New Jersey is home to 141 CNA training programs and over 460 healthcare facilities. Our guide currently highlights 80 cities, where we cover all local CNA programs and a selection of healthcare facilities. Explore CNA classes, salary information, and career opportunities to learn more about becoming a CNA in New Jersey.
With over 140 CNA training programs statewide, New Jersey offers extensive educational opportunities in major metropolitan areas such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison, and Toms River. Currently, about 31,610 Certified Nursing Assistants work across the Garden State, reflecting steady demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Students completing New Jersey CNA programs can expect median earnings of 41,450 annually and 19.93 per hour.
With a population of more than 9.5 million residents and close proximity to major healthcare markets like New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey continues to provide strong career opportunities for CNA training graduates—helping meet the state’s ongoing demand for long-term and hospital-based care. From leading hospital systems such as Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, and Atlantic Health System to hundreds of long-term care and rehabilitation facilities statewide, Certified Nursing Assistants play a vital role in supporting patient care across the state's urban centers, suburban communities, and rural areas.
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Major Cities for CNA Careers in New Jersey
Explore CNA opportunities in New Jersey's largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Training & Certification Requirements in New Jersey
Understanding New Jersey's CNA training and certification requirements is an essential first step before enrolling. Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be placed on the state registry, and work in approved healthcare settings.
Eligibility
Program enrollment (NATCEP): You must complete a New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH)–approved Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Programs are offered by county colleges, vocational schools, and licensed long-term care facilities.
Background check: Certification requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) with fingerprinting through the New Jersey State Police and FBI. You must be eligible for employment (no disqualifying abuse/neglect/misappropriation findings on the Nurse Aide Registry).
Training Hours & Clinicals
New Jersey requires a minimum of 90 total hours for CNA training: 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a New Jersey-licensed long-term care facility. Before any direct resident contact, programs must provide required instruction in topics such as communication, residents' rights, infection control, and safety/emergency procedures (including the Heimlich maneuver), consistent with federal OBRA regulations.
Certification Exam
After training (or if you qualify for an approved waiver route), you must pass both parts of the NJDOH-approved competency exam, administered by PSI:
Skills evaluation: demonstration of five randomly selected nurse-aide skills (including mandatory handwashing plus four other skills). This must be passed first.
Knowledge test: written or oral format (oral available in English or Spanish) covering key nurse-aide content domains. You become eligible for this only after passing the skills evaluation.
Both components must be passed within two years of completing training. Candidates have up to three attempts per exam section within one year of the first attempt; those who do not pass after three attempts must retrain before testing again.
Placement on the Registry & Working as a CNA
When you pass both exam components and meet NJDOH requirements, your name is added to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by PSI for NJDOH). Employers must verify registry status prior to hiring. Under federal rules, a Medicare/Medicaid-certified facility may employ a trainee for up to 120 days while training and testing are completed.
Renewal & In-Service Education
Your CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. To recertify, you must have performed at least seven (7) hours of paid employment providing nursing or nursing-related services in a licensed healthcare facility or agency within the previous 24 months, remain in good standing, and complete a CBI with fingerprinting prior to expiration. CNAs working in Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities must receive at least 12 hours of in-service education annually (24 hours over two years), which employers provide and document.
Reciprocity & Other Routes
If you're certified in another U.S. state or territory and in active, good standing, you may apply for reciprocity to be placed on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry. NJDOH offers two pathways:
Route 1 (CEUs): Within the prior 24 months, completion of 24 hours of approved CEUs, including 12 hours in Alzheimer's/dementia care and 12 hours across infection control, emergency procedures, abuse/neglect & resident rights/misappropriation, and pharmacy.
Route 2 (Employment):24 months of full-time employment (≥35 hrs/week) as a CNA in a nursing home within the last 24 months; applicants must also pass the New Jersey skills and written/oral exams.
Additional equivalency routes may apply to nursing students/graduates, individuals with qualifying military training, and certain homemaker-home health aides who completed the Board of Nursing's LTC module.
Costs
Current exam fees are set by PSI. The total is typically $76 for skills + written and $90 for skills + oral, with retake fees of $23 (skills), $53 (written), and $67 (oral). Verify current amounts when you apply. Under federal and state law, Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must cover exam fees for candidates employed or with a job offer at the time of testing.
Explore CNA classes in New Jersey by city. We currently feature 80 cities, each with a full list of CNA training courses, salary details, and selected healthcare facilities.
Looking for free CNA classes and training programs in New Jersey? These 13 options are available at no cost through employer sponsorship, state support, or other
financial assistance.
Humane Concepts’ CNA course is a 90‑hour program covering 50 hours of instruction and 40 hours of clinical training for work in long‑term care and other settings. Employer partnerships and workforce funding may cover tuition for eligible students.
Genesis HealthCare offers a paid nurse aide training program with tuition and fees covered and on-the-job support. Completion leads to transition into a CNA role at a Genesis center.
State-approved CNA training with 50 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours teaching vital signs, infection control, transfers/feeding, communication, and restorative care. Day and evening cohorts are offered at Gloucester (and Cumberland).
Through RCSJ’s Gloucester County Allied Health initiative, a 90-hour state-approved CNA program is offered with day and evening cohorts and employment options at Shady Lane.
Christian Health provides an on-campus CNA training program for employees, with coursework delivered by Clinical Education and pathways into CNA roles at its skilled nursing communities. A recent posting notes a 90-hour, no-cost CNA course with paid training for Resident Assistants.
Private vocational school offering CNA training at the Pleasantville campus with rolling starts; county workforce grants may allow eligible students to attend at no cost.
NJ-approved private vocational school offering a 4-week CNA course with classes 10am–2pm and clinical affiliations across area long-term care facilities.
Parker at Monroe offers a free, paid CNA training program at its NJ Department of Health–approved training site. Trainees attend classes two days per week 8:00 am–4:00 pm and work three days weekly, with full-time employment offered upon successful completion.
Genesis HealthCare provides paid nurse aide training with tuition covered and employment transition upon successful completion. Training is offered locally with placement into a CNA role at a Genesis facility.
E & S Academy’s CNA program follows New Jersey’s 90-hour curriculum with 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinicals in licensed facilities. The school highlights employment support and employer sponsorship opportunities.
Private career school offering CNA training in downtown Newark with small classes and accessible location. The school advertises potential free training for eligible students and promotes job opportunities during and after study.
4 Tees offers a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant course and also supports reinstatement/waiver candidates. The school notes programs generally run 6 weeks or less and advertises free training for eligible applicants.
These 7 programs offer CNA classes online in New Jersey, giving you the flexibility to complete the classroom portion remotely. However, all CNA programs also require in-person clinical training, which must be completed at an approved healthcare facility before certification.
Prestige Medical Solution
✅ State Approved🏫 Vocational College💻 Online Available⚡ Accelerated Program🤝 Job Placement Help🌙 Evening Classes Available
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90-hour CNA program with a hybrid online portal and options to finish in about 4–8 weeks. Courses are available in daytime and evening schedules.
MAHTI’s CNA program is 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) with day, evening, and weekend scheduling options. Admissions require a physical and TB screening.
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90 hour CNA program that can be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. The program integrates an online learning portal with in-person labs and clinical training.
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90-hour CNA program with classroom, lab, and clinical training, enhanced by an online learning portal for convenience. The school highlights all-inclusive tuition with uniforms, supplies, and first exam fee included.
CNA training offered with a 90-hour curriculum and an online learning portal for theory components. Toms River cohorts are scheduled in daytime and evening formats.
Prestige Medical Solutions’ 90-hour CNA program can be completed in as little as 4 weeks full time or 6–8 weeks part time, with day and evening options. The program integrates an online portal and notes no hidden fees, including items like uniforms, CPR and test fees.
Nurses’ Aide training provides classroom and clinical instruction in resident care, infection control, and safety. Online, in-person, and hybrid options are available with class lengths starting at 4 weeks.
These 18 programs offer accelerated CNA training in New Jersey, typically ranging from 3-5 weeks, with 4-week programs being the most common. Accelerated CNA classes are one of the fastest ways to become a CNA in New Jersey, making them ideal if you want to start your healthcare career quickly.
Ace Health Care Training Institute
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School⚡ Accelerated Program💵 Financial Aid Available🤝 Job Placement Help🕒 Evening & Weekend Classes Available
ACE’s state-approved CNA program is 90 hours over 4 to 6 weeks with in-person classroom and lab at the Dover and Union campuses. Evening and weekend schedules may be available, and job placement assistance is offered.
The CNA program follows New Jersey’s 90-hour curriculum with 50 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical training. Day cohorts run Monday–Friday for 4 weeks and evening cohorts meet three nights per week for about 7 weeks at the Neptune campus.
CNA training in NJ consists of 90 hours split between classroom and clinical at a licensed long-term care facility. Cohorts are as short as 4 weeks and include a free uniform and textbook.
Total Cost: $1,300Total Hours: 90Duration: 4 weeks
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90-hour CNA program with a hybrid online portal and options to finish in about 4–8 weeks. Courses are available in daytime and evening schedules.
State-approved, in-person CNA program totaling 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 lab/clinical), offered at Dover and Union campuses and designed to be completed in 4–6 weeks.
State-approved CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction offered in day, evening, and weekend schedules with job placement assistance.
Total Cost: $2,200Total Hours: 80Duration: 4 weeks
NJ-approved private vocational school offering a 4-week CNA course with classes 10am–2pm and clinical affiliations across area long-term care facilities.
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90 hour CNA program that can be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. The program integrates an online learning portal with in-person labs and clinical training.
AMG’s CNA program totals 90 hours over 5–6 weeks with day (9:00–15:00) and evening (17:00–22:00) cohorts Monday–Thursday. The curriculum emphasizes safe, effective patient care skills with options for morning or evening schedules.
PRN Training Center is a fully licensed CNA training provider offering a five-week course with classroom and clinical instruction in a nursing center environment. The school provides job placement assistance for program completers.
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90-hour CNA program with classroom, lab, and clinical training, enhanced by an online learning portal for convenience. The school highlights all-inclusive tuition with uniforms, supplies, and first exam fee included.
State-approved CNA training totaling 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) prepares students for the NJ DHSS skills and written exams. Day and evening cohorts run approximately 5 weeks.
K&G’s Certified Nurse Aide program totals 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) with morning, evening, and weekend options. The in‑person course offers career services support and is listed with 4–5 week accelerated cohorts.
AMG offers a 90-hour CNA program covering core caregiving skills with day and evening schedules available. The course runs about 5–6 weeks Monday–Thursday.
Prestige Medical Solutions’ 90-hour CNA program can be completed in as little as 4 weeks full time or 6–8 weeks part time, with day and evening options. The program integrates an online portal and notes no hidden fees, including items like uniforms, CPR and test fees.
Nurses’ Aide training provides classroom and clinical instruction in resident care, infection control, and safety. Online, in-person, and hybrid options are available with class lengths starting at 4 weeks.
NursesVue CareerTek’s CNA program provides 96 hours of classroom and hands-on clinical training and can be completed in about 5 weeks. The program notes job placement assistance for graduates.
Total Cost: $2,000Total Hours: 96Duration: 5 weeks
The CNA program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical rotations in long-term care and is designed to be completed in about 5–6 weeks. Curriculum includes infection control, basic nursing skills, patient rights, and career readiness support.
Total Cost: $2,000Total Hours: 96Duration: 5 weeks
These 44 programs offer evening CNA classes in New Jersey, designed for working professionals and those with daytime commitments. Evening classes typically run after 5 PM on weekdays, allowing you to maintain your current schedule while pursuing CNA certification.
Health Professional Institute
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School💵 Financial Aid Available🌙 Evening Classes Available
HPI’s Certified Nursing Assistant program provides 90 hours of training, including 50 classroom and 40 clinical hours in a nursing facility. AM and PM cohorts are offered.
ACE’s state-approved CNA program is 90 hours over 4 to 6 weeks with in-person classroom and lab at the Dover and Union campuses. Evening and weekend schedules may be available, and job placement assistance is offered.
HTI offers a state-approved CNA program with 90 total hours split into 50 classroom and 40 clinical hours at a licensed long-term care facility. Day and evening schedules are available on a Monday–Thursday cadence.
MCVSD’s CNA course is 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) offered at the Neptune Annex and other sites with daytime and evening options. Cohorts typically meet two days per week; tuition is 765 and students are responsible for exam, textbook, and uniform costs.
MCVSD’s CNA course is 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) offered at the Neptune Annex and other sites with daytime and evening options. Cohorts typically meet two days per week; tuition is 765 and students are responsible for exam, textbook, and uniform costs.
NJ Department of Health–approved 90 hour CNA program teaching physical and psychosocial care skills; classes are in-person with clinicals at area facilities.
The CNA program follows New Jersey’s 90-hour curriculum with 50 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical training. Day cohorts run Monday–Friday for 4 weeks and evening cohorts meet three nights per week for about 7 weeks at the Neptune campus.
State-approved CNA training with 50 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours teaching vital signs, infection control, transfers/feeding, communication, and restorative care. Day and evening cohorts are offered at Gloucester (and Cumberland).
Through RCSJ’s Gloucester County Allied Health initiative, a 90-hour state-approved CNA program is offered with day and evening cohorts and employment options at Shady Lane.
Workforce Training & Continuing Education offers CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical components, with cohorts typically offered day or evening and sometimes weekends. Training is available at college sites including Blackwood and the Joint Health Sciences Center in Camden.
BCIT offers a 90-hour CNA training program covering communication, infection control, resident rights, and hands-on clinical experience. Cohorts are offered on day and evening schedules across campuses.
State-approved private vocational school offering CNA classes with day (8:30am–4:00pm) and evening (4:00–9:30pm) options and in-house employment opportunities after graduation.
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90-hour CNA program with a hybrid online portal and options to finish in about 4–8 weeks. Courses are available in daytime and evening schedules.
NJ Department of Health–approved 90 hour CNA program teaching physical and psychosocial care skills; in-person classes with clinicals at area facilities.
MCVSD’s CNA course is 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) offered at the Neptune Annex and other sites with daytime and evening options. Cohorts typically meet two days per week; tuition is 765 and students are responsible for exam, textbook, and uniform costs.
CNA program covering the New Jersey 90-hour NATCEP (50 classroom and 40 clinical hours) to build core bedside care skills. The school advertises job placement support for graduates.
State-approved CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction offered in day, evening, and weekend schedules with job placement assistance.
Total Cost: $2,200Total Hours: 80Duration: 4 weeks
American Training Center’s CNA program is 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) and prepares students for work in long-term care, rehab centers, or hospitals. The program is in person and emphasizes compassionate care, including Alzheimer’s/Dementia content.
BCIT Adult Education runs a 90-hour CNA program with classroom, lab, and clinical training at its campuses. Day and evening cohorts are scheduled during the year.
Berkel Training Institute offers a 90-hour CNA program with day, evening, and weekend schedules covering theory, lab, and clinical skills for long-term care. Training is approved by the New Jersey Department of Health.
MAHTI’s CNA program is 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) with day, evening, and weekend scheduling options. Admissions require a physical and TB screening.
Prestige Medical Solutions offers a 90 hour CNA program that can be completed in 4 to 8 weeks. The program integrates an online learning portal with in-person labs and clinical training.
MCCC’s state-approved Certified Nurse Aide course is a 90-hour program with 50 classroom and 40 clinical hours, offered on evenings and weekends. The noncredit program is run through the Center for Continuing Studies at the West Windsor and JKC campuses.
AMG’s CNA program totals 90 hours over 5–6 weeks with day (9:00–15:00) and evening (17:00–22:00) cohorts Monday–Thursday. The curriculum emphasizes safe, effective patient care skills with options for morning or evening schedules.
RCSJ’s state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant program includes 50 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical training covering basic care skills, infection control, communication, and restorative care. Day and evening cohorts are offered on varying schedules at Gloucester and Cumberland locations.
Noncredit CNA course HH-772 provides 50 hours of classroom/lab and 40 hours of clinical training at local long-term care sites. Books and uniform vouchers are included; testing fees are separate.
Total Cost: $2,500Total Hours: 90Duration: 9 weeks
State-approved CNA training totaling 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) prepares students for the NJ DHSS skills and written exams. Day and evening cohorts run approximately 5 weeks.
Branford’s Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care Facilities Course emphasizes resident-centered care and prepares candidates for the NJ skills and written exams. Day, evening, and weekend scheduling options are offered.
K&G’s Certified Nurse Aide program totals 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) with morning, evening, and weekend options. The in‑person course offers career services support and is listed with 4–5 week accelerated cohorts.
AMG offers a 90-hour CNA program covering core caregiving skills with day and evening schedules available. The course runs about 5–6 weeks Monday–Thursday.
CNA program follows New Jersey’s 90-hour curriculum with 50 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours. Ocean County location offers day and evening cohorts.
CNA training offered with a 90-hour curriculum and an online learning portal for theory components. Toms River cohorts are scheduled in daytime and evening formats.
Private vocational school offering state-approved CNA training with day and evening cohorts taught by RN instructors. They note financial aid opportunities and advertise immediate employment upon graduation.
New Life Academy offers flexible day and evening CNA classes with on-site clinical experience, and tuition includes resume support and job placement assistance.
Prestige Medical Solutions’ 90-hour CNA program can be completed in as little as 4 weeks full time or 6–8 weeks part time, with day and evening options. The program integrates an online portal and notes no hidden fees, including items like uniforms, CPR and test fees.
State-approved CNA program covering theory and hands-on clinical skills to work in long-term care and hospital settings. Day, evening, and weekend cohorts are offered.
Noncredit, NJ DOH-approved CNA course totaling 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) offered at the James Kerney Campus with select evening and weekend schedules. Additional requirements include scrubs, liability insurance, 2-step PPD, and a money order for the skills/written exam.
HCCC’s state-approved Enhanced Certified Nurse Aide program combines classroom and clinical instruction and includes BLS and Dementia Care training. Evening cohorts have been offered.
Total Cost: $1,325Total Hours: 90Duration: 6 weeks
Select Health Career Training Center offers CNA training with small classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Day and evening cohorts are available.
Workforce Training & Continuing Education offers CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical components, with cohorts typically offered day or evening and sometimes weekends. Training is available at college sites including Blackwood and the Joint Health Sciences Center in Camden.
These 13 programs offer weekend CNA classes in New Jersey, perfect for those who work Monday through Friday. Weekend programs typically meet on Saturdays and/or Sundays, allowing you to complete your CNA training without disrupting your weekday work schedule.
Ace Health Care Training Institute
✅ State Approved🏫 Career School⚡ Accelerated Program💵 Financial Aid Available🤝 Job Placement Help🕒 Evening & Weekend Classes Available
ACE’s state-approved CNA program is 90 hours over 4 to 6 weeks with in-person classroom and lab at the Dover and Union campuses. Evening and weekend schedules may be available, and job placement assistance is offered.
Workforce Training & Continuing Education offers CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical components, with cohorts typically offered day or evening and sometimes weekends. Training is available at college sites including Blackwood and the Joint Health Sciences Center in Camden.
CNA program covering the New Jersey 90-hour NATCEP (50 classroom and 40 clinical hours) to build core bedside care skills. The school advertises job placement support for graduates.
State-approved CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical instruction offered in day, evening, and weekend schedules with job placement assistance.
Total Cost: $2,200Total Hours: 80Duration: 4 weeks
American Training Center’s CNA program is 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) and prepares students for work in long-term care, rehab centers, or hospitals. The program is in person and emphasizes compassionate care, including Alzheimer’s/Dementia content.
Berkel Training Institute offers a 90-hour CNA program with day, evening, and weekend schedules covering theory, lab, and clinical skills for long-term care. Training is approved by the New Jersey Department of Health.
MAHTI’s CNA program is 90 hours (50 classroom and 40 clinical) with day, evening, and weekend scheduling options. Admissions require a physical and TB screening.
MCCC’s state-approved Certified Nurse Aide course is a 90-hour program with 50 classroom and 40 clinical hours, offered on evenings and weekends. The noncredit program is run through the Center for Continuing Studies at the West Windsor and JKC campuses.
Branford’s Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care Facilities Course emphasizes resident-centered care and prepares candidates for the NJ skills and written exams. Day, evening, and weekend scheduling options are offered.
K&G’s Certified Nurse Aide program totals 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) with morning, evening, and weekend options. The in‑person course offers career services support and is listed with 4–5 week accelerated cohorts.
State-approved CNA program covering theory and hands-on clinical skills to work in long-term care and hospital settings. Day, evening, and weekend cohorts are offered.
Noncredit, NJ DOH-approved CNA course totaling 90 hours (50 classroom, 40 clinical) offered at the James Kerney Campus with select evening and weekend schedules. Additional requirements include scrubs, liability insurance, 2-step PPD, and a money order for the skills/written exam.
Workforce Training & Continuing Education offers CNA training with classroom, lab, and clinical components, with cohorts typically offered day or evening and sometimes weekends. Training is available at college sites including Blackwood and the Joint Health Sciences Center in Camden.
New Jersey offers strong opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, both in employment and earning potential. With more than 31,610 CNAs working statewide and over 463 healthcare facilities, there are many ways to start or advance your CNA career. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), New Jersey has more than 348 nursing homes, 77 hospitals, and 38 home health agencies that employ CNAs. While these counts are based on CMS data and may not capture every facility in the state, they illustrate the broad range of job opportunities available.
Salary Overview
The median annual income for all workers in New Jersey is about $54,860, or $26.38 per hour. CNAs in New Jersey earn a median of $41,450 annually, which equals about $19.93 per hour. Although CNA wages are below the statewide average, this role provides a solid entry point into healthcare with clear pathways to higher-paying positions such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
Job Outlook
The outlook for CNA employment in New Jersey remains positive. With 31,610 CNAs currently employed and a large number of healthcare facilities statewide, job openings are expected to remain steady. Demand is supported by New Jersey's aging population, dense healthcare network, and proximity to major regional markets like New York City and Philadelphia. Major employers include health systems such as Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health, Atlantic Health System, Virtua Health, and Cooper University Health Care, which hire CNAs across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. Many CNAs gain on-the-job experience and later pursue advanced nursing education, creating ongoing turnover and new opportunities each year.
Becoming a CNA in New Jersey is a practical and fast way to enter the healthcare field. Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks, helping you transition quickly into paid employment. With more than 348 nursing homes and a robust hospital network, the state offers a wide variety of work settings—from large academic medical centers to community-based providers. Many programs are available through county colleges and vocational schools and can serve as a launchpad to LPN or RN pathways. You can also explore free CNA classes, online CNA programs, or accelerated CNA classes available in the state.
CNA Salaries across New Jersey
CNA wages vary by region and employer, with urban and suburban areas often paying more than rural communities. Below is a breakdown of CNA salaries across New Jersey.
Compare CNA salaries across different metropolitan areas and regions in New Jersey.
Salary data includes both annual and hourly wages for nursing assistants.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in New Jersey
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, CNA programs require a minimum of 90 hours of training, which includes 40 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete their training in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether they choose a full-time, part-time, or accelerated program schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in New Jersey?
CNA classes in New Jersey generally cost between $800 and $1,500. Some programs may be more expensive at private schools, while community colleges and healthcare providers often offer lower-cost options. Employers may also cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there free CNA classes in New Jersey?
Yes. Many nursing homes, hospitals, and state workforce programs in New Jersey offer free CNA training. These are often employer-sponsored programs where you agree to work for the facility after completing training and certification.
Are online CNA programs available in New Jersey?
Several schools in New Jersey offer hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with in-person clinical training. While theory can often be completed online, state rules require that clinical skills be performed in a supervised, hands-on healthcare setting.
Are accelerated (4-week) CNA programs available in New Jersey?
Yes, some schools and healthcare providers in New Jersey offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks. These programs are intensive and best for students who can commit to full-time study and clinical practice.
How do I become a CNA in New Jersey?
To become a CNA in New Jersey, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), and be listed on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry. The process is overseen by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).
I’m a CNA in another state. Can I transfer my license to New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey allows CNAs certified in other states to transfer their license through reciprocity. This process places you on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry without retaking training. Learn more in our guide to CNA License Reciprocity in New Jersey.
How often do I need to renew my CNA license in New Jersey?
CNAs in New Jersey must renew their certification every 24 months. To remain active on the registry, you must work at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) of paid employment in an approved healthcare setting during that period. See our CNA License & Registration page for renewal details.
How can I check if my CNA license is active in New Jersey?
You can verify your status on the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry online. For step-by-step instructions, visit our guide on CNA License & Registration in New Jersey.
How much do CNAs earn in New Jersey?
The median CNA salary in New Jersey is $41,450 per year, or about $19.93 per hour. Pay can vary by region, employer, and years of experience. Many CNAs in New Jersey also use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Where do CNAs work in New Jersey?
Certified Nursing Assistants in New Jersey work in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Opportunities are widely available across both urban and rural areas.
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.