CNA Classes & Programs in Waco, Texas
4 state-approved CNA programs in Waco, including 4-week and evening options. Free and online programs are offered in other Texas cities.
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CNA training in Waco
- Programs
- 4
- state-approved
- Median CNA pay
- $32,800
- $16.00 an hour
- CNA jobs
- 1,200
- in the Waco region
- Healthcare facilities
- 23
- 13 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 7 home health agencies
- Population
- 140,545
- 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 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.
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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.
Program Types in Waco
| Type | In Waco | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Free or employer-paid | Not in Waco | See other Texas cities → |
| 4-week (accelerated) | 3 programs | See them ↓ |
| Online or hybrid | Not in Waco | See other Texas cities → |
| Evening or weekend | 1 program | McLennan Community College ↓ |
A program can appear under more than one type. Counts come from each program's published details.
All 4 CNA programs in Waco
Lowest published cost first.
McLennan Community College
Cost$825Hours100Weeks3
- Address
- 1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (254) 299-8150
- Schedule
- Evening classes
MCC’s CNA course is a 100‑hour program combining classroom instruction and clinical training; the state exam fee is included in tuition. Multiple day and evening cohorts are scheduled throughout the year.
Visit websiteGreater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy
Cost–Hours–Weeks–
- Address
- 7200 Viking Dr., Waco, TX 76710
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (254) 399-6654
GWAHCA offers Health Science Theory/Clinical with nursing home clinical rotations leading to Certified Nursing Assistant certification for Waco area juniors and seniors. The academy partners with local hospitals and community providers to prepare students for healthcare careers.
Visit websiteInspire Healthcare Training
Cost–Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 2505 Washington Avenue, Suite 4, Waco, TX 76710
- Phone
- (254) 910-5806
Waco-based Nursing Assistant Training Program offering 5-week, in-person classes with payment plans. The school focuses on hands-on preparation for entry-level caregiving roles.
Visit websiteSouthern Careers Institute - Waco
Cost–Hours–Weeks5
- Address
- 3700 S. IH-35, Ste A, Waco, TX 76706
Open in Google Maps - Phone
- (254) 265-9700
SCI’s Nurse Aide program provides hands-on lab and clinical training for entry-level patient care roles; the program includes 20 lab hours and 40 clinical hours.
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 Texas cities
- Houston53 programs
- San Antonio25 programs
- Dallas24 programs
- Austin9 programs
- Fort Worth5 programs
- El Paso7 programs
CNA Employment Opportunities in Waco
| Median annual pay | $32,800 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $16.00 |
| CNA jobs in the region | 1,200 |
| Salary region | Waco |
Source: BLS OEWS (May 2023), median wages for nursing assistants.
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.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Waco (13 facilities)
13 nursing homes in Waco 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 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Anthony'S Care Center7501 Bagby Ave.(254) 327-1202Map | 120 | 3.0 |
| Woodway Rehabilitation And Healthcare Center7801 Woodway Dr(254) 235-7801Map | 144 | 2.4 |
| Jeffrey Place Healthcare Center820 Jeffrey Dr(254) 772-9480Map | 95 | 2.3 |
| Wesley Woods Health & Rehabilitation1700 Woodgate Drive(254) 666-5454Map | 120 | 2.3 |
| St. Catherine Center300 West Highway 6(254) 761-8500Map | 165 | 2.3 |
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Waco (3 facilities)
3 hospitals in Waco offering CNA employment opportunities. Showing top 3 facilities ranked by overall rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
| Hospital | Rating |
|---|---|
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center HillcrestAcute Care Hospitals · 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd(254) 202-2000Map | 4/5 |
| Ascension ProvidenceAcute Care Hospitals · 6901 Medical Parkway(254) 751-4000Map | 2/5 |
| Oceans Behavioral Hospital Of WacoPsychiatric · 5931 Crosslake Parkway(254) 279-6199Map | – |
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Waco (7 facilities)
7 home health agencies in Waco providing CNA career opportunities. Showing top 5 facilities ranked by quality rating (as provided by official data). Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
| Agency | Quality |
|---|---|
| Accentcare Home Health Of Waco8320 Central Park Drive Suite A(254) 756-0404Map | 4.5/5 |
| Centerwell Home Health5400 Bosque Boulevard, Suite 245(254) 405-6800Map | 4.5/5 |
| Ascension At Home510 N. Valley Mills Road, Suite 504(254) 523-6970Map | 3.5/5 |
| Interim Healthcare Of Waco6801 Sanger Ave Ste 268(254) 751-9393Map | 3.5/5 |
| Bluebonnet Health Services Of Waco720 N. 64Th Street(254) 772-5577Map | 3.0/5 |
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 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.
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
Ready to start? Get info from CNA schools in Waco.
Free to use. No obligation to enroll. Compare multiple programs. We may earn a fee when you request information from schools.
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. The shortest published length here is 3 weeks, at McLennan Community College.
How much does CNA training cost in Waco?
McLennan Community College lists a total cost of $825. The other programs in Waco do not publish a price, so ask them directly. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Waco?
No program in Waco 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 Waco?
No program in Waco offers online classes. Online and hybrid programs are offered in other Texas cities. Clinical training is always in person.
Are there any 4-week CNA classes in Waco?
Yes. 3 programs in Waco 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 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. CMS lists 13 nursing homes, 3 hospitals and 7 home health agencies in Waco. 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.