Phillip EdwinTexas offers a well-structured and highly accessible landscape for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) education, with programs approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) located throughout the state. These programs, also known as Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs (NATCEP), provide the mandatory training required to sit for the state certification exam and join the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
Programs are typically fast-track, ranging from four to eight weeks, and are offered by community colleges, private career schools, and workforce development organizations, with costs varying from free to around $1,900. CNA training is often the first step on a career ladder that can lead to LPN, RN, and advanced practice roles.
Top 15 CNA Schools In Texas
1. Arlington Career Institute – Grand Prairie
Arlington Career Institute offers one of the fastest and most affordable CNA programs in Texas, with a total cost under $1,000. The program can be completed in just six weeks, including 48 lecture hours, 12 lab hours in a state-of-the-art medical lab, and 100 supervised externship hours in real care facilities . Students also receive CPR and BLS certification as part of the program.
The curriculum covers patient care, vital signs, restorative services, mental health, and professional communication. Flexible scheduling makes it possible to balance classes with a busy lifestyle . Payment plans and Federal Student Aid are available for eligible students.
2. Paris Junior College
Paris Junior College offers two levels of Enhanced Nurse Aide certificates, providing a pathway for students seeking different levels of training. The Certificate I program is a fast-track option requiring only 16 semester credit hours, focusing on patient care, medical terminology, and wellness promotion with hands-on clinical practice.
The Certificate III is a more comprehensive 30-credit hour program that includes phlebotomy training, medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical experience . Both programs prepare graduates for certification and employment in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and home health settings with average Texas wages around $28,240 annually.
3. Dallas College
Dallas College offers a Certified Nurse’s Aide program through its Continuing Education division, providing strategic entry into healthcare to address the nursing shortage. The program features hands-on training in patient care, infection control, and communication, along with supervised clinical experiences in diverse settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities.
The curriculum follows Texas HHSC standards and prepares students for the state certification exam without requiring entrance exams, as it is a certificate-level program. Graduates are workforce-ready for high-demand roles in multiple healthcare work settings.
4. Grayson College
Grayson College offers a hybrid Certified Nurse Aide program that blends 96 classroom hours with 48 clinical hours for hands-on experience. The total program cost is $1,349, which covers the required textbook, study guide, scrubs, and one attempt at the state licensure exam.
The curriculum covers residents’ rights, effective communication, safety observation, reporting, and fundamental patient care. Graduates earn a THECB-recognized Occupational Skills Award and are prepared for roles in long-term care and home health. Multiple class schedules include day, evening, and weekend clinical rotations.
5. Amarillo College
Amarillo College’s 8-week Certified Nursing Assistant program delivers intensive hands-on and classroom training at the West Campus . The program offers flexible morning, afternoon, and evening classes with financial aid eligibility, providing an affordable entry into healthcare.
The curriculum focuses on practical skills for immediate employment in diverse settings, with minimal additional costs for essentials like immunizations and background checks. The 8-week comprehensive format is designed for students seeking a fast-track pathway to state certification and immediate employment.
6. Austin Community College
Austin Community College offers a comprehensive Nurse Aide Certification Program that meets the mandatory requirements from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. The program requires two classes taken concurrently: NURA 1001 (78 hours of Classroom/Lab) and NURA 1060 (48 hours of clinical practice) under instructor supervision in an approved health facility.
A completed application with proof of vaccinations and criminal background check is required prior to registration. The program equips students with the necessary skills to sit for the Nurse Aide Certification Examination and join the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
7. Lone Star College System – Tomball
Lone Star College’s Tomball campus offers a fully in-person Nurse Aide (CNA) program that prepares students for the Texas HHSC State Examination. The program includes lecture and skills training at the Health Science Building, with clinical training offsite at a local residential care facility. Attendance is required to obtain the hours mandated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability. Graduates are eligible for a wide range of entry-level positions, including CNA, Patient Care Technician, Home Health Aide, and Rehabilitation Technician, in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and community clinics.
8. Navarro College
Navarro College offers a 120-contact hour hybrid CNA program with 68 classroom/lab hours and 52 clinical hours. The total program cost is $1,149, making it an affordable option for aspiring CNAs. The curriculum includes online and in-person training, with Texas HHSC-approved curriculum and multiple immunization requirements.
Students must have reliable computer access, complete a background check, and meet all immunization requirements prior to enrollment. Clinical hours are scheduled at various times, including day, evening, and weekend sessions.
9. McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College offers a 100-hour comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide training program at a total cost of $825. The program includes classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and clinical experience in healthcare settings. Students must complete immunization requirements, a background check, and drug screening prior to enrollment. The curriculum covers essential healthcare skills and prepares students for state certification, with multiple class schedule options available to accommodate different student needs.
10. Odessa College
Odessa College offers a Certified Nurse Aide CNA Program with both 8-week and 16-week course options to accommodate different learning paces. The total program cost is $1,900, covering tuition, supplies, and the state exam. Students complete 60 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours following the Texas Health and Human Services curriculum. Flexible morning and evening classes, along with Saturday and Sunday clinical rotations, make the program accessible for working students. A Complio account is required as a prerequisite for enrollment.
11. Alvin Community College
Alvin Community College offers a Nursing Assistant Certificate awarded to ADN students who successfully complete their first semester of the nursing program. This 16-credit certificate program requires 16 total credits and makes students eligible to sit for the CNA exam. The program is designed for students enrolled in the ADN program who apply for the CNA certificate after completing their first semester. The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
12. Angelina College
Angelina College offers a 116-hour comprehensive Nurse Aide (CNA) training program that includes classroom and clinical components. The program provides an institutional credential pathway with a focus on long-term care, preparing students for career-ready skills.
Students learn fundamental patient care techniques and develop communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare teams. The program follows state-approved curriculum standards and prepares graduates for certification and employment in healthcare settings.
13. College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland offers a Certified Nursing Aide program that can be completed in approximately two months, featuring face-to-face instruction with clinical training . Students must have a high school diploma, complete a background check, and provide proof of health insurance, immunizations, and medical history.
The program prepares students for careers in a job market with 4% growth and a median salary of $38,130 annually. The curriculum covers essential patient care skills and prepares graduates for the state certification exam.
14. Victorious Healthcare Academy, LLC
Victorious Healthcare Academy is a private career school approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to conduct a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP).
The school is also approved to offer Medication Aide, Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, and CNA Exam Prep courses. It holds a certificate of approval from the Texas Workforce Commission, ensuring its programs meet state standards for career education.
15. Dwyer Workforce Development
Dwyer Workforce Development provides free CNA training as part of a comprehensive workforce development model that eliminates barriers to healthcare careers. The program includes free workforce training for the CNA certificate, dedicated case managers providing one-on-one coaching, and wraparound services like transportation, childcare, food, and housing assistance.
The program also provides job placement support connecting students to employer partners and career advancement pathways for stackable credentials to LPN/LVN, RN, and beyond . Services are available in English and Spanish.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Length | Approx. Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arlington Career Institute | Grand Prairie | 6 weeks | Under $1,000 | Fastest program, 100 clinical hours |
| 2 | Paris Junior College | Paris | 16–30 credits | Varies | Two certificate levels, phlebotomy training |
| 3 | Dallas College | Dallas | Varies | Varies | No entrance exams, supervised clinicals |
| 4 | Grayson College | Denison | 96 classroom + 48 clinical | $1,349 | Hybrid format, includes exam attempt |
| 5 | Amarillo College | Amarillo | 8 weeks | Varies | Flexible class schedules, financial aid |
| 6 | Austin Community College | Austin | 126 total hours | Varies | Concurrent classroom and clinical |
| 7 | Lone Star College | Tomball | Varies | Varies | Fully in‑person, HHSC exam prep |
| 8 | Navarro College | Corsicana | 120 contact hours | $1,149 | Hybrid program, affordable |
| 9 | McLennan Community College | Waco | 100 hours | $825 | Affordable, multiple schedules |
| 10 | Odessa College | Odessa | 8–16 weeks | $1,900 | Flexible morning/evening classes |
| 11 | Alvin Community College | Alvin | 16 credits | Varies | ADN students CNA pathway |
| 12 | Angelina College | Lufkin | 116 hours | Varies | Long‑term care focus |
| 13 | College of the Mainland | Texas City | 2 months | Varies | 4% job growth, $38k median salary |
| 14 | Victorious Healthcare Academy | Statewide | Varies | Varies | TWC and HHSC approved |
| 15 | Dwyer Workforce Development | Statewide | Varies | Free | Wraparound services, job placement |
Success Tips for Choosing a CNA School
Start by verifying that the program is approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), as this is required for state certification eligibility.
Consider the cost difference between public community colleges and private career schools; Grayson College charges $1,349 , while Odessa College charges $1,900.
Look for programs that include the state exam in tuition to avoid additional costs.
For students balancing work or family commitments, look for hybrid programs like Grayson College or flexible scheduling like Amarillo College’s morning, afternoon, and evening classes.
For free training, consider workforce development programs like Dwyer Workforce Development that provide comprehensive support services.
Ensure you meet all admission requirements, including immunizations, background check, and drug screening, before enrolling .
Closing
Texas offers a comprehensive and accessible network of CNA training programs, from fast-track options under $1,000 at Arlington Career Institute to free workforce development programs with wraparound services. The state’s community colleges and private career schools provide the mandatory HHSC-approved training needed to sit for the state certification exam and join the Texas Nurse Aide Registry . CNA programs provide quick entry into healthcare with opportunities for career advancement, with graduates earning a median salary of $38,130 annually.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or a veteran seeking a healthcare career, Texas CNA schools provide the training and support needed for success. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.