CNA Classes & Programs in New Orleans, Louisiana
Get Information from CNA Programs in New Orleans and Nearby
New Orleans is home to 7 CNA programs, providing aspiring certified nursing assistants with multiple paths to start their healthcare careers. Known for its vibrant culture and historic neighborhoods, the city offers a diverse environment for training. Free CNA classes are also available for those seeking financial assistance, making entry into this field accessible for many students.
Prospective CNAs in New Orleans benefit from access to local hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies that offer valuable clinical experience. Training options include both traditional and accelerated CNA programs, allowing students to complete certification in a timeframe that suits their needs. Graduates are well positioned to meet the ongoing demand for qualified nursing assistants throughout the city’s healthcare facilities.
In the New Orleans-Metairie region, CNAs earn around $31,090 annually according to recent data. Completing a CNA program in New Orleans prepares individuals with practical skills required for state certification and employment opportunities across the city’s expanding network of care providers.
Quick Facts About New Orleans
-
Population380,408Residents
-
CNA Programs7State-approved Programs
-
Median Income$51,116Median Annual Income
-
CNA Hourly Rate$14.95Median Hourly Rate
-
CNA Yearly Salary$31,090Median Annual Salary
-
Facilities25CMS Healthcare Facilities11 Nursing Homes • 10 Hospitals • 4 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in New Orleans and Nearby
Schools in New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Students in New Orleans can choose from 7 CNA classes that prepare them for Louisiana certification and registry placement. Program options include accelerated courses and free CNA training opportunities, enabling candidates to qualify quickly while gaining practical skills. Each CNA program is designed to support job readiness and success on certification exams, with local demand for CNAs creating promising career pathways in healthcare throughout New Orleans.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in New Orleans through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in New Orleans and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in New Orleans but are offered in other cities throughout Louisiana.
St. Agatha Career Schools
Program Details
New Orleans Job Corps Center
Program Details
New Orleans Career Center
Program Details
New Orleans Charter Science Math H.S.
Program Details
N.A.N.A.
Program Details
Delgado Community College
Program Details
Advance Nursing Training
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in New Orleans
CNA Salary Information
-
Annual Salary$31,090Median Yearly Pay
-
Hourly Rate$14.95Median Per Hour
-
Available Jobs3,960CNA Positions
Approximately 3,960 certified nursing assistants are employed in the New Orleans-Metairie area, reflecting steady demand for trained CNAs within hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout the metropolitan region. Employment opportunities exist in both large institutions and smaller community-based facilities.
The CNA salary in New Orleans is best understood using regional data: In the New Orleans-Metairie area, CNAs earn around $31,090 per year or $14.95 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is above the Louisiana median of $29,070 annually. Regional salary levels can vary depending on employer type and facility location but remain consistent with other metropolitan areas in the state.
The area features a wide range of CMS-certified employers. Notable examples include John J Hainkel Jr Home and Rehabilitation Center (142 beds) and Chateau De Notre Dame Community Care Center (171 beds), both nonprofit nursing facilities providing care to large resident populations. Hospitals such as Ochsner Medical Center Acute and University Medical Center New Orleans serve as major healthcare employers. Home health agencies like Touro At Home Touro Infirmary also contribute to employment opportunities for CNAs seeking work outside traditional inpatient settings.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Ready to get certified and start your CNA career in New Orleans? 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 New Orleans? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Metairie, Kenner, Marrero, LaPlace, and Chalmette, 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 New Orleans (11 facilities)
11 nursing homes in New Orleans providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
John J Hainkel Jr Home And Rehabilitation Center
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in New Orleans (10 facilities)
10 hospitals in New Orleans offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Facility Details
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
Facility Details
Facility Details
University Medical Center New Orleans
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in New Orleans (4 facilities)
4 home health agencies in New Orleans providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Facility Details
Christian Home Health Care, Inc
Facility Details
Facility Details
Nurses Registry Home Health, Inc.
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in New Orleans, LA
To work as a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in New Orleans, 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in New Orleans?
Most CNA programs in New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
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 New Orleans?
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 New Orleans?
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 New Orleans?
Yes, some schools in New Orleans 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 New Orleans there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Metairie, Kenner, Marrero, LaPlace, and Chalmette. 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 New Orleans?
CNAs in New Orleans 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.