CNA Classes & Programs in Columbia, Louisiana
Get Information from CNA Programs in Columbia and Nearby
Columbia is home to 1 CNA program designed for individuals seeking entry into Louisiana’s healthcare sector as certified nursing assistants. This town offers residents access to career-focused education tailored toward meeting state requirements without leaving their community behind.
CNA classes in Columbia provide foundational training aimed at preparing students for successful completion of Louisiana's certification process while supporting core caregiving competencies valued by employers across multiple facility types—including hospitals like Citizens Medical Center and Caldwell Memorial Hospital or local long-term care providers such as Haven Nursing Center.
Statewide in Louisiana, CNAs earn around $29,070 annually according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). City-specific salary data is not available; thus statewide figures offer useful reference points when evaluating potential career earnings after completing local CNA courses.
Quick Facts About Columbia
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Population341Residents
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CNA Programs1State-approved Programs
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Median Income$53,750Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$13.98Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$29,070Median Annual Salary
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Facilities3CMS Healthcare Facilities1 Nursing Homes • 2 Hospitals
Get Information from CNA Programs in Columbia and Nearby
Schools in Columbia and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Columbia
Columbia offers a single CNA program that prepares students thoroughly for Louisiana certification and registry placement through focused instruction tailored toward exam success and real-world patient care roles. With career opportunities present throughout Columbia where qualified CNAs are valued team members in diverse clinical environments, graduates are ready for immediate workforce participation following completion of their training program.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Columbia, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Accelerated programs: not available in Columbia but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Online programs not available in Columbia but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Haven Nursing Center
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Columbia
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$29,070Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$13.98Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs17,740CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Columbia remain vital due to its blend of hospital facilities and residential care centers serving diverse populations within this small community setting. Demand continues steadily as local institutions prioritize hiring well-trained assistants capable of supporting effective patient outcomes under professional supervision.
CNA salary in Columbia cannot be reported specifically due to lack of city-level data; however, statewide figures provide relevant benchmarks. CNAs in Louisiana earn around $29,070 annually or $13.98 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. City-specific salary data is not available, so statewide figures provide the best reference when considering compensation prospects after certification completion here.
The city features three CMS-certified healthcare providers: Haven Nursing Center—a privately operated facility with nearly 100 beds—and two hospitals: Citizens Medical Center (a government-owned acute care hospital) plus Caldwell Memorial Hospital, each offering unique clinical experiences across varying service models within Columbia’s medical landscape where new CNAs can launch their careers after earning licensure locally.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Columbia? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
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Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Columbia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Jackson, Jonesboro, Winnfield, Winnsboro, and Grambling, or browse the Louisiana CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Columbia (1 facilities)
1 nursing home in Columbia providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Columbia (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Columbia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Columbia, LA
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Columbia, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Louisiana. These include completing a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)–approved Nurse Aide Training Program, passing the state competency evaluation administered by Prometric or the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), and being listed on the Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Registry (LCNAR).
- At least 80 total hours of training (40 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours in a nursing home or hospital-based skilled nursing facility unit)
- Completion of 16 hours of instruction before any direct resident contact
- Minimum age of 16 years old to enroll as a nurse aide trainee
- Passing both the knowledge test (60 questions, 90 minutes) and the clinical skills evaluation (five nurse aide skills)
- Up to three opportunities within one year of completing training to pass the competency evaluation before retraining is required
- Placement on the Louisiana Certified Nurse Aide Registry (LCNAR) maintained by LDH
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and other approved healthcare settings throughout Columbia and across Louisiana. Certification is valid for two years, and to remain certified you must perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services every 24 months in an approved setting, reported to the registry by an employer.
Already certified in another state? Louisiana offers reciprocity for CNAs currently certified and in good standing on another state's registry, without completing Louisiana training or taking the competency evaluation. Reciprocity applications are processed through Prometric, which verifies the application before forwarding it to LDH for placement on the Louisiana registry. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Louisiana guide.
For complete details on training, testing, certification maintenance, and reciprocity, see our full CNA License & Registration in Louisiana guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Columbia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Columbia?
Most CNA programs in Columbia can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Columbia?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Columbia?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Columbia?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Columbia?
Yes, some schools in Columbia or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Columbia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Jackson, Jonesboro, Winnfield, Winnsboro, and Grambling. You can also look at the Louisiana state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Louisiana CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Louisiana, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Louisiana CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Columbia?
CNAs in Columbia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
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.