CNA Classes & Programs in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Get Information from CNA Programs in Lake Charles and Nearby
In Lake Charles, 6 state-approved CNA classes are available for individuals seeking a pathway into healthcare careers. This southwestern Louisiana city provides multiple options for aspiring CNAs interested in gaining practical skills through formal training programs designed to meet certification requirements.
CNA programs in Lake Charles focus on preparing students for state certification and employment across various facility types, including nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies. With no online or free program options currently available, students can pursue traditional classroom-based instruction tailored to local workforce needs.
In Lake Charles, CNAs earn around $28,660 annually based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. These CNA courses support entry into a growing job market with steady demand throughout the region.
Quick Facts About Lake Charles
-
Population82,430Residents
-
CNA Programs6State-approved Programs
-
Median Income$54,761Median Annual Income
-
CNA Hourly Rate$13.78Median Hourly Rate
-
CNA Yearly Salary$28,660Median Annual Salary
-
Facilities17CMS Healthcare Facilities7 Nursing Homes • 5 Hospitals • 5 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Lake Charles and Nearby
Schools in Lake Charles 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
✓ Free Service • ✓ No Obligations • ✓ Compare Multiple Programs • ✓ Accredited Schools Only
Browse CNA Classes in Lake Charles
Lake Charles offers 6 CNA classes that train individuals for Louisiana certification and registry placement. These CNA training programs emphasize hands-on skill development and job readiness, supporting career goals through structured coursework. Graduates are equipped for direct patient care positions, with opportunities in healthcare facilities throughout Lake Charles where certified nursing assistants are consistently needed.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Lake Charles, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Accelerated programs: not available in Lake Charles but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Online programs not available in Lake Charles but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
Washington-Marion Magnet HS
Program Details
Resthaven Nursing and Rehabilitation
Program Details
Landmark of Lake Charles
Program Details
Grand Cove Nursing and Rehabilitation
Program Details
Community Helpers Early Learning Professionals
Program Details
Calcasieu Community Care Center
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Lake Charles
CNA Salary Information
-
Annual Salary$28,660Median Yearly Pay
-
Hourly Rate$13.78Median Per Hour
-
Available Jobs570CNA Positions
In the Lake Charles region, approximately 570 CNAs are employed according to regional data. The steady presence of hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies ensures ongoing need for skilled nursing assistants across various healthcare environments within this metropolitan area.
The CNA salary in Lake Charles is approximately $28,660 per year or $13.78 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This is slightly below the Louisiana median of $29,070 annually. While wages can vary by employer type or setting—such as hospital versus long-term care—these figures provide valuable context when considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant locally.
The city is served by several major CMS-certified employers such as Calcasieu Community Care Center (a nonprofit facility with 120 beds), The Gardens And Guardian (60 beds), and Landmark Of Lake Charles (130 beds). Notable hospital employers include Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital—both voluntary nonprofit acute care providers—as well as specialized behavioral health hospitals like Oceans Behavioral Hospital Of Lake Charles. Home health agencies such as Christus Homecare St Patrick also contribute to local employment opportunities for CNAs.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in Lake Charles? Fill out one quick form to get program details and start dates from accredited schools in your area.
✓ Free Service • ✓ No Obligations • ✓ Compare Multiple Programs • ✓ Accredited Schools Only
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Lake Charles? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sulphur, DeRidder, Jennings, Kinder, and Eunice, 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 Lake Charles (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Lake Charles providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Lake Charles (5 facilities)
5 hospitals in Lake Charles offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital
Facility Details
Facility Details
Christus Ochsner Lake Area Hospital
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Lake Charles (5 facilities)
5 home health agencies in Lake Charles providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Christus Homecare St Patrick
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Care 2000-Lake Charles
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Lake Charles, LA
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Lake Charles?
Most CNA programs in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles?
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 Lake Charles?
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 Lake Charles?
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 Lake Charles?
Yes, some schools in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sulphur, DeRidder, Jennings, Kinder, and Eunice. 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 Lake Charles?
CNAs in Lake Charles 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.