Key Points
- Kilgore College CNA training costs $600 to $1,200 for in-district tuition.
- Longview metro CNAs earned a median $14.62 hourly in 2023.
- Texas CNA employment is projected to grow nearly 20% by 2030.
Find the right CNA program in Kilgore, TX with our guide to costs, class formats, and certification steps
What does CNA training actually cost in Kilgore, and how long before you can start working?
Kilgore College's certified nursing assistant program runs between $600 and $1,200 total for in-district students, one of the lowest price points in East Texas. Texas mandates a minimum of 100 training hours before you can sit for the state certification exam, so most students finish in four to twelve weeks depending on their schedule. Demand is real: the Longview metro reported a median hourly CNA wage of $14.62 in 2023, and regional health systems like Christus Good Shepherd hire consistently.
The practical tension here is timing versus cost. Faster programs from private providers exist but charge more. Kilgore College is affordable, but seats fill quickly each semester.
Choosing among CNA programs in Texas is only half the decision. The other half is knowing whether the local job market will reward that effort once you are certified. In Kilgore and the surrounding East Texas region, the answer is a clear yes.
Kilgore sits roughly 20 miles from Longview, which anchors the region's healthcare economy. Longview Regional Medical Center and Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center are two of the largest employers in the area, and both have a steady need for certified nursing assistants on medical, surgical, and rehabilitation floors. Beyond the hospitals, the region is home to a network of long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing homes that rely heavily on CNAs to deliver day-to-day resident care. Home health agencies are also growing quickly, offering CNAs flexible schedules and one-on-one patient assignments across Gregg, Rusk, and Cherokee counties.
East Texas has one of the oldest population profiles in the state. As the region's senior population grows, so does the need for hands-on personal care. Nursing homes and memory care units in particular are expanding their staffing rosters to meet that need. Newly certified CNAs entering the workforce in 2026 are stepping into a market where vacancies consistently outpace applicants, which gives you genuine negotiating room even at the entry level.
Texas has no state income tax, a detail that matters more than many new workers realize. A CNA earning an hourly wage in Kilgore takes home a larger share of each paycheck compared to a peer doing the same work in a state with a 5 or 6 percent income tax. It is a quiet but real financial benefit that stretches your starting wage further while you build experience and work toward advancement.
Taken together, Kilgore's proximity to Longview's hospital corridor, the region's growing senior population, and Texas's tax structure make this a genuinely strong place to launch a CNA career.
Not all CNA training can be completed entirely from a computer. In Texas, nursing assistant programs must meet state requirements, and the Texas Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved providers. Visiting their website is a smart first step because it helps you identify programs that have state authorization. Some of those listings will include schools that offer online or hybrid instruction, combining remote coursework with hands-on clinical practice.
When you browse individual school websites, look closely at how each program describes its delivery format. Terms like "online," "blended," or "hybrid" can mean different things. Typically, the theory portion of CNA training (topics such as infection control, patient rights, and body mechanics) may be offered through self-paced modules or live virtual classes. Schools such as Texas CNA Academy and area community colleges may have hybrid options, but you'll want to read the course details carefully. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website offers a helpful overview of standard training requirements, which can give you a baseline for what to expect in any CNA program.
Even in a hybrid program, clinical hours are non-negotiable. Texas regulations require a minimum number of supervised, in-person hours where you practice skills like taking vital signs or transferring patients. How these hours are completed varies by school. Some programs may partner with local nursing homes or hospitals in Kilgore and Longview to host clinicals on weekends or in concentrated blocks. The clinical component is where you build confidence and demonstrate competency, so inquire about where sites are located and how the schedule works.
Because hybrid options are still evolving, the most accurate information often comes directly from a program's admissions office. A quick email or phone call can clarify whether the online portion is truly asynchronous, how clinicals are arranged, and whether any in-person orientation sessions are required. Admissions staff can also walk you through technology needs or tell you about any on-campus labs that might supplement the online learning. Taking the time to ask these questions upfront helps you avoid surprises and choose a format that genuinely fits your life.
For students in Kilgore, the most accessible CNA training options are at Kilgore College and East Texas Nursing Academy in Longview. Additional programs within a 45-minute commute include options at Tyler Junior College and other institutions in Tyler and Marshall. Below you'll find details on local programs to help you choose.
CNA training in Kilgore follows a structured sequence that takes most students between 4 and 12 weeks to complete, depending on the program schedule. Each phase builds on the last, blending theory with hands-on practice to prepare you for the state exam.

Kilgore College's CNA program costs between $600 and $1,200 total2, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in East Texas for students who qualify for in-district tuition rates. Before you enroll anywhere, though, you need a clear picture of every expense you will face from registration day through your state certification exam.
Tuition covers only part of what you will spend. Here is what most Kilgore-area CNA students should budget for:
Out-of-district students at Kilgore College pay higher tuition, so confirming your residency status early can save you hundreds of dollars. Private academies often bundle supplies into their quoted tuition, but their total price usually exceeds what community colleges charge.
The Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education Grant, known as Texas TRUE Grant, helps students cover costs for short-term workforce programs lasting six months or less at public Texas colleges. For the 2025 to 2027 cycle, eligible students can receive up to $2,500 toward qualifying programs, and Kilgore College's Nurse Assistant program is on that approved list2.
To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and submit an official high school transcript or GED to Kilgore College2. The grant application deadline for the current cycle extends through December 20273, but funding is limited, so applying early improves your chances.
Beyond state grants, several pathways can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs:
Starting your CNA career does not have to drain your savings. Between in-district tuition at Kilgore College, TRUE Grant funding, and workforce assistance programs, most students can piece together a plan that keeps costs manageable while they focus on learning the skills that matter.
Texas is projected to grow its nursing assistant workforce by nearly 20 percent through 2030, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. That pace outstrips many other occupations, meaning CNA-certified graduates in Kilgore are entering one of the state's most reliably expanding job markets.
Texas requires a minimum of 100 training hours, including at least 40 hours of hands-on clinical practice, before you can sit for the state CNA exam. Once your program wraps up, the path to the registry follows a clear sequence.
Certification testing in Texas is administered by Pearson VUE through the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Services (NACES) program. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test (or an oral version if you request it) and a hands-on skills demonstration. During the skills portion, a trained evaluator watches you perform several randomly selected clinical tasks, such as hand washing, repositioning a resident, or taking vital signs. Preparation tips that consistently help candidates:
Before sitting for the exam, you must pass a criminal background check. Under Texas Administrative Code, certain offenses, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, and specific felonies, are automatically disqualifying for registry placement. If you have any prior convictions, speak with your program director early; some situations allow for a review process, but others do not.
After passing both parts of the competency exam, Pearson VUE transmits your results to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, which maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Most candidates see their registry listing updated within a few weeks of passing. Exam fees vary and are set by Pearson VUE; check their current NACES candidate handbook for the latest figures, as these can change year to year.
Many long-term care facilities and hospitals in the Longview metro area, which is the primary employment hub for Kilgore-area CNAs, offer to reimburse exam fees or cover testing costs outright when you agree to work for them after certification. Some facilities hire candidates conditionally before the exam and bring them on full-time the moment registry confirmation arrives. If cost is a concern, asking about exam fee assistance during the job application process is always worth doing.
Healthcare support roles are evolving rapidly, but certified nursing assistants remain a bedrock of patient care, offering a reliable entry into the field. In the Longview metropolitan area, nursing assistants earned a median hourly wage of $14.62 in 2023, which translates to an annual median of about $30,420.1 More recent 2026 data shows a mean hourly wage of $15.85, highlighting steady if modest growth, with a typical salary range between $11.81 and $21.28 per hour.3 These figures place Longview slightly below the national median annual wage of $39,541 for CNAs,5 yet the East Texas cost of living often stretches those dollars further.
Statewide, Texas CNA wages tend to hover near the national median, though specific regional variation exists. The Longview metro’s 10th-percentile annual wage was $27,350, while the 90th percentile reached $40,790, indicating that experience, shift differentials, and employer type can significantly boost earnings.2 While O*NET data confirms the area’s location quotient of 0.84 suggests slightly lower concentration of CNA jobs compared to the national average, it still represents a sizable workforce of 730 nursing assistants locally.1
East Texas is experiencing a steady rise in its senior population, fueling the need for long-term care services. Nationally, employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034,4 but in a region like Longview with a higher proportion of older adults, turnover and retirements drive continuous hiring. Job postings on Indeed regularly list openings across all experience levels, and many employers now offer sign-on bonuses or tuition assistance to attract CNAs.
For those looking beyond a CNA credential, Kilgore College provides clear advancement routes. Their CNA-to-LVN bridge program, and subsequently an LVN-to-RN pathway, allow you to ladder your education while working. Several nearby schools, including Tyler Junior College, and CNA training programs in Tyler offer mobility options. Starting as a CNA can be the first step toward a sustainable healthcare career in this tight-knit community.
Choosing between CNA programs requires more than comparing tuition prices or class schedules. Your decision should factor in verified pass rates, job placement outcomes, and how well each program prepares you for real-world nursing assistant work.
Texas publishes CNA exam pass rates through regulatory channels, giving you concrete numbers to compare programs. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission maintains records of competency evaluation results for each approved training program in the state. Before enrolling, check these official sources to see how recent graduates from Kilgore College and East Texas Nursing Academy performed on the state certification exam. Programs with consistently high pass rates typically offer stronger clinical preparation and instructor support.
Pass rates tell only part of the story. Employment outcomes reveal whether graduates actually land CNA positions after certification. The Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards often track employment statistics for healthcare training completers. These boards can provide insight into how quickly graduates from area programs find work and which employers hire from specific schools. Contact your regional workforce office in the Longview metro area to request any available placement data for programs you are considering.
Many nursing programs publish annual outcomes data on their official websites or include it in student handbooks and program catalogs. When comparing Kilgore College and East Texas Nursing Academy, visit each school's admissions page or contact their program coordinators directly. Ask specific questions about recent cohort pass rates, average time to employment, and any employer partnerships that facilitate clinical placements or hiring pipelines. Admissions staff can often provide details not posted publicly.
Professional associations offer another avenue for program evaluation. The National Association of Health Care Assistants and the Texas Health Care Association periodically survey training programs or compile performance benchmarks. These organizations may provide comparative data or highlight programs known for strong graduate outcomes. Checking these resources adds another layer of verification to your research, helping you move beyond marketing materials to objective performance measures.
Below are the top CNA programs available to Kilgore students, ranked by affordability based on tuition and net price. This list includes programs across Texas that offer value through low cost, short timelines, or flexible learning options. Proximity to Kilgore and hybrid or online components are highlighted to help you narrow your choices.
Houston, TX · $30,000 – $35,000/yr
Best for: Quick certification for Houston-area students
Texas Health School offers a four-week, campus-based Nurse Aide Program in Houston, with flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules. The 100-hour program includes lecture, lab, and externship components, preparing students for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. With a high graduation rate and strong retention, it provides a fast track to certification, though it is outside commuting distance for Kilgore students.
Pharr, TX · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Best for: Supportive environment with job placement help
Rio Grande Valley College's Nurse Aide Program in Pharr is a campus-based certificate that leads to Texas certification. The program focuses on patient-centered care and communication skills, and includes job placement assistance. While located in South Texas, it may appeal to students seeking a supportive environment with career services, though it is not within commuting distance of Kilgore.
Waco, TX · $4,000 – $6,000/yr
Best for: Affordable, all-inclusive pricing for Central Texas
McLennan Community College's Certified Nurse Aide Training in Waco is an affordable 100-hour program costing $825, including the state exam fee. It offers multiple class schedules and covers essential patient care skills. Although located in Central Texas, its low cost and comprehensive training make it a value-centric option for Kilgore-area students willing to relocate or those with flexible living situations.
Carthage, TX · $2,000 – $5,000/yr
Panola College offers a Certified Nurse Aide program at multiple East Texas locations, including Carthage and Marshall, making it one of the most accessible options for Kilgore students. The 116-hour program costs $784, including tuition, books, fees, and state testing. Scholarships covering up to 25% of costs are available, and flexible evening classes accommodate working students. Clinical training takes place in local healthcare facilities, providing relevant hands-on experience.
Odessa, TX · $3,000 – $5,000/yr
Odessa College's Certified Nurse Aide program in Odessa offers an accelerated 8-week pathway with both campus-based and hybrid options. The hybrid format combines online coursework with weekend in-person clinicals at local long-term care facilities, though travel would be required from Kilgore. Tuition is $1,900, covering textbooks, scrubs, and the state exam fee, with payment plans available.
Mount Pleasant, TX · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant provides a six-week, face-to-face CNA program with evening classes Monday through Thursday, making it feasible for Kilgore students willing to commute. The program costs $750 and includes clinical experience in local facilities. Financial aid may be available for eligible students. This program's close proximity and low cost make it a practical choice for East Texas residents.
Brownsville, TX · $3,000/yr (net price)
Texas Southmost College in Brownsville offers a six-week, 112-hour Certified Nursing Assistant program that combines classroom and clinical training. Applicants must pass a pre-entrance exam and meet health requirements. While located far from Kilgore, the program provides a thorough preparation for state certification. It is a solid option for students in South Texas.
Texas City, TX · ~$1,000/yr (est.)
College of the Mainland's Certified Nursing Aide program in Texas City is a two-month, campus-based certificate that does not require an entrance exam. With a net price of just $1,342, it is one of the most affordable options in Texas. Admission requires a high school diploma, background check, and immunizations. Clinicals are arranged at local sites, but the Gulf Coast location is not commutable from Kilgore.
Clarendon, TX · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Clarendon College's Certified Nurse Assistant program in the Panhandle offers state-approved training with lecture, lab, and clinical components. Open to students 16 and older, it prepares graduates for the Texas Registry Exam. While located far from Kilgore, its low minimum age and continuous application acceptance make it accessible. The program requires uniforms and a drug screen.
Victoria, TX · $3,000/yr (net price)
Victoria College's Nurse Aide program combines a free 60-hour online theory course with 50-60 hours of on-campus and clinical training in Victoria or Gonzales. Tuition is $650, which includes a textbook. While the online component adds flexibility, clinicals must be completed locally, making it less convenient for Kilgore students unless they plan to be in the Victoria area.
Get quick answers to the most common questions about CNA training in Kilgore. From program costs and duration to enrollment requirements and certification, we’ve compiled key details to help you plan your next steps.