CNA Classes in New Hampshire | Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Training Programs

NH Board of Nursing Approved

LNA Classes & Training Programs in New Hampshire

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

Find Programs Near You How to Get Licensed

100

Minimum Training Hours

$310

Total Licensing Fees

$47,190

Average Annual Salary

4-12

Weeks to Complete

About LNA Certification in New Hampshire

Begin Your Healthcare Journey in The Granite State

New Hampshire offers a uniquely supportive environment for aspiring healthcare professionals, with Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs)—the state's official term for what other states call CNAs—serving as essential caregivers in the Granite State's tight-knit communities. Major healthcare systems including Dartmouth Health (anchored by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, the state's only academic medical center with 507 beds and New Hampshire's only Level I Trauma Center), SolutionHealth (comprising Elliot Health System in Manchester—Southern NH's largest healthcare provider—and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua), Catholic Medical Center in Manchester (330 beds), Concord Hospital, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover provide comprehensive care throughout the state. New Hampshire requires a minimum of 100 hours of Board-approved training, including 60 hours of supervised clinical experience—higher than the federal minimum—ensuring graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for their caregiving roles.

The Granite State ranks among the best places in America for nursing assistants, with salaries significantly above the national average and critical staffing shortages creating abundant job opportunities. With healthcare vacancy rates around 30% and projected job growth of 6.8% through 2030, qualified LNAs are urgently needed across nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, and the scenic Lakes Region. New Hampshire's median LNA salary of $47,190 annually ($22.69/hour) ranks among the highest nationwide, and the state offers exceptional continuing education support including 100% tuition reimbursement through the State of NH for LNAs employed in long-term care facilities. Clear career advancement pathways through the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH)—including Manchester Community College, NHTI-Concord's Community College, and Great Bay Community College—make New Hampshire an ideal state to launch and grow your healthcare career.

Among highest LNA salaries nationwide ($22.69/hr)
100% tuition reimbursement available for LTC employment
Critical staffing shortage = abundant job opportunities
Hybrid online/in-person training options available

Quick Facts

Minimum Training Hours 100 Hours

Clinical Hours Required 60 Hours

Exam Provider Excel Testing

Exam Fee $200

License Application Fee $63

Background Check Fee $47

Regulatory Body NH Board of Nursing (OPLC)

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Licensing Process

How to Become an LNA in New Hampshire

Complete Board-Approved Training

Enroll in a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) education program approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. New Hampshire requires a minimum of 100 hours of training—significantly more than the federal 75-hour minimum—including at least 60 hours of supervised clinical experience at approved healthcare facilities. Theory instruction covers infection control, safety procedures, communication skills, personal care, vital signs measurement, basic nursing skills, residents' rights, and emergency procedures. The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) offers excellent programs through Manchester Community College's Workforce Development Center (hybrid format with 60 hours online learning, 24 hours simulation lab, and 60 hours clinical—approximately $1,500-2,000), Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NHTI-Concord's Community College, and Lakes Region Community College in Laconia. Private training schools include LNA Health Careers (110-126 hours total, $2,750 including free state test), The Dover Center, and Thrive Health Career Institute in Portsmouth. Many healthcare facilities offer employer-sponsored programs including Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Exeter Hospital (Beth Israel Lahey Health), Concord Hospital, and numerous nursing homes throughout the state. Hybrid programs allowing online theory completion with in-person lab and clinical components have become increasingly popular, providing flexibility for working students.

Pass the LNA Competency Exam

After completing your training program, you must pass the New Hampshire LNA Competency Examination administered by approved testing agencies. The primary testing provider is Excel Testing, based in Manchester, which offers exam appointments throughout New Hampshire. Lakes Region Community College in Laconia also serves as an approved competency testing service. The exam consists of two components: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. The written portion contains multiple-choice questions covering essential LNA competencies including safety, infection control, communication, basic nursing skills, personal care, and residents' rights—a minimum score of 70% is required to pass. An oral examination option is available for candidates who have difficulty reading English. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate randomly selected nursing tasks (typically 5 skills) in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator within a specified time limit. Common skills tested include handwashing, positioning, vital signs, personal care, mobility assistance, and bed-making. The combined exam fee for both written and skills tests is $200 (paid to Excel Testing). 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. Results are typically available within a few days, and passing candidates receive official documentation to submit with their license application.

Apply for Your LNA License

Once you pass both exam components, you must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check and submit your license application to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Complete your fingerprint background check through the NH Criminal Records Portal (Department of Safety)—the fee is $47 and includes both state (NH) and federal (FBI) criminal history checks. Follow the specific instructions provided in the official background check guide for your situation (in-state or out-of-state applicants have different requirements). After receiving your background check results, apply for your LNA license through the New Hampshire Online Licensing Portal. New users must create an account; returning users can log in to apply. The license application fee is $63. You'll need to upload your LNA program certificate of completion, official competency exam results from Excel Testing, and background check clearance. Processing times vary but typically take 2-4 weeks. Track your application status and verify your license using the OPLC License Lookup Tool. IMPORTANT: New Hampshire does NOT issue physical license cards—your active status in the online system and on the Nurse Aide Registry serves as official proof of licensure. Initial LNA licenses are valid for two years from issuance. Once licensed, you're qualified to work throughout New Hampshire's exceptional healthcare network. For questions, contact OPLC at (603) 271-2152 or email customersupport@oplc.nh.gov.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About LNA Certification in New Hampshire

Becoming a Licensed Nursing Assistant in New Hampshire typically takes 4-12 weeks from enrollment to licensure, depending on program format and your schedule. New Hampshire requires a minimum of 100 training hours—with at least 60 hours of supervised clinical experience—which is higher than the federal 75-hour minimum, ensuring graduates are exceptionally well-prepared. Manchester Community College's Workforce Development Center offers a popular 8-week hybrid program (in partnership with Great Bay Community College and NHTI) featuring 60 hours of online learning, 24 hours of simulation lab, and 60 hours of clinical training at facilities like Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center, Villa Crest, or Catholic Medical Center. LNA Health Careers offers both traditional in-person and blended programs totaling 110-126 hours that can be completed in 4-6 weeks. Lakes Region Community College in Laconia offers a comprehensive 106-hour program (46 hours classroom/lab plus 60 hours clinical). Many nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer employer-sponsored programs that allow you to work while training—programs at Cheshire Medical Center, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Exeter Hospital, and Concord Hospital provide excellent hands-on preparation. After completing training, schedule your competency exam through Excel Testing ($200 combined fee). Results are typically available within days, and license processing through OPLC takes approximately 2-4 weeks after submitting your application ($63), background check ($47), and exam results. Accelerated students can complete the entire process from enrollment to licensure in as little as 6-8 weeks with intensive scheduling.

LNA training costs in New Hampshire range from FREE (employer-sponsored programs) to approximately $2,750, with most programs costing between $1,200 and $2,500. The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) offers excellent value: Manchester Community College's Workforce Development hybrid program costs approximately $1,500-2,000 including tuition and fees, with the same program available through partner colleges NHTI-Concord and Great Bay Community College. Lakes Region Community College in Laconia charges approximately $1,600-1,800 for their comprehensive 106-hour program plus a $190 competency exam fee administered on-site. River Valley Community College in Claremont offers programs at similar community college rates. LNA Health Careers, a popular private training school, charges $2,750 for their 110-126 hour program—but this includes a free online state test prep course, free NH LNA state test, and the ability to take the test within days of graduation, making it a comprehensive package. Beyond tuition, budget for additional fees: competency exam through Excel Testing is $200 (combined written and skills), license application through OPLC is $63, and fingerprint background check is $47. Total out-of-pocket costs typically range from $1,500-$3,100. IMPORTANT: New Hampshire offers 100% tuition reimbursement through the State of NH Medicaid Reimbursement Program for private-pay students who obtain their LNA license and secure employment in a long-term care facility in New Hampshire. Many healthcare employers also offer tuition assistance or fully sponsored training in exchange for a work commitment—check with Rockingham County (free LNA Apprentice Program), Merrimack County Nursing Home, and other county nursing homes for free training opportunities.

New Hampshire allows hybrid LNA training where the theory (classroom) portion can be completed online, but laboratory skills practice and clinical training must be conducted in person at approved facilities. This hybrid approach has become increasingly popular and is offered by most major training providers in the state. Manchester Community College's Workforce Development Center (in partnership with NHTI and Great Bay Community College) offers a highly flexible hybrid model with 60 hours of online learning combined with 24 hours of in-person simulation lab and 60 hours of clinical experience at partner facilities throughout southern New Hampshire. LNA Health Careers offers a "Blended LNA" option where you complete 50 hours of online theory at your own pace (no virtual meeting times), followed by 16 hours of pre-clinical lab skills and 60 hours of clinical experience in person. This model is ideal for students balancing work, family, or other commitments. Students can choose which campus location works best for their in-person requirements (Manchester, Concord, Portsmouth/Great Bay, or Laconia areas). IMPORTANT: Fully online LNA programs (100% virtual with no in-person clinical component) are NOT recognized by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and will not qualify you for licensure. Federal OBRA requirements mandate supervised hands-on clinical training in licensed healthcare facilities under direct supervision of a licensed nurse. When researching programs, always verify NH Board of Nursing approval by checking the official list of approved Nursing Assistant Educational Programs at oplc.nh.gov or calling (603) 271-2152 before enrolling in any program.

There is NO functional difference between a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and an LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) in terms of job duties, scope of practice, or responsibilities—they refer to the exact same healthcare role with different terminology based on state naming conventions. New Hampshire, along with a few other states including Vermont and Rhode Island, officially uses the term "Licensed Nursing Assistant" (LNA) rather than "Certified Nursing Assistant" (CNA). The distinction is purely administrative: in New Hampshire, nursing assistants receive a LICENSE from the Board of Nursing (a legal authorization regulated by the state), while in most other states, nursing assistants receive a CERTIFICATION (a professional credential added to a registry). Both require completing a state-approved training program, passing a competency evaluation (written and skills tests), and being listed on the state's Nurse Aide Registry. New Hampshire also has an additional credential called MNA (Medication Nursing Assistant), which allows experienced LNAs (with at least 2 years of full-time LNA work within the last 5 years) to complete additional training (60 hours) to assist with medication administration to stable patients under nurse supervision—this is a separate credential requiring its own application and continuing education. If you're job searching in New Hampshire, you'll see positions advertised for "LNA" rather than "CNA," but your skills and responsibilities are identical to CNAs in other states. If you hold a CNA certification from another state, you can apply for New Hampshire LNA licensure by endorsement, provided you meet the state's requirements for active certification, recent work experience, and continuing education.

Yes, New Hampshire accepts CNA/LNA certifications from other states through endorsement, though you must meet specific requirements to obtain a New Hampshire LNA license. If you hold an active LNA/CNA license in another U.S. state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on your record, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. New Hampshire requires endorsement candidates to demonstrate: active (not expired) certification/licensure in another state, 200 hours of nursing assistant practice under the supervision of an LPN, RN, or APRN within the previous two years, and 24 contact hours of continuing competence education earned during the prior two years (8 of these hours must be related to medication administration). To apply for endorsement, use the New Hampshire Online Licensing Portal and select "Application by Endorsement." You'll need to submit: the completed online application with the $63 fee, official license verification from each state where you currently hold or previously held an LNA/CNA license (request verification directly from your current licensing agency and upload it with your application), and fingerprint-based criminal background check results from the NH Criminal Records Portal ($47 fee—follow the correct instructions for out-of-state applicants). Processing times vary but typically take 3-6 weeks depending on how quickly verification is received from other states. IMPORTANT: You cannot work as an LNA in New Hampshire until your license has been issued by the NH Board of Nursing—out-of-state credentials alone are not valid for employment in the Granite State. For questions about endorsement, contact OPLC at (603) 271-2152 or email customersupport@oplc.nh.gov.

Maintaining Your License

LNA License Renewal in New Hampshire

How to Renew Your New Hampshire LNA License

New Hampshire LNA licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before expiration to maintain active status on the Nurse Aide Registry. The renewal process requires completing continuing education requirements and submitting your renewal application through the NH Online Licensing Portal. New Hampshire has robust continuing education requirements to ensure LNAs maintain current knowledge and skills.

Each applicant for renewal must complete at least 12 contact hours per year (24 contact hours total for the 2-year renewal cycle) of workshops, conferences, lectures, or in-service educational offerings designed to enhance nursing assistant knowledge, judgment, and skills. IMPORTANT: 8 of the 24 required contact hours for LNA renewal must be related to medication administration—this is a New Hampshire-specific requirement. Acceptable continuing education includes employer-provided in-service training, online CE courses, conferences, and educational workshops. Successfully completing a state nursing assistant examination may also be used to fulfill continuing education requirements if you need to retest.

As of February 3, 2025, CE Broker is the ONLY continuing education tracking system approved by OPLC. You must report all continuing education directly in CE Broker—the Board does not accept CE documents by mail, email, or portal upload. Log in to your CE Broker account to review completed hours by category and ensure all CE is correctly classified before submitting renewal. The renewal fee is $63, which includes the PHP (Patient Health Protection) fee. Submit your renewal through the NH Online Licensing Portal before your expiration date. If your license expires, you may apply for reinstatement within one year by submitting a paper reinstatement application. Licenses expired more than one year require reapplication as a new applicant, which may include retesting. To avoid complications, set calendar reminders well in advance of your expiration date and maintain accurate CE records throughout the renewal period.

Renewal Cycle

Every 2 Years

CE Hours Required

24 Hours

Medication CE Required

8 Hours

Renewal Fee

$63

Career Opportunities

LNA Job Outlook & Salary in New Hampshire

New Hampshire consistently ranks among the best states in America for nursing assistants, offering exceptional salaries, strong job security, and critical staffing shortages that create abundant employment opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LNAs in New Hampshire earn a median salary of $47,190 annually or $22.69 per hour—significantly higher than the national median of $39,430. The highest-paying areas include the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area (NH portion) and the Manchester-Nashua metropolitan region. With healthcare vacancy rates around 30% statewide and over 446 active job openings at any given time, qualified LNAs are urgently needed across nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies throughout the Granite State.

New Hampshire's major healthcare employers offer competitive compensation packages with excellent benefits. Dartmouth Health (including DHMC in Lebanon, New Hampshire's only academic medical center and Level I Trauma Center, plus the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock—the state's only children's hospital) provides exceptional career development opportunities. SolutionHealth comprises Elliot Health System in Manchester (Forbes-ranked among best employers in NH, Southern New Hampshire's largest provider) and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua. Catholic Medical Center in Manchester (330 beds), Concord Hospital, Portsmouth Regional Hospital (HCA Healthcare), Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover (Mass General Brigham), and Beth Israel Lahey Health's Exeter Hospital offer additional opportunities. Entry-level LNAs typically earn $17-20/hour, while experienced LNAs earn $22-28/hour depending on facility, shift differentials, and specialty area. Many employers offer sign-on bonuses due to staffing shortages. Career advancement pathways through CCSNH community colleges include progression to LPN through bridge programs at Manchester Community College, NHTI, Nashua Community College, and River Valley Community College, with further advancement to RN and BSN through programs at these institutions plus Rivier University, University of New Hampshire, and Plymouth State University.

Average LNA Salary in New Hampshire

$47,190

per year

Hourly Wage

$22.69/hr

Nearby States