CNA and LNA Classes & Programs in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
2 state-approved LNA programs in Portsmouth, including free, online and 4-week options.
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CNA training in Portsmouth
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $45,090
- $21.68 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 920
- in the Portsmouth region
- Healthcare facilities
- 4
- 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency
- Population
- 22,545
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Aspiring CNAs in Portsmouth can choose from 2 approved CNA programs that prepare students for state certification and entry into patient care roles throughout this historic seacoast city. Whether just starting out or looking to advance a healthcare career, Portsmouth offers training options that fit different needs and schedules.
The city's healthcare sector includes 2 nursing homes—Edgewood Centre (The) and Cedar Healthcare Center—along with Portsmouth Regional Hospital and an Amedisys Home Health location. Prospective students will find opportunities for clinical experience across these diverse settings. Those seeking greater flexibility can take advantage of online CNA classes or benefit from free CNA classes, which help reduce barriers to entering this growing field.
In Portsmouth, CNAs earn around $45,090 per year. This figure reflects local wage trends based on regional data rather than the statewide median.
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Browse CNA Classes in Portsmouth
Students in Portsmouth can choose from 2 CNA programs that prepare them for New Hampshire CNA certification through both traditional classroom and online training options. With free programs also available, participants gain essential knowledge to qualify for registry placement while meeting regional healthcare demand. Graduates are ready to pursue rewarding careers as certified nursing assistants within Portsmouth’s active medical community.
Program Types in Portsmouth
| Type | In Portsmouth | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Portsmouth Regional Hospital ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Thrive Health Career Institute ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Thrive Health Career Institute ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | Not in Portsmouth | See other New Hampshire cities → |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both LNA programs in Portsmouth
Lowest published cost first.
Portsmouth Regional Hospital
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 333 Borthwick Ave, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (603) 433-4950
Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers a paid Licensed Nursing Assistant training program for new entrants. Graduates are placed into LNA roles within HCA New England hospitals.
Visit websiteThrive Health Career Institute
Cost$2,150Hours116Weeks4
- Address
- 195 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 245, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (603) 600-4144
Thrive Health Career Institute offers a 116-hour LNA course in Portsmouth with in-person and hybrid options over 4 weeks, including clinical rotations in Portsmouth or Dover. Tuition includes CPR training; sponsorships may be available.
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
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All New Hampshire cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Portsmouth
| Median annual pay | $45,090 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $21.68 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 920 |
| Salary region | Portsmouth |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
CNA jobs in Portsmouth are supported by a workforce of approximately 920 CNAs employed across local healthcare providers and long-term care facilities. This steady employment reflects ongoing demand as area hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies continue hiring trained professionals to meet patient needs.
CNA salary in Portsmouth is based on regional data. In Portsmouth, CNAs earn around $45,090 per year or about $21.68 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is slightly above the statewide median salary of $43,940 reported for New Hampshire overall and provides a helpful benchmark when considering employment prospects locally.
The city is served by notable employers such as Edgewood Centre (The), a major nursing facility with 156 beds; Cedar Healthcare Center (102 beds); and Portsmouth Regional Hospital—a proprietary acute care hospital offering emergency services and birthing-friendly support. For those interested in community-based roles, Amedisys Home Health delivers quality-rated services locally. These CMS-certified facilities reflect Portsmouth’s established infrastructure supporting both new graduates and experienced CNAs seeking employment opportunities as of July 2025.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Portsmouth (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Portsmouth providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Edgewood Centre (The)928 South Street(603) 436-0099Map | 156 | 2.5 |
| Cedar Healthcare Center188 Jones Avenue(603) 431-2530Map | 102 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Portsmouth (1 facility)
1 hospital in Portsmouth offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth Regional HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 333 Borthwick Ave(603) 436-5110Map | 3/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Portsmouth (1 facility)
1 home health agency in Portsmouth providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Amedisys Home Health25 New Hampshire Ave Suite 270(603) 436-0815Map | 4.5/5 |
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 Portsmouth? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Dover, Laconia, Nashua, Salem, and Exeter, or browse the New Hampshire 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 Portsmouth, NH
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Portsmouth, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by New Hampshire, where nursing assistants are credentialed as Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs). These include completing a New Hampshire Board of Nursing-approved nursing assistant education program, passing a Board-approved competency examination (administered by an approved testing service such as Excel Testing), and obtaining an LNA license through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC).
- At least 100 total hours of instruction (40 hours of theory and 60 hours of concurrent supervised clinical experience)
- Completion of 16 hours of introductory instruction before any direct patient care
- Sufficient English-language proficiency to perform nursing assistant duties
- A criminal history record authorization and fingerprint-based background check through the New Hampshire State Police and FBI
- Passing a Board-approved competency examination with a written or oral knowledge component and a clinical skills evaluation
- An LNA license issued through OPLC under the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
Once licensed, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, and other healthcare settings throughout Portsmouth and across New Hampshire. LNA licenses must be renewed every two years, counted from the date the license was issued, and renewal requires at least 12 contact hours of continuing education each year. The LNA license fee is $38, plus a $28 Professionals' Health Program fee, for a total of $66.
Already certified in another state? New Hampshire offers licensure by endorsement for nursing assistants who hold a current, unencumbered certification or license in good standing in another state. You apply online with OPLC, upload verification of your out-of-state credential and complete a fingerprint background check. If only the background check results are still pending, OPLC issues a provisional license so you can start work while you wait. Approved applicants who meet New Hampshire's endorsement requirements generally do not need to repeat the 100-hour training program or take a new competency examination. Note that LNA licenses are not covered by the Nurse Licensure Compact. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in New Hampshire guide.
For complete details on training, testing, licensing, and renewal, see our full CNA License & Registration in New Hampshire 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 Portsmouth.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Portsmouth
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Portsmouth?
Most CNA programs in Portsmouth can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 4 weeks, at Thrive Health Career Institute.
How much does CNA training cost in Portsmouth?
Thrive Health Career Institute lists a price of $2,150. One program is free or employer-paid. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Portsmouth?
Yes. Portsmouth Regional Hospital offers free or employer-paid CNA training. 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 Portsmouth?
Yes. Thrive Health Career Institute offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Portsmouth?
Yes. Thrive Health Career Institute is an accelerated program. Accelerated programs usually take 3 to 5 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Portsmouth there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Dover, Laconia, Nashua, Salem and Exeter. You can also look at the New Hampshire state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the New Hampshire CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in New Hampshire, you must be added to the official state registry. See our New Hampshire CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Portsmouth?
CNAs in Portsmouth are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 2 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 1 home health agency in Portsmouth. 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.