CNA Programs & Career Opportunities in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to 112 CNA training programs and over 300 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 54 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in Connecticut.
With over 110 CNA training programs statewide, Connecticut offers strong educational opportunities from the greater Hartford area to Fairfield County, including major cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury, and Norwalk. Currently, about 19,460 Certified Nursing Assistants work across Connecticut, reflecting steady demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Students completing Connecticut CNA programs can expect median earnings of $40,890 annually and $19.66 per hour—notably higher than the national average.
Connecticut's strategic location between New York and Boston, combined with its aging population and renowned healthcare institutions like Yale New Haven Health System and Hartford HealthCare, creates consistent opportunities for CNA training graduates. From nursing homes to major medical centers and expanding home healthcare services, Certified Nursing Assistants play a vital role in Connecticut's healthcare delivery across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
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Major Cities for CNA Careers in Connecticut
Explore CNA opportunities in Connecticut's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Training & Certification Requirements in Connecticut
To begin your CNA journey in Connecticut, it’s essential to know the state’s training, testing, and certification requirements. Meeting these standards ensures you are eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings.
Eligibility
Training program enrollment: You must enroll in a Connecticut Department of Public Health–approved Nurse Aide training program. Schools may impose additional admission requirements such as age, health screening, or background checks.
Program coordination: Each program must be coordinated by a registered nurse with at least two years of nursing experience, including at least one year in a licensed chronic/convalescent nursing home or rest home with nursing supervision.
Training Hours & Clinicals
Connecticut requires a minimum of 100 total hours of training, including classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. Before direct contact with residents, students must complete at least 16 hours covering communication, residents' rights, residents' independence, safety and emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), and infection control. The clinical portion must take place in licensed chronic and convalescent nursing homes or rest homes with nursing supervision.
Certification Exam
After completing training, you must pass both a written (or oral) exam and a skills evaluation, administered by Prometric. The written test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions with 90 minutes to complete :antCitation[]{citations="35701193-e90c-42f6-b9e9-253ff34ea094"}. The examination fee is $118. Both parts must be passed within 24 months of completing training, and there is no limit to the number of attempts allowed within that 24-month timeframe.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
Upon passing both exam components, your name is added to the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by Prometric in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Employers are required to verify your registry status before hiring.
Renewal
CNA certification in Connecticut is valid for 24 months. To renew, you must provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid employment as a CNA or in providing nursing- or health-related services under the supervision of a nurse during the certification period. Renewal is free of charge but requires submission of a completed Employment Verification Form by your employer.
Reciprocity
Already certified in another state and in good standing? Connecticut permits reciprocity through its "Route 7" process, which allows qualified CNAs from other U.S. states or territories to be added to the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry without retraining. The reciprocity application fee is $55.
Explore CNA classes in Connecticut by city. We currently feature 54 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in Connecticut? These 17 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other financial assistance.
Quality Staffing Training Program
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🌙 Evening Classes Available
📍 Woodbridge, 21 Hazel Ter Ste 4, Connecticut 06525
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute offers a 102-hour CNA program with day and evening options, including a hybrid self‑paced online theory format. Cohorts can be completed in as little as 2 weeks with clinicals in long‑term care.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
The 102-hour CNA program (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) offers 2.5‑week day and 4‑week evening schedules, plus a hybrid self‑paced option. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored cohorts are available; Prometric testing is hosted on-site at the Woodbridge campus.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Facility-hosted CNA training is offered with weekday daytime classes and on-site clinicals. Training is tied to employment at Chestelm after completion.
Facility offers a paid 4-week CNA training class where trainees are hired as CNAs-in-training and earn wages during the program, with employment upon certification.
AIHT offers a 6-week hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant program with classroom, skills lab, and a clinical externship in a long-term care setting. Training focuses on essential patient-care skills to prepare for entry-level CNA roles.
Bethel Health & Rehabilitation Center offers a paid 5-week CNA trainee program (Mon–Fri, 8am–2pm) with classroom, lab, and clinical training. Successful trainees are guaranteed full-time employment after completion.
Apple Rehab runs a paid, employer-sponsored CNA training program with classroom instruction in Avon and clinicals at local Apple Rehab facilities. Graduates are guaranteed full-time positions upon successful completion.
Vernon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center periodically offers an earn-while-you-learn CNA class, with full-time weekday training over approximately 3 to 4 weeks and paid work during training.
Hartford HealthCare Senior Services offers a free, grant-funded CNA program providing classroom, lab, and clinical training at Southington Care Center and Jefferson House.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours with day and evening schedules and a hybrid self‑paced online option. The accelerated format can be finished in about 2 weeks with clinical experience provided.
CT State Middlesex offers CNA training with lecture, skills lab and clinical, including a hybrid option for theory. An employer-sponsored cohort hosted on campus provides a free, accelerated path with placement into Patient Care Technician roles.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) with day 2.5-week and evening 4-week options; a hybrid self‑paced track is also offered. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored options are available, and Prometric testing is offered on-site at select campuses.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Mozaic Senior Life (Jewish Senior Services) offers a fully sponsored CNA training program 3–4 times per year; eight weeks of classes cover tuition, books, materials and testing, with graduates offered a full-time position.
No-cost CNA Academy with classroom instruction at the Research & Education Center and clinical rotations at the main campus. Daytime schedule; graduates may be eligible for employment at HFSC.
These 21 programs offer CNA classes online in Connecticut, giving you the flexibility to complete the classroom portion remotely. However, all CNA programs also require in-person clinical training, which must be completed at an approved healthcare facility before certification.
Northeast Medical Institute
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute offers a 102-hour CNA program with day and evening options, including a hybrid self‑paced online theory format. Cohorts can be completed in as little as 2 weeks with clinicals in long‑term care.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
The 102-hour CNA program (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) offers 2.5‑week day and 4‑week evening schedules, plus a hybrid self‑paced option. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored cohorts are available; Prometric testing is hosted on-site at the Woodbridge campus.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
CNA program with lab and clinical training at a long-term care site and lectures delivered in person and online. Training focuses on essential bedside skills, patient safety, and communication.
Cornerstone’s CNA program totals 108 hours (lecture, lab, and clinical) and is offered in day, evening, and hybrid formats. Clinicals are held at an approved long-term care facility and the program prepares students for the state exam.
Hybrid 6-week CNA training totaling 108 hours with asynchronous online lectures, on-campus labs at North Haven, and clinical experience at a local long-term care facility.
Total Cost: $2,250Total Hours: 108Duration: 6 weeks
Excel Academy offers CNA training with flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules, including hybrid and online options. New classes start frequently.
CT State Tunxis offers a Certified Nurse Aide program combining classroom, lab, and clinical training, typically delivered in day, evening, and Saturday cohorts. The program is 100 hours and is commonly scheduled across approximately 12 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,799Total Hours: 100Duration: 12 weeks
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours with day and evening schedules and a hybrid self‑paced online option. The accelerated format can be finished in about 2 weeks with clinical experience provided.
Excel Academy’s CNA training offers at least 110 hours of instruction with flexible day, evening, and weekend cohorts. Hybrid and online options are available.
This non-credit CNA program blends lecture, lab practice, and supervised clinicals to build entry-level patient care skills. Some cohorts are offered in hybrid formats through CT State.
Total Cost: $1,799Total Hours: 120Duration: 6 weeks
CT State Middlesex offers CNA training with lecture, skills lab and clinical, including a hybrid option for theory. An employer-sponsored cohort hosted on campus provides a free, accelerated path with placement into Patient Care Technician roles.
Beyond an Education offers CNA training with rolling enrollment and day, evening, and weekend options. The school notes flexible schedules and now offers online/hybrid courses.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) with day 2.5-week and evening 4-week options; a hybrid self‑paced track is also offered. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored options are available, and Prometric testing is offered on-site at select campuses.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Excel Academy’s CNA program provides at least 110 course hours with flexible day, evening, and weekend scheduling. Hybrid and online class options are available.
Hybrid CNA course offering classroom/online instruction with on-campus lab and clinical rotations in a skilled nursing facility. Emphasizes hands-on patient care skills, observation and reporting, and resident safety and rights.
CNA training includes classroom instruction, hands-on skills lab, and clinical experience at a local facility. Delivery is on-ground or hybrid depending on cohort.
The CNA course covers theory, hands-on skills practice in campus labs, and clinical training to prepare for entry-level roles in long-term care and other settings. Delivery may be on-ground or hybrid depending on the cohort.
Total Cost: $1,799Total Hours: 120Duration: 6 weeks
Short-term CNA training combining classroom, skills lab, and supervised clinical experience in a local long-term care facility. Builds core patient-care skills such as vital signs, hygiene, mobility assistance, communication, and safety.
Capital offers a Nurse Aide Certification course with BLS certification, combining classroom/lab with clinical training at a local skilled nursing facility. Textbooks and state competency testing are included in tuition; some items (uniform, physical, registry application) are extra.
Non-credit CNA training combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical at a local skilled nursing facility, with options offered on-ground or hybrid. Typical cohorts run in a short format for quick entry into patient care roles.
These 25 programs offer accelerated CNA training in Connecticut, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in Connecticut, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
Quality Staffing Training Program
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🌙 Evening Classes Available
📍 Woodbridge, 21 Hazel Ter Ste 4, Connecticut 06525
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute offers a 102-hour CNA program with day and evening options, including a hybrid self‑paced online theory format. Cohorts can be completed in as little as 2 weeks with clinicals in long‑term care.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
The 102-hour CNA program (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) offers 2.5‑week day and 4‑week evening schedules, plus a hybrid self‑paced option. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored cohorts are available; Prometric testing is hosted on-site at the Woodbridge campus.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Cook Willow offers on-site CNA training with both an accelerated 6-week evening option and a 12-week day or evening option, taught by experienced nurses in small cohorts. Classroom and clinical training are held at the facility.
Cornerstone’s CNA program totals 108 hours (lecture, lab, and clinical) and is offered in day, evening, and hybrid formats. Clinicals are held at an approved long-term care facility and the program prepares students for the state exam.
Facility-hosted CNA training is offered with weekday daytime classes and on-site clinicals. Training is tied to employment at Chestelm after completion.
Facility offers a paid 4-week CNA training class where trainees are hired as CNAs-in-training and earn wages during the program, with employment upon certification.
Bethel Health & Rehabilitation Center offers a paid 5-week CNA trainee program (Mon–Fri, 8am–2pm) with classroom, lab, and clinical training. Successful trainees are guaranteed full-time employment after completion.
Excel Academy offers CNA training with flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules, including hybrid and online options. New classes start frequently.
The 135-hour CNA program combines classroom/lab with clinical training and features a focus on dementia care. Day (3 weeks, Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00) and evening (7 weeks, Mon–Thu 17:00–22:00) cohorts are offered.
Apple Rehab runs a paid, employer-sponsored CNA training program with classroom instruction in Avon and clinicals at local Apple Rehab facilities. Graduates are guaranteed full-time positions upon successful completion.
Vernon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center periodically offers an earn-while-you-learn CNA class, with full-time weekday training over approximately 3 to 4 weeks and paid work during training.
Hartford HealthCare Senior Services offers a free, grant-funded CNA program providing classroom, lab, and clinical training at Southington Care Center and Jefferson House.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours with day and evening schedules and a hybrid self‑paced online option. The accelerated format can be finished in about 2 weeks with clinical experience provided.
On-campus CNA program with daytime lecture/lab at Three Rivers and daytime clinicals at an affiliated facility. Teaches core patient-care skills, communication, and safety practices for entry-level healthcare roles.
This non-credit CNA program blends lecture, lab practice, and supervised clinicals to build entry-level patient care skills. Some cohorts are offered in hybrid formats through CT State.
Total Cost: $1,799Total Hours: 120Duration: 6 weeks
CT State Middlesex offers CNA training with lecture, skills lab and clinical, including a hybrid option for theory. An employer-sponsored cohort hosted on campus provides a free, accelerated path with placement into Patient Care Technician roles.
Two-week nursing assistant course held 7:30am–4:30pm Monday–Friday, with the first week in-class in Manchester and the second week clinical at a partner facility in East Windsor. Instruction is led by a licensed nurse and follows state guidelines.
Accelerated CNA program offering a 4-week day 150-hour option and a 5-week evening option. Tuition 780 plus 400 registration; textbooks 220; day and evening schedules available monthly.
Total Cost: $1,180Total Hours: 150Duration: 4 weeks
Training Direct’s Nurse Aide program in Bridgeport combines classroom and hands-on clinical training and can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) with day 2.5-week and evening 4-week options; a hybrid self‑paced track is also offered. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored options are available, and Prometric testing is offered on-site at select campuses.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Non-credit CNA training combines classroom, skills lab, and clinical at a local skilled nursing facility, with options offered on-ground or hybrid. Typical cohorts run in a short format for quick entry into patient care roles.
CHCI’s CNA program consists of 70 classroom hours and 30 clinical hours with day and evening schedules available. Classes run in intensive day cohorts or evening cohorts at a slower pace.
These 24 programs offer evening CNA classes in Connecticut, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Quality Staffing Training Program
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🌙 Evening Classes Available
📍 Woodbridge, 21 Hazel Ter Ste 4, Connecticut 06525
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute offers a 102-hour CNA program with day and evening options, including a hybrid self‑paced online theory format. Cohorts can be completed in as little as 2 weeks with clinicals in long‑term care.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
The 102-hour CNA program (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) offers 2.5‑week day and 4‑week evening schedules, plus a hybrid self‑paced option. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored cohorts are available; Prometric testing is hosted on-site at the Woodbridge campus.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Griffin Hospital’s School of Allied Health Careers offers a six-week CNA program with day or evening classes and a 40-hour clinical at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility. Financial assistance options are available.
CNA training with classroom and lab instruction plus clinical practice in a local long-term care facility. Curriculum covers basic nursing skills, infection control, patient communication, and safe resident care.
Cook Willow offers on-site CNA training with both an accelerated 6-week evening option and a 12-week day or evening option, taught by experienced nurses in small cohorts. Classroom and clinical training are held at the facility.
Cornerstone’s CNA program totals 108 hours (lecture, lab, and clinical) and is offered in day, evening, and hybrid formats. Clinicals are held at an approved long-term care facility and the program prepares students for the state exam.
AIHT offers a 6-week hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant program with classroom, skills lab, and a clinical externship in a long-term care setting. Training focuses on essential patient-care skills to prepare for entry-level CNA roles.
The 135-hour CNA program combines classroom/lab with clinical training and features a focus on dementia care. Day (3 weeks, Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00) and evening (7 weeks, Mon–Thu 17:00–22:00) cohorts are offered.
Excel Academy offers CNA training with flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules, including hybrid and online options. New classes start frequently.
CT State Tunxis offers a Certified Nurse Aide program combining classroom, lab, and clinical training, typically delivered in day, evening, and Saturday cohorts. The program is 100 hours and is commonly scheduled across approximately 12 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,799Total Hours: 100Duration: 12 weeks
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours with day and evening schedules and a hybrid self‑paced online option. The accelerated format can be finished in about 2 weeks with clinical experience provided.
Harborview School offers CNA training with small class sizes and day or evening cohorts, combining classroom instruction with hands-on skills and supervised clinical work. Registration requires a non-refundable application fee.
Excel Academy’s CNA training offers at least 110 hours of instruction with flexible day, evening, and weekend cohorts. Hybrid and online options are available.
Accelerated CNA program offering a 4-week day 150-hour option and a 5-week evening option. Tuition 780 plus 400 registration; textbooks 220; day and evening schedules available monthly.
Total Cost: $1,180Total Hours: 150Duration: 4 weeks
Beyond an Education offers CNA training with rolling enrollment and day, evening, and weekend options. The school notes flexible schedules and now offers online/hybrid courses.
Training Direct’s Nurse Aide program in Bridgeport combines classroom and hands-on clinical training and can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program✨ Free Program🏢 Employer Sponsored💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
Northeast Medical Institute’s CNA program totals 102 hours (42 theory, 27 lab, 33 clinical) with day 2.5-week and evening 4-week options; a hybrid self‑paced track is also offered. WIOA funding and employer-sponsored options are available, and Prometric testing is offered on-site at select campuses.
Total Cost: $1,150Total Hours: 102Duration: 3 weeks
Excel Academy’s CNA program provides at least 110 course hours with flexible day, evening, and weekend scheduling. Hybrid and online class options are available.
Private occupational school offering CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction, with options for day, evening, and weekend schedules. Multiple cohorts and formats are approved through the state Office of Higher Education.
Hybrid CNA course offering classroom/online instruction with on-campus lab and clinical rotations in a skilled nursing facility. Emphasizes hands-on patient care skills, observation and reporting, and resident safety and rights.
CHCI’s CNA program consists of 70 classroom hours and 30 clinical hours with day and evening schedules available. Classes run in intensive day cohorts or evening cohorts at a slower pace.
Believe Health Institute offers a CNA course totaling 124 hours (lecture, lab, and clinical) with day, evening, and weekend schedules. On-site Prometric-IFT testing is available.
These 10 programs offer weekend CNA classes in Connecticut, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
CT State – Northwestern
✅ State Approved🏫 Community College💻 Online Available💵 Financial Aid Available📅 Weekend Classes Available
CNA program with lab and clinical training at a long-term care site and lectures delivered in person and online. Training focuses on essential bedside skills, patient safety, and communication.
Excel Academy offers CNA training with flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules, including hybrid and online options. New classes start frequently.
CT State Tunxis offers a Certified Nurse Aide program combining classroom, lab, and clinical training, typically delivered in day, evening, and Saturday cohorts. The program is 100 hours and is commonly scheduled across approximately 12 weeks.
Total Cost: $1,799Total Hours: 100Duration: 12 weeks
Excel Academy’s CNA training offers at least 110 hours of instruction with flexible day, evening, and weekend cohorts. Hybrid and online options are available.
Beyond an Education offers CNA training with rolling enrollment and day, evening, and weekend options. The school notes flexible schedules and now offers online/hybrid courses.
Training Direct’s Nurse Aide program in Bridgeport combines classroom and hands-on clinical training and can be completed in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
Excel Academy’s CNA program provides at least 110 course hours with flexible day, evening, and weekend scheduling. Hybrid and online class options are available.
Private occupational school offering CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction, with options for day, evening, and weekend schedules. Multiple cohorts and formats are approved through the state Office of Higher Education.
Hybrid CNA course offering classroom/online instruction with on-campus lab and clinical rotations in a skilled nursing facility. Emphasizes hands-on patient care skills, observation and reporting, and resident safety and rights.
Believe Health Institute offers a CNA course totaling 124 hours (lecture, lab, and clinical) with day, evening, and weekend schedules. On-site Prometric-IFT testing is available.
Connecticut is a strong state for Certified Nursing Assistants, offering solid earning potential and steady employment opportunities. With more than 19,460 CNAs working statewide and over 306 healthcare facilities, there are many ways to start or grow your CNA career. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Connecticut has more than 194 nursing homes, 37 hospitals, and 75 home health agencies that employ CNAs. While these figures are based on CMS data and may not include every facility in the state, they reflect the wide range of healthcare settings where CNAs can work.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in Connecticut is about $56,130, or $26.98 per hour. CNAs in Connecticut earn a median of $40,890 annually, which equals about $19.66 per hour. Although CNA wages are below the state average, they remain competitive compared to national CNA earnings and offer a reliable entry point into healthcare. Many CNAs use this role as a pathway to higher-paying positions such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Job Outlook
The employment outlook for CNAs in Connecticut is positive. With 19,460 CNAs currently working and more than 306 healthcare facilities across the state, demand is expected to remain steady. Connecticut's aging population and high concentration of healthcare providers drive ongoing need for nursing assistants. Major employment hubs include the Greater Hartford area, Fairfield County, and New Haven, home to leading health systems such as Yale New Haven Health, Hartford HealthCare, and Trinity Health of New England. These systems, along with numerous long-term care facilities and home health agencies, consistently hire CNAs across a variety of care settings. Many CNAs gain experience and later pursue advanced nursing degrees, which creates turnover and new job opportunities each year.
Becoming a CNA in Connecticut is a fast and practical way to begin a healthcare career. Training programs can be completed in just a few weeks, allowing you to quickly transition into paid employment. With more than 194 nursing homes, a strong hospital network, and growing home health services, Connecticut provides CNAs with diverse employment options. The state is also home to many affordable community colleges and vocational schools that offer approved CNA training, often serving as a pathway to LPN or RN programs. For many, CNA work serves as both a meaningful career and a stepping stone toward higher-level nursing roles. You can also explore free CNA classes, online CNA programs, or accelerated CNA classes offered throughout the state.
CNA Salaries across Connecticut
CNA salaries in Connecticut vary by region, with urban areas such as Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Bridgeport often paying higher than smaller towns or rural communities. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across Connecticut.
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in Connecticut.
Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Connecticut
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, CNA programs require a minimum of 100 hours of training, which includes 16 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Connecticut?
CNA classes in Connecticut generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in Connecticut?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in Connecticut offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in Connecticut?
Several schools in Connecticut offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in Connecticut?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in Connecticut offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in Connecticut?
To become a CNA in Connecticut, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the Connecticut Nurse Aide Exam, and be listed on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH).
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in Connecticut.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in Connecticut?
CNAs in Connecticut must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in Connecticut?
You can verify your status on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in Connecticut.
How much do CNAs earn in Connecticut?
The median CNA salary in Connecticut is $40,890 per year, or about $19.66 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in Connecticut also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in Connecticut?
Certified Nursing Assistants in Connecticut work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.