CNA Classes & Programs in McAllen, Texas

4 state-approved CNA programs in McAllen, including online and 4-week options. Free programs are offered in other Texas cities.

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CNA training in McAllen

Programs
4
state-approved
Median CNA pay
$28,570
$14.00 an hour
CNA jobs
2,120
in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission region
Healthcare facilities
45
8 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 36 home health agencies
Population
142,722
residents

Sources: BLS OEWS (May 2023), CMS (July 2025).

On this page
  1. Get info from schools
  2. CNA classes in McAllen
  3. Jobs and pay
  4. Working nearby
  5. Requirements
  6. Career growth
  7. FAQ

What brings you here?

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McAllen is home to 4 approved CNA programs that support aspiring nursing assistants on their path toward state certification. Located within the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission region near Texas’s southern border, this city offers both traditional classroom learning and flexible course formats tailored to diverse student needs.

CNA classes in McAllen equip students with hands-on skills necessary for entry-level work across local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. With one program offering online coursework and two providing accelerated learning opportunities, individuals can find pathways that match their schedules while working toward certification success.

In the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area, CNAs earn around $28,570 annually—a figure below the statewide median—which highlights both opportunity and need within this important regional market.

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Browse CNA Classes in McAllen

McAllen offers 4 CNA programs that prepare students for Texas certification and registry through flexible options, including online classes and two accelerated programs. These CNA training programs enable participants to build patient care skills required by employers throughout McAllen, where demand remains steady for well-qualified nursing assistants ready to enter healthcare careers following successful completion of their studies.

Program Types in McAllen

TypeIn McAllenWhere to look
Free or employer-paidNot in McAllenSee other Texas cities →
4-week (accelerated)2 programsSee them ↓
Online or hybrid1 programTexas Institute of Professionals ↓
Evening or weekendNot in McAllenSee other Texas cities →

A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.

All 4 CNA programs in McAllen

Lowest published cost first.

New Start School

Vocational College · McAllen, TX 785014-weekCost–Hours–Weeks–
Address
709 N. Main Street, McAllen, TX 78501
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New Start School offers a CNA program with classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and supervised clinical training; fast-track cohorts advertise a 12-day option with monthly start dates. Classes are available in English and Spanish.

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South Texas College

Community College · McAllen, TX 785024-weekFinancial aidCost–Hours–Weeks5
Address
1101 East Vermont, McAllen, TX 78502
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South Texas College offers nurse aide training through credit courses (NURA 1401 and NURA 1160) in its Health Science Professions Division at the McAllen campus.

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Texas Institute of Professionals

Career School · McAllen, TX 78504Online/hybridCost–Hours–Weeks–
Address
6112 N 10th St Ste 1H, McAllen, TX 78504
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Texas Institute of Professionals offers a Certified Nurse Aide training program emphasizing practical training and mentorship. The school lists an online classroom option; contact the school for current schedules and details.

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Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of McAllen

Nursing Home · McAllen, TX 78501Cost–Hours–Weeks–
Address
900 S. 12th St., McAllen, TX 78501
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Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of McAllen is a state-approved CNA training provider. Contact them directly for program details and enrollment information.

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Cost, 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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CNA Employment Opportunities in McAllen

CNA pay and jobs in McAllen
Median annual pay$28,570
Median hourly pay$14.00
CNA jobs in the region2,120
Salary regionMcAllen-Edinburg-Mission

Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.

CNA jobs in McAllen are found across a range of CMS-certified healthcare providers, with approximately 2,120 certified nursing assistants working in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission region. Demand remains steady as hospitals and long-term care centers consistently hire new CNAs prepared through local education initiatives designed specifically for this vital profession.

CNA salary in McAllen is reflective of regional standards within southern Texas cities. In the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area, CNAs earn around $28,570 per year (median), or about $13.74 hourly based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This amount falls below the statewide median salary figure of $35,110 annually but still represents an important entry point into stable employment with growth potential as experience accumulates over time.

The city features several notable CMS-certified employers hiring new graduates each year: Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Home is a large government-run facility with 160 beds; Briarcliff Nursing And Rehabilitation Center offers services through its hospital district affiliation; Rio Grande Regional Hospital provides acute medical care; Health Care Unlimited—a proprietary agency—delivers home health services locally as well.

Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in McAllen (8 facilities)

8 nursing homes in McAllen 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)

Hospitals Hiring CNAs in McAllen (1 facilities)

1 hospital in McAllen offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)

HospitalRating
Rio Grande Regional HospitalAcute Care Hospitals · 101 E Ridge Rd(956) 632-6000Map4/5

Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in McAllen (36 facilities)

36 home health agencies in McAllen providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)

AgencyQuality
Health Care Unlimited, Inc.1100 East Laurel Suite 100(956) 994-9911Map5.0/5
Paz Home Health200 South 10Th Street Suite 407(956) 781-8445Map4.5/5
Healthplus Homecare2049 Industrial Drive(956) 781-3105Map4.0/5
Paz Home Health Llc1300 N 10Th Street Ste 210(956) 781-8445Map4.0/5
Helping Hands Home Health Care306 West Camellia Ave.(956) 631-7070Map3.5/5

Sources

Working in Nearby Cities and Other States

Working in Nearby Cities

Looking beyond McAllen? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Mission, Pharr, Weslaco, Alamo, and Alton, or browse the Texas 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 McAllen, TX

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in McAllen, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Texas. These include completing an HHSC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, and being listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.

  • At least 100 total hours of training (60 classroom and 40 clinical hours in a licensed nursing facility)
  • Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
  • Passing both parts of the NNAAP exam within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
  • Background check per Texas Health & Safety Code §250.006
  • Placement on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (maintained by HHSC)

Once certified, you can work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities throughout McAllen and the surrounding area.

Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity through TULIP (Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal) to transfer your certification without retraining. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Texas guide.

For full details on testing, certification, renewal requirements, and maintaining active status, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Texas guide.

See how to become a CNA in Texas

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 McAllen.

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Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in McAllen

How long does it take to complete a CNA program in McAllen?

Most CNA programs in McAllen can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule. The shortest published length here is 5 weeks, at South Texas College.

How much does CNA training cost in McAllen?

The programs in McAllen do not publish a total cost, so ask the schools directly. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.

Are there free CNA classes in McAllen?

No program in McAllen is listed as free. Free CNA classes are offered in other Texas 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 McAllen?

Yes. Texas Institute of Professionals offers a hybrid option, with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.

Are there any 4-week CNA classes in McAllen?

Yes. 2 programs in McAllen 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 McAllen there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Mission, Pharr, Weslaco, Alamo and Alton. You can also look at the Texas state page to find more.

How do I get listed on the Texas CNA registry?

To work as a CNA in Texas, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Texas CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.

Where do CNAs work in McAllen?

CNAs in McAllen are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. CMS lists 8 nursing homes, 1 hospital and 36 home health agencies in McAllen. 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.