CNA Classes in Nevada | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Nevada State Board of Nursing Approved

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Nevada

The Silver State | Start Your Healthcare Career in as Little as 3-6 Weeks

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

Minimum Training Hours

$170

Total Certification Fees

$44,360

Average Annual Salary

3-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Nevada

Begin Your Healthcare Journey in The Silver State

Nevada's dynamic healthcare landscape stretches from the bustling Las Vegas Valley to the scenic Reno-Sparks metropolitan area and rural communities throughout the Silver State. Major healthcare systems including HCA Healthcare's Sunrise Health System (operating Nevada's largest acute care facility, Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, with 762 beds and the state's largest children's hospital), Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican (three campuses in Henderson and Las Vegas), University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC—Nevada's only Level I Trauma Center and only verified Burn Center), and Renown Health in Reno (the state's largest hospital with 808 beds) provide exceptional care to residents and millions of annual visitors. Nevada requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training regulated by the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN), preparing you for rewarding careers in one of America's fastest-growing states.

The Silver State offers outstanding opportunities for aspiring CNAs, with over 7,480 nursing assistants currently employed and salaries that exceed the national average. Nevada's tourism-driven economy, rapidly growing population, and significant retiree community create consistent demand for qualified healthcare professionals across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. With competitive wages averaging $44,360 annually ($21.33/hour) and major employment centers in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and Carson City, Nevada provides excellent earning potential alongside a favorable tax environment with no state income tax. Clear pathways from CNA to LPN and RN through institutions like College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), Great Basin College, and Nevada State University make Nevada an ideal place to launch and advance your healthcare career.

Above-average salaries ($21.33/hour median)
No state income tax on earnings
120-day temporary work permit while training
Online written exam option available

Quick Facts

Minimum Training Hours 75 Hours

Theory/Lab Hours 60+ Hours

Clinical Hours 15-16 Hours

Exam Format NNAAP (Credentia)

Application + Exam Fee ~$170

Regulatory Body NV State Board of Nursing

Registry NV Nurse Aide Registry

Browse CNA Schools in Nevada

Explore our directory of Nevada State Board of Nursing-approved training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Nevada

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in a Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN). Nevada requires a minimum of 75 hours of training, with no less than 60 hours dedicated to theory and learning skills in a laboratory setting, plus at least 15-16 hours of supervised clinical experience at an approved healthcare facility. Training must cover essential competencies including infection control, safety procedures, communication skills, personal care, vital signs measurement, basic nursing skills, and resident rights. Nevada offers approximately 30 state-approved training programs, with excellent options including College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in Las Vegas with multiple campuses (approximately $1,695 for residents, 45 hours lecture + 45 hours lab + 90 hours clinical), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno (approximately $500 plus fees), Great Basin College serving rural Nevada from Elko to Pahrump (6 college credits), and Milan Institute in Sparks. University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a 4-week hybrid program for $2,650 with 96 total hours. Private training schools and some healthcare facilities also offer approved programs ranging from $500 to $2,500. High school students can begin CNA training through programs at Southwest Career and Technical Academy, Desert Rose High School, and other career academies. A unique Nevada feature: the state allows individuals to work up to 120 days as non-certified nursing assistants while completing training and testing—providing immediate employment opportunities.

Pass the NNAAP Competency Exam

After completing training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. Before scheduling your exam, you must first apply for CNA certification through the Nevada Nurse Portal with the Nevada State Board of Nursing, which includes a criminal background check (FBI fingerprint clearance through the Nevada Department of Public Safety). The application fee is $50 payable through the Nevada Nurse Portal. Once approved by NSBN, create an account on the Credentia platform (CNA365) to register and pay for your exam. The NNAAP exam consists of two components administered on the same day: a written knowledge test with 60-70 multiple-choice questions covering safety, communication, infection control, resident rights, data collection, basic nursing skills, and personal care (an oral examination option is available for those with reading difficulties—containing 60 questions plus 10 reading comprehension items), and a clinical skills evaluation where you'll demonstrate five randomly selected nursing tasks in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator on a volunteer actor within 31-40 minutes. The written exam can be taken online from home or at a testing center. Both portions require a minimum 70% passing score. The exam fee is approximately $120 total. You have three attempts within one year of training completion to pass both portions; if you fail after three attempts or exceed the one-year deadline, retraining is required. Testing locations are available throughout Nevada in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and other communities.

Get Listed on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass both exam components and your fingerprint clearance is received and approved, the Nevada State Board of Nursing will issue your CNA certification and your name will appear on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry. Importantly, Nevada does NOT issue physical license cards—your active status on the registry serves as official proof of certification. You can verify your status through the Nevada Nurse Portal or the NSBN license lookup tool. Your initial certification is valid for two years from your birthday (two birthdays from issuance). To work in Nevada, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). With certification complete, you're qualified to work throughout Nevada's exceptional healthcare network including HCA Healthcare facilities (Sunrise Hospital, MountainView Hospital, Southern Hills Hospital, Centennial Hills Hospital), Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican hospitals (Siena, San Martin, Rose de Lima campuses), University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC), Renown Health in Northern Nevada, and hundreds of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies. The combination of high salaries, no state income tax, and strong job growth makes Nevada one of the most attractive states for CNAs in the nation.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Certification in Nevada

Becoming a CNA in Nevada typically takes 3-8 weeks from enrollment to certification, depending on program format and your schedule. Nevada requires a minimum of 75 training hours—with at least 60 hours of classroom/laboratory instruction and 15-16 hours of supervised clinical experience. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers a comprehensive program spanning approximately one semester with flexible scheduling at multiple Las Vegas Valley campuses (West Charleston, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Mesquite). Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno offers a 6 credit hour program typically completed in 8-12 weeks. UNLV's hybrid program can be completed in just 4 weeks with 96 total hours. Milan Institute in Sparks offers accelerated options. Great Basin College serves rural Nevada communities including Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump with flexible scheduling. Many private training schools offer intensive 3-5 week programs ranging from $500-$2,500. After completing training, you must apply to NSBN ($50) and wait for approval before scheduling your NNAAP exam through Credentia (approximately $120). Testing is available regularly throughout Nevada. Results are available within hours after completing the online written portion, and you'll learn skills test results before leaving the testing center. Registry listing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks of passing both exams and receiving fingerprint clearance. Nevada uniquely allows 120 days of provisional employment while completing training and certification—enabling you to start earning immediately while working toward full certification.

CNA training costs in Nevada range from approximately $500 to $2,650 depending on the institution type and program format. Community colleges offer some of the best values: Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) in Reno charges approximately $500-600 including tuition and lab fees for 6 credit hours, making it one of the most affordable options in the state. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) in the Las Vegas Valley charges approximately $1,695 for Nevada residents (includes tuition, fees, and some additional expenses), providing comprehensive training with extensive clinical hours at local skilled nursing facilities. Great Basin College serves rural Nevada with programs costing approximately $500-600 for 6 college credits at locations including Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump. UNLV's 4-week hybrid program costs $2,650 for 96 hours of training. Private training schools vary widely, with programs ranging from $800-$2,500 depending on location and format—many offer accelerated completion. Beyond tuition, budget for additional expenses: NSBN certification application fee of $50, NNAAP exam fee of approximately $120 (paid to Credentia), fingerprint background check of approximately $50, TB testing, CPR certification, and uniforms/scrubs. Total out-of-pocket costs typically range from $700-$3,000 depending on your program choice. Some healthcare facilities offer employer-sponsored training where they cover costs in exchange for a work commitment. Financial aid through Nevada's workforce development programs may be available for qualifying students.

Nevada allows hybrid CNA training where classroom instruction (theory) can be completed online, but laboratory skills practice and clinical training must be conducted in person at approved facilities. The Nevada State Board of Nursing permits the didactic portion of training—including lectures, reading assignments, instructional videos, and written assessments—to be delivered via distance learning platforms. UNLV's Division of Educational Outreach offers a popular 4-week hybrid CNA Training Program combining online learning with required in-person lab and clinical components for $2,650. College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers an online lecture option alongside required in-person lab sessions (approximately 45 hours) and clinical rotations (approximately 90 hours) at partner skilled nursing facilities. This hybrid approach provides flexibility for students managing work, family, or other commitments while ensuring hands-on competency development. It's crucial to understand that FULLY online CNA programs (100% virtual with no in-person clinical component) are NOT recognized by Nevada State Board of Nursing and will not qualify you for certification. Federal OBRA requirements mandate supervised hands-on clinical training in licensed healthcare facilities under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. Additionally, Nevada's NNAAP exam now offers the written/oral knowledge test ONLINE through Credentia—you can take this portion from home on your computer. However, the skills evaluation must be completed in person at an approved testing site. When researching programs, always verify NSBN approval by checking the official list of approved Nursing Assistant Training Programs at nevadanursingboard.org or calling (888) 590-6726 before enrolling.

The Nevada CNA competency exam is the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), administered by Credentia, consisting of two mandatory components. The written knowledge examination contains 60-70 multiple-choice questions covering essential CNA competencies organized into subject areas: Safety (7 questions), Communication (5), Infection Control (9), Resident Rights (6), Data Collection (5), Basic Nursing Skills (9), Role and Responsibility (9), Disease Process (6), Mental Health (4), Personal Care (7), Care of the Impaired (4), and Aging Process and Restorative Care (4). You have approximately 90 minutes to complete this portion. An oral examination option is available for candidates with documented reading difficulties in English—it contains 60 questions plus 10 reading comprehension items where you identify job-related words. A major convenience: the written/oral exam can be taken ONLINE from home through Credentia's secure platform, requiring a computer with webcam, microphone, and the ExamRoom.AI app for room scanning. The clinical skills evaluation is conducted in person at a testing site where you'll perform five randomly selected nursing tasks on a volunteer actor in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator. Common skills tested include handwashing, patient positioning, bed-making, vital signs measurement, personal care assistance, and mobility support. You'll have 31-40 minutes depending on which skills are selected, and each skill must be performed correctly with all critical steps completed. Both portions require a minimum 70% passing score. You have three attempts within one year of training completion. Results for the online written test are available within hours; skills test results are provided before leaving the testing center.

Yes, Nevada accepts CNA certifications from other states through endorsement, though you must meet specific requirements to be listed on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry. If you hold current, active CNA certification in another state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, you can apply for Nevada certification by endorsement. To transfer your certification, download the endorsement application from the Nevada State Board of Nursing website or request it by phone. You'll need to submit: a completed endorsement application with the $50 fee, verification of your active out-of-state certification (endorsement forms must be sent to each state where you've held certification—some states may charge a fee for verification), copies of your original training certificate and out-of-state nursing assistant certificate, documentation of having worked as a nursing assistant in a licensed facility during the previous two years (acceptable documentation includes W-2, pay stub, or letter on official company letterhead), and fingerprint clearance through the Nevada Department of Public Safety and FBI. The Nevada Board advises out-of-state CNAs to contact their current registries directly to understand verification requirements—a list of state registry phone numbers is included in the application packet. Processing time varies as NSBN must receive information from third parties. Nevada may issue a temporary certificate pending completion of the criminal background check, allowing you to begin working while your full application is processed. IMPORTANT: If you are moving to Nevada, you CANNOT practice as a CNA until you have been issued a Nevada CNA certification—out-of-state certifications alone are not valid for employment in Nevada. For questions about endorsement, contact NSBN at (888) 590-6726 or email nursingboard@nsbn.state.nv.us.

Maintaining Your Certification

CNA Certification Renewal in Nevada

How to Renew Your Nevada CNA Certification

Nevada CNA certifications expire every two years on your birthday (two birthdays from initial certification or last renewal). To maintain active status on the Nevada Nurse Aide Registry, you must complete all renewal requirements and submit your application through the Nevada Nurse Portal before your expiration date. Unlike some states, Nevada has robust continuing education and employment requirements that must be met each renewal cycle.

Nevada requires ALL renewing CNAs to complete 24 hours of CNA-related continuing education or in-service training within the certification period. These training hours must be designed to increase or improve your knowledge, skill, or ability related to the authorized scope of practice as a CNA (refer to the NSBN CNA Skills Guidelines for acceptable topics). Training can be obtained through your employer's staff development department, approved CE providers, or online courses accepted by the Board. One hour of participation in CNA in-service training equals one contact hour. While not mandated for CNAs, the Board highly encourages completing the bioterrorism course as part of your 24-hour requirement.

Additionally, you must have practiced as a CNA under the direction of a licensed nurse for a minimum of 40 hours during the renewal period. Your work must be within the Board-authorized scope of practice as a CNA. When renewing, you'll need to enter the full name, state, and license number of the nurse who verifies your employment. The Board conducts random audits of these employment verifications—failure to provide proof when audited may result in disciplinary action. Rather than submitting CE certificates at renewal, you affirm (swear) compliance and must retain copies of all certificates in case of audit. If you cannot meet renewal requirements, you may request inactive status through the Nevada Nurse Portal before expiration. If your certification lapses without meeting requirements, you must pass both NNAAP exam components (written and skills) within one year of your reactivation application to regain active status.

Renewal Cycle

Every 2 Years

CE Hours Required

24 Hours

Work Requirement

40 Hours

Renewal Method

NV Nurse Portal

Career Opportunities

CNA Job Outlook & Salary in Nevada

Nevada's healthcare sector provides exceptional employment prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants, driven by the state's rapid population growth, thriving tourism industry, and significant retiree community. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that CNAs in Nevada earn a median salary of $44,360 annually or $21.33 per hour—substantially higher than the national median of $39,430. The highest-paying areas include Carson City, Reno, and the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metropolitan area. With over 7,480 CNAs currently employed and a location quotient below 1.0, nursing assistants are in high demand throughout Nevada, meaning job opportunities are relatively easy to find as healthcare facilities constantly seek qualified candidates.

Nevada's major healthcare employers offer competitive compensation packages. HCA Healthcare's Sunrise Health System operates multiple facilities including Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center (762 beds, Level II Trauma Center—Nevada's largest acute care facility), MountainView Hospital (425 beds, Level III Trauma Center), Southern Hills Hospital, and Centennial Hills Hospital (348 beds). Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican operates three campuses in Henderson and Las Vegas (Siena, San Martin, Rose de Lima). University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) serves as the region's only Level I Trauma Center and only verified Burn Center. In Northern Nevada, Renown Health operates the state's largest hospital (808 beds) and an extensive network of clinics. St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno (380 beds, part of Prime Healthcare) provides additional opportunities. Entry-level CNAs typically earn $15-18/hour, while experienced CNAs earn $20-27/hour depending on facility, shift differentials, and specialty. A major advantage: Nevada has NO state income tax, meaning your take-home pay stretches further than in neighboring California. Career advancement pathways include progression to LPN through bridge programs at CSN, TMCC, and Nevada State University, with further advancement to RN through excellent programs at University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Nevada Reno, and Roseman University.

Average CNA Salary in Nevada

$44,360

per year

Hourly Wage

$21.33/hr

Nearby States