CNA Classes & Programs in Waco, Texas
Get Information from CNA Programs in Waco and Nearby
In Waco, 4 state-approved CNA classes are available to help residents begin their journey toward becoming Certified Nursing Assistants. These programs provide foundational knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for entry into Texas’s healthcare workforce. Waco’s position as a central Texas city supports a consistent need for trained CNAs in both acute care and long-term care settings.
CNA programs in Waco are designed to meet state certification requirements and prepare students for real-world responsibilities in local hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. While there are no free or online options currently listed, several programs offer accelerated 4-week classes, providing flexible schedules or practical clinical experiences to meet different student needs. In Waco, CNAs earn around $32,800 per year—below the statewide median—making it important to consider all aspects of compensation when evaluating local opportunities.
Graduates from Waco’s CNA courses are well-positioned to pursue entry-level roles throughout area healthcare facilities or continue their professional development within Texas’s growing medical sector.
Quick Facts About Waco
-
Population140,545Residents
-
CNA Programs4State-approved Programs
-
Median Income$47,421Median Annual Income
-
CNA Hourly Rate$16.00Median Hourly Rate
-
CNA Yearly Salary$32,800Median Annual Salary
-
Facilities23CMS Healthcare Facilities13 Nursing Homes • 3 Hospitals • 7 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Waco and Nearby
Schools in Waco and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
You'll receive information about:
- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
- Class locations & formats
- Program details & requirements
✓ Free Service • ✓ No Obligations • ✓ Compare Multiple Programs • ✓ Accredited Schools Only
Browse CNA Classes in Waco
Students in Waco can choose from 4 CNA classes focused on preparing them for Texas certification and building essential job skills. Several programs offer accelerated 4-week classes, enabling candidates to quickly qualify for employment where CNAs are needed most. Each CNA training program emphasizes certification success while supporting practical skill-building that leads directly to rewarding roles within local healthcare environments.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: not available in Waco, but free classes are available in other cities throughout Texas.
Accelerated programs: available in Waco and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Waco but are offered in other cities throughout Texas.
Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy
Program Details
Southern Careers Institute - Waco
Program Details
Inspire Healthcare Training
Program Details
McLennan Community College
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Waco
CNA Salary Information
-
Annual Salary$32,800Median Yearly Pay
-
Hourly Rate$16.00Median Per Hour
-
Available Jobs1,200CNA Positions
In the Waco region, approximately 1,200 CNAs are employed across healthcare facilities serving the city and surrounding areas. CNA jobs in Waco are available in hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies, where qualified professionals provide daily assistance to patients of all ages.
CNA salary in Waco reflects localized compensation trends. In the Waco area, CNAs earn around $32,800 annually or about $15.77 per hour according to BLS OEWS (May 2023). This figure is below the Texas median salary of $35,110 per year, reflecting regional conditions and offering a stable income potential for new entrants into healthcare.
The city hosts a range of CMS-certified employers that contribute significantly to local job opportunities for certified nurse aides. Notable nursing homes include St. Anthony's Care Center (120 beds), Woodway Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (144 beds), and Jeffrey Place Healthcare Center (95 beds). Major hospitals such as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest and Ascension Providence provide acute care services, while Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Waco specializes in psychiatric care. Home health agencies like Accentcare Home Health of Waco and Centerwell Home Health further diversify employment settings available to CNAs across Waco’s medical landscape.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Waco? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Hewitt, Bellmead, Killeen, Hillsboro, and Groesbeck, 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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Waco (13 facilities)
13 nursing homes in Waco providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Waco (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Waco offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest
Facility Details
Facility Details
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Waco (7 facilities)
7 home health agencies in Waco providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Accentcare Home Health Of Waco
Facility Details
Centerwell Home Health
Facility Details
Ascension At Home
Facility Details
Facility Details
Bluebonnet Health Services Of Waco
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Waco, TX
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Waco, 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 Waco 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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Waco
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Waco?
Most CNA programs in Waco 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 Waco?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Waco?
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 Waco?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Waco?
Yes, some schools in Waco or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Waco there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Hewitt, Bellmead, Killeen, Hillsboro, and Groesbeck. 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 Waco?
CNAs in Waco are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.