The answer, from the federal files
- Certificate program length
- 1 month to 7 months for most; middle 2 months (121 programs reporting to IPEDS)
- Clock hours
- middle 144; half run 90 to 488
- On state WIOA training lists
- middle 8 weeks
- Lengths and tuition: IPEDS complete data files, 2024-25 collection, read October 8, 2026.
- State WIOA lists: DOL TrainingProviderResults.gov program file (ETA-9171), read October 8, 2026.
The legal minimum
A state-approved nurse aide training program must include at least 75 clock hours of training, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. (42 CFR 483.152(a))
Pennsylvania's approved list prints each program's hours: 182 programs run from 80 to 181 hours, middle 120.
How long CNA programs run
| Length | Programs |
|---|---|
| Under 3 months | 66 |
| 3 to 6 months | 23 |
| 7 to 12 months | 32 |
| Over 12 months | 0 |
Program length by state (clock-hour schools, 3 or more reporting)
| State | Programs reporting | Middle | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 25 | 5 months | 1 month to 11 months |
| Ohio | 23 | 1 month | 1 month to 9 months |
| Oklahoma | 15 | 9 months | 6 months to 12 months |
| California | 12 | 2 months | 1 month to 10 months |
| Texas | 7 | 2 months | 1 month to 8 months |
| Utah | 6 | 2 months | 1 month to 2 months |
| New Jersey | 5 | 7 months | 2 months to 12 months |
| Louisiana | 5 | 2 months | 1 month to 6 months |
| New York | 5 | 3 months | 2 months to 3 months |
| Michigan | 4 | 1 month | 1 month |
| Arizona | 3 | 1 month | 1 month to 2 months |
Why community colleges (charged by the year) are not in these figures
Find a program
CNA Classes by state · Ways to pay for training · Free CNA training