CNA Classes in Nebraska | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Nebraska

The Cornhusker State | Start Your Healthcare Career in as Little as 4-8 Weeks

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

Total Training Hours

$75-100

State Exam Fee

$40,830

Average Annual Salary

4-12

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Nebraska

Begin Your Healthcare Journey in The Cornhusker State

Nebraska's healthcare landscape spans from the bustling metropolitan areas of Omaha and Lincoln to the rolling prairies and small communities that define the Cornhusker State's character. Major healthcare systems including Nebraska Medicine (the state's premier academic medical center affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center), CHI Health (part of CommonSpirit Health with 14 hospitals and over 150 locations), Nebraska Methodist Health System, and Bryan Health in Lincoln provide exceptional care to communities across the region. Nebraska requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training plus a mandatory 1-hour Nebraska-specific abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training—totaling 76 hours—regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), preparing you for rewarding healthcare careers throughout the heartland.

The Cornhusker State offers outstanding opportunities for aspiring CNAs, with employment projected to grow 12% over the next decade—surpassing the national average. CNAs are in high demand across Nebraska's hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. The state's aging population, particularly in rural communities where healthcare access is critical, creates consistent need for qualified nursing assistants. With competitive wages averaging $40,830 annually ($19.63/hour) and major employment centers in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Kearney, and Norfolk, Nebraska provides stable career opportunities. Clear pathways from CNA to LPN and RN through excellent institutions like Nebraska Methodist College, Bryan College of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Community College, Central Community College, and Southeast Community College make Nebraska an ideal place to launch your healthcare career.

FREE registry listing (no state fee)
12% projected job growth (above national average)
120-day work authorization while awaiting certification
No continuing education required for renewal

Quick Facts

Total Training Hours 76 Hours

Classroom Hours 59-60 Hours

Clinical Hours 16+ Hours

Exam Format Written + Skills

Exam Fee $75-100

Regulatory Body NE DHHS

Registry NE Nurse Aide Registry

Browse CNA Schools in Nebraska

Explore our directory of Nebraska DHHS-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

View All Schools

Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Nebraska

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Nebraska requires a minimum of 75 hours of training plus a mandatory 1-hour Nebraska-specific abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training—totaling 76 hours. Training must include at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a licensed healthcare facility under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Core curriculum covers infection control, communication, safety, personal care, basic nursing skills, mental health, data collection, and resident rights. Training is available through excellent institutions including Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha (4-week intensive or 6-week hybrid options), Metropolitan Community College (6.5 credit hours), Central Community College (76-hour program at multiple locations), Southeast Community College ($375 resident tuition at locations across southeast Nebraska), Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, and Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln. The Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) offers a highly-regarded 2-week intensive program for approximately $442. Many nursing facilities also offer employer-sponsored training where they pay for your education in exchange for a work commitment—particularly valuable in Nebraska's rural communities where CNA demand is highest.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing training, you'll take the Nebraska Nurse Aide Competency Exam administered by the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) and other approved testing facilities. The exam consists of two mandatory components: a written knowledge test with 50 multiple-choice questions covering safety, communication, infection control, data collection, personal care, basic nursing skills, mental health, role and responsibility, and care of the impaired (an oral version is available for those with reading difficulties), and a hands-on clinical skills demonstration where you'll perform 6 randomly selected nursing tasks on a mannequin—including procedures like proper handwashing, safe patient transfers, occupied bed changes, partial bed baths, and vital signs measurement. Both sections require a minimum passing score of 70%. The exam fee varies by testing location: NHCLC charges approximately $50 for the written exam and $50 for the skills exam ($100 total), while Nebraska Methodist College charges $35 written and $50 skills ($85 total). You have three attempts to pass each component; if you fail three times, retraining is required. Testing is available at locations throughout Nebraska including Lincoln (NHCLC headquarters), Omaha, Grand Island, Norfolk, Kearney, Scottsbluff, and Bayard. Registration must be submitted at least seven days before the testing date. Community college programs typically arrange on-site testing at the end of training for convenience.

Complete Background Check & Registry Listing

Before beginning CNA employment in Nebraska, you must pass a criminal background check and be listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. A unique feature of Nebraska's certification process: listing on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry is FREE—there is no state fee for registry placement, making Nebraska one of the most affordable states for CNA certification. After passing both portions of the competency exam, NHCLC or your testing facility submits your results to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, after which your status will appear as "Active" on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. You can print your wallet card for verification through the online registry search. Importantly, Nebraska allows you to begin working as a CNA for up to 120 days after passing the exam while waiting for your certification to appear on the registry—providing immediate employment opportunities. You must be at least 16 years old to be certified (though you must be 18 to use a lift independently; ages 16-17 may only assist with lifts). You must be able to speak and understand English or a language understood by a substantial portion of the facility's residents. With certification complete, you're qualified to work throughout Nebraska's exceptional healthcare system, including Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health (Bergan Mercy, Immanuel, Lakeside, St. Elizabeth), Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Bryan Health, Children's Nebraska, and dozens of nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the state.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Certification in Nebraska

Becoming a CNA in Nebraska typically takes 4-12 weeks from enrollment to certification, depending on program format and your schedule. Nebraska requires a total of 76 training hours—75 hours of nurse aide instruction plus a mandatory 1-hour Nebraska-specific abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training—with at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. The Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) offers one of the fastest paths with an intensive 2-week program in Lincoln for approximately $442. Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha provides a 4-week on-campus intensive program and a 6-week online hybrid option with flexible day, evening, and weekend schedules. Metropolitan Community College offers a comprehensive 6.5 credit hour program that typically runs 8-10 weeks. Central Community College's 76-hour program is available at multiple locations across central Nebraska including Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney. Southeast Community College offers affordable programs ($375 for Nebraska residents) in Lincoln, Beatrice, Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Wahoo, and other communities. Many nursing facilities throughout Nebraska—especially in rural areas—offer FREE employer-sponsored training that may take 6-12 weeks while accommodating work schedules. After completing training, testing is typically available within 1-2 weeks at NHCLC locations in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Norfolk, Kearney, and Scottsbluff. Registry processing takes approximately 2-3 weeks, though Nebraska uniquely allows you to work for up to 120 days while awaiting official certification. The complete timeline from enrollment to starting your first CNA position generally ranges from 5-14 weeks.

CNA training costs in Nebraska range from FREE to approximately $1,200 depending on the institution type and whether you pursue employer-sponsored training. The most affordable options include employer-sponsored programs where nursing facilities pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment—particularly common in Nebraska's rural areas where CNA demand is highest. Southeast Community College offers one of the best values in the state at just $375 for Nebraska residents (including 3 semester credits) at locations throughout southeast Nebraska including Lincoln, Beatrice, Nebraska City, and Plattsmouth. The Nebraska Health Care Association's highly-regarded 2-week intensive program costs approximately $442, though scholarships through the Nebraska Health Care Foundation may be available. Providence Health Career Institute in Lincoln offers a 36-hour program for around $350 with financial assistance available. Central Community College's 76-hour program varies by location but typically costs $400-600. Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha offers comprehensive 4-week and 6-week programs ranging from $600-$900 depending on format. Metropolitan Community College's 6.5 credit hour program costs approximately $500-700. Budget an additional $75-100 for the state competency exam ($35-50 written + $40-50 skills depending on testing location). A major advantage in Nebraska: listing on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry is FREE—there is no state fee for certification, making Nebraska one of the most affordable states for total CNA certification costs. Financial assistance may be available through Nebraska workforce development programs, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement after hire.

Nebraska allows hybrid CNA training where classroom instruction can be completed online, but clinical training must be conducted in person at approved healthcare facilities. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services permits didactic coursework—including lectures, reading assignments, instructional videos, and written assessments—to be delivered via distance learning platforms, making training more accessible for students across this geographically large state. Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha offers a popular 6-week online hybrid CNA course that combines flexible online learning with required in-person skills labs and clinical rotations at partner healthcare facilities in the Omaha area. Southeast Community College provides hybrid programs at multiple locations with online theory components and in-person lab/clinical sessions—particularly convenient for students in smaller communities like Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, and Wahoo. Central Community College offers similar hybrid options serving students across central Nebraska. This hybrid model provides valuable flexibility for students managing employment, families, or the challenges of traveling long distances in rural Nebraska. It's important to understand that FULLY online CNA programs (100% virtual with no in-person clinical component) are NOT recognized by Nebraska DHHS and will not qualify you to take the state competency exam. Federal OBRA requirements mandate supervised hands-on clinical training in licensed healthcare facilities. When researching programs, always verify that the provider is approved by Nebraska DHHS by checking the official list of approved training entities or contacting the DHHS Office of Nursing Support at (402) 471-4322 or DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov before enrolling.

The Nebraska CNA competency exam, administered by the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC) and other approved testing facilities, consists of two mandatory components that comprehensively test your knowledge and practical nursing skills. The written knowledge test contains 50 multiple-choice questions covering safety, communication, infection control, data collection, personal care, basic nursing skills, mental health, role and responsibility of a nurse aide, and care of the impaired. You have approximately one hour to complete this portion and must score at least 70% to pass. An oral exam option is available for candidates who have difficulty reading—simply request this accommodation when registering. After completing the written portion, you'll proceed to the clinical skills evaluation where you'll demonstrate 6 randomly selected nursing procedures on a medical mannequin. Common skills tested include proper handwashing technique, safely moving and positioning patients, changing bed linens in an occupied bed, partial bed bath, measuring vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure), range of motion exercises, and ambulation assistance. Each skill must be performed correctly with a passing score of 70% and all required critical steps completed. The skills test typically takes about one hour. The exam fee varies by testing location: NHCLC charges approximately $50 for each component ($100 total); Nebraska Methodist College charges $35 written and $50 skills ($85 total). You have three attempts to pass each component. Testing is available at locations throughout Nebraska including Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, Norfolk, Kearney, Scottsbluff, and Bayard. Registration must be submitted at least seven days before your preferred testing date.

Yes, Nebraska accepts CNA certifications from other states through interstate endorsement, though you must complete additional requirements to be listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. If you hold current CNA certification in another state and are in good standing (with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation), you can apply for Nebraska certification without retaking the full training or competency exam. To transfer your certification, you must complete the interstate endorsement application through Nebraska DHHS, which includes verification of your active status in your current state. Additionally, ALL incoming CNAs to Nebraska—regardless of experience or previous state certification—must complete the mandatory 1-hour Nebraska-specific training on abuse, neglect, and misappropriation. This training can be completed through the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center (NHCLC), Nebraska Health Care Association, or other approved providers. Once you complete this training, submit the Abuse In-Service Documentation Form to the registry along with your endorsement application. Processing may take up to 30 days, and incomplete applications will be returned with a deficiency notice. IMPORTANT: If you were previously listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry but let your certification lapse, you cannot use the interstate endorsement process—instead, you must submit an Employment Verification Form showing qualifying work experience or retest by passing both the written and skills competency exams. For CNAs trained in foreign countries, you must submit a cover letter, a CGFNS Professional Report, proof of completing Nebraska's abuse training, and pass the state-approved CNA exams. There is NO FEE for listing on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. For questions about reciprocity or interstate endorsement, contact DHHS at (402) 471-4322 or email DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov.

Maintaining Your Certification

CNA Certification Renewal in Nebraska

How to Renew Your Nebraska CNA Certification

Nebraska CNA certifications must remain active through continuous employment—there is no traditional "renewal" process with a fee or application. To stay active on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry, you must work in a paid position as a nurse aide within the last 24 months (2 years) at an approved healthcare facility such as a hospital, nursing home, hospice, assisted living facility, or health clinic. Your employer reports your employment to the registry, which keeps your status current. Nebraska does NOT require continuing education (CEU) hours for CNA certification maintenance—your active employment serves as evidence of continued competency.

If you have NOT worked as a CNA in the last 24 months, your registry status will be marked as "Lapsed" rather than "Active." To regain active status, you must successfully pass BOTH the written/oral exam and the clinical skills exam—you do NOT need to repeat the full 76-hour training program (unless you were trained before 1989 in the older 30-hour curriculum, in which case full retraining is required). Contact an approved testing facility from the NHCLC recompetency directory to schedule both exams. You have three attempts per exam; if you fail three times, retraining is required. Your registry status will update to Active within approximately three weeks of passing the exams.

If you have performed nurse aide duties for monetary compensation during the 24-month period but this employment was not reported to the Nurse Aide Registry, you may submit an Employment Verification Form completed by your employer to document your qualifying work instead of retesting. This form must verify that you worked as a CNA providing direct patient care during the relevant time period. For questions about your registry status, name or address changes, or reactivation procedures, contact Nebraska DHHS at (402) 471-4322 or email DHHS.NursingSupport@nebraska.gov. You can check your current status through the online Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry search tool.

Renewal Fee

FREE

Work Requirement

8+ Hrs/24 Months

CEU Requirement

None Required

Lapsed Reactivation

Retest Required

Career Opportunities

CNA Job Outlook & Salary in Nebraska

Nebraska's healthcare sector provides excellent employment prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants, with strong demand driven by the state's aging population and critical need for healthcare services in both urban and rural communities across the Cornhusker State. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that CNAs in Nebraska earn a median salary of $40,830 annually or $19.63 per hour, with the highest-paying areas including Omaha, Grand Island, and Lincoln. Employment for CNAs in Nebraska is projected to grow 12% over the next decade—surpassing the national average—reflecting the increasing long-term care needs of an aging population. Job prospects are particularly excellent in Nebraska's many rural communities where healthcare access remains critical and CNA demand consistently exceeds supply.

Nebraska's major healthcare employers offer competitive wages and excellent benefits. Nebraska Medicine—the state's premier academic medical center affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center—pays CNAs $18-25/hour and was nationally recognized for its biocontainment unit during the Ebola crisis. CHI Health (part of CommonSpirit Health) operates 14 hospitals across Nebraska with over 12,000 employees, including CHI Health CUMC Bergan Mercy, CHI Health Immanuel, CHI Health Lakeside in Omaha, and CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln. Nebraska Methodist Health System (Methodist Hospital, Methodist Women's Hospital) serves as a major employer in the Omaha area. Bryan Health in Lincoln operates six hospitals including Bryan Medical Center, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, and Kearney Regional Medical Center (Level III trauma center). Children's Nebraska (formerly Children's Hospital & Medical Center) provides specialized pediatric care with the state's only Level IV NICU. Entry-level CNAs typically earn $15-17/hour, while experienced CNAs earn $19-25/hour depending on facility type, location, and shift differentials. Career advancement opportunities include progression to LPN through excellent programs at Nebraska Methodist College (accelerated BSN pathway), Bryan College of Health Sciences, and the state's community colleges. The combination of competitive wages, low cost of living, strong job security, and the unique 120-day work authorization while awaiting certification makes Nebraska an outstanding place to build a healthcare career.

Average CNA Salary in Nebraska

$40,830

per year

Hourly Wage

$19.63/hr

Nearby States