CNA
Certified Nurse Aid
The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program prepares students for entry-level employment
in healthcare settings by providing the knowledge, skills, and hands‑on training required
to deliver safe and effective patient care. Under the supervision of licensed nurses,
CNAs play a vital role in supporting patients’ daily needs and overall well‑being.
Students will receive instruction in basic nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, communication, safety, and emergency procedures. The course includes classroom instruction, skills of laboratory practice, and a supervised clinical experience in a healthcare facility, allowing students to apply learned skills in real-world settings.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the state certification exam required to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Graduates are prepared for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare agencies.
Start Your Healthcare Career With Us!
The CNA Program at Howard College is 100% in person.
The following information is regarding the whole program. If you need the clinical only, please contact the continuing education department (432) 264-5627.
Upcoming Courses
Howard College offers CNA courses year-round. Fast tracks are typically in the Summer and Winter, and full-length courses are in the Fall and Spring.
SUMMER 2026
Summer 1 Fast Track
Dates: June 1, 2026 – June 22, 2026
Class Days: Monday – Thursday
Times: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Summer 2 Fast Track
Dates: July 6, 2026 – July 27, 2026
Class Days: Monday – Thursday
Times: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fall 2026
Fall 2026
Dates: September 8, 2026 – December 2026
Class Days: Tuesday & Thursday
Times: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Winter 2026/2027
TBD
Spring 2027
TBD
RENEWAL
CNA renewals are provided at the Nurse Aide In-Service page:
https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhs.texas.gov%2Fbusiness%2Flicensing-credentialing-regulation%2Flong-term-care-credentialing%2Fnurse-aide-service-education&data=05%7C02%7Cbpearson%40howardcollege.edu%7C891a64d57fef4a5d39e808dddf358641%7Cefcaae9de0474358aa8c1c7417284eb2%7C0%7C0%7C638912143583100820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lmhzBr42m6qp0nM69Uk7T6U5qH51SHIjCVjv4ji%2F8tY%3D&reserved=0
You will need to upload form 5506 to TULIP. This document needs to be filled out and
notarized at your place of work.
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like the form to be available for students to download
Program Requirements
- Registration Form
- Student Agreement
- Copy of Government Issued ID
- Copy of Social Security Card (Must match name on ID)
- Drug Screen through Castle Branch
- Background check (done by Howard College)
- Shot Record (HepB – 1 dose)
*Link to castle branch to register for drug screen *
* Castle Branch instructions
Training Requirements
- Classroom: 60 hours
- Clinical: 40 hours (hands on)
Required Supplies
- Black Scrubs
- Watch with a second hand
- Closed-ted tennis shoes
Application Steps
- Print out application packet (link)
- Fill out and turn in paperwork
- Turn in required documents
- Once approved, you will be enrolled and sent an enrollment confirmation
- Pay Tuition
Tuition: $800
- Tuition includes building fees, exam fees, instruction and clinical fees.
- Both sections of this program must be complete to take the state exam
Other Costs (not included in tuition)
- Castle Branch: $39.99
- Black Scrubs (Amazon): $24.99
Lecture
- In person lecture
- Classes throughout the week
- 60 hours of classroom instruction
- 40 hours of hands-on clinical instruction
Upon successful completion of the program
Eligible to take the Texas Nurse Aide Certification exam
Texas Nurse Aide Exam
Administered by prometric
More information can be found on their website, or contact directly at 1-800-488-5787, email at txcna@prometric.com
Practice exams
Nurse aide practice exams are available at:
Nurse Aide Practice Exams | Prometric
Certification Renewal
To renew your CNA, call the Nurse Aide Registry Line at (512) 438-2050 or visit the Nurse Aide Registry Website: Nurse Aide Registry | Texas Health and Human Services
We are a CNA Testing site! *Insert campus map – highlight location*
Make sure to show up for your exam with your ID, Social Security Card, and pencil. Arrive 20 minutes before your allotted exam time.
Please note, you will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the program from Howard College, but you must sit for the Texas Nurse Aide Exam to become certified.
Workforce Solutions (WIOA) Eligible
Students choosing this academic pathway may receive funding and other financial assistance and support from Workforce Solutions. See *add webiste* or call *add phone number*. The workforce Solutions office is located on the Howard College Big Spring Campus – Warren Center (room #?). Please note, students receiving federal and state financial aid are not eligible for WIOA assistance.