CNA Classes & Programs in Lafayette, Louisiana
Get Information from CNA Programs in Lafayette and Nearby
Lafayette is home to 4 CNA programs designed for those pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This Louisiana city provides multiple training options to help residents gain entry into healthcare, making it a solid choice for prospective CNAs looking to build foundational skills in patient care.
Local CNA classes in Lafayette are offered with varied formats, including 2 accelerated programs that can help students complete their training more quickly. Graduates will be prepared for certification and ready to seek employment at healthcare facilities throughout the area, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies.
In the Lafayette area, CNAs earn around $27,930 annually, according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. CNA programs in Lafayette equip students for both certification and local job opportunities in this regional hub.
Quick Facts About Lafayette
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Population121,706Residents
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CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
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Median Income$58,850Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$13.43Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$27,930Median Annual Salary
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Facilities26CMS Healthcare Facilities8 Nursing Homes • 7 Hospitals • 11 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Lafayette and Nearby
Schools in Lafayette and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Lafayette
Lafayette offers 4 CNA programs that prepare students for Louisiana state certification, including options such as accelerated 4-week classes. These CNA training programs help participants build essential patient care skills and qualify for the state registry. Graduates are positioned for healthcare careers, with local demand for CNAs supporting employment opportunities throughout Lafayette and surrounding areas.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Lafayette, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Accelerated programs: available in Lafayette and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Lafayette but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
W.D. and Mary Baker Smith Career Center
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Sovereign College
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South Louisiana Community College - Lafayette
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Infinity College
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CNA Employment Opportunities in Lafayette
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$27,930Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$13.43Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs1,650CNA Positions
In the Lafayette region, approximately 1,650 CNAs are employed, reflecting consistent demand for qualified nursing assistants in the local healthcare sector. Opportunities are available across diverse care settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. The need for trained CNAs remains steady as the population relies on both acute and extended care services.
The CNA salary in Lafayette is around $27,930 per year (approximately $13.43 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This figure is slightly below the Louisiana statewide median of $29,070. Local wage levels may vary based on employer type and experience, but these numbers provide a useful benchmark for those considering entering the field as a Certified Nursing Assistant in this region.
Lafayette features a range of CMS-certified healthcare facilities employing CNAs. Major employers include River Oaks Retirement Manor (a 100-bed nursing facility), Amelia Manor Nursing Home with 151 beds, and Maison De Lafayette—one of the largest local nursing homes with 189 beds. Hospital options such as Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Our Lady Of Lourdes Regional Medical Center offer acute care roles, while agencies like Lourdes Home Health further expand job opportunities across home health settings.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Lafayette? 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 Lafayette? Explore CNA programs and jobs in New Iberia, Opelousas, Crowley, Abbeville, and Breaux Bridge, 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 Lafayette (8 facilities)
8 nursing homes in Lafayette providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
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Courtyard Manor Nurse Care Center & Assisted Liv
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Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Lafayette (7 facilities)
7 hospitals in Lafayette offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center
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Our Lady Of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Inc
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Ochsner University Hospital And Clinics
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Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Lafayette (11 facilities)
11 home health agencies in Lafayette providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Lourdes Home Health
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Nursing Specialties
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Amedisys Home Health
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First Option Home Health
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Requirements to Work as a CNA in Lafayette, LA
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Lafayette?
Most CNA programs in Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
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 Lafayette?
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 Lafayette?
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 Lafayette?
Yes, some schools in Lafayette 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 Lafayette there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as New Iberia, Opelousas, Crowley, Abbeville, and Breaux Bridge. 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 Lafayette?
CNAs in Lafayette 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.