Choosing the Right CNA Program in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Pursuing training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be the first step to an rewarding and meaningful career in healthcare. As the demand for CNAs continues to grow rapidly in Louisiana and across the country due to aging populations and increased need for care, graduates of quality training programs have excellent prospects for stable employment with competitive wages and benefits.
But not all CNA programs are created equal when it comes to providing the strong foundation needed to pass state exams and excel in the workplace. Doing thorough research and choosing the best program for your individual needs and learning style can impact your path to success. This detailed guide explores 20 top-rated CNA programs in the Baton Rouge area as well as key considerations for prospective students.
Why Become a CNA?
CNAs play a critical role on the frontlines of patient care, assisting nurses and physicians with a wide range of important tasks:
- Providing basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, private residences, and other settings
- Helping patients with daily activities they cannot perform on their own such as bathing, dressing, using the restroom, mobility, and eating
- Checking vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates
- Documenting and communicating patient symptoms, conditions, and progress to the care team
- Operating specialized medical equipment
- Adhering to safety guidelines and protocols
It is a demanding but gratifying profession that allows you to gain practical skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly, chronically ill, and vulnerable. While earning their CNA certification, many use the experience and training as a stepping stone towards becoming an LPN or RN. Excellent job stability, abundant employment opportunities, and opportunities for career advancement make becoming a CNA an appealing path for those called to care for others.
What to Look for in a Top CNA Program
Because a quality education is vital for success as a Certified Nursing Assistant, it pays to do thorough research before investing time and money into a program. Here are some key characteristics that indicate an exceptional, reputable CNA course:
Comprehensive Curriculum Approved by the State
A strong program will cover all the topics you need to know for the job in a structured format and effectively prepare you for your state CNA exam, which you must pass to become certified. Critical subject areas usually include:
- Basic nursing skills like taking vital signs, proper bedmaking, transferring patients
- Patient care principles and practices
- Roles and responsibilities of a CNA
- Safety procedures and infection prevention
- Proper communication, reporting and documentation
- Dementia and mental health conditions
- Ethics and legal aspects of healthcare
Ideally the program should utilize a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, practical demonstrations, and clinical rotations to cement learning. Louisiana requires at least 130 hours of training at a state-approved school for CNA certification.
Hands-On Training Opportunities
Classroom lectures can only take you so far. The best way to gain confidence and expertise in clinical techniques is through extensive hands-on practice. Look for a program that offers supervised instruction in on-site simulation labs outfitted with hospital beds and relevant equipment. Additionally, experience in a real-world patient care setting through a clinical externship rotation is invaluable preparation for work in the field.
Small Class Sizes
A low teacher-to-student ratio allows for more personalized attention, which leads to increased comprehension and retention of the material. It also enables instructors to closely supervise and provide feedback during crucial hands-on training sessions. Classes with just 8 to 15 students are ideal.
Qualified, Experienced Instructors
Even the best curriculum falls flat without skilled teachers who know how to effectively share their knowledge. Seek out programs with nursing and medical professionals who have worked extensively in patient care as instructors. Their real-world experiences bring course materials to life and prepare students for on-the-job realities.
Job Placement Assistance
The best CNA programs have strong relationships with healthcare facilities in the region to help graduates successfully secure employment after completion. Prioritization of job placement should include help prepping for interviews, connections to partner organizations with open roles, job fairs, and individualized support.
While comparing options, be sure to look closely at cost, location, format, duration, and admission requirements as well. Using this criteria and priorities to weigh the pros and cons of various programs can help you find the top choice.
Top CNA Programs in Baton Rouge, LA
Many excellent CNA training courses exist in the Baton Rouge area. Here are 20 highly-rated options to consider:
1. River Parishes Community College
With small classes of 12 to 15 students taught by instructors averaging 15 years of nursing experience each, River Parishes Community College‘s accelerated 4-week CNA course prioritizes hands-on learning. Students spend 40 hours gaining invaluable experience in clinical settings at area nursing homes and hospitals in addition to traditional lectures and lab practice. The college partners with major regional healthcare providers to connect graduates with employment positions. With tuition under $1,000, program director Amber Blanchard notes "Our goal is for money to not be the reason someone decides not to become a CNA. Helping others through meaningful work is so important."
Location: Gonzales, LA
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $950
Website: https://www.rpcc.edu/
2. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
This highly-regarded 6-week CNA course centers around 130 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus hands-on clinical experience. Small classes ensure plenty of one-on-one time with experienced nurse instructors. Because the course is non-credit, students save money on tuition costs. Director of Nursing Sandra Marchand remarks, "Here we believe in educating both the minds and hearts of our students, so they can provide both compassionate care and clinical excellence. Many go on to continue their nursing studies after completing our reputable course."
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1350
Website: https://franu.edu
3. CPR Certification Baton Rouge
In addition to training over 10,000 individuals in CPR and basic life support techniques since 2013, this American Heart Association testing center provides a 2- to 3-week accelerated CNA prep course. Emphasizing critical technical skills through hands-on instruction by registered nurse educators allows graduates to start careers quickly. As instructor Amanda Grayson notes, "With personal mentors guiding small groups of students, we instill both confidence and competence needed to pass the CNA exam and handle real-world patient care situations."
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1350
Website: https://cprbatonrouge.com/cna-training/
4. Compass Career College
Compass Career College leans into its small local school ambiance with class sizes capped at 16 and deep connections to regional healthcare partners where students complete clinical training. This allows greater confidence and preparation according to campus director RebeccaFrameworksy, who explains, "Our partnerships let students train on-site, practice using the equipment, and gain familiarity with policies and procedures before day one on the job." Students also receive one-on-one guidance regarding job placement and exam preparation.
Location: Hammond, LA
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: Hybrid
Tuition: $1575
Website: https://www.compasscareer.org/medical-assistant
5. Phlebotomy Training Specialists
With over 2000 skilled phlebotomy technicians trained and placed into healthcare jobs since 2011, PTS leverages its industry connections to equip CNA students for employment success after a rigorous 80-hour CNA prep class. Hands-on training and clinical rotations augment lectures led by registered nurse educators with over 40 years of combined nursing experience. CEO Jacob Carter notes, "Our goal is to turn motivated students into high-demand CNA professionals ready to improve lives from day one. We empower graduates by removing barriers to certification and job placement."
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1250
Website: https://phlebotomyusa.com/cna-training/
6. Fortis College
This broad healthcare career college delivers an accelerated 4-week CNA program including all needed theory, lab work, and clinical rotations to equip learners for patient care excellence. Small classes of under 15 students ensure highly attentive instruction according to Dean of Nursing Rachel Zane, who explains, "Our experienced teaching team draws from years as practicing nurses to help students master vital occupational skills and knowledge. We believe small class sizes and deep engagement leads to optimal preparation and confidence."
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1550
Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
7. Nursing Assistant Training School
Since 2015, Nursing Assistant Training School has prepared over 700 competent, caring CNAs now employed in healthcare organizations across Louisiana through its 4-week accelerated course. Director Tina Belcher attributes their strong hiring rates to relevant, hands-on experience: "With class instruction reinforced by 40 hours of clinical training in nursing homes and hospitals, our students gain workplace experience and connections that ease their transition to professional practice."
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1399
Website: https://cnalouisiana.com/
8. Lantec Corporate Training Center
In addition to specialized healthcare communication and leadership development courses for working medical professionals, Lantec offers a reputable 120-hour CNA certification program taught by registered nurses. Tailored preparation combining lectures, hands-on labs, and extensive clinical rotations sets graduates up for success. The school also partners with major Louisiana and Mississippi healthcare providers to place candidates into open roles.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 3-5 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1250
Website: https://lantecctc.com/course/cna-certification-training/
9. Capitol House Nursing & Rehab Center
Offering free tuition and a $650 stipend upon completion to students who commit to one year of employment, this unique employer-based CNA program is a highly affordable option. Expert nurse educators provide three weeks of intensive classroom and lab-based instruction followed by hands-on clinical experience in the Capitol House facility. Graduates reliably find placement in the company‘s network of nursing homes and rehab centers across Louisiana.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Duration: 3 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $0, plus stipend
Website: https://capitolhousenursing.com/cna-training-program/
10. Woodland Healthcare Training
This local school trains between 35 and 50 new CNAs annually across a wide range of specialized certifications from childbirth doulas to mental health technicians. Their 140-hour CNA course includes vitals, patient care, and all facets of life as a nursing assistant. Small classes of under 15 students ensure tight bonds between pupils as well as ample one-on-one instruction time according to director Mona Thompson: "We emphasize a nurturing environment where students support one another like colleagues. This builds confidence to excel on the job."
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Format: On-Campus
Tuition: $1375
Website: https://woodlandhealthcaretraining.com/certified-nursing-assistant-cna/
Additional Top-Ranked CNA Programs in Baton Rouge, LA
- Baton Rouge Healthcare Center
- Gonzales Medical Assistant School
- Infinity College
- William Carey University – Baton Rouge
- The Heart Academy
- Holmes Healthcare Training Center Corporation
- Sunset Total Care
- Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
- Southern University
- Learning Bridge
Key Steps to Earn Your CNA in Louisiana
Once you‘ve selected and completed a state-approved CNA training program, you‘ll be ready to pursue official certification. Here is a brief overview of next steps:
1. Submit Fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check
Submit fingerprints and required paperwork to the Louisiana State Police. You cannot receive a CNA certification if you have certain criminal convictions.
2. Verify Eligibility Requirements
Ensure you meet age, health, and education requirements before applying, such as:
- Being over age 18
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Passing required vision, reading, and skills tests
- Providing proof of vaccination
- Clearing necessary background checks
3. Submit Your CNA Certification Application
Send all required documentation and certification application paperwork to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Nursing Assistant Registry.
4. Schedule Your CNA Exam
Once your application is approved, you‘ll receive an Authorization to Test letter. Contact the exam provider Pearson VUE to schedule your written and skills exam at one of their approved testing sites.
5. Pass Your Exams and Receive Your CNA License
If you pass both components, you will officially be listed in the LDH state registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Facilities can verify your status as approved to work legally as a CNA in Louisiana.
New CNA certifications in Louisiana must be renewed every year by working at least 8 hours and submitting any continuing education credits.
Job Outlook for CNAs
The job outlook for CNAs in Louisiana and nationally remains very strong. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, openings for nursing assistants and orderlies are projected to grow over 12% in the state through 2026. Home health aides are expected to increase by over 40% during that period. With over 40,000 current nursing assistants and 20,000 home health aides in Louisiana, ample job opportunities exist thanks to increasing demand.
CNAs earn approximately $12-16 per hour on average, with those working for individual clients, in hospitals, or with specialty certifications trending towards the higher end. Full-time CNAs may qualify for benefits like paid time off, retirement savings plans, tuition reimbursement programs, and more depending on their employer.
Starting a Rewarding Career in Healthcare
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant opens doors to a meaningful vocation helping others as an essential direct caregiver. Completing training at a highly-regarded local program is the critical first step towards launching your career.
Hopefully this guide provided helpful insights into factors to weigh when researching schools, specifics on reputable options in the Baton Rouge region, and clarity surrounding certification requirements. Once ready to begin your exciting and promising journey to becoming a CNA, thoughtfully consider both your schedule and learning preferences when selecting the course that best fits your needs. With passion and dedication, you will soon start positively impacting lives in your community.
