Key Points
- Jacksonville CNAs earn a median $33,330 annually, or $16.02 hourly.
- Healthcare jobs in NC are projected to grow 16.1% through 2026.
- Affordable local training includes Coastal Carolina Community College and Caring For Life.
How to Become a CNA in Jacksonville, NC: Programs, Costs & Steps
Compare Jacksonville CNA training options, costs, and schedules. Find the right path to launch your nursing assistant career in North Carolina.
Health care and social assistance employment in North Carolina is forecast to rise 16.1% through 2026, and Jacksonville’s steady retiree population plus Onslow County’s military families fuel continuous demand for certified nursing assistants. That demand turns into job openings across hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies, creating a reliable entry point into the field.
Two local providers anchor the training landscape: Caring For Life offers a private program with a flat fee, while Coastal Carolina Community College follows an academic calendar. Online CNA classes and programs within commuting distance, like CNA classes in Wilmington, NC, give students additional flexibility on schedule and cost.
Why Become a CNA in Jacksonville? Local Demand and Opportunity
From hospital floors to home visits, Jacksonville CNAs can build a career in a large regional medical center or in the smaller, more personal settings of assisted living, skilled nursing, and home care. Both paths are hiring, and the choice often comes down to the pace and patient mix you prefer.
Who's Hiring in Onslow County
Onslow Memorial Hospital anchors the local healthcare economy and is consistently listed as a key employer in Eastern North Carolina3. Around it sits a network of smaller employers that lean heavily on nurse aides:
- Hospital: Onslow Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville)
- Skilled nursing: Kenansville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Cherry Point Bay Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, The Laurels of Pender
- Assisted living: Onslow House
- Home health and home care: BAYADA Home Health Care, Well Care Home Health, Avid Health at Home, Arosa Crystal Coast, A Primary Choice, Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health
At any given time, the greater Jacksonville area has 300+ healthcare job postings across these settings, and CNA roles make up a steady share of that volume1. Wages vary by facility and shift, but skilled nursing employers like Kenansville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center have posted CNA openings around $20/hour2.
What CNAs Actually Do in North Carolina
In North Carolina, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work under the supervision of a licensed nurse and handle the hands-on basics of patient care: bathing, dressing, feeding, transferring and repositioning patients, taking vital signs, and documenting changes in condition. NC also offers a CNA II credential, which expands your scope into tasks like sterile dressing changes, tracheostomy care, and suctioning. That extra credential is directly tied to hospital work, and Onslow Memorial Hospital runs a CNA II Residency Program that covers all fees and registration costs and places residents in PRN positions during training2.
A Built-In Pipeline
The NC East Alliance identifies healthcare as a priority industry cluster for Eastern North Carolina3, which means workforce development dollars, community college programs, and employer partnerships are actively aimed at moving new CNAs from classroom to clinical floor. For a Jacksonville student, that translates into short training timelines, employers who are used to hiring new graduates, and a clear path from CNA I to CNA II if you want to grow into hospital-based work.
Did you know? North Carolina’s healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to expand by 16.1% through 2026, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. That kind of growth means steady demand for CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies across the state.
Jacksonville's CNA Programs: Side-by-Side Comparison
To help you decide, we’ve compared two primary training options in Jacksonville: Caring For Life, a private program with an affordable flat fee, and Coastal Carolina Community College, offering a more traditional academic pathway. While exact details can shift between terms, this side-by-side look gives you a starting point for evaluating cost, schedule, and support.
| Metric | Caring For Life | Coastal Carolina Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Total Program Cost | $500 | Contact program for current tuition rates |
| Program Length | 122 hours (approx. 4-6 weeks) | Typically 8-12 weeks; confirm with program |
| Schedule Options | Daytime, potential evening/weekend (confirm with provider) | Day, evening, and possibly online hybrid (contact for current schedule) |
| Format | In-person with possible hybrid components | In-person, may offer blended or hybrid options |
| Clinical Hours | Included in 122 total hours | Typically 40-70 clinical hours (confirm with program) |
| Exam Pass Rate | Not publicly available | Not publicly available |
| Job Placement Rate | Not publicly available | Not publicly available |
| Clinical Sites | Local nursing homes and hospitals in Jacksonville | Multiple clinical affiliates in Onslow County |
| Background Check | Required | Required |
| CPR Certification | Required (may be included) | Required (may be offered as part of program) |
Online CNA Classes: Flexible Options for Jacksonville Students
Online CNA training is a legitimate pathway in North Carolina, but the state has specific rules about how the clinical portion of your education must be completed, and those rules shape every online program worth considering.
How Online CNA Programs Actually Work
No program can make you a certified nurse aide entirely through a screen. North Carolina requires hands-on clinical hours completed in a state-approved setting, so every legitimate online or hybrid CNA program pairs virtual coursework with in-person clinical rotations. The typical structure puts the theory-heavy content online, covering topics like infection control, patient rights, and basic anatomy, while reserving skills labs and facility-based clinical hours for in-person sessions. Before enrolling in any online program, ask specifically where your clinical rotations will take place and whether the program has confirmed placement sites in or near Jacksonville.
Where to Verify Your Options
The North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (ncnar.org) is the authoritative source for approved CNA classes in North Carolina. Its published list includes programs that offer online or hybrid delivery, and checking it directly is the fastest way to confirm a program meets state requirements. Enrolling in an unapproved program means your hours won't count toward registry eligibility, so this verification step is essential.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) offers a plain-language overview of CNA training nationwide, giving you a useful baseline before you compare specific programs.
Getting Guidance from Professional Associations
If you're unsure which programs allow clinical rotations in the Jacksonville area, the North Carolina Healthcare Facilities Association (NCHCFA) can help. Professional associations often maintain relationships with training programs and can point you toward options that have established clinical agreements with facilities in Onslow County or nearby regions.
Questions to Ask Any Online Program
Before committing, run through this short checklist:
- Registry approval: Is the program listed on ncnar.org as state-approved?
- Clinical placement: Does the school arrange clinical rotations, or are you responsible for finding a site?
- Location: Can clinicals be completed within commuting distance of Jacksonville?
- Schedule: Are lab sessions held on weekends, evenings, or only on specific weekdays?
- Total cost: What is included in the tuition, and are there additional fees for uniforms, background checks, or the state competency exam?
Taking the time to ask these questions upfront prevents surprises after you have already enrolled.
CNA Salary and Career Outlook in the Jacksonville Metro Area
In the Jacksonville, NC metropolitan area, nursing assistants earn a median annual wage of $33,330, which translates to approximately $16.02 per hour. The table below compares Jacksonville's wages and employment levels to other notable North Carolina markets, using the most recent data available.
| Location | Employment | Hourly Mean | Median Hourly | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC | 430 | $15.99 | $16.02 | $14.70 | $17.67 |
| Wilmington, NC | 2,590 | $18.20 | $17.50 | $15.13 | $18.79 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 6,460 | $18.75 | $18.67 | $17.00 | $20.75 |
CNA Salary at a Glance
How to Become a CNA in North Carolina: Step-by-Step
Earning your CNA certification in North Carolina follows a clear, manageable path. Knowing the steps to become a CNA before you start saves time and money.
Complete an Approved Nurse Aide I Training Program
The first requirement is finishing a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program. North Carolina mandates a minimum number of classroom and clinical hours, generally in the range of 75 hours, though individual programs often exceed that minimum. The clinical portion takes place in an actual long-term care or healthcare setting, so you practice patient care skills under direct supervision before you ever work independently.
Programs are offered through community colleges, hospitals, and private training schools across the state, including CNA classes in Raleigh NC. Many Jacksonville-area students find options at local community colleges, which typically run several cohorts per year to fit different schedules.
Pass the NNAAP Competency Exam
After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. The test has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge section and a hands-on skills demonstration. Both portions must be passed to earn certification.
Exam fees generally fall in the range of roughly $100 to $120, though the exact amount can shift, so confirm the current fee schedule on the NACES (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) website before you register. Test sites are available at multiple locations across North Carolina, and CNA testing scheduling is handled through the testing contractor rather than the state board directly.
Apply to the NC Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass the exam, your information is submitted to the NC Nurse Aide Registry, which is administered through the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). You will need to provide proof of completed training, pay an application fee (typically in the $30 to $40 range), and confirm your identity. Processing times can vary, so apply promptly after passing your exam.
If any step in the process is unclear, call the registry directly. The NCBON website is the authoritative source for current requirements, and information posted on third-party sites may not reflect the latest updates.
Consider Advancing to Nurse Aide II
North Carolina also recognizes a Nurse Aide II credential, which allows you to perform more advanced clinical tasks such as intravenous therapy monitoring under a nurse's supervision. Reaching that level requires completing additional approved training beyond your Nurse Aide I certification, generally 100 or more hours of specialized coursework.
Requirements for Nurse Aide II have not seen announced changes for 2025-2026, but verify current standards directly with the NCBON or through a community college nursing department before enrolling. Advancing to Nurse Aide II meaningfully expands your scope of practice and can make you a more competitive candidate for higher-acuity roles.
NC Nurse Aide Registry at a Glance
Top CNA Programs for Jacksonville Students
Below are the top CNA programs serving Jacksonville students, ranked by IPEDS completion data, accreditation status, and program fit. These North Carolina community college options include both close-to-home campuses and flexible formats. Compare this ranked list with the earlier local and online comparisons to choose the best path for your schedule and budget.
Southwestern Community College
#1Sylva, NC · ~$5,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Organized learners preferring limited-enrollment cohorts
Southwestern Community College's Nurse Aide certificate combines classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities. The limited-enrollment format supports a close-knit learning environment, while a graduation rate near 53 percent signals strong student follow-through. In-state tuition and fees around $4,100 keep this a reasonable choice for students who can attend the western North Carolina campus.
- Campus-based certificate with clinical rotations at area hospitals
- CPR certification included in Nurse Aide I coursework
- Entrance exam and criminal background screening required
- Limited enrollment; applications reviewed by date received
- Total credits: 18 across three core courses
- High school students may qualify through Career & College Promise
Wayne Community College
#2Goldsboro, NC · ~$2,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-focused students wanting direct career entry
Wayne Community College's Nursing Assistant program is a Workforce Continuing Education option with a clear cost structure: $180 registration plus small insurance and CPR fees. The ACEN-accredited curriculum includes classroom, lab, and clinical practice, with Nurse Aide I and II pathways available. This Goldsboro-based program is a practical pick for learners who want to enter the field quickly and sit for the state registry exam.
ACEN accredited
- ACEN-accredited campus-based training
- Cost: $180 registration plus $0.55 insurance
- CPR training available for an additional $5
- Requires high school diploma or equivalent and information session
- Leads to North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry eligibility
- Nurse Aide I and II course pathways available
- Financial assistance may be available
Beaufort County Community College
#3Washington, NC · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Best for: First-time caregivers wanting hands-on clinicals
Beaufort County Community College's Nurse Aide I program is a 164-hour course that blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in long-term care and related settings. The registration fee is about $205, and free or eligible tuition options may reduce out-of-pocket costs further. Graduates are prepared to sit for the North Carolina competency exam and pursue registry listing.
- 164-hour program with classroom, lab, and clinical experience
- Cost: $205.25 registration fee
- Free or eligible tuition options may be available
- Prepares for state competency exam and NC registry listing
- Covers personal care, vital signs, and infection control
- Multiple class schedules available
Wilson Community College
#4Wilson, NC · $3,000/yr (est. net price)
Wilson Community College's Nurse Aide I program combines lecture, lab, and clinical learning in a campus-based format. Students must complete a high school diploma or GED, immunizations, and a background check before enrolling. The published fee schedule, including registration, technology, insurance, and state exam costs, helps learners plan their total investment.
- Campus-based training with lecture, lab, and clinical rotations
- Registration fee $180; technology fee $5; security fee $15
- State exam cost $140; screening fees $120
- Requires high school diploma, GED, immunizations, and background check
- Prepares for North Carolina Nurse Aide I State Exam
- Scholarship opportunities may be available
Forsyth Technical Community College
#5Winston-Salem, NC · $7,000/yr (est. net price)
Forsyth Technical Community College offers Nursing Assistant I and II programs in an eight-week, daytime format. Clear published costs for registration, compliance tracking, and the state exam, plus included CPR certification, make planning straightforward. Although the Winston-Salem campus is not a Jacksonville commute, the structured schedule may suit students who can attend in person or relocate temporarily.
- State-approved, eight-week daytime course
- Registration fee $255; compliance tracking $95; state exam $140
- CPR certification included
- Prepares for NC Nurse Aide Competency Examination
- Requires high school diploma or GED and TABE placement
- 160-hour state-approved course
- Registration fee $253; compliance tracking $95
- Requires current Nurse Aide I certification and CPR
- Prepares for CNA II certification and hospital roles
- Covers sterile technique and infection control
Isothermal Community College
#6Spindale, NC · $11,000/yr (est. net price)
Isothermal Community College's Nurse Aide I program is 188 hours and includes classroom, lab, and clinical components at a low $185 course cost. A hybrid format and small class cap of 10 students support working adults who need flexibility. The Nurse Aide II pathway builds advanced skills for hospital and complex-care roles.
- 188-hour comprehensive program
- Cost: $185 per course
- Hybrid course format available
- Mandatory orientation and Pathways to C.N.A. prerequisite
- Prepares for NC Nurse Aide I listing
- Maximum 10 students per class
- 192-hour advanced course with clinical experiences
- Requires North Carolina Nurse Aide I listing
- Prepares for complex patient care
- Eligible for NC Board of Nursing registry
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
#7Hudson, NC · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's Nurse Aide I program includes classroom, lab, and clinical practice in nursing homes and assisted living settings. A $210 registration fee plus low textbook costs keeps entry affordable, and the on-campus testing center can reduce travel for the state exam. This is a practical option for students in western North Carolina who can attend in person.
- Campus-based program with classroom, lab, and clinical practice
- Registration fee $210
- Textbooks cost $7.50; supplies vary
- Requires Social Security card, photo ID, and immunization records
- Prepares for NC Nurse Aide I competency exam
- On-campus state testing center available
- Scholarships may be available
College of the Albemarle
#8Elizabeth City, NC · ~$2,000/yr (est.)
College of the Albemarle offers Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II courses through its Workforce Development department. Both include class, lab, and clinical experiences, with Nurse Aide II adding complex care skills and a competency evaluation. Short noncredit courses and in-state tuition around $2,242 make this an affordable eastern North Carolina option.
- 160-hour Nurse Aide I course
- Prepares for Pearson VUE competency exam
- Includes class, lab, and clinical training
- Mandatory orientation and high school diploma/GED required
- Leads to NC Nurse Aide I Registry eligibility
- Advanced complex patient care skills
- Skill competency evaluation required
- Prepares for NC Nurse Aide II listing
- Must be listed on NC Nurse Aide I registry
- Two-level Nurse Aide training pathway
- Run by Workforce Development department
- Prepares for supervised nursing care
- Covers care for patients of all ages
Rockingham Community College
#9Wentworth, NC · ~$2,000/yr (est.)
Rockingham Community College's Nursing Assistant I program covers patient care, the aging process, nutrition, communication, and documentation through classroom, lab, and clinical training. A required skill evaluation prepares students for North Carolina certification. In-state tuition around $1,966 and an effective net price near $2,060 make this one of the most cost-conscious options in this ranking.
- Campus-based classroom, lab, and clinical experiences
- Focuses on elderly and adult patient care
- Requires skill and competency evaluation
- Qualifies for North Carolina Division of Facility Services certification
- Covers aging, nutrition, and documentation
Lenoir Community College
#10Kinston, NC · $3,000 – $9,000/yr (est.)
Lenoir Community College's Nurse Aide Level I and II programs blend classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and supervised clinical experience. The Kinston campus is one of the eastern North Carolina community colleges closest to Jacksonville in this ranking, and the program is open to high school students. Most students complete in one to two semesters, with financial aid and scholarships available.
- Classroom, lab, and supervised clinical experience
- Complete in 1-2 semesters at Kinston or county centers
- Open to high school students
- Covers restorative services, patient rights, and aging process
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Advanced care for patients in any setting
- Requires Nurse Aide Level I completion
- Prepares for Nurse Aide II listing
- Offered at multiple campus locations
Related Articles
Questions to Ask Yourself
Beyond tuition, factor in textbooks, scrubs, background checks, TB tests, CPR certification, and the state exam fee. These extras can add $200 to $500, so a cheap sticker price isn't always the cheapest program.
If you're working or caring for family, a daytime-only program can be a dealbreaker. Confirm the schedule fits your life before you enroll, not after.
Nearby cities sometimes offer lower tuition or faster start dates. Weigh gas, time, and clinical site locations against the savings before ruling out a drive.
A 4-week intensive gets you to the state exam quickly but demands full-time focus. A part-time track over 8 to 12 weeks is gentler on your schedule but delays your first paycheck.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Classes in Jacksonville
Here are answers to the most common questions about CNA training in Jacksonville, NC. Get clear, actionable information on costs, timelines, certification, and how to choose the right program for your goals.
How much do CNA classes cost in Jacksonville NC?
CNA program costs in North Carolina typically range from $200 to $1,200.5 In Jacksonville, Caring for Life charges $500,1 while Coastal Carolina Community College's Nurse Aide I course falls within that range. Additional expenses may include textbooks, scrubs, and the state exam fee.
How long does it take to become a CNA in North Carolina?
State requirements mandate a minimum of 75 hours of training.3 Most programs run 4 to 12 weeks, depending on schedule. Caring for Life offers a 122-hour hybrid program,1 while Coastal Carolina provides 162 hours of training,2 preparing you thoroughly for the certification exam.
What are the requirements for CNA certification in NC?
You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I program of at least 75 hours, pass the NNAAP exam (written and skills),2 and undergo a criminal background check. A high school diploma or GED is often recommended, and you typically need to be at least 17 years old.
Are there online CNA classes available in Jacksonville NC?
Fully online CNA programs are not permitted in North Carolina4 because clinical skills must be practiced in person. However, hybrid formats like Caring for Life's1 combine online coursework with required onsite clinical hours, offering flexibility while meeting state standards.
What is the difference between Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II in NC?
Nurse Aide I covers basic care such as bathing, feeding, and vital signs. Nurse Aide II requires additional training beyond Nurse Aide I and qualifies you for more advanced tasks, like wound care and catheterization. Nurse Aide I certification is a prerequisite for the advanced level.3
Is financial aid available for CNA programs in Jacksonville?
Coastal Carolina Community College offers financial aid options for eligible students,2 including potential workforce development grants. Programs like Caring for Life may not provide direct aid, but you can explore state assistance or payment plans. Always contact the school to confirm current opportunities.
What are job placement rates for CNA graduates in Jacksonville?
While specific placement rates are not publicly reported for local programs, the demand for CNAs in Onslow County is strong. Major employers like Onslow Memorial Hospital and nursing homes frequently hire new graduates. Completing a reputable program and passing the NNAAP quickly improves your prospects.
How do I choose between Caring for Life and Coastal Carolina for CNA training?
Compare key factors: Caring for Life costs $500, uses a hybrid format, and completes in 122 hours. Coastal Carolina offers financial aid, in-person classes, and a longer 162-hour curriculum. Consider your budget, learning style, schedule, and whether you need aid to make the best choice.
