Key Points
- Lamar State College Port Arthur's CNA program costs $800 to $1,200.
- Most programs finish in 4-12 weeks and cost $800-$1,500.
- Beaumont-Port Arthur CNAs earn a median $32,500 and have strong demand.
CNA Training in Port Arthur: Programs, Costs & How to Get Started
Explore Port Arthur CNA programs with details on tuition, class schedules, and clinical hours.
Healthcare staffing shortages across Southeast Texas have pushed CNA hiring into overdrive, with the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro reporting strong demand and competitive wages for certified nurse aides. Training takes just 4 to 12 weeks and typically costs under $1,500, making it one of the fastest routes into patient care.
Port Arthur students can choose from local programs at Lamar State College, hybrid options that combine online coursework with in-person clinicals, and even employer-sponsored training at area nursing homes. Median pay for the region sits around $32,500, and some facilities cover tuition costs for committed hires.
Jump to the program rankings →
CNA Job Demand and Employer-Sponsored Training in Port Arthur
Port Arthur CNAs have their pick of employers, because the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro is short on nurse aides and long on facilities that need them. Hospitals, nursing homes, and rehab centers across Jefferson County are actively hiring, and several will bring you on while you finish certification rather than making you wait until you've passed the state exam.
Who's Hiring CNAs in the Port Arthur Area
The local employer list runs across hospital systems, long-term care, and rehabilitation:
- Christus Health Beaumont: A major hospital employer in the metro. CNA roles require a Texas CNA license and current BLS certification.1
- PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Beaumont: Inpatient rehab facility at 77707 hiring PRN rotating CNAs. Expects BLS and typically two to three years of prior experience for these roles.2
- Buckner Calder Woods (Beaumont): Skilled nursing community on Calder Ave hiring full-time nurse aides. Requires Texas Nurse Aide Certification, CPR/First Aid, and a Food Handler Certificate, with about one year of experience preferred.3
- Sabine Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Port Arthur): Long-term care facility with CNA pay in the $16 to $17 per hour range.4
- Port Arthur Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: Local skilled nursing employer in the 77642 zip.4
- Shalom Health Care Management (Beaumont): Offers a wider CNA pay band, roughly $16 to $24 per hour depending on shift and experience.5
ZipRecruiter4 and Indeed5 both show steady CNA postings across Port Arthur and Beaumont, which is a reliable sign that turnover and demand are outpacing local supply.
Employer-Sponsored Training: What's Actually Out There
Honest answer: as of 2026, no Port Arthur or Beaumont employer is publicly advertising a formal free-tuition-for-work-commitment CNA program.5 That doesn't mean nothing exists. It means the arrangements aren't posted online.
What is common locally is a hire-while-you-train policy. Several facilities will hire CNA students who are enrolled in an approved certification program, on the condition that you finish and pass the state exam within about four months of your start date.6 That gets you on payroll, often as a nurse aide trainee or patient care tech, while your classes are still in progress. Given that most area CNA classes in Beaumont run four to eight weeks,5 the timing works.
How to Find the Unadvertised Deals
Call the HR or staff development office at each facility directly and ask two questions: Do you sponsor or reimburse CNA training for new hires? Do you hire nurse aide trainees who are currently enrolled in class? Texas's healthcare worker shortage has pushed many employers to negotiate tuition help case by case, especially for candidates willing to commit to nights, weekends, or long-term care settings. Those offers rarely make it to the job board.
Online and Hybrid CNA Classes: What's Available for Port Arthur Students?
Fully online CNA training may seem like a flexible option, but in Texas, state regulations require in-person clinical hours, so a true 100% online program isn't permitted. Instead, most CNA programs in Texas use a hybrid model that combines online theory coursework with hands-on clinical practice at an approved facility.
Why Fully Online CNA Programs Are Not an Option in Texas
Texas mandates that every nurse aide student completes at least 100 hours of training1: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical skills practice. While the theory portion can be delivered online, the clinical hours must happen in person at a state-approved healthcare setting. This rule ensures that students gain real-world experience with patients under supervision before they take the state competency exam. Even if you complete theory coursework entirely online, you still need to physically attend a clinical site; online simulations or virtual clinicals cannot substitute for the required hands-on hours. Recent policy changes now also allow inpatient hospices to serve as clinical training sites1, expanding placement options beyond traditional nursing homes and hospitals.
The Hybrid Model: Online Theory + In-Person Clinicals
Hybrid CNA classes have become the standard pathway for many Port Arthur students. In a typical hybrid program, you log into a learning management system to complete lectures, read materials, and take quizzes on your own schedule. After finishing the theory portion, you attend scheduled clinical rotations at a local facility where you practice essential skills like taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and providing personal care. This blend offers scheduling flexibility for the classroom portion while still meeting the state's rigorous in-person clinical requirements. Program lengths vary, but many hybrid options can be completed in four to eight weeks, depending on how often clinicals are scheduled.
Hybrid CNA Programs Available to Port Arthur Students
Several hybrid and online-theory CNA programs accept Texas residents and may work for students in the Port Arthur area. Keep in mind that you'll still need to complete clinical hours at a facility approved by the state, so check how each program handles clinical placement before enrolling.
- HHSC Free Online Nurse Aide Training: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers a no-cost, 60-hour online theory course1 through the Learning Tree platform. This program is completely free, and upon completion, you must arrange your own clinical placement at a state-approved site (such as a nursing home or hospital) to satisfy the 40-hour clinical requirement. It's an affordable starting point if you have or can find a clinical site willing to supervise you.
- Heart to Heart Healthcare Training: This provider offers a hybrid CNA program with online lectures and in-person clinicals. The total cost is around $300, covering 60 hours of online theory and coordination of clinical hours. While Heart to Heart is based elsewhere in Texas, its online component can be accessed from Port Arthur, and the program may help you locate a clinical site, though you should verify if placements are available in the Port Arthur/Beaumont area.
- Other Texas Hybrid Programs: Some community colleges and private schools offer hybrid CNA tracks that combine online theory with on-campus skills labs and clinicals. For example, Navarro College, which offers CNA classes in Corsicana, has a hybrid program with a condensed 22.5-hour theory component2 (the remainder earned through clinical work), but its distance from Port Arthur makes it less convenient unless you can arrange clinicals closer to home. Always ask programs directly whether they can accommodate clinical rotations at a facility near you.
Verifying NATCEP Approval Is Critical
Not all programs that claim to offer CNA training meet Texas standards. Any program you consider must be approved as a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) by HHSC. Enrolling in an unapproved program means you won't be eligible to sit for the state exam and earn your CNA certification. You can verify a program's status by checking the HHSC website or calling the program and asking for its NATCEP number. Double-check that the clinical sites they use are also state-approved; this is especially important for online-theory-only options where you may be responsible for securing your own clinical placement.
Local CNA Training Options: Lamar State College Port Arthur and Beyond
A local CNA training program is one you can attend in person at a nearby college, technical center, or healthcare facility, completing both classroom instruction and supervised clinical hours within your own community. For Port Arthur residents, the most established option is Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA), which offers more than one pathway into the profession. A few additional providers in the surrounding Beaumont-Port Arthur metro round out your choices for CNA classes near me.
Lamar State College Port Arthur: Credit Nurse Aide Certificate
LSCPA's credit-bearing Nurse Aide Certificate is approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission1 and runs during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Because the program does not maintain a waiting list, students can typically enroll for the next available term without a long delay. Highlights of this program include:
- Admission cycles: Fall, spring, and summer, giving you up to three entry points each year.
- GPA requirement: A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on prior college coursework.
- Background check: Required before clinical placement.
- TSI exam: Not required, which removes a common hurdle for students who have not recently taken standardized tests.
- Certification exam: Graduates sit for the Texas Nurse Aide Exam administered by Prometric.1
- Program contact: Eursula Davis, BSN, RN, coordinates the credit program.
LSCPA does not publicly list a single flat tuition rate for this credit certificate the way some workforce programs do, so the total you pay will depend on your residency status and the number of credit hours in the semester. Books, scrubs, a CPR card, and the Prometric exam fee are additional out-of-pocket costs. Because this is a credit program, you may be eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, which can substantially reduce your expenses. Contact the LSCPA financial aid office and the nursing department directly for a current cost breakdown.
LSCPA Workforce CNA Track
In addition to the credit certificate, LSCPA's workforce division offers a Certified Nurse's Aide course designed for students who want a faster, noncredit route. Donna Thomas serves as the workforce program contact.2 Workforce courses generally follow a compressed schedule and may be offered on evenings or weekends to accommodate working adults, though specific days, times, and upcoming start dates change each semester. Because noncredit workforce courses usually do not qualify for traditional financial aid, you will want to ask about institutional payment plans, workforce development grants, or employer sponsorship when you call.
Nearby Alternative: Lamar State College Orange
About 25 miles east of Port Arthur, Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) runs a Certified Nurse Aide program with clearly posted costs that give you a useful comparison point:
- Tuition: $550
- CPR certification: $60
- Exam fee: $125
- Total program cost: $735
- Total training hours: 100
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Background check: Required
At roughly $735 all-in, LSCO's program is one of the most affordable options in the region. If you live on the eastern side of Port Arthur or have reliable transportation, it is well worth considering.
Other Potential Providers in the Area
Beyond the Lamar State College system, the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro occasionally has CNA classes through private vocational schools, adult education centers tied to local school districts, and skilled nursing facilities that train their own aides. Availability at these providers varies from year to year. A few practical steps to uncover current offerings:
- Check the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's online list of approved nurse aide training programs, which is updated regularly.
- Ask local nursing homes and long-term care facilities whether they sponsor in-house CNA training for new hires.
- Contact the Port Arthur Independent School District's adult and continuing education office to see if healthcare career courses are on the current schedule.
Quick Cost Comparison
- LSCO (noncredit): Approximately $735 total, 100 hours of training.
- LSCPA Workforce (noncredit): Contact Donna Thomas for current pricing; expect a similar range to other regional workforce programs.
- LSCPA Credit Certificate: Tuition varies by residency and credit hours; financial aid may apply, potentially lowering net cost to zero for qualifying students.
Admission Basics Across Programs
Regardless of which provider you choose, expect these common prerequisites in Texas:
- You must pass a criminal background check.
- Immunization records (including TB screening) are typically required before clinical rotations.
- Most programs ask for a high school diploma or GED, though the minimum age can be as low as 16 at some schools.
- CPR certification (usually BLS for Healthcare Providers) is required either before or during training.
Because schedules, tuition, and start dates shift each semester, your best move is to call each program directly. Ask about upcoming start dates, whether evening or weekend sections are available, and what the total out-of-pocket cost will be after any grants or payment plans. Getting current information straight from the source saves you from making decisions based on outdated details.
Most CNA programs serving Port Arthur students can be completed in just 4 to 12 weeks, with total costs typically ranging from $800 to $1,500. That makes nurse aide training one of the fastest, most affordable ways to launch a healthcare career, often requiring less time and money than a single college semester.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in the Beaumont-Port Arthur Metro
Nursing assistants in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro area earn a median annual salary of $32,500, with an average of $33,420. The region employed about 1,060 CNAs as of 2024. While wages here are slightly below some larger Texas metros, the lower cost of living in Port Arthur makes it a competitive starting point for your healthcare career.
| Metro Area | Total Employment | 25th Percentile | Median Annual Salary | 75th Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 1,060 | $30,070 | $32,500 | $36,050 | $33,420 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 19,510 | $35,360 | $36,940 | $44,780 | $39,040 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 23,280 | $36,180 | $37,260 | $42,620 | $39,100 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 6,910 | $33,100 | $35,990 | $38,070 | $36,410 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 5,920 | $36,060 | $37,460 | $43,190 | $38,850 |
Nursing assistants entering the healthcare field now will find more than just job openings, they will find career pathways leading into nursing, specialized clinical roles, and healthcare administration as our region's medical needs continue growing.
How to Become a CNA in Texas: Certification Steps and Exam Pass Rates
Classroom training versus hands-on clinical practice: both are required before you can sit for the Texas CNA exam, but understanding how to become a CNA helps you plan your timeline and budget. Here's the complete process from enrollment to registry listing.
Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program
Your first step is enrolling in a Texas-approved CNA training program (Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program, or NATCEP). These programs combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical hours in a healthcare facility. Port Arthur students typically attend programs at Lamar State College Port Arthur or nearby community colleges and vocational schools. Most programs run 4 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
During training, your coursework covers basic nursing skills, infection control, patient safety, and communication. The clinical portion places you in a nursing home or hospital where you practice skills under the supervision of a licensed nurse. All state-approved programs are designed to prepare you for the competency exam.
Pass a Criminal Background Check
Before you can take the certification exam, Texas requires a criminal background check. Your training program will guide you through the fingerprinting and submission process. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from certification, so it's important to address any concerns early with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Take and Pass the Texas CNA Competency Exam
Once you complete your training, you're eligible to schedule the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) exam through Prometric. The exam has two parts:
- Written or oral portion: 60 multiple-choice questions covering basic nursing skills, patient rights, safety, and infection control. You may request an oral exam if needed.
- Clinical skills demonstration: You'll perform five randomly selected nursing skills1 in front of an examiner, such as handwashing, measuring vital signs, or assisting with mobility.
The exam fee ranges from $113 to $125 as of 2026.1 If you fail one part, you only retake that section. Texas allows up to three attempts per part.1
Exam Pass Rates and Prep Support
Texas CNA programs report first-time pass rates ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s, according to historical data from Prometric.2 Lamar State College Port Arthur does not publish separate CNA pass rates, but the institution's LVN program posted a 98.31 percent first-time pass rate in 2024 (58 of 59 candidates)3, suggesting strong nursing instruction overall. Most Port Arthur CNA programs integrate exam prep into the curriculum, including practice tests and skills lab sessions.
Registry Listing and Certification
After you pass both exam components, your name is added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry1, the official list of certified CNAs. Employers verify your certification through this registry, and you must renew your listing every two years by working at least eight paid hours and completing continuing education hours. Your certification is portable across Texas, so you can work anywhere in the state once you're on the registry.
Choosing the Right CNA Program: Cost, Financial Aid, and Accreditation
With federal Pell Grants offering up to $7,000 per year1 and the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) awarding up to $6,402 at community colleges, CNA training in Port Arthur can be significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Choosing the right program means weighing these financial aid opportunities against total costs, while ensuring the school meets state requirements for certification eligibility.
Understanding Total Costs
Program costs in the Port Arthur area typically include tuition, textbooks, uniforms, background checks, and exam fees. Some schools bundle these into a single price, while others charge separately. Ask for a detailed cost sheet before enrolling. A lower advertised tuition might hide expensive lab fees or required supplies that push the real cost higher.
Schedule flexibility also matters. Evening or weekend classes may cost the same but allow you to keep working, reducing the need for loans. Consider program length: shorter intensive courses get you into the workforce faster but may be harder to balance with other responsibilities.
Financial Aid Options for Texas CNA Students
- Federal and state grants: File the FAFSA to unlock Pell Grants and state programs like TEOG and TPEG. TPEG can cover up to half of CNA tuition at participating schools.2 Eligibility is based on financial need, and grants do not require repayment.
- Workforce Commission support: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers WIOA training funds for eligible individuals, as explained in this CNA funding guide. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need and career fit, and the program must appear on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).3 Visit a local Workforce Solutions office to apply.
- Institutional scholarships and payment plans: Many schools offer their own scholarships or allow you to pay in installments. For example, Northeast Texas Community College provides payment plans for its nurse aide program.2
- Employer tuition assistance: Some Port Arthur hospitals and long-term care facilities offer upfront sponsorships: they pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment after certification.1 Others reimburse tuition once you are employed. This is a common path to zero out-of-pocket cost.
- Veterans benefits: The Hazlewood Act provides tuition and fee exemptions at Texas public institutions for qualifying veterans and their dependents.
Verifying State Approval and Accreditation
To sit for the Texas CNA certification exam, your training must come from a program approved by the state's Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP).4 Beyond NATCEP approval, confirm the school holds proper institutional accreditation. For example, Texas Health School's nurse aide program is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).5 If you plan to use WIOA funds, ensure the program appears on the ETPL.3
Maximizing Your Return on Investment
Before committing, tour the campus and observe a clinical skills lab if possible. Ask about job placement rates and relationships with local employers: a program with strong connections to Port Arthur hospitals and nursing homes can speed up your job search. Calculate the full cost minus any aid you are likely to receive, then compare that to entry-level CNA wages in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro. Even without free training, most students recoup their investment within a few months of working full-time.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Does your schedule require evening or weekend classes?
Port Arthur programs vary widely in scheduling. If you work full-time or have family obligations, confirming class times upfront prevents conflicts that could force you to drop out mid-program.
Have you explored employer-sponsored training before paying tuition?
Several nursing homes and healthcare facilities in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment. This option can eliminate tuition costs entirely.
Are you comfortable learning clinical skills through online modules?
Hybrid programs deliver lectures online but still require in-person lab hours. If you prefer hands-on demonstration from day one, a fully on-campus program may suit your learning style better.
What clinical placement support does the program provide?
Strong programs arrange clinical rotations at local facilities and help coordinate scheduling. Ask whether the school handles placement logistics or expects you to find your own clinical site.
Top CNA Programs for Port Arthur Students: Ranked by Affordability
Below are the top CNA programs serving Port Arthur students, ranked by affordability, flexibility, and alignment with Texas certification requirements. These schools offer a mix of campus, hybrid, and low-cost options to help you get certified quickly.
Factors considered
- Net price affordability
- Graduation rates
- Program flexibility
- Proximity to Port Arthur
- Student support services
Data sources
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
College of the Mainland
#1Texas City, TX · ~$1,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Port Arthur area commuters
College of the Mainland in Texas City provides a fast-track, campus-based CNA program just a short drive from Port Arthur. With a remarkably low net price and strong job placement outcomes, it is an excellent choice for budget-conscious local students. The program combines face-to-face instruction with clinical experience, preparing graduates for immediate employment in area hospitals and long-term care facilities.
- Approximately two-month program with face-to-face and clinical training
- High school diploma or equivalent required; no entrance exam
- Background check, health insurance, and immunizations necessary
- Prepares for CNA roles in nursing homes, hospitals, and other settings
- Strong job demand in Texas with median salary around $38,130
- Affordable net price and low average student debt
- Continuing Education program with practical, direct path to certification
Victoria College
#2Victoria, TX · $3,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Hybrid learners needing online theory
Victoria College offers a unique hybrid CNA program that pairs free online theory with hands-on clinicals, making it accessible for Port Arthur students who need flexible scheduling. The low tuition and multiple campus locations provide additional convenience. Graduates are prepared for the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam and entry-level roles in long-term care.
- Hybrid program with free 60-hour online theory course
- 50-60 clinical hours at local healthcare agencies and on campus
- $650 tuition includes textbook
- Prepares for Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam
- Offered at Victoria Main Campus and Gonzales Center with flexible scheduling
- Pre-registration and proof of online theory completion required
- Focus on long-term care skills and safety
- Non-credit continuing education program on campus
- Hands-on training leading to a Certificate of Completion
- State credential preparation
- Financial aid and scholarships available with FAFSA
- First-come, first-served admission; may be offered annually
- Specific admission requirements apply; payment due at registration
- Located at Health Sciences Center in Victoria
McLennan Community College
#3Waco, TX · $4,000 – $6,000/yr
Best for: CNA seekers prioritizing low tuition
McLennan Community College in Waco delivers an exceptionally affordable CNA program with a total tuition of $825, including exam fees. Its comprehensive curriculum and strong graduate earnings make it a standout for cost-conscious learners. Though farther from Port Arthur, the low net price and multiple schedules may justify the move for some students.
- Comprehensive 100-hour program
- Affordable $825 total cost, including state exam fee
- Multiple class schedule options available
- Covers healthcare systems, patient care, and legal/ethical aspects
- Immunizations, background check, and drug screening required
- Financial aid may be available for qualifying students
- Prepares for employment in hospitals, long-term care, and clinics
Panola College
#4Carthage, TX · $2,000 – $5,000/yr
Panola College provides an open-to-all CNA program at multiple East Texas locations, including evening options ideal for working adults. The total cost of $784, with scholarships available, makes it one of the most affordable routes to certification. Port Arthur students may find the Carthage or Marshall campuses a manageable drive.
- 116-hour program with 64 lecture and 52 clinical hours
- Total cost of $784 includes tuition, textbooks, fees, and state testing
- Evening classes at multiple East Texas locations
- Minimum age 17; criminal background check and immunizations required
- Scholarships covering up to 25% of costs available
- Focus on basic patient care skills for hospitals, long-term care, and home health
- Prepares for Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam
Texas Health School
#5Houston, TX · $30,000 – $35,000/yr
Texas Health School in Houston offers a rapid, four-week CNA program with extremely flexible scheduling, including day, evening, and weekend tracks. While its net price is higher, the accelerated format and strong graduation rate may appeal to career changers who want to enter the workforce immediately. Houston's proximity to Port Arthur is a plus for commuters willing to travel.
- Four-week accelerated program
- Flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules
- 100 total training hours (30 lecture, 30 lab, 40 externship)
- Prepares for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation
- Hands-on training in bathing, vitals, and mobility assistance
- High school diploma or GED required; Wonderlic exam score of 11
- Accredited by Council on Occupational Education and approved by Texas HHS
Rio Grande Valley College
#6Pharr, TX · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Rio Grande Valley College in Pharr offers a focused campus-based CNA program with job placement assistance, making it a practical choice for students who want a direct link to employment after certification. Though far from Port Arthur, the school's high percentage of Pell Grant recipients and moderate net price demonstrate a commitment to accessible education.
- Campus-based training in Pharr, TX
- Eligibility for Texas HHS state certification exam
- Certificate of Completion awarded
- Job placement assistance included
- Covers patient-centered care and communication skills
- No entrance exam required for enrollment
Odessa College
#7Odessa, TX · $3,000 – $5,000/yr
Odessa College provides two CNA pathways: an accelerated campus option and an 8-week hybrid program that blends online coursework with weekend clinicals. Both options include all materials and the state exam fee in the tuition. Although located in West Texas, the hybrid format allows Port Arthur students to complete theory remotely if they can attend in-person clinicals.
- 8 or 16-week flexible scheduling options
- $1,900 total tuition covers textbooks, scrubs, supplies, and state exam fee
- 60 classroom hours plus 40 clinical hours at local long-term care facilities
- Morning/evening class options with weekend clinical rotations
- Complio account required for background check and drug screening
- Small class sizes (8-10 students) ensure personalized instruction
- Curriculum aligned with Texas Health and Human Services standards
- 8-week accelerated hybrid format combining online learning with in-person clinicals
- $1,900 tuition includes all materials; payment plans and tuition assistance available
- 60 online classroom hours and 40 weekend clinical hours
- Simulation lab enhances hands-on training
- Focus on compassionate care for elderly populations
- NHA accredited program; state exam eligibility upon completion
- Requires Complio account for background and drug screening
Northeast Texas Community College
#8Mount Pleasant, TX · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant offers a six-week evening CNA program at a low $750 total cost. The condensed schedule and financial aid availability make it a viable option for Port Arthur residents who can relocate temporarily or have ties to the area. The program emphasizes practical clinical training for immediate employment.
- Six-week program with evening classes Monday-Thursday
- $750 total cost; financial assistance may be available
- Must be 18 or older with proof of education, records, and CPR certification
- Combines classroom instruction with clinical experience
- Prepares for state certification and entry-level hospital or long-term care roles
- Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters through Continuing Education
- Campus-based at main NTCC location in Mount Pleasant
Texas Southmost College
#9Brownsville, TX · $3,000/yr (net price)
Texas Southmost College in Brownsville provides two distinct CNA tracks: a one-semester credit certificate and a six-week continuing education program. Both offer hands-on training and eligibility for the state exam, with the credit option possibly appealing to those considering future nursing degrees. While far from Port Arthur, the very low net price is attractive for budget-driven students.
- One-semester campus-based program
- Blends classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training
- Covers basic nursing care, medical terminology, and anatomy
- No entrance exam required
- Prepares for state certification and entry-level long-term care roles
- Affordable tuition with financial aid options
- Six-week, 112-hour program with classroom and clinical components
- Must be 18+ and pass pre-entrance exam in reading, math, and writing
- Immunizations, background check, drug screening, and CPR certification required
- Earn a TSC certificate and qualify for state exam
- Prepares for work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care under RN supervision
- Campus-based in Brownsville
Clarendon College
#10Clarendon, TX · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Clarendon College offers a state-approved CNA program at multiple campus locations across Texas, with a focus on basic nursing skills and personal care. The program is open to students as young as 16 and includes lecture, lab, and clinical training. While far from the Gulf Coast, it may suit Port Arthur students who can relocate or prefer a small rural college setting.
- State-approved curriculum with lecture, lab, and clinical components
- Prepares for Texas Registry Exam
- Multiple campus locations; open to students over 16
- Requires English proficiency, drug screening, immunizations, and background check
- Uniforms at student expense
- Focus on basic nursing skills and personal care
- Careers in long-term care, hospitals, and home health
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Classes in Port Arthur
Here are answers to common questions about CNA training in Port Arthur. If you don't see yours, reach out to programs directly for details on enrollment, schedules, and costs.
Lamar State College Port Arthur typically offers the most affordable nurse aide training in the area, with tuition often under $1,000 for in-district students. Costs may include additional fees for textbooks, uniforms, and the certification exam. Always confirm current pricing with the school.
Most programs run 4 to 12 weeks full-time. Accelerated daytime courses can finish in as little as one month, while evening or weekend tracks may extend to 8-12 weeks. Check each school's schedule for exact dates.
Yes, some local providers, including Lamar State College, have offered evening or weekend sections to accommodate working students. Availability varies by term, so contact the program early to secure a spot in the schedule that fits your needs.
You typically need to be at least 18 years old (or 17 with parent consent), have a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and provide proof of immunizations (including TB test). Some programs require a reading or math placement test.
Fully online CNA programs are not allowed by Texas regulations because the training requires in-person clinical hours. However, hybrid formats combine online theory coursework with on-campus skills labs and clinical rotations. Look for programs that offer this blended approach.
You will sit for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Prometric. It includes a written (or oral) section and a skills demonstration. After passing, you are added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
Many students work part-time while in training, especially if they enroll in evening or weekend classes. Daytime sessions are intensive and may limit work hours. Discuss your schedule with the program advisor to find a balance that works for you.
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