CNA Classes & Programs in Kearney, Nebraska
2 state-approved CNA programs in Kearney, including free and online options. 4-week programs are offered in other Nebraska cities.
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CNA training in Kearney
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,530
- $18.05 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 16,530
- in the Nebraska State region
- Healthcare facilities
- 9
- 5 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 33,809
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Kearney is home to 2 CNA programs, providing aspiring nursing assistants with options for entering Nebraska’s healthcare field. This city, located in central Nebraska, supports students with accessible training routes. Prospective CNAs can find free CNA classes locally, making entry into the profession more attainable for many individuals interested in patient care roles.
Training in Kearney is complemented by a range of local healthcare employers, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. These CNA programs prepare students for certification and future job opportunities within the area’s hospitals and long-term care facilities. For those needing flexibility, there are also online CNA classes available to help accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.
Statewide in Nebraska, CNAs earn around $37,530 annually, though this figure reflects state-level data rather than city-specific earnings. Graduates often secure positions at Kearney’s healthcare facilities after completing their CNA classes and achieving state certification.
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Browse CNA Classes in Kearney
Kearney provides 2 CNA training programs that enable students to pursue Nebraska state certification while building practical skills required for entry-level positions. With options such as free training and online CNA classes available, these programs focus on preparing candidates for the workplace. Graduates are equipped for success on the certification exam and are ready to meet local demand for CNAs throughout Kearney’s healthcare sector.
Program Types in Kearney
| Type | In Kearney | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Kearney | See other Nebraska cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Sanford Health ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Kearney | See other Nebraska cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Kearney
Lowest published cost first.
Central Nebraska Veterans Home
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 4510 E 56th St, Kearney, NE 68847
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (308) 865-6000
Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home offers paid, on-site CNA training with supplies and certification covered, with opportunities to join the care team upon completion.
Visit websiteSanford Health
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 10 E 31st St, Kearney, NE 68847
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (308) 865-7100
Sanford Health and Good Samaritan Society offer a Nursing Assistant Training Program with no training or testing fees for hired trainees, combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals.
Visit websiteCost, hours and weeks are each school's published figures, so confirm them with the school. A dash means the school has not published it.
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
Major Nebraska cities
All Nebraska cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Kearney
| Median annual pay | $37,530 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $18.05 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 16,530 |
| Salary region | Nebraska State |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Kearney are supported by a variety of local healthcare settings, with ongoing demand for certified nursing assistants across hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies. The city’s population ensures that skilled CNAs remain needed in both inpatient and outpatient environments.
City-specific salary data is not available; as a result, statewide figures provide the best reference point. CNAs in Nebraska earn around $37,530 annually (approximately $18.05 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This median wage reflects earnings potential across the state for certified nursing assistants who have completed their training and achieved certification.
Kearney features a diverse mix of CMS-certified facilities that regularly employ CNAs. Notable examples include Mt Carmel Home- Keens Memorial—a nonprofit facility with 75 beds—and Brookestone Gardens, which offers 54 beds and serves as one of the larger employers among area nursing homes. Local hospital options such as Chi Health Good Samaritan and Kearney Regional Medical Center further expand career possibilities for newly certified CNAs. Home health agencies like Evangelical Lutheran Gss Home Care of Central Nebraska also contribute to employment options within the community.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Kearney (5 facilities)
5 nursing homes in Kearney providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by CNA hours per resident per day (as provided by official data). Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
| Nursing home | Beds | CNA hrs/day |
|---|---|---|
| Mt Carmel Home- Keens Memorial412 West 18Th Street(308) 237-2287Map | 75 | 4.3 |
| Mother Hull Home125 East 23Rd Street(308) 234-2447Map | 58 | 3.3 |
| Brookestone Gardens2615 West 11Th Street(308) 236-0211Map | 54 | 3.1 |
| Good Samaritan Society - St Johns3410 Central Avenue(308) 234-1888Map | 56 | 2.3 |
| Good Samaritan Society - St Luke'S Village2201 East 32Nd Street(308) 833-5236Map | 60 | 2.0 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Kearney (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Kearney offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chi Health Good SamaritanAcute Care Hospitals · P O Box 1990, 10 East 31St St(308) 865-7100Map | 4/5 |
| Kearney Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 804 22Nd Avenue(308) 455-3600Map | 4/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Kearney (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Kearney providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Evangelical Lutheran Gss Home Care Of Central Nebraska2209 East 32Nd Street(308) 698-5080Map | 4.5/5 |
| Brookestone Home Health & Hospice4111 4Th Ave., Suite 50(308) 995-4375Map | 2.5/5 |
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities and Other States
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Kearney? Explore CNA programs and jobs in , , , , and , or browse the Nebraska 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.
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Kearney, NE
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kearney, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Nebraska, which refers to the role as a nurse aide. These include completing a State of Nebraska–approved nurse aide training course, passing the state written and skills competency examinations, and being listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training
- Completion of 16 hours of instruction before any direct resident contact
- Completion of the required 1-hour Nebraska course on reporting abuse, neglect, and misappropriation
- Passing both the written/oral exam (50 multiple-choice questions, 70% to pass) and the skills evaluation (six skills, 70% required on each)
- Up to three attempts on each exam before retaking the 75-hour course is required
- Placement on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry maintained by Nebraska DHHS
Once listed on the registry, you may work as a nurse aide throughout Kearney and across Nebraska. Qualifying nurse aide employment can include work in nursing facilities, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, home health agencies, and other approved settings. Nebraska does not charge a registry fee and does not set a fixed expiration date; to keep your registry status active, you must have worked as a paid nurse aide within 24 months of your last qualifying employment.
Already certified in another state? Nebraska offers interstate endorsement for out-of-state aides who are active on another state's registry, completed at least a 75-hour training program, and passed written and skills competency exams. All aides transferring to Nebraska must also complete the 1-hour Nebraska abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training, even if they completed similar training elsewhere. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Nebraska guide.
For complete details on training, testing, maintaining active registry status, and interstate endorsement, see our full CNA License & Registration in Nebraska 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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Kearney.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Kearney
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Kearney?
Most CNA programs in Kearney 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 Kearney?
The programs in Kearney do not publish a total cost, so ask the schools directly. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Kearney?
Yes. 2 programs in Kearney are free or employer-paid: Central Nebraska Veterans Home and Sanford Health. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may also offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Kearney?
Yes. Sanford Health offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Kearney?
Not in Kearney. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other Nebraska cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
You can look at the Nebraska state page to find CNA classes in other cities.
How do I get listed on the Nebraska CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Nebraska, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Nebraska CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Kearney?
CNAs in Kearney are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 5 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Kearney. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information accuracy: requirements, salary data and other information are compiled from official sources but can change. Please confirm with the school or the state before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.