Prospective CNAs in Houston, Texas must complete a nurse assistant training program that meets the state’s federal requirements. The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) serves as the governing body to create guidelines and monitor CNA programs offered by schools within Texas. Students must attend a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes classroom training and clinical hands-on experience. Most approved programs exceed the minimum requirements to ensure students get all the knowledge and skills they need to pass the state exam and succeed on the job. Students do not come into contact with patients during the classroom training. Upon completion of that component, students attend clinical training and work under the supervision of a registered nurse — as long as they’ve passed all the required security checks. Review the following list of the top-rated state programs in Houston.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College’s course prepares students for entry-level work in the healthcare industry. The curriculum emphasizes all the knowledge and skills required to safely care for residents in all healthcare environments. Areas of study include resident rights, communication, safety, and observation and reporting. Hands skills include maintain residents’ comfort and safety, measuring vital signs, basic nursing skills, positioning and turning, and personal care. Laws and regulations, patients’ rights, specialized equipment, and Alzheimer’s care will also be covered. There are three major components of the training: Theory, skills lab, and clinical rotation at an approved long-term healthcare facility. Students are expected to attend all 108 hours of the program to meet the state’s training requirements. Graduates who fulfil all the training requirements including achieving a minimum 2.0 GPA are eligible to take the State of Texas Certification Exam. The non-credit course can be completed in one semester. Evening and morning schedules are available.
Admission criteria:
- Provide proof of hepatitis B vaccine series
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have current CPR for Healthcare Provider
- Must have a current flu shot
- Provide a record of immunizations – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis, and negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Purchase hospital scrubs and student ID badge
- Attend a scheduled information session
Tuition for the program is $895. Funding through the Texas Public Education Grant is available for all who qualify.
Website: https://www.hccs.edu/
Address: 3100 Main St., Houston TX 77002
Phone: (713) 718-2000
Consolidated Nurse Aide Training
The nursing assistant program offered by Consolidated Nurse Aide Training is approved by DADS. It includes training in the classroom where experienced instructors will cover all aspects of patient care followed by practical instruction in a skilled nursing facility. The clinical rotation will give students the opportunity to work side by side with other nurse aides, nurses and health care professionals. Course topics include the role of the nurse aide, safety measures, infection, resident rights and independence, toileting and perineal care, vital signs, observation, reporting, and charting, cognitive impairment, and communication and interpersonal skills. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be prepared to take the certifying exam at the school’s approved testing center. Onsite CPR training is available for interested persons. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available. The day class meets Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for two weeks then from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm for one week. The evening class meets Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for three weeks then from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm for the fourth week.
Admission criteria:
- Must provide copy of original social security card
- Must have a US issued picture identification with signature
- Provide proof of high school diploma, GED, or transcript
- Obtain a negative TB test results (PPD, blood results, or chest x-ray)
- Provide copy of COVID shot record
- Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association BLS
The course fee of $950 includes books, equipment, and supplies. Registration is $100. Students must purchase scrubs and pay the state test fee of $125. A flexible payment plan is available for all students.
Website: https://cnatraininginstitute.org/
Address: 140 Eldridge Road # G, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: (346) 812-0147
Email: s4103director@gmail.com
PIMA Medical Institute
The nursing assistant program at Pima Medical Institute prepares students for success on the state nurse aide exam.. The 4.5-credit program gives students up to 125 hours of training, which includes 85 hours of lecture/lab and 40 hours externship. Registered and experienced instructors emphasize specific skills such as infection control, nutrition, personal care, emergency procedures, communication, psychosocial needs, interpersonal skills, basic restorative services, basic nursing skills, and quality improvement. Graduates will be eligible to take the state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The duration of the program is 6 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent – high school diploma, high school transcript, GED
- Must provide an original social security card and US issued picture ID
- Must provide documentation of immunization – MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B
- Must have a negative TB test – PPD or chest x-ray
- Obtain a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association BLS
The program cost of $1,917 includes textbook, supplies, uniforms, and tax.
Website: https://pmi.edu/
Address: 10201 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77024
Phone: 800-477-PIMA
Lone Star College
The Nurse Aide (CNA) certificate at Lone Star College is a fast track, no-credit program. The entire program follows the guidelines outlined by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services to prepare students for the Texas Nurse Aide State Exam and a rewarding career as a Certified Nurse Aide. The course outline includes 64 classroom hours and 44 clinical hours for a total 108 contact hours. Topics of study include personal care, infection control, basic nursing skills, positioning and turning, communication and interpersonal skills, vital signs, observation and reporting, patients’ rights, and patient safety. Students must also complete an additional 8 hours of training – an additional $64 applies to this special training.
Admission criteria:
- A Texas driver’s license or ID – must match the social security card
- An original social security card
- Pass a background check – conducted through CastleBranch
- Submit documentation of the required immunizations – Hepatitis B, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, and negative TB skin test
- Complete the licensing exam online application and payment ($125) to be eligible to test after successful completion of the program
The cost of tuition is $1,542 plus $20 for insurance. Students are responsible for state exam fee, textbooks, uniform, and other supplies. Financial assistance may be available for eligible students.
Website: http://www.lonestar.edu/
Address: 14955 Northwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77040
Phone: (832) 782-5000
Texas Health School
The Nurse Aide program provides students with knowledge and competencies to care for patients in long-term care, acute care, and home health care facilities. Students learn how to communicate effectively with patients, help patients maintain functional independence, and protect patients’ rights. They will check vital signs, apply the principles of basic nutrition in planning meals, and adhere to infection control guidelines. Additionally, they will have the know-how to use proper body mechanics to make patients beds and lift and turn patients. Students who complete the program’s entire 100 hours (60 in the classroom and 40 in a clinical site) will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to sit the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation to become a Certified Nurse Assistant. Class schedules are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:50 pm, or Monday through Thursday (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm) or Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:50 pm. The day program is 4 weeks, the evening program is 6.25 weeks, and the Saturday program is 12 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Visit the school and complete a personal interview with an admission representative
- Complete an application for admission
- Take and pass an entrance exam – the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam with a score of 11
- Must have the ability to read and write in English
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Attend a program orientation on the first day of class
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Sign an agreement attesting to no criminal record
- Must not be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry as unemployable
The program is not eligible for financial aid.
Website: https://www.ths.edu/
Address: 11211 Katy Fwy, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77079
Phone: (713) 932-9333
Fax: (713) 932-0313
American Medical Institute
The hands-on nurse aide training at American Medical Institute gives students the tools they need to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Instructors create a stimulating, student-centered environment for learning to ensure students have the knowledge and practical skills to excel in practice. Classes meet two days a week for six weeks. The initial 60 hours of the program covers didactic training to prepare students for practical skills development in the lab and on the field at a clinical site. Courses include restorative care, personal hygiene and grooming, nutrition and hydration needs, safety and emergency measures, introduction to resident rights, communication, infection control, transfers, positioning, and ambulation, observation and reporting, transfer and discharge, the role of the nurse aide, and death and dying. Graduates of the state-approved program are eligible to sit the state Nurse Aide Competency Exam. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:0o pm for 3 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Applicants must be proficient in English
- Must have a minimum eighth-grade education level
The total cost of the program is $1,175. The cost includes books, lab fees, registration, and uniforms. There is an optional CPR fee of $30.
Website: http://www.amiinc.net/
Address: 6902 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072
Phone: (844) 921-4837
Active Nursing Assistant Training of Clear Lake
Students complete the Nursing Assistant Certificate program at Active Nursing in just five weeks. The program features 100 contact hours of instruction in long term care, personal care skills, restorative services, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, social skills, and clinical practice. Several scheduling options give students a choice of day or evening classes to fit their schedules. Evening classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Day classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. During the fourth week, classes meet Monday through Friday to complete the clinical requirements at a nursing home. Graduates can enroll in the optional one-day acute care seminal to develop hospital-specific skills, such as EKG, blood glucose testing, critical vital signs, and telemetry placement. The fee for the optional training is $75.
Admission criteria:
- Must be in good physical health to work at least 8 to 12 hours per day
- Must be able to lift 20 pounds
- Have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years old or be currently enrolled in high school. Applicants under 18 must obtain parental consent
- Must not be listed on the Employee Misconduct Registry
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must be able to read, speak and write English
- Pregnant applicants must obtain a release from a doctor to participate in the course
- Must have CPR certification – American Heart Association Health Care Provider
Tuition for the CNA program is $990. The class text costs $60. A flexible payment plan is available: $200 due upon registration, $225 on the first day of class, and the final payment of $450 due before the fourth week of class. Additional costs include uniform, stethoscope, TB test, flu shot, and state test.
Website: http://www.activenursingassistant.com/
Address: 2511B NASA Rd., Suite 102, Seabrook, TX 77586
Phone: 832-265-2824
San Jacinto College
The nursing assistant curriculum at San Jacinto College prepares students to care for residents in a long-term care facility, hospital, doctor’s office, or home health care agency. The training covers 146 contact hours of instruction including 60 hours at a clinical agency. Topics include safety and preventative measures, vital signs, positioning and transfers, infection control, body mechanics, communication, nutrition, basic nursing skills, restorative techniques, and skills practice in the lab. The clinical experience will be completed in 5 8-hour days. Program graduates will be eligible to sit the State of Texas Certified Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Morning and evening schedules are available. Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm or 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Provide a copy of state issued driver’s license or ID card
- Provide a copy of social security card
- Complete immunizations and titers according to the Texas Administrative Code
- Complete a background check through Precheck
- Have American Red Cross or American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification
- Review the CNA course descriptions and requirements
- Purchase textbook and clinical scrubs
- Must be 18 years or older. Parental waiver is required for applicants 16 to 17 years
- No high school diploma or GED is needed to complete the course
- Complete the CNA Medical Waiver
The course fee is $1,427. Students may register for the CNA and CPR programs simultaneously.
Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/
Address: 8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505
Phone: 281-476-1501
ACE Training Institute
The comprehensive nursing assistant class at ACE Training Institute is designed to teach students the skills and abilities to provide basic care to residents in long-term care facilities. The program is approved by DADS and fulfils the training requirements for nurse aides. The program may be taken in English or Spanish. Students may enroll in the traditional on-campus format or hybrid format. For the hybrid program, the theory portion of the program will be delivered online via Zoom. Experienced instructors will cover vital signs, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, First Aid and CPR, personal care skills, infection control, basic nursing skills, nutrition and hydration, positioning and turning, death and dying, the role of the nurse aide, and body structure and function. Graduates will be eligible to take the state exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for five weeks. No evening or weekend classes are available.
Admissions criteria:
- Must have achieved a minimum 8th grade/High school education
- Applicants who have not completed high school can take and pass the placement exam
- Must not be listed on the misconduct Registry
- Must have a valid ID and social security card and ITIN number
The cost of the program is $850.00. It includes the cost of the criminal background check, application fee, and tuition. The textbook and state exam fee are not included. A flexible payment plan is available.
Website: https://acetrainingcenter.com/
Address: 10101 Harwin Dr, Suite #110 Houston, Texas 77036
Phone: (713) 771-7737
Springville Academy
The nursing assistant program at Springville Academy prepares students for state certification. The training includes 100 contact hours of theory and practical training to prepare students for the written and skills components of the state exam. Areas of study include nutrition and hydration, the role of the nurse aide, infection control, vital signs, observation and reporting, positioning and transfers, safety and emergency procedures, and patient rights and independence. Students who successfully complete the training requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Admission criteria:
- Provide documentation of completing 8th grade and above
- Provide a copy of social security card and state-approved ID
- Pay the refundable registration fee of $250
- A background check and physical may be required for participation in the clinical rotation
The tuition for the program is $975 including a refundable registration fee of $250 if the student does not attend the class. An affordable installment plan is available for all students.
Website: http://www.springvilleacademy.co/
Address: 16903 Red Oak Dr #278 Houston TX 77090
Phone: 281-919-1624
Smithwood Medical Institute
Students enrolled in the nursing assistant program at Smithwood will receive an education to help them excel in their role of a nurse aide. They will be prepared to provide high quality care and comfort to patients in acute and long-term facilities. Theory and practical instruction will cover the role and function of the nurse aide, infection control, nutrition, vital signs, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, resident rights, and much more. The school has a 90+% exam pass rate. Graduates are sought after by top employers in the health care field. They will be eligible to sit for the state nurse aide exam offered on campus at Smithwood. The duration of the program is six weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Provide a copy of state issued driver’s license or ID card
- Provide a copy of social security card
- Complete immunizations and titers according to the Texas Administrative Code
- Complete a background check through Precheck
- Have American Red Cross or American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification
- Must have a negative PPD test
- Purchase textbook and clinical scrubs
- Must be 18 years or older. Parental waiver is required for applicants 16 to 17 years
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Attend a virtual information session
A flexible payment plan is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.smithwoodmedical.com/
Address: 7100 Regency Square Blvd., Suite #210, Houston, TX 77036
Phone: (713) 597-2246
Wonder Health Career Institute
The nurse aide program at Wonder Health Career Institute prepares students for entry-level jobs as a Nurse Aide. Students will acquire necessary skills to care for long-term care residents. They will learn to provide basic care to residents of long-term care facilities, communicate and interact effectively with residents and their families, protect and support the rights of residens, foundation effectively as a member of the health care team, and demonstrate skill in observing and documentation. The curriculum includes 117 clock hours – 72 clock hours of classroom training and 45 clock hours of hands-on resident care. It exceeds the state’s minimum by 17 clock hours. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the state nurse aide exam. The duration of the program is 4 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Must have completed high school or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must not be listed on the Nurse Assistant Registry in revoked status
- Must have a current TB test or chest x-ray within the last 12 months
The program cost of $1,090 includes tuition, registration, uniform, books, and lab fee.
Website: https://www.wonderhealthtraining.com/
Address: 17440 FM 529, Suite 106A, Houston, TX 77095
Mobile: 346-218-3282
Phone: 832-683-4351
Fax: 346-218-3282