CNA Classes & Programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico
5 state-approved CNA programs in Albuquerque, including free, online, 4-week and evening options.
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CNA training in Albuquerque
- Programs
- 5
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $35,590
- $17.11 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,850
- in the Albuquerque region
- Healthcare facilities
- 42
- 18 nursing homes, 8 hospitals and 16 home health agencies
- Population
- 562,218
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
Albuquerque offers 5 CNA programs for those pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant in New Mexico. As the state's largest city, Albuquerque features a diverse healthcare sector and multiple training options for aspiring CNAs. These programs are designed to help individuals meet state requirements while building practical skills needed for patient care roles in various settings.
Students have access to CNA classes that include both traditional and accelerated options, with 2 programs offering accelerated pathways. Additionally, those seeking affordable entry can find free CNA classes within the city. Albuquerque's network of healthcare employers—ranging from nursing homes to hospitals and home health agencies—frequently hire newly certified CNAs from local training programs.
In Albuquerque, CNAs earn around $35,590 annually according to recent data, making it an important location for those starting a healthcare career. Graduates are well-positioned for job opportunities in this metropolitan area.
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Browse CNA Classes in Albuquerque
Students in Albuquerque can choose from 5 CNA programs, including accelerated and free options, to prepare for New Mexico CNA certification. Each program is structured to qualify graduates for the state exam and provides hands-on experience that supports job readiness. With local demand for CNAs, these classes enable students to pursue rewarding careers in healthcare throughout Albuquerque and beyond.
Program Types in Albuquerque
| Type | In Albuquerque | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Albuquerque Heights Healthcare ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Seven Wonders Education Training and Learning Center ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Universal Care Home Health Agency ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 5 CNA programs in Albuquerque
Lowest published cost first.
Albuquerque Heights Healthcare
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 103 Hospital Loop NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 348-8300
Genesis HealthCare offers a paid Nurse Aide Training Program at Albuquerque Heights Healthcare, with cohorts held regularly. Participants are hired and can work at the center upon completing training while awaiting the state exam.
Visit websiteCentral Desert Health Hospital
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1525 N Renaissance Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 243-3387
Central Desert Health Hospital is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteCentral New Mexico Community College
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 224-3000
CNM offers a Nursing Assistant sequence that integrates classroom, lab, and supervised clinical experience in long-term care. The course sequence totals 7 college credits and prepares students for entry-level nurse aide roles.
Visit websiteSeven Wonders Education Training and Learning Center
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 2340 Alamo Ave SE, Ste 150, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 916-5206
Sevenwonders offers CNA training with classroom and clinical instruction. Cohorts are available in accelerated formats, including 10-day, 20-day, and 5-week options. The state's approved program list also includes a Sevenwonders online CNA program, with clinical training in person.
Visit websiteUniversal Care Home Health Agency
Cost–Hours–Weeks4
- Address
- 2617 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87112
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (505) 990-1958
- Schedule
- Evening classes
State-approved 4-week CNA course with morning and evening cohorts and small class sizes. Training includes CPR/AED, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications.
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.
Not sure which of the 5 programs fits you?
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Explore CNA Programs in Other Cities
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Major New Mexico cities
All New Mexico cities with CNA programs →CNA Employment Opportunities in Albuquerque
| Median annual pay | $35,590 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.11 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,850 |
| Salary region | Albuquerque |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
Approximately 1,850 certified nursing assistants are employed in the Albuquerque region, reflecting ongoing demand for CNAs across the metro area’s hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. CNA jobs in Albuquerque are available in a variety of healthcare settings, supporting the city’s role as a healthcare hub in New Mexico.
CNA salary in Albuquerque is around $35,590 per year (or $17.11 per hour), according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This regional median is in line with the statewide figure of $35,400 for New Mexico CNAs. Prospective nursing assistants should consider this local wage context when evaluating career opportunities in the area.
The Albuquerque area features a broad range of CMS-certified healthcare facilities. Major employers include Las Estancias By Pure Health, a 120-bed nursing home; Advanced Health Care of Albuquerque with specialized services; Presbyterian Hospital and UNM Hospital, both prominent acute care hospitals; and At Home Healthcare and Interim Healthcare among leading home health agencies. These organizations play key roles in employing CNAs throughout the city’s diverse medical landscape.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Albuquerque (18 facilities)
18 nursing homes in Albuquerque 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Las Estancias By Pure Health3620 Las Estancias Dr Sw(505) 253-9600Map | 120 | 2.7 |
| Advanced Health Care Of Albuquerque2701 Richmond Drive Ne(505) 967-4200Map | 47 | 2.6 |
| South Valley Care Center Llc1629 Bowe Lane Sw(505) 877-2200Map | 62 | 2.5 |
| La Vida Llena10501 Lagrima De Oro NeMap | 50 | 2.4 |
| Spanish Trails Rehabilitation Suites1610 Renaissance Blvd Ne | 134 | 2.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Albuquerque (8 facilities)
8 hospitals in Albuquerque offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lovelace Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 601 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Ave Ne(505) 727-8000Map | 3/5 |
| Presbyterian HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 1100 Central Avenue Se(505) 841-1234Map | 3/5 |
| Va New Mexico Healthcare SystemAcute Care - Veterans Administration · 1501 San Pedro Drive Se(505) 265-1711Map | 3/5 |
| Lovelace Women'S HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 4701 Montgomery Boulevard Ne(505) 727-7800Map | 2/5 |
| Unm HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 2211 Lomas Boulevard Ne(505) 272-2111Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Albuquerque (16 facilities)
16 home health agencies in Albuquerque providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| At Home Healthcare7801 Academy Road Ne, Suite 1-104(505) 880-0400Map | 4.0/5 |
| Interim Healthcare5201 Constitution Ave. Ne, Suite 102(505) 910-4725Map | 4.0/5 |
| Billet Home Health Inc-Albuquerque126 Valencia Ne Suite E(833) 224-5538Map | 3.5/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health4401 Masthead Street Ne Suite 105(505) 345-3754Map | 3.5/5 |
| Compassus Home Health Albuquerque Nm7770 Jefferson Street Ne, Suite 110(505) 391-5815Map | 3.5/5 |
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 Albuquerque? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas, or browse the New Mexico 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 Albuquerque, NM
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Albuquerque, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by New Mexico. These include completing a New Mexico Health Care Authority-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state knowledge and skills competency examinations administered by D&SDT-Headmaster, and being placed on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a nursing facility
- Completion of 16 hours of introductory instruction before any direct resident contact
- Minimum age of 16 to test (some programs require 18), plus a criminal background check and a health screening (TB test, immunizations)
- Passing the knowledge exam (60 questions, 60 minutes, 74% to pass; available in English and Spanish, with an audio option) and the manual skills exam (three or four tasks, 30 minutes, all critical steps plus 80% of noncritical steps)
- Up to three attempts per component within 24 months of completing training
- Placement on the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry, with certification administered by the Health Care Authority (not the Board of Nursing)
Once certified, you may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home care agencies, and other healthcare settings throughout Albuquerque and across New Mexico. Certification is renewed every two years, and to renew you must have worked at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related work in an eligible healthcare setting during the preceding 24 months; New Mexico's HCA guidance also calls for 12 hours of in-service or continuing education each year (24 per renewal cycle), typically provided through the CNA's employer. Renewal runs through the TMU portal and may be submitted from 30 days before through 30 days after expiration, with a $25 fee plus New Mexico gross receipts tax. The Headmaster competency exams cost $40 for the written knowledge test (or $45 for audio) plus $100 for the skills test.
Already certified in another state? New Mexico offers certification by reciprocity for nursing assistants who hold a current certification in good standing on another state's registry. Approved applicants are placed on the New Mexico registry without repeating training or retaking the competency exam, and New Mexico charges no reciprocity fee. Applications are submitted through Headmaster's TMU system. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in New Mexico guide.
For complete details on training, testing, certification, and renewal, see our full CNA License & Registration in New Mexico 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
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Albuquerque
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Albuquerque?
Most CNA programs in Albuquerque 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 Universal Care Home Health Agency.
How much does CNA training cost in Albuquerque?
Prices differ by school, so ask the CNA programs in Albuquerque directly for their current costs. 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 Albuquerque?
Yes. Albuquerque Heights Healthcare 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 Albuquerque?
Yes. Seven Wonders Education Training and Learning Center offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Albuquerque?
Yes. 2 programs in Albuquerque are accelerated. 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 Albuquerque there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, Santa Fe and Las Vegas. You can also look at the New Mexico state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the New Mexico CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in New Mexico, you must be added to the official state registry. See our New Mexico CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Albuquerque?
CNAs in Albuquerque are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 18 nursing homes, 8 hospitals and 16 home health agencies in Albuquerque. 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.