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 | Array | |
| Program Length | Array | |
| Schedule Options | Array | |
| Format | Array | |
| Clinical Hours | Array | |
| Exam Pass Rate | Array | |
| Job Placement Rate | Array | |
| Clinical Sites | Array | |
| Background Check | Array | |
| CPR Certification | Array |
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 Programs Within Commuting Distance of Jacksonville
Beyond the CNA programs located directly in Jacksonville, several excellent options are available within a 60-mile commuting distance. This list includes community colleges across Eastern and Piedmont North Carolina that offer state-approved Nurse Aide training.
Eastern North Carolina
Cape Fear Community College
Cape Fear Community College's Nurse Aide program offers Nurse Aide I and II training with traditional, hybrid, and fast-track formats. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams.
Brunswick Community College
Brunswick Community College's Nurse Aide Level I certificate requires 192 hours of instruction including lab and clinical. Graduates are prepared for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I exam.
Edgecombe Community College
Edgecombe Community College's Nurse Aide I Training offers an accelerated path with tuition of $201.50 and scholarship options. Graduates become eligible for the NNAAP certification exam.
Lenoir Community College
Lenoir Community College's Nurse Aide Level I program is a short-term campus-based training covering personal care, basic nursing procedures, and communication. Clinical experiences at multiple locations provide hands-on practice.
Southeastern Community College
Southeastern Community College's Nurse Aide Certificate program covers personal care, vital signs, and patient communication. Graduates can pursue careers in nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health services.
Robeson Community College
Robeson Community College's Nurse Aide program prepares students for state certification, covering personal care, vital signs, infection prevention, and dementia care. Tuition is $202.60.
Sampson Community College
Sampson Community College's Nurse Aide I program includes classroom, lab, and 48 hours of clinical training. Total cost is $222.08, with admission requiring a high school diploma and immunizations.
Piedmont Region
Rockingham Community College
Rockingham Community College's Nurse Aide I program includes classroom, lab, and clinical training covering patient care, aging processes, and communication. Graduates can apply for state certification.
Durham Technical Community College
Durham Technical Community College's Nurse Aide I program includes 160 hours of hybrid online and in-person instruction with clinical rotations. Tuition is $272.25.
Gaston College
Gaston College's hybrid Nurse Aide program offers Nurse Aide I ($230) and Nurse Aide II ($250) levels. It includes online and in-person components, leading to NC Nurse Aide Registry eligibility.
Davidson-Davie Community College
Davidson-Davie Community College's Nursing Assistant I program is a 158-hour hybrid course blending online learning with on-campus labs and clinical. Cost approximately $500.
Central Carolina Community College
Central Carolina Community College's Nurse Aide I program offers day and evening classes across three counties, with clinical rotations. It leads to state certification.
Richmond Community College
Richmond Community College's Nursing Assistant I program consists of 166-172 contact hours. Tuition is $180 with $270 in fees. Day and evening classes available.
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College's Nurse Aide certificate program includes hands-on lab and clinical rotations. It prepares students for the NC competency exam.
Western North Carolina
McDowell Technical Community College
McDowell Technical Community College's Nurse Aide I program is a one-semester campus-based course covering personal care, infection prevention, and vital signs. It leads to CNA certification.
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
Here are the top 10 CNA programs for Jacksonville students, selected for their blend of affordability, accreditation, and graduate success. Whether you need a local provider or are willing to commute, each entry offers a clear path to North Carolina certification.
Factors considered
- Program affordability and net price
- Graduate median earnings
- Graduation and retention rates
- Clinical training accessibility
- Flexibility of class formats
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Coastal Carolina Community College
#1Jacksonville, NC · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Onslow County students wanting affordable local training
As Jacksonville’s hometown provider, Coastal Carolina Community College delivers hands-on nurse aide training with the highest graduate median earnings in this ranking. Its 162-hour Nurse Aide I and 164-hour Nurse Aide II programs blend classroom, lab, and clinical work at local hospitals and long-term care facilities. With a $202 registration fee, financial aid options, and hybrid scheduling, it is the most convenient and cost-effective choice for Onslow County residents.
- 162-hour non-credit course with clinical rotations in area facilities.
- $202 registration fee; additional costs for uniforms, textbooks, and immunizations.
- Prepares students for the North Carolina NNAAP competency exam.
- Seated and hybrid class options with multiple schedules per semester.
- Requires CPR certification, background check, and drug screen prior to registration.
- VA-approved program with financial aid available through WIOA grants.
- Covers aging-process care, personal care, and basic nursing skills.
- On-campus testing center for the state certification exam.
- 164-hour non-credit course focused on acute care and advanced skills.
- Registration fee $202; additional expenses up to $112 for textbooks and uniform.
- Approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for registry eligibility.
- Prerequisite: active Nurse Aide I listing on the NC Registry.
- Curriculum includes sterile procedures, wound care, and complex patient care.
- Seated and hybrid formats offered during spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Wayne Community College
#2Goldsboro, NC · $2,000/yr
Best for: Eastern NC residents prioritizing low tuition costs
Wayne Community College in Goldsboro offers one of the most affordable Nurse Aide programs statewide at just $180, with CPR training available for an extra $5. Its institutional graduation rate of 49% and median alumni earnings of $34,148 signal reliable outcomes for graduates. With financial assistance options and a strong emphasis on both basic and complex nursing skills, it is a top value for students willing to commute from Jacksonville.
- Nurse Aide I and II courses available as campus-based programs.
- Total program cost: $180 plus $0.55 for insurance; CPR training $5 additional.
- Mandatory information session and high school diploma or equivalent required.
- Includes clinical practice in local healthcare settings.
- Leads to listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
- Refresher courses offered for recertification and skill maintenance.
- Financial assistance may be available; contact for details.
- Part of Workforce Continuing Education with state-governed seating limits.
Isothermal Community College
#3Spindale, NC · $11,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Self-motivated learners needing hybrid flexibility
Isothermal Community College’s Nurse Aide I program stands out for its hybrid delivery, combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. The 188-hour course costs only $185 and maintains small class sizes of 10 students. With a graduation rate of 55% and multiple schedule options, it is ideal for Jacksonville students who need flexibility and can travel to Spindale for the hands-on components.
- 188-hour hybrid program combining online, lab, and clinical instruction.
- Total cost: $185, one of the lowest in North Carolina.
- Multiple schedule options available to fit varying student needs.
- Maximum of 10 students per class ensures personalized attention.
- Covers elderly care, patient rights, nutrition, and communication skills.
- Pathways to C.N.A. prerequisite and mandatory orientation required.
- Prepares for NC Nurse Aide I certification exam and registry listing.
- 192-hour campus-based course for advanced patient care training.
- Prerequisites: high school diploma/GED and active Nurse Aide I listing.
- Includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.
- Focuses on complex skills under licensed nurse supervision.
- Eligible for listing on the NC Board of Nursing Nurse Aide II Registry.
Beaufort County Community College
#4Washington, NC · $7,000/yr
Beaufort County Community College in Washington provides a 164-hour Nurse Aide I program with a $205.25 fee and free or reduced-cost options for eligible students. The school’s high retention rate of 76% reflects strong student support, and its campus-based format includes extensive hands-on clinical practice. It is a solid, low-cost choice for Jacksonville students who can manage a roughly two-hour commute.
- 164-hour campus-based program with classroom, lab, and clinical components.
- Cost: $205.25; free or reduced-cost options may be available.
- No prior healthcare experience required to enroll.
- Covers personal care, vital signs, infection control, and communication.
- Prepares students for the state competency exam leading to NC registry listing.
- Multiple class schedules and a supportive learning environment.
Nash Community College
#5Rocky Mount, NC · $3,000/yr
Nash Community College in Rocky Mount offers flexible Nurse Aide training with accelerated fast-track options for students eager to complete quickly. Its graduates report median earnings of $34,912, among the highest in this list. While the commute is longer, the program’s blend of classroom and clinical work, plus its high Pell Grant rate, signals strong support for learners from diverse economic backgrounds.
- Campus-based program with blended, traditional, and fast-track schedules.
- Covers personal care, safety, communication, and basic nursing skills.
- Prepares students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
- Eligible for listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry upon passing.
- Prerequisites: English 111, Math DMA 050, or placement tests; minimum age 16.5.
- Clinical rotations require background checks and immunization records.
- Builds on Nurse Aide I skills for advanced patient care in diverse settings.
- Requires high school diploma and current NC Nurse Aide I certification.
- Blended and traditional formats with clinical experiences included.
- Prepares for the NC Board of Nursing skill competency evaluation.
- State-approved program leading to NC Nurse Aide II Registry listing.
Craven Community College
#6New Bern, NC · $3,000/yr (net price)
Craven Community College in New Bern is one of the more convenient options for Jacksonville students, offering a Nurse Aide I program with on-campus state testing. The curriculum weaves classroom learning, lab skills, and clinical practice into a single fast-track certification. With a net price of $3,289 and median graduate earnings of $34,231, it balances affordability and strong outcomes.
- Campus-based fast-track program combining class, lab, and clinical training.
- State exam fee: $140; additional costs for textbooks, scrubs, and materials.
- Prepares for direct patient care roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health.
- Admission requires high school diploma or GED, background check, and health forms.
- On-campus testing for the North Carolina competency exam available.
- Designed for career-changers and those entering the workforce quickly.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
#7Hudson, NC · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute provides a comprehensive Nurse Aide I program with a $210 registration fee and scholarship opportunities. Its graduation rate of 45% and median earnings of $34,515 indicate solid performance. Though located in Hudson, it remains a viable option for Jacksonville students who may have personal connections to the area or prefer a program with detailed physical-skills standards.
- Campus-based certificate program with classroom, lab, and clinical practice.
- Registration fee $210; textbooks, supplies, scrubs, and state exam fee extra.
- Covers essential caregiving skills, infection control, and patient safety.
- Requires social security card, government photo ID, and immunization records.
- Clinical rotations take place in nursing homes and assisted living centers.
- Scholarships available; program also counts as prerequisite for nursing programs.
- Physical requirement: ability to lift 50 lbs.
Forsyth Technical Community College
#8Winston-Salem, NC · $7,000/yr (net price)
Forsyth Technical Community College’s eight-week daytime Nursing Assistant I program offers a structured, fast-paced route to certification. The $255 registration fee includes CPR certification, and the program prepares students thoroughly for the state exam. While distant from Jacksonville, its focused schedule and high median alumni earnings of $34,139 attract students who can temporarily relocate or commute.
- Eight-week daytime, campus-based program with state-approved curriculum.
- Registration fee $255; compliance tracking $95; state exam fee $140.
- Includes CPR certification and teaches basic nursing skills and patient safety.
- Requires high school diploma/GED, TABE test, immunizations, background check.
- Uniform, ID badge, and optional stethoscope required.
- Prepares for the NC Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
- 160-hour, eight-week daytime program for advanced nursing assistant skills.
- Tuition $253 plus books, uniform, and $95 compliance tracking fee.
- Prerequisite: current NAI certification, CPR, background check, drug screen.
- Teaches sterile dressing changes, tracheostomy care, IV assistance, and more.
- Graduates are eligible to apply for CNA II certification with the NC Board of Nursing.
Wilson Community College
#9Wilson, NC · $3,000/yr (net price)
Wilson Community College offers a meticulously detailed Nurse Aide I program with a clear fee breakdown: $180 registration plus incremental costs for technology, insurance, and screening. The school’s student-faculty ratio of 8:1 ensures personalized instruction, and a net price of $3,064 makes it one of the most economical on this list. It is a strong choice for Jacksonville students who value transparency and small class settings.
- Campus-based program with lectures, labs, and clinical learning experiences.
- Registration fee $180; technology, security, insurance, and exam fees extra.
- Requires high school diploma/GED, immunizations, TB test, background check.
- CPR certification and drug screen must be completed prior to clinicals.
- Prepares graduates for the North Carolina Nurse Aide I State Exam.
- Scholarship opportunities may be available; contact for details.
- Low student-faculty ratio promotes individualized attention.
College of the Albemarle
#10Elizabeth City, NC · ~$2,000/yr (est.)
College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City differentiates itself with a Nurse Aide Pathway Diploma that includes employment-skills training alongside clinical competencies. Its 160-hour Nurse Aide I and 176-hour Nurse Aide II programs do not require an entrance exam, and with a net price of $2,253, it is one of the most affordable options after aid. This combination of accessibility and career readiness makes it a compelling option for Jacksonville students willing to travel.
- Comprehensive diploma program covering personal care, vital signs, and communication.
- Campus-based training with growth and development topics included.
- Prepares for Nurse Aide I certification; no entrance exam required.
- Employment skills training embedded in the curriculum.
- 160-hour Nurse Aide I and 176-hour Nurse Aide II sequential program.
- Classroom, lab, and clinical experiences in each component.
- High school diploma or equivalent prerequisite; no entrance exam.
- Eligible for NC Nurse Aide Registry competency exam upon completion.
- Focus on patient care, safety, vital signs, and communication techniques.
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Questions to Ask Yourself
What is my true maximum budget, including hidden fees?
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.
Do I need evening, weekend, or hybrid class options?
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.
Am I willing to commute to New Bern, Wilmington, or Goldsboro?
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.
How fast do I need to be working and earning?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
