CNA Classes & Programs in Gastonia, North Carolina
2 state-approved CNA programs in Gastonia, including free, 4-week, evening and weekend options. Online programs are offered in other North Carolina cities.
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CNA training in Gastonia
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $37,270
- $17.92 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 11,170
- in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia region
- Healthcare facilities
- 11
- 7 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies
- Population
- 80,615
- 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.
In Gastonia, 2 state-approved CNA programs are available to help aspiring nursing assistants begin their careers within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metropolitan region. As one of Gaston County’s major cities near Charlotte’s urban hubbub, Gastonia provides convenient access to both education resources and diverse employment settings for future CNAs.
CNA classes here deliver practical instruction that supports successful completion of certification requirements while equipping students with essential patient care skills sought by local employers across hospitals and long-term care providers. In the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia area—which includes Gastonia—CNAs earn around $37,270 annually based on recent wage data; this falls below North Carolina’s overall median salary of $45,440 according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). At least one option features free CNA classes, while another offers an accelerated format for quicker entry into practice.
Earning certification through Gastonia’s available programs opens doors to immediate job prospects at local medical centers or CMS-certified skilled nursing facilities throughout the community upon graduation from a CNA course.
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Browse CNA Classes in Gastonia
Gastonia provides 2 CNA training programs, including free training options and accelerated classes, that enable students to qualify for North Carolina certification and state registry placement. These programs offer focused instruction that prepares participants with key skills necessary for working as certified nursing assistants, where there is consistent need among local healthcare organizations recruiting new staff members each year.
Program Types in Gastonia
| Type | In Gastonia | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | N C Nursing Academy ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 1 program | Umanah Healthcare Institute - Gastonia ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Gastonia | See other North Carolina cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Umanah Healthcare Institute - Gastonia ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Gastonia
Lowest published cost first.
N C Nursing Academy
CostFreeHours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1008 Union Road Suite D, Gastonia, NC 28052
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (704) 747-3787
N C Nursing Academy is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
Visit websiteUmanah Healthcare Institute - Gastonia
Cost$780Hours112Weeks4
- Address
- 645 Cox Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (704) 287-8534
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Umanah Healthcare Institute’s CNA I program offers weekday evening and Saturday options and is designed to be completed in 4 weeks (evening) or 8 weeks (weekend). The school lists a new CNA I tuition of 750 with a nonrefundable registration fee and required health/screening steps.
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
Nearby cities
Major North Carolina cities
- Charlotte11 programs
- Raleigh13 programs
- Greensboro5 programs
- Durham8 programs
- Winston-Salem8 programs
- Fayetteville4 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Gastonia
| Median annual pay | $37,270 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.92 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 11,170 |
| Salary region | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area, approximately 11,170 certified nursing assistants are employed based on current labor figures relevant to this multi-county region. Demand remains steady due to numerous medical centers as well as both short- and long-term care providers requiring trained staff throughout Gastonia and nearby areas.
The CNA salary in Gastonia reflects earnings typical of this broader metropolitan context: According to BLS OEWS (May 2023), CNAs earn about $37,270 annually or $17.92 hourly here—a figure below North Carolina’s statewide median wage of $45,440 but still indicative of ongoing opportunities tied directly to local industry needs supported by regular hiring cycles among leading employers.
CNA jobs in Gastonia can be found at Caromont Regional Medical Center—a prominent nonprofit acute care hospital—or at major skilled nursing centers like Courtland Terrace (77 beds), The Greens At Gastonia (162 beds), or Belaire Health Care Center (80 beds). Gastonia also hosts additional CMS-certified facilities including Accordius Health At Gastonia, which together form a network supporting both patients’ needs and new career entrants among recently certified CNAs locally.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Gastonia (7 facilities)
7 nursing homes in Gastonia 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Courtland Terrace2300 Aberdeen Boulevard(704) 834-4800Map | 77 | 1.8 |
| The Greens At Gastonia969 Cox Road(704) 866-8596Map | 162 | 1.2 |
| Belaire Health Care Center2065 Lyon Street(704) 867-7300Map | 80 | 1.2 |
| Gastonia Health & Rehab Center1770 Oak Hollow Road(704) 853-8175Map | 60 | 1.1 |
| Accordius Health At Gastonia416 N Highland Street(704) 864-0371Map | 118 | 0.9 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Gastonia (1 facility)
1 hospital in Gastonia offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Caromont Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 2525 Court Dr(704) 834-2000Map | 4/5 |
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 Gastonia? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Mount Holly, Dallas, Hickory, Matthews, and Shelby, or browse the North Carolina 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 Gastonia, NC
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Gastonia, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by North Carolina. These include completing a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program, passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry.
- At least 75 hours of training (many programs exceed this minimum), including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam (written/oral and skills evaluation)
- Meeting physical ability requirements to perform CNA duties (employers may require health screenings and background checks)
- Placement on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry
Once certified, you can apply for CNA jobs at hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies throughout Gastonia and the surrounding area.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your license into North Carolina without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in North Carolina guide.
For full details on testing, certification, renewal, and maintaining an active license, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in North Carolina 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 Gastonia.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Gastonia
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Gastonia?
Most CNA programs in Gastonia 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 Umanah Healthcare Institute - Gastonia.
How much does CNA training cost in Gastonia?
Umanah Healthcare Institute - Gastonia lists a price of $780. 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 Gastonia?
Yes. N C Nursing Academy 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 Gastonia?
No program in Gastonia is listed with online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other North Carolina cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Gastonia?
Yes. Umanah Healthcare Institute - Gastonia 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 Gastonia there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Mount Holly, Dallas, Hickory, Matthews and Shelby. You can also look at the North Carolina state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the North Carolina CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in North Carolina, you must be added to the official state registry. See our North Carolina CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Gastonia?
CNAs in Gastonia are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 7 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 3 home health agencies in Gastonia. 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.