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Can You Get a CNA Certification Without a GED or High School Diploma?

If you’re interested in becoming a CNA, but you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, that’s okay! You can still attend classes, complete a CNA program, and take the GNA certification exam. Check out frequently asked questions about becoming a CNA without a GED or high school diploma and learn more about CNA programs below.

Do You Need a GED to Enroll in CNA Classes?

There are no state regulations stating that individuals are required to have a high school diploma or GED prior to attending nurse aide or CNA classes. However, some schools and nursing facilities offering CNA classes may require a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) to enroll in the program. A program coordinator at the school or nursing facility that is offering CNA classes should be able to tell you what is required.

At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, you are not required to have a high school diploma or GED to register for our CNA/GNA training program.

Do You Need a High School Diploma to be a CNA?

You do not need a high school diploma to become a CNA. In fact, plenty of successful CNAs never earned a GED or high school diploma.

While you don’t need a high school diploma of GED to become a CNA, having a diploma can certainly help improve your job prospects, considering some employers prefer to hire CNAs with a high school education. Additionally, if you plan to move into a different health care field or profession, you’ll need to have a GED or high school diploma.

How Long Is a CNA Program?

CNA programs vary in length, but they can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete.

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute offers a CNA/GNA certification program that is 115 total hours in length. Our daytime and evening CNA training programs are 5 weeks in duration, and our evening/weekend CNA training program is 6.5 weeks in duration.

Can I Get My CNA Online?

Many CNA programs—including Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s program—offer CNA classes online. However, there will always be an in-person component to CNA training programs.

How Much Do CNA Classes Cost?

The cost of CNA classes varies from program to program and state to state. However, CNA programs can cost up to $2,000 for tuition in addition to textbook costs and other fees.

At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, our total program cost is $1,395, including all tuition, textbook, and workbook fees.

How to Get Your CNA License Without a GED

1.    Complete a CNA Training Program

To become a CNA, you will need to complete a state-approved training program. Find a CNA training program that does not require you to have a high school diploma or GED.

Different states have different requirements for CNA training and certification. For example, CNA programs in Maryland must include a minimum of 100 hours of total training, with a minimum of 40 total clinical hours.

2.    Submit Your CNA Application

After completing your CNA classes, you must submit an application to be certified by your state’s Board of Nursing. It is important to note that having a criminal history can hinder you from becoming certified.

3.    Pass a Certification Exam

The final step is passing your GNA exam. The GNA certification exam is optional and must be taken within 12 months of your CNA program completion date.

Get Started with Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s CNA Classes—No GED or Diploma Required!

In-Person & Online CNA Classes Near You

You are not required to have a high school diploma or GED to register for our CNA/GNA training program. To learn more about Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute’s CNA/GNA certification training program, contact us today. We offer convenient weekend, daytime, and evening classes to help make it easier to achieve your goal of becoming a CNA or GNA.

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