Free CNA Training Programs in Alabama

Why Become a CNA in Alabama?

Becoming a CNA offers a fast-track entry into the healthcare field, requiring just around 75 hours of training. With Alabama’s aging population, the demand for nursing assistants in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health settings is steadily rising

🎓 Requirements to Become Certified

1. Basic Eligibility

• Be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass a criminal background and fingerprint check

2. Complete an Approved Training Program

You must finish a state-approved program that includes:

• Minimum 75 hours total: at least 16 in classroom and 16 in clinical/lab training 3. Pass the Competency Exam
• You must pass both the written (or oral) test and a practical skills evaluation. Test providers include Prometric and Credentia 
• Fees are approximately: Knowledge $35, Skills $40, plus administration (~$40) – total around $115–$135

Accredited CNA Programs in Alabama (2025)

Here are updated, state-approved programs across the state:

Community Colleges & Technical Schools

• Calhoun Community College (Huntsville) – 75 hour program, approx. $899, 6-week duration
• Gadsden State Community College – 75-hour advanced CNA + phlebotomy, ~$2,300, ~11 weeks
• Northwest–Shoals Community College (Tuscumbia) – 80-hour hybrid program (online + lab)
• Wallace Community College (Midland City) – ~25-day, 75-hour career-ready course
• Jefferson State Community College – Prepares for NNAAP with hands-on instruction 
• Trenholm State Community College (Montgomery) – Accredited and ideal for Montgomery residents 
• Coastal Alabama Community College – 75-hour OBRA-compliant course 

Specialty & Private Providers

• Saad Healthcare Technical College (Mobile) – Also a state test center, candidates can train and test on-site
• Easterseals Central Alabama – 5-week training program focusing on quality and readiness 
• Taite Health Training – Approved hybrid/in-person program for about $600 + $125 exam fee
  
• SM School of Opportunity (Bessemer) – CNA program (~$1,055), WIOA funding accepted

Schools and Classes Information

Calhoun Community College

• Cities: Huntsville, Decatur

• Phone: (256) 890‑4700 (Huntsville), (256) 306‑2500 (Decatur)

• Email: [email protected], [email protected]

• Website: www.calhoun.edu

• Program Notes: 6-week CNA program with clinicals; WIOA eligible

Coastal Alabama Community College

• Cities: Bay Minette, Fairhope, Thomasville

• Phone: (800) 381‑3722

• Email: Contact via website form

• Website: www.coastalalabama.edu

• Program Notes: 75-hour CNA course, OBRA-compliant

Jefferson State Community College

• City: Birmingham

• Phone: (205) 856‑7710

• Email: Contact via department

• Website: www.jeffersonstate.edu

• Program Notes: CNA prep course with lecture and lab; ~6 weeks

Wallace Community College (Dothan Campus)

• City: Dothan

• Phone: (334) 556‑2203

• Email: Available via school directory

• Website: www.wallace.edu

• Program Notes: ~75-hour course with clinical and lab

Wallace State Community College (Hanceville Campus)

• City: Hanceville

• Phone: (256) 352‑7811

• Email: Use program directory on website

• Website: www.wallacestate.edu

• Program Notes: Offers CNA certification and stackable credentials

Snead State Community College

• City: Boaz

• Phone: (256) 593‑5120

• Email: Through main campus directory

• Website: www.snead.edu

• Program Notes: CNA and Home Health Aide combined course

Saad Healthcare Technical College

• City: Mobile

• Phone: (251) 343‑9600, or text (251) 237‑9485

• Email: [email protected] or via site

• Website: www.saadhealthcare.com

• Program Notes: On-site training and testing center for CNA exam

Taite Health Training

• City: Mobile area

• Phone: Available after submitting interest form

• Email: Via website only

• Website: www.taitetraining.info

• Program Notes: CNA course in 2–4 weeks, hybrid or in-person, ~$600

Trenholm State Community College

• City: Montgomery

• Phone: (334) 420‑4200

• Email: Via department contacts on site

• Website: www.trenholmstate.edu

• Program Notes: Accredited CNA training, potential for grants

Central Alabama Community College

• Cities: Alexander City, Talladega

• Phone: (256) 234‑6346

• Email: Contact via directory

• Website: www.cacc.edu

• Program Notes: Health science department offers CNA career track

💲 Cost & Financial Help

• Training costs range from $600–$2,300 depending on the provider
• Free CNA Classes may be offered via:
  • WIOA agencies
  • Red Cross chapters
  • Community grants and nonprofit funding

🔁 Certification Validity & Renewal

• Valid for 2 years from exam passage
• To renew, you must have worked at least 8 hours in a paid CNA role within the previous 24 months in eligible healthcare settings (hospitals, nursing homes, home health, hospice, or mental health)
• Renewal Fee: $25

Work in assisted-living facilities, private homes, or doctors’ offices does not count. If inactive for over 2 years, you must retrain (75 hours) and retest

💼 Career & Next Steps

• Once certified, start applying in:
  
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospitals
  • Home health agencies
  • Hospice and mental health centers

• Many employers offer career ladders, including LPN/LVN, RN, or specialization in areas like phlebotomy, dementia care, or hospice.

Quick CNA Guide Summary

🧭 Choosing the Right Program

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is approved by the AL Dept. of Public Health.
2. Format & Duration: Options vary from 2–6 weeks, hybrid or in-person.
3. Cost & Aid: Look into WIOA support and Red Cross scholarships.
4. Convenience: On-site certification testing (e.g., Saad Healthcare).
5. Career Growth: Programs like Gadsden State include phlebotomy training.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a CNA in Alabama is both accessible and practical with just over 75 hours of training and a modest cost, you can step into a meaningful healthcare role. Select an accredited program, complete your training, pass your exams, and maintain active status through work every two years.

Let me know if you’d like help locating scholarships, application steps for a specific program, or tips on resume-building for CNA jobs