CNA Classes & Programs in Wilmington, North Carolina
3 state-approved CNA programs in Wilmington, including free, online, 4-week, evening and weekend options.
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CNA training in Wilmington
- Programs
- 3
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $36,040
- $17.33 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,810
- in the Wilmington region
- Healthcare facilities
- 15
- 11 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies
- Population
- 116,933
- residents
Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).
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What brings you here?
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Aspiring CNAs in Wilmington can choose from 3 approved CNA programs tailored to meet state requirements in this coastal North Carolina city. With its proximity to Atlantic beaches and status as a growing population center, Wilmington presents several avenues for those interested in launching healthcare careers through formal training.
The available CNA courses include free CNA classes as well as online options and two accelerated programs designed for faster entry into the workforce or flexible scheduling needs. Wilmington’s mix of traditional classrooms and digital learning environments helps accommodate different lifestyles while preparing students for certification exams required by North Carolina regulations.
CNA salaries in Wilmington are around $36,040 per year according to BLS OEWS (May 2023), which falls below the statewide median pay level but reflects local job market conditions accurately.
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Browse CNA Classes in Wilmington
Wilmington provides 3 CNA training programs—including free training opportunities plus both online classes and two accelerated options—that prepare students for North Carolina state certification while supporting skill development essential for immediate employment where CNAs are needed locally. These CNA programs focus on qualifying graduates for patient care positions while addressing regional demand in healthcare settings across Wilmington.
Program Types in Wilmington
| Type | In Wilmington | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | 1 program | Sankofa Training and Wellness Institute ↓ |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | 2 programs | See them ↓ |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | Sankofa Training and Wellness Institute ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 3 CNA programs in Wilmington
Lowest published cost first.
Sankofa Training and Wellness Institute
CostFreeHours124Weeks–
- Address
- 201 North Front Street Suite 601, Wilmington, NC 28403
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (910) 524-5121
- Schedule
- Evening and weekend classes
Sankofa’s in‑person Nurse Aide I is an accelerated 19‑day program with class, lab, and clinical rotations, and includes job placement assistance. A Weekend Accelerator hybrid option offers online theory with in‑person weekends.
Visit websiteCape Fear Community College
Cost$215Hours–Weeks8
- Address
- 411 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (910) 362-7218
CFCC’s Nurse Aide I program is offered in traditional and hybrid formats with options including an 8‑week Fast Track. Financial assistance is available (e.g., WIOA, scholarships), and in‑facility testing is offered.
Visit websiteLower Cape Fear LifeCare
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (910) 796-7900
Lower Cape Fear LifeCare 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 3 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 Wilmington
| Median annual pay | $36,040 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $17.33 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,810 |
| Salary region | Wilmington |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
In Wilmington, about 1,810 certified nursing assistants are employed according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) figures specific to this metropolitan area. The steady presence of skilled CNAs supports both acute care hospitals and long-term residential facilities serving diverse patient populations throughout Wilmington’s neighborhoods.
The CNA salary in Wilmington stands at around $36,040 annually or $17.33 per hour based on BLS OEWS (May 2023). This amount is below North Carolina’s statewide median salary of $45,440 but aligns with current compensation trends locally—offering prospective CNAs realistic expectations regarding earning potential upon entering the field here.
CNA job opportunities extend across several CMS-certified facilities within Wilmington itself: Bradley Creek Health Center—a corporation-operated facility with 30 beds; Northchase Nursing And Rehabilitation Center housing up to 140 residents; Davis Health & Wellness Ctr At Cambridge Villag; Liberty Commons Rehabilitation Center; Autumn Care Of Myrtle Grove; Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center—a government-owned hospital providing acute services—and Wilmington Treatment Center represent major employers hiring certified aides throughout this coastal region’s medical network. Home health agencies like Adoration Home Health further diversify available roles for newly certified professionals seeking work beyond institutional settings.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Wilmington (11 facilities)
11 nursing homes in Wilmington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley Creek Health Center740 Diamond Shoals Road(910) 769-7550Map | 30 | 1.2 |
| Northchase Nursing And Rehabilitation Center3015 Enterprise Drive(910) 791-3451Map | 140 | 1.1 |
| Davis Health & Wellness Ctr At Cambridge Villag83 Cavalier Drive, Ste 200(910) 679-8300Map | 20 | 1.1 |
| Liberty Commons Rehabilitation Center121 Racine Drive(910) 452-4070Map | 82 | 1.1 |
| Autumn Care Of Myrtle Grove5725 Carolina Beach Road(910) 792-1455Map | 90 | 1.1 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Wilmington (2 facilities)
2 hospitals in Wilmington offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 2131 S 17Th St(910) 667-7000Map | 2/5 |
| Wilmington Treatment CenterAcute Care Hospitals · 2520 Troy Drive(910) 444-7086Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Wilmington (2 facilities)
2 home health agencies in Wilmington providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 2 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Adoration Home Health112 Charter Street(704) 230-1985Map | 3.5/5 |
| Atrium Healt At Home Stanly901 North Second Street(980) 323-5450Map | 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 Wilmington? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Leland, Hampstead, Surf City, Burgaw, and Castle Hayne, 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 Wilmington, NC
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington.
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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Wilmington
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Wilmington?
Most CNA programs in Wilmington can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. Accelerated programs, such as Sankofa Training and Wellness Institute, usually take 3 to 5 weeks.
How much does CNA training cost in Wilmington?
Cape Fear Community College lists a price of $215. Ask the other programs in Wilmington for theirs. 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 Wilmington?
Yes. Sankofa Training and Wellness Institute 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 Wilmington?
Yes. 2 programs in Wilmington offer hybrid options, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Wilmington?
Yes. 2 programs in Wilmington 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 Wilmington there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Leland, Hampstead, Surf City, Burgaw and Castle Hayne. 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 Wilmington?
CNAs in Wilmington are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 11 nursing homes, 2 hospitals and 2 home health agencies in Wilmington. 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.