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Most Affordable CNA Classes in Omaha

In Omaha, many students are on the hunt for tuition-free CNA programs, but they can be difficult to find and even harder to get into. Fortunately, when free programs are not available, there are a number of more budget-friendly options available to help you earn your Nebraska CNA certification. Based on the most recent available research, we’ve put together a short list of the best deals for getting your CNA on the cheap.

Show Schools
  • Fulton Homes Education Center: $350 / 5 week program
  • Quality Career Pathways: $400 / 2 week program
  • Nebraska Methodist College: $499 / 4 week program

Of course, there are more considerations than just cost when it comes to deciding on which school to attend. We advise you to take your time looking over all the prerequisites and potential hidden costs before you make up your mind. You might also find that certain programs have a more convenient class schedule as well.

Most Affordable CNA Programs in Omaha

Fulton Homes Education Center

Fulton Homes Education Center offers a five-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for the Nebraska state certification exam. The 80-hour course includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical practice to ensure students develop the skills necessary for a successful career in healthcare. With small class sizes and experienced instructors, students receive personalized guidance to build confidence and competency in their roles.

Tuition for the CNA program is $350, with a $150 registration fee. Refund policies apply based on the timing of cancellation. Classes are held on a rotating schedule throughout the year, with sessions available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Fulton Homes Education Center partners with local hospitals and clinics, providing students with valuable industry connections.

Key Program Highlights:

  • Funding assistance available for most courses
  • 80-hour CNA training program with a mix of classroom learning, lab practice, and clinical experience
  • Partnerships with local healthcare facilities, including CHI, One World Community Health, and Methodist
Quality Career Pathways

Quality Career Pathways offers a 76-hour Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for certification and employment in the healthcare field. Students can choose between a traditional in-person format or an online hybrid option, where 44 hours of coursework are completed online before attending 32 hours of in-person training. The program includes on-site testing for the first attempt, eliminating the need to schedule exams separately.

Tuition is $400, with an additional $125 required for state testing fees, bringing the total course cost to $525. A $150 registration fee is included in the tuition. Payment plans are available to help students manage costs. Classes are offered throughout the year with weekday, evening, and weekend options, ensuring flexibility for students with busy schedules.

Key Program Highlights:

  • Multiple class options available, including evening and weekend sessions
  • Choice of a traditional in-person or hybrid online/in-person format
  • Tuition includes on-site testing for the first attempt
  • Over 98% pass rate and strong employer partnerships
Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program designed to prepare students for entry-level healthcare positions. The program is available in two formats: a four-week in-person class or a six-week online hybrid option with weekly on-campus sessions. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, students gain the skills needed to provide essential patient care in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare settings.

The program costs $499, covering tuition, clinical and on-site state testing, a textbook, and a CPR certification valued at $65. Students must register at least one week before the start date, and payment must be completed before classes begin. Financial assistance options and payment plans are available.

Key Program Highlights:

  • Flexible scheduling with in-person or online hybrid learning
  • Tuition includes CPR certification, clinical training, and state testing
  • Strong connections to local employers for job opportunities

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Nebraska state competency exams and be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry. The college also offers recertification options for individuals with lapsed CNA credentials.

Additional Specialized Programs

The schools below offer specialized training options that may have financial aid options, sponsorships, or work agreements that can essentially eliminate most program costs if you qualify. Click on a program to learn more.

Team QLI

Team QLI in Omaha offers a unique opportunity with its “paid CNA training” program, aimed at individuals eager to join the healthcare field without the financial burden of tuition. Unlike their standard paid training, this initiative covers the cost of training, allowing participants to earn while they learn, effectively making the education free. This program not only alleviates the cost barrier but also provides a pathway to employment at QLI upon successful completion, supporting the organization’s mission to deliver life-changing rehabilitation and care.

Goodwill Omaha

Goodwill Omaha offers a paid CNA program that extends over two weeks, designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills for a career in healthcare. The course covers essential areas such as patient care basics, vital sign monitoring, infection control, and more, combining classroom instruction with practical clinical experiences. This comprehensive training ensures participants are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

Unique to Goodwill’s program, starting in 2024, is the provision of an hourly wage for all trainees during the course, supported by donor contributions. This initiative helps alleviate the financial burden of training, making it accessible to more individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field. Additionally, Goodwill provides personalized support through case management to assist graduates in achieving their employment goals in healthcare, further enhancing the value and appeal of this free training opportunity.

Omaha Public Schools

Omaha Public Schools offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program designed for high school students approximately 16 years old and eager to start a career in healthcare. This program, available at no cost to participants, prepares students to work in settings such as long-term care facilities and hospitals by providing a mix of classroom instruction and practical laboratory experience. Students learn essential skills needed to care for elderly or chronically ill patients, with a strong emphasis on regular attendance and hands-on training.

The program meets Nebraska’s state requirements for CNA certification and is structured to include 76 hours of skills training, ensuring students are well-prepared for the certification process. Instruction is led by qualified nurses, enhancing the learning experience with expert guidance. This opportunity is particularly geared toward high school students, allowing them to begin their healthcare education early and progress to more advanced medical training in areas like pharmacy and medical imaging in subsequent years.


Find More CNA Programs

View additional CNA programs in the Omaha area: