CNA Classes & Programs in Hickory, North Carolina
2 state-approved CNA programs in Hickory, including online, evening and weekend options. Free and 4-week programs are offered in other North Carolina cities.
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CNA training in Hickory
- Programs
- 2
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,470
- $17.54 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 2,800
- in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region
- Healthcare facilities
- 10
- 4 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 4 home health agencies
- Population
- 43,352
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Hickory is home to 2 CNA programs dedicated to preparing individuals for rewarding roles as certified nursing assistants within western North Carolina’s Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro area. Residents can explore flexible learning paths—including one online option—to gain foundational knowledge required by employers across hospitals or long-term care facilities serving both urban centers and rural communities nearby.
CNA courses offered in Hickory focus on developing practical skills aligned with state certification standards so graduates are ready for direct patient care positions upon completion. While free or accelerated options are not currently available locally, online class formats allow additional convenience for students balancing multiple responsibilities outside their studies before entering clinical practice settings after graduation.
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton—the larger region encompassing Hickory—CNAs typically earn around $36,470 per year based on current data sources cited below. These programs serve as important stepping stones into stable employment within local healthcare networks.
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Browse CNA Classes in Hickory
Students in Hickory can choose from 2 CNA programs—including one online class—that train candidates toward North Carolina state certification requirements while building capabilities valued by local employers meeting regional healthcare demand throughout Catawba County and beyond.
Program Types in Hickory
| Type | In Hickory | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Hickory | See other North Carolina cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | Not in Hickory | See other North Carolina cities → |
| Online or hybrid | 1 program | Catawba Valley Community College ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Catawba Valley Community College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
Both CNA programs in Hickory
Lowest published cost first.
Catawba Valley Community College
Cost$180Hours152Weeks–
- Address
- 2550 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (828) 327-7000
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
CVCC’s Nurse Aide I program provides classroom, lab, and clinical training for entry-level patient care. Multiple cohorts are offered with day, evening, and weekend options.
Visit websiteTrinity Village
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1265 21st Street, Hickory, NC 28601
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (828) 328-2006
Trinity Village is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.
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 2 programs fits you?
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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 Hickory
| Median annual pay | $36,470 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.54 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 2,800 |
| Salary region | Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, around 2,800 certified nursing assistants contribute vital services across multiple types of medical facilities each year according to available labor market data. The ongoing need reflects demographic shifts as well as continued investment into long-term care infrastructure supporting older adults locally.
The CNA salary in Hickory aligns with figures reported across the broader metro area: In Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, the median annual wage stands at $36,470, or about $17.54 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This amount remains lower than North Carolina’s overall statewide median ($45,440), yet represents prevailing pay rates determined by local employer budgets within this market segment.
CNA jobs in Hickory are available at ten CMS-certified facilities serving residents—including Trinity Ridge (120 beds) and Trinity Village (104 beds), both non-profit organizations; The Greens at Hickory (150 beds); The Greens at Viewmont (104 beds); Catawba Valley Medical Center—a major voluntary non-profit hospital; Frye Regional Medical Center; and home health agencies such as Wake Forest Baptist Health Care at Home operating nearby. These facilities provide multiple points of entry into clinical careers following completion of required training programs locally.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Hickory (4 facilities)
4 nursing homes in Hickory providing CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Ridge2140 Medical Park Drive(828) 322-6995Map | 120 | 0.6 |
| The Greens At Hickory3031 Tate Boulevard Se(828) 322-3343Map | 150 | 0.6 |
| The Greens At Viewmont220 13Th Avenue Place Nw(828) 328-5646Map | 104 | 0.5 |
| Trinity Village1265 21 Street Ne(828) 328-2006Map | 104 | 0.2 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Hickory (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Hickory offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Catawba Valley Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 810 Fairgrove Church Rd(828) 326-3000Map | 3/5 |
| Frye Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 420 N Center St(828) 315-5000Map | 2/5 |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Hickory (4 facilities)
4 home health agencies in Hickory providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Wake Forest Baptist Health Care At Home, Llc126 Executive Drive, Suite 100(336) 818-3170Map | 4.0/5 |
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 Hickory? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Hudson, Boone, Morganton, Newton, and Conover, 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 Hickory, NC
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Hickory, 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 Hickory 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 Hickory.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Hickory
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Hickory?
Most CNA programs in Hickory 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 Hickory?
Catawba Valley Community College lists a price of $180. Ask the other programs in Hickory for theirs. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Hickory?
No program in Hickory is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other North Carolina cities. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Hickory?
Yes. Catawba Valley Community College offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Hickory?
No 4-week program is listed in Hickory. 4-week CNA programs are offered in other North Carolina cities, usually in 3 to 5 weeks.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Hickory there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Hudson, Boone, Morganton, Newton and Conover. 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 Hickory?
CNAs in Hickory are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 4 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 4 home health agencies in Hickory. 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.