Best CNA Classes in Texas: Top Ranked Programs 2027

We ranked the best CNA programs in Texas to help you start your healthcare career with confidence.

By Bryce HallReviewed by Editorial staffUpdated September 24, 202624 min read
Best CNA Classes in Texas: Top Ranked Programs 2027

Key Points

  • Texas CNA tuition ranges from $800 to $1,500, plus books and fees.
  • CNA jobs in Texas are projected to grow over 14% through 2032.
  • Only state-approved programs qualify you for the Texas CNA exam.

State projections call for over 14% employment growth for nursing assistants in Texas through 2032, which translates to thousands of new openings each year.

Earning your CNA certification takes as little as four to six weeks, making it one of the fastest routes into a stable healthcare career. But not all programs deliver the same exam readiness or job placement support, so choosing a strong training provider directly affects your starting wage and long-term options.

Our 2027 Picks for the Best CNA Training in Texas

Texas has a wide mix of CNA training options, from compact three-week intensives to semester-length community college certificates. The programs below stand out for their combination of hands-on clinical hours, local employer connections, and student support. Use this shortlist to compare what matters most: cost, schedule, and how quickly you can sit for the Texas exam.

Wharton County Junior College

#1

Wharton, TX · $5,000/yr (est. net price)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Best for: Budget-minded Coastal Texas residents

Wharton County Junior College runs a straightforward Certified Nurse Aide program with 66 lecture hours and 40 clinical hours, keeping the pace focused for entry-level work. The total cost is $995 including textbooks, with students purchasing their own scrubs, nonskid shoes, and stethoscope. After completion, the college recommends students for the Texas state exam. It is a practical starting point for hospital, nursing home, and assisted living roles.

  • 66 lecture hours and 40 clinical hours
  • Total cost $995 including textbooks
  • Clinical schedule Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm
  • No absences allowed during clinical
  • Prepares for entry-level CNA positions
  • State exam cost about $125
  • Required materials: scrubs, nonskid shoes, watch, stethoscope
  • Regulated by Texas Health and Human Services

Texas Southmost College

#2

Brownsville, TX · $3,000/yr (est. net price)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Best for: Brownsville students entering direct patient care

Texas Southmost College offers a one-semester Certificate I in Certified Nursing Assistant along with a shorter non-credit option, giving Brownsville students two ways to start. Both paths combine classroom instruction with clinical training in real care settings, focusing on basic nursing skills, medical terminology, and long-term care. The college's Health Professions division also connects students with local health care partners. This makes it a strong entry point for direct patient care jobs in the Rio Grande Valley.

  • One-semester program length
  • Covers medical terminology and anatomy
  • Prepares for basic nursing care careers
  • Focus on long-term care residents
  • Part of Health Professions division
  • Six-week program duration
  • 112 total course hours
  • Non-credit industry credential
  • Must be 18 years old
  • Pre-entrance exam required
  • Immunizations, background check, drug screening required
  • Campus-based program
  • Prepares for state exam eligibility

McLennan Community College

#3

Waco, TX · $4,000 – $6,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Best for: Central Texas learners needing flexible scheduling

McLennan Community College runs a 100-hour Certified Nurse Aide course with day and evening sections, so students can train around work or family schedules. The tuition covers the state exam fee, and scholarships are available to lower the cost. Coursework includes communication, safety, infection control, and rehabilitation, with clinical experience preparing students for hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

  • 100-hour CNA training course
  • Tuition covers state exam fee
  • Day and evening class options
  • Scholarships available
  • Careers in hospitals and long-term care
  • Supervised by LVN or RN
  • Required for long-term care facility work
  • Drug screen and background check required

Odessa College

#4

Odessa, TX · $3,000 – $5,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Odessa College offers a Certified Nurse Aide program with a total tuition of $1,900 that includes textbooks, scrubs, supplies, and the state exam fee. Students can choose between a 16-week campus course and a shorter hybrid or accelerated format, with 60 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours. Small class sizes of 8 to 10 students give learners close instructor support, and payment plans, grants, and scholarships can help manage costs.

  • NHA accredited
  • $1,900 total program tuition
  • 16-week campus or 8-week hybrid/accelerated options
  • 60 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours
  • Small class sizes of 8-10 students
  • Tuition includes textbooks, scrubs, supplies, exam fee
  • Weekend clinical labs
  • Payment plans, grants, and scholarships available

College of the Mainland

#5

Texas City, TX · ~$1,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

College of the Mainland delivers a fast-track Certified Nurse Aide certificate in two to three months, blending classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. The program emphasizes safety, compassion, communication, and critical thinking, with graduates moving into nursing homes, assisted living, hospices, and hospitals. Students need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus a background check, health insurance, immunizations, and drug screens.

  • Complete in 2-3 months
  • Campus-based with hands-on clinical experience
  • Prepares for Texas state exam
  • Careers in nursing homes, hospices, hospitals
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Background check and health insurance required
  • Immunizations and drug screens required at clinical sites

Northeast Texas Community College

#6

Mount Pleasant, TX · ~$7,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Northeast Texas Community College offers a six-week Certified Nurse Aide program for $750, with classes meeting Monday through Thursday evenings. The evening schedule is convenient for working adults in the Mount Pleasant area. Completion prepares students for the Texas state certification exam and entry-level roles in hospitals and long-term care facilities, with financial aid potentially available.

  • Six-week program length
  • Classes Monday-Thursday evenings
  • Total cost $750
  • Financial assistance available
  • Must be 18 or older
  • Includes classroom and clinical experience
  • Prepares for state certification

Dallas College

#7

Dallas, TX · $3,000/yr (est. net price)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Dallas College offers a two-month Certified Nurse Aide workforce certificate at multiple campuses, including Brookhaven and El Centro. Tuition runs around $1,500 for Dallas County residents, with no college credit awarded but local employer input shaping the curriculum. Students should expect a separate nursing program application, criminal background check, and drug testing.

  • Two-month program length
  • Approximately $1,500 tuition for Dallas County residents
  • Offered at multiple campuses including Brookhaven and El Centro
  • No college credit awarded
  • Designed with local employers
  • Separate nursing program application required
  • Criminal background check and drug testing required

Amarillo College

#8

Amarillo, TX · ~$5,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Amarillo College provides an eight-week Certified Nursing Assistant certificate with morning, afternoon, or evening class options to fit different schedules. The program at West Campus combines classroom and clinical training, with tuition and fees around $1,100 and total estimated costs of roughly $1,524.50. Small class sizes and supportive instructors are frequently noted by students, and the certificate can lead to other health care roles.

  • 8-week program length
  • Tuition and fees about $1,100, total estimated $1,524.50
  • Morning, afternoon, and evening classes
  • Hands-on and classroom training
  • West Campus location
  • Financial aid available
  • Prepares for state certification
  • Stepping stone to other healthcare roles

El Paso Community College

#9

El Paso, TX · ~$3,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

El Paso Community College offers a 210-hour Nursing Assistant program that runs for six weeks, with on-campus instruction and clinical experience. The program sets clear entry requirements, including age 17 or older, current BLS and First Aid certifications, and health and background clearances. Graduates become eligible for the Texas State Exam and can pursue entry-level positions in a variety of health care settings.

  • 210-hour program length
  • Six weeks duration
  • On-campus instruction with clinical experience
  • Eligible for Texas State Exam
  • Minimum age 17
  • BLS and First Aid certifications required
  • Background clearance and drug screen required

Victoria College

#10

Victoria, TX · $3,000/yr (est. net price)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Victoria College offers a hybrid Nurse Aide program that pairs a free online theory course with 50 to 60 clinical hours on campus and at local health care agencies. Tuition is $650 and includes a textbook, making it one of the more affordable paths to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam. The program is available at both the Victoria Main Campus and the Gonzales Center, with flexible scheduling options.

  • Hybrid format with free online theory prerequisite
  • 50-60 clinical hours
  • Tuition $650 includes textbook
  • Prepares for Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam
  • Available at Victoria Main Campus and Gonzales Center
  • Flexible scheduling options
  • State-approved program

Key Factors to Evaluate in a Texas CNA Program

Choosing the right CNA training program in Texas means looking beyond the price tag and location to examine the credentials, structure, and outcomes that will shape your career. A program that checks all the right boxes puts you on a smoother path to certification and employment.

State Approval and Accreditation

Before enrolling, verify that the program holds current approval from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission as a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Without that stamp, your training won't count toward state certification, and you won't be eligible to sit for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Approved programs adhere to a consistent curriculum that covers essential patient care skills, safety protocols, and residents' rights.

Clinical Hours and Hands-On Training

Texas requires every CNA student to complete a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical work in a healthcare facility, on top of 60 hours of classroom instruction1. That hands-on component is where you translate theory into practice: feeding and bathing residents, taking vital signs, and communicating with care teams. Programs that emphasize direct patient contact under licensed nurse supervision produce graduates who feel confident and job-ready from day one.

Online vs. In-Person Learning Paths

Many Texas CNA programs now use a hybrid model. You can complete the classroom portion online, sometimes through a state-approved 60-hour computer-based education course2, and then attend clinicals in person at a partnering nursing home or hospital. This setup offers flexibility for students balancing work or family commitments. However, the clinical training remains in-person only3, so confirm the program's clinical sites are within a manageable commute before you commit.

Instructor Credentials and Program Success Rates

Texas CNAs learn from licensed nurses, typically registered nurses who bring real-world experience into the classroom and clinical floor. When comparing programs, ask about the instructors' backgrounds and how long they've been training nurse aides. Equally important are graduate outcomes: strong first-time pass rates on the state competency exam and solid job placement figures signal a program that prepares its students well. Reputable schools will share these numbers openly, so you can gauge whether the investment of time and money is likely to pay off.

Step-by-Step Guide to CNA Certification in Texas

How do you become a certified nursing assistant in Texas? The path is clearly defined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and it starts with meeting basic eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you can enroll in a state-approved CNA training program, you must be at least 16 years old (some providers require 18) and hold a high school diploma or GED. You'll also need to pass a criminal background check, provide proof of a negative TB test, and complete basic health screenings. These steps mirror the requirements for employment in most healthcare settings.

Completing Your CNA Training

Texas mandates a minimum of 100 hours of training: 60 hours in the classroom and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Approved programs cover essential topics like infection control, patient rights, and basic nursing skills. While the state minimum is 100 hours, some schools, such as Alvin Community College, offer extended programs with 112 hours1, giving you more hands-on experience before the exam.

Passing the State Competency Exam

After finishing your training, you'll register for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Prometric. The test has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge exam and a clinical skills demonstration. You must pass both components to qualify for certification. Most candidates who complete an approved program pass on their first attempt, and if you need to retake a section, you can do so after a brief waiting period.

Getting Onto the Texas Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass, your training program or testing center will submit your information to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. You must appear as "active" on the registry before you can legally work as a CNA in a Texas nursing facility. You can verify your status online or by calling (512) 438-2050.

Maintaining Your Certification

Your initial listing is valid for two years. To renew, you must have performed at least eight hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties during the previous 24 months and pay a $25 renewal fee. If your certification lapses for more than two years, you'll need to retake the competency exam.

With these steps, you can earn your certification and start working in a field with strong job security and growing demand across Texas.

What You'll Pay for CNA Training in Texas (And Financial Aid Options)

Texas CNA programs typically cost between $800 and $1,500 for tuition alone, but the full picture includes textbooks, uniforms, and exam fees that can push your total investment considerably higher. Public community colleges in your district often charge $500 to $1,000, while private schools may ask $1,500 to $3,000. Knowing which costs are bundled and which arrive as surprises can help you plan realistically and avoid sticker shock.

Tuition Across Program Types

Community colleges deliver some of the lowest published prices. Navarro College's Certified Nurse Aide Program charges $778, Midland College's CNA classes in Midland run $970 in-person or $790 in the hybrid format1, Temple College's program sits at $1,2952, and Alvin Community College's program costs $1,4203. Private schools and hospital-based programs generally land at the higher end of the range, though faster schedules and evening options may justify the premium for working adults.

Additional Fees You Should Expect

Beyond tuition, budget for textbooks (around $150), background checks ($60), CPR certification ($50 to $60), scrubs, and the Texas state competency exam. The written portion costs $35 and the clinical skills test costs $83, bringing the exam total to $118. When you add up every line item, students should expect all-in costs of $1,070 to $1,470 at a community college and potentially more at private institutions.

Free and Grant-Funded Options

Texas Workforce Commission grants and local workforce development boards fund tuition assistance for eligible residents, often covering the entire program cost. Employer-sponsored programs represent another path: many nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities hire candidates with no experience, train them on-site, and cover tuition in exchange for a short-term work commitment (typically three to twelve months).

Other Financial Aid to Explore

Pell Grants are available to students who qualify by financial need, and community colleges frequently offer scholarships or payment-plan options that split costs across multiple months. Before you enroll, confirm which fees are included, whether textbooks are part of the package, and what the refund policy looks like if you need to withdraw. A simple upfront conversation with the admissions office can uncover hidden costs and help you compare schools on equal footing.

Questions to Ask Yourself

The accelerated timeline demands consistent attendance and study. If you have work or family obligations, consider whether you can temporarily adjust your schedule to meet rigorous course and clinical requirements.

Program fees in Texas typically range from $500 to $1,500, and many schools offer payment plans or scholarships. Identifying your funding source early ensures you can enroll without delays.

CNAs assist with daily living activities like bathing and feeding, providing essential bedside support. If you envision a career built on close patient interaction, this role will give you a strong foundation.

CNA Job Openings in Texas: Where the Jobs Are Headed

The Texas healthcare sector is hiring certified nursing assistants at a pace that far exceeds the rest of the country, driven by steady population growth, an expanding elderly demographic, and new healthcare facilities opening across the state. If you complete training in 2026, you will enter a job market where employers compete for qualified candidates and openings remain abundant in nearly every metro area, check out our guide to landing your first CNA job for tips on getting hired.

Employment Growth Projected Through 2029

Certified nursing assistant employment in Texas is expected to grow 10 to 11 percent between 2024 and 2029, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission1. That rate is roughly five times the national average for the same occupation (2 percent), and it dramatically outpaces the state's overall projected employment growth of 1.1 to 1.8 percent2. With more than 84,960 CNAs already working in Texas as of 2026, the state accounts for about 200,000 annual openings nationwide, many of which result from turnover and replacement needs rather than net new positions3.

High-Demand Metro Areas Across the State

Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and the Rio Grande Valley stand out as the most active hiring markets. Houston benefits from its concentration of medical centers and hospital expansions, while San Antonio's large military and retiree population creates consistent demand for long-term care staff. Dallas-Fort Worth offers a steady flow of openings across both urban and suburban facilities, and Austin continues to hire as its healthcare infrastructure keeps pace with population influx. The Rio Grande Valley sees demand fueled by a combination of cross-border healthcare utilization and a growing retirement community.4

What You Can Expect to Earn

Nurse salaries by state data shows median starting salaries for newly certified CNAs in Texas typically fall in the $30,000 to $32,000 range3, with the statewide median annual wage reaching $35,110 in 2026. Mean hourly wages sit at $18.695, and geographic differences matter. Houston-area CNAs average $36,200 annually3, while those in Fort Bend County earn closer to $37,5003. With experience, additional certifications, and shift differentials, many CNAs move above $40,000 within a few years.

The Long View: Texas's Aging Population

Texas counted 4.2 million residents over 65 in 2026, and projections point to 6.5 million by 20303. That demographic shift translates directly into sustained demand for nursing assistants in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, home health agencies, and hospitals. Even as automation and technology reshape parts of the healthcare landscape, hands-on patient care remains irreplaceable, ensuring CNA roles will continue to anchor the workforce for years to come.

CNA Pay by Texas Metro Area: A Detailed Breakdown

CNA wages in Texas can shift significantly depending on the metro area. The table below shows 2024 employment and wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the state's largest metro areas, including median pay and the range most nursing assistants earn.

Metro AreaTotal EmploymentMedian Annual Wage25th Percentile Wage75th Percentile Wage
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX23,280$37,260$36,180$42,620
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX19,510$36,940$35,360$44,780
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX6,910$35,990$33,100$38,070
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX5,920$37,460$36,060$43,190
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX2,250$30,090$28,730$35,370
El Paso, TX2,200$33,880$29,450$37,880
Killeen-Temple, TX1,520$33,990$31,720$39,650
Tyler, TX1,480$34,290$31,080$36,270
Corpus Christi, TX1,450$34,560$30,810$36,990
Waco, TX1,420$34,640$31,140$37,570
Lubbock, TX1,380$31,990$29,260$35,730
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX1,110$29,550$28,140$34,060
Amarillo, TX1,080$36,020$31,200$38,520
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX1,060$32,500$30,070$36,050
Abilene, TX840$35,010$29,490$36,790

Your Top Questions About CNA Training in Texas, Answered

New to the field and have questions? Below are answers to the most common queries we receive about becoming a certified nursing assistant in Texas. From training lengths to exam tips, we have you covered.

  1. How long does CNA training take in Texas on average?

    In Texas, CNA training typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks to complete, with a total of 100 hours (including 40 hours of clinical practice).1 Most standard programs run 6 to 8 weeks, while accelerated pathways can be finished in as few as 3 to 6 weeks.2

  2. What is the fastest way to get CNA certified in Texas?

    The fastest route is an accelerated program that condenses the 100-hour requirement into 3 to 6 weeks of full-time study.12 These intensive courses often combine online classroom learning with in-person clinical practice.1 After finishing, you will immediately take the Prometric competency exam to earn your certification.1

  3. Are online CNA classes accepted by the Texas Nurse Aide Registry?

    Yes, Texas permits hybrid CNA training. You can complete the classroom portion online, but the 40 hours of hands-on clinical practice must be done in person at an approved healthcare facility. The Texas Nurse Aide Registry requires this direct patient-care experience for certification.1

  4. How hard is the Texas CNA clinical skills exam?

    The clinical skills exam can feel challenging because you perform randomly selected care tasks for an evaluator. However, with the 40 hours of in-person practice and focused study on key areas like hand hygiene and safety, most students pass on their first attempt. Preparation is key.1

  5. Can you work as a CNA in Texas while waiting for certification?

    No, you cannot work as a CNA in Texas before your certification is active and you appear on the registry. Some healthcare facilities may extend a conditional job offer, but you must pass the exam and complete the listing process before performing any aide duties.

  6. Do I need a high school diploma or GED for CNA training in Texas?

    Many Texas CNA programs do not require a high school diploma or GED, but some accredited schools may set this as an admission prerequisite. It varies by institution; always confirm with your chosen program before enrolling. There is no statewide mandate.

Did you know? Texas is on track to need significantly more nursing assistants over the coming years, with employment projected to grow by over 14% through 2032. An aging baby boomer population and expanding healthcare services across the state are fueling this demand, making now a smart time to start CNA training.

More CNA Programs in Texas Worth a Look

The Texas CNA programs below sit just outside our top picks, yet several of them offer fast timelines, low tuition, or multiple campus locations. They are grouped by region, so you can start with the schools closest to home and work outward from there.

DFW Metroplex

Weatherford College
A workforce certificate inside the college's Healthcare Pathway, this CNA course runs 112 contact hours, or 84 in the hybrid option, and awards 10.8 continuing education units. CPR certification is built in, and workforce education grants or college foundation scholarships may help with cost.
Arlington Career Institute
Training can be completed in as little as five weeks, with hybrid online and campus options available. Tuition covers books, scrubs, immunizations, and CPR training, a 40-hour externship is required, and payment plans are offered.
Navarro College
This 72-contact-hour program blends online coursework with in-person skills review and 48 clinical hours, finishing in about four weeks. Tuition is $628 plus $150 in fees, which includes one exam voucher, and a free 60-hour prerequisite must be finished before applying.
CTK Healthcare & Career Institute
Hands-on clinical training paired with a state-approved curriculum, with morning, day, and evening schedule options. The Irving institute offers financial aid for eligible students, career placement assistance, and preparation for state certification exams.

Texas Panhandle

Frank Phillips College
Training combines lecture, lab, and clinical work and prepares students for the Texas Registry Exam. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, meet English proficiency requirements, and complete immunizations and a criminal background check before starting.

Lubbock Area

South Plains College
The program pairs 60 classroom hours with 40 clinical hours, and the total cost runs about $550 plus CPR certification, textbooks, and supplies. Class size is capped at 10 participants, and graduates sit for the state competency exam.

Central Texas

Blinn College District
This 120-hour program splits into 80 classroom and lab hours and 40 clinical hours, with total tuition of $1,000. Training is available in Brenham and Bryan, and a mandatory information session comes before enrollment.

Austin Area

Austin Community College District
Eight weeks of training covering 78 classroom hours and 48 clinical hours, with tuition at $1,108 and fast-track savings available. English proficiency and a clean criminal record are required, and the course can serve as a prerequisite for nursing programs.

San Antonio Area

St Philip's College
The Nurse Aide program is approved by Texas Health and Human Services and qualifies graduates for the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. Face-to-face clinical training covers patient care, communication, and safety, and applications are due about three months before a cohort begins.

Greater Houston

San Jacinto Community College
A continuing education Certified Nurse Aide course focused on basic patient care skills, delivered on campus with hands-on training and a clinical component. Classes run across multiple San Jacinto College locations, including Pasadena and Houston campuses.
Lone Star College System
The Nursing Assistant Certificate Level I is a four-month, 20-credit program with supervised clinical practice and a capstone course. It stacks into the Nursing Specialization AAS degree, and training runs at several Lone Star campuses.
Texas Health School
Four weeks of training totaling 100 hours, split into 30 lecture, 30 lab, and 40 externship hours, with day, evening, and weekend schedules to choose from. Graduates are eligible for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.
Houston Community College
The 108-hour curriculum covers classroom theory, lab practice, and clinical experience in nursing facilities, with tuition at $895 before books and exam fees. Immunizations, a criminal background check, and a mandatory information session are required.

East Texas

Kilgore College
This 100-hour Certified Nurse Aide program can be finished in three weeks in person or eight weeks in the hybrid format. The one-time cost is $600, and classes meet at the Whitten Applied Technology Building on the Kilgore campus.
Angelina College
A 116-hour Nurse Aide program combining classroom instruction with 40 clinical hours, covering dressing, bathing, feeding, vital signs, and mobility support. Classes meet on campus and at off-campus locations through Workforce and Continuing Education.

Recent Articles