guaranteed interviews for students who complete affiliated programs, making these connections valuable for both training and future employment.

Reaching out to human resources departments at area hospitals and nursing homes can provide insight into which programs they recognize and whether they sponsor or support CNA candidates.

Free and Employer-Sponsored CNA Training in High Point

Where can I find free or employer-paid CNA training in High Point, NC? The main routes are employer sponsored CNA training with a work commitment and public funding through NCWorks, workforce boards, or community college scholarships.

Employer-sponsored and paid training

Some High Point hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, assisted living communities, and home health agencies offer tuition reimbursement or paid CNA training. High Point Medical Center, part of UNC Health, is a practical first contact, but ask human resources at local skilled nursing and long-term care employers as well. Cone Health in nearby Greensboro has sponsored CNA training, and similar arrangements may be available locally. Most employer-paid programs ask you to stay with the employer for a set period after certification, so confirm the work commitment in writing before you enroll.

Public funding and scholarships

If you are not tied to an employer, start with NCWorks Career Centers and the local workforce development board. Programs such as the Adult and Dislocated Worker Program may cover tuition, books, and fees for qualifying students when the training is on the local approved list and connected to local jobs. Community colleges may also offer nursing scholarships and grants or point you to Finish Line Grants.

Check that the program counts

Whichever route you take, verify that the program is state-approved and leads to NC Nurse Aide I certification. North Carolina requires 75 total hours, including 16 supervised clinical hours, before you take the state exam through Credentia CNA365. Verify the program appears on the current state-approved Nurse Aide I list. A free class that does not put you on the Nurse Aide I registry will not qualify you to work as a CNA.

CNA Programs Within Commuting Distance of High Point

Which CNA programs are close enough to High Point to commute to, and what will each one actually cost?

High Point sits at a convenient crossroads in the Piedmont Triad, giving students access to a solid cluster of community college programs and private training institutes within a reasonable drive. Here's a practical look at your main options.

Programs Right in High Point or Just Minutes Away

If you want to stay local, two providers stand out.

Arise Health Training Institute operates at 2640 Willard Dairy Road in High Point, making it one of the most convenient options for residents who do not want to travel at all. The program runs for six weeks and costs approximately $980 total, which covers all program-related expenses. Classes are held on weekends only, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., making this a strong fit for students with weekday jobs who need to schedule training around work.

Guilford Technical Community College serves the High Point area directly, with campuses in High Point, Jamestown, and Greensboro. GTCC's nurse aide program typically runs about three months and, as a community college, carries lower tuition than most private providers. Exact current costs should be confirmed directly with the college, but community college programs in North Carolina generally land well below $500 in tuition alone when you factor in in-state rates. Job placement support through GTCC varies by term, so ask the department directly about current resources.

Programs Within a Short Drive

Davidson-Davie Community College is located in Thomasville, which sits just south of High Point and is an easy commute for anyone living on the southern end of the city. Like other community colleges in the state system, it offers affordable in-state tuition and is approved by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services¹.

Mercy Training Institute is located in Greensboro at 200 Pomona Drive and runs a six-week program with flexible scheduling options, which can work well for students juggling family or work commitments. Current total costs were not confirmed at time of publication, so contact the school directly for a full breakdown.

Mount Eagle College offers training at locations in both Winston-Salem and Greensboro. The program runs 12 weeks and costs approximately $1,350. It offers both daytime classes (Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and evening classes (Tuesday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), giving students real flexibility to find a schedule that fits.

Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem is another solid community college option for students on the western end of the High Point area. It is state-approved¹ and generally offers competitive in-state pricing, though you should verify current program availability and scheduling directly with the school.

What to Ask Before You Enroll

Regardless of which program you choose, a few questions are worth asking upfront:

• Waitlists: Community college programs sometimes have waiting periods, especially mid-year. Ask whether you can apply for the next available cohort.
• Job placement: Some schools have formal partnerships with local facilities; others offer informal referrals. Ask specifically what support looks like after you pass the state exam.
• Total cost: Get a written estimate that includes tuition, books, uniform, and the state exam fee so you can compare programs on equal footing.

For a current list of state-approved programs, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services maintains a searchable registry of nurse aide training programs, which is the most reliable way to confirm a school's approval status before you commit.¹

Related Articles

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in the Greensboro–High Point Metro

As of 2024, nursing assistants in the Greensboro-High Point metro area earn a median annual wage of $38,760, with 5,570 employed across healthcare settings. Wages align closely with other major North Carolina metros, offering competitive pay alongside the region's lower cost of living.

How to Become a CNA in North Carolina: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a certified nursing assistant in North Carolina requires balancing time, cost, and preparation, but the path is straightforward once you understand each requirement. The state maintains clear standards through the Division of Health Service Regulation, and following these steps carefully helps you avoid delays or unexpected expenses.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

North Carolina requires all prospective CNAs to complete a CNA Training program approved by the state. The minimum requirement is 75 total hours, which must include at least 16 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a healthcare setting. Programs cover essential skills like vital signs measurement, patient transfers, infection control, and basic patient care techniques.

Not every training program meets state standards, so verify approval before enrolling. Community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities in the High Point area offer approved programs, similar to CNA classes in Charlotte, NC. Completion of an approved program makes you eligible to sit for the competency exam.

Step 2: Pass the NC Nurse Aide I Competency Exam

After finishing your training, you must pass the state competency exam administered by Credentia through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, as detailed in the North Carolina CNA exam guide. The exam has two parts:

• Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions with a 120-minute time limit covering nursing assistant knowledge and responsibilities
• Skills evaluation: Demonstration of 5 randomly selected clinical skills performed under examiner observation

The total exam fee is $140.¹ You have up to three attempts to pass the exam within 24 months of completing your training program. If you do not pass within that window, you must retake an approved training program before testing again.

Step 3: Get Listed on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry

Once you pass both portions of the competency exam, your name is added to the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. This listing confirms your credentials to employers and allows you to work legally as a CNA in the state. There is no separate fee for initial registry placement.

The North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry is maintained by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and employers verify your status through this database before hiring.

Step 4: Maintain Your Certification

North Carolina requires CNAs to renew their certification every 24 months. To qualify for renewal, you must document at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work during that period. The renewal fee is $24. Unlike some states, North Carolina does not require continuing education hours for CNA renewal, though many employers encourage ongoing professional development.

Emergency or Temporary Certification Pathways

During declared health emergencies, North Carolina has occasionally allowed temporary certification pathways that permit individuals to work under supervision while completing training requirements. These provisions are activated by state health authorities during crisis periods and are not available under normal circumstances. Check with the Division of Health Service Regulation for current policies if you believe an emergency pathway might apply to your situation.

Top CNA Programs for High Point Students: Ranked by Affordability and Outcomes

Choosing a CNA program in the High Point area means balancing cost, schedule, and the strength of clinical preparation. The programs below stand out for affordable tuition, state approval, and clear pathways to the NC Nurse Aide I exam. Use this ranking as a starting point, then confirm current fees, schedules, and pass rates directly with each school.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Classes in High Point

Find quick answers to common questions about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in High Point, from training timelines and costs to certification renewal.

1. How long does it take to become a CNA in North Carolina?

   State-approved programs require at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of clinical experience. Most full-time students complete their training in 4 to 10 weeks. Some community college programs, like the one at Guilford Technical Community College, extend to about 3 months with 214 total hours.

2. What is the cost of CNA training in High Point?

   Typical program costs range from $800 to $1,200. Private providers may charge between $600 and $1,500. Additional fees, like the $140 NNAAP exam fee for Guilford Tech students, may apply. Always confirm the total cost with your chosen school.

3. What are the pass rates for CNA programs in High Point?

   Program-specific pass rates for the NNAAP exam are not always publicly available. Schools may share their recent pass rates upon request. Contact admissions offices directly to inquire about student success on the state exam.

4. Are there CNA classes with job placement assistance in High Point?

   Some training providers offer career support services, though job placement assistance varies by school. For the most accurate information, ask program staff if they help graduates connect with local employers like nursing homes or hospitals.

5. Can I complete CNA training online in High Point?

   Fully online CNA training is not possible because clinical hours must be done in person. However, some schools like Unity Nursing Institute and Carolinas College of Health Sciences offer hybrid programs where lectures are online and labs are on-site.

6. How do I renew my North Carolina CNA certification?

   You must renew your CNA certification every two years. To be eligible, you need to have worked at least eight hours as a nurse aide during that period. No continuing education is required for renewal, but you must complete the renewal application.