Certified Nursing Assistant
Become a CNA in five weeks
Drake State Community College CNA course will prepare students to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Upon completion of the Nursing Aide course, the student is eligible to take the CNA test administered by Prometric, in partnership with the Alabama of Public Health (ADPD). Passing the state certification test provides the student with the title of CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
5 – Week Course
Dates: October 6, 2025 – November 7, 2025
Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Days: Monday – Thursday (first 5 weeks)
Monday – Friday (clinicals)
Location: Drake State Community College (Health Science Building #700, Room 709)
Cost: Course fee $899.00 (Includes Textbook, one set of Scrubs and CPR card)
Additional Fees (Estimated):
- 2- part TB skin test – documentation forms must be received by September 26,2025
- State certification Exam Fee – 85.00
Expected Earnings/Salary
Median hourly earnings: $14.57 per hour.
Highest 10% earnings: $ 21.27 per hour.
Skills Needed
Requirements
- Students must complete the 2-part TB skin test or chest x-ray and send documentation to Darcel.Forde@drakestate.edu by September 26, 2025.
- Background check and drug screen are required. Details regarding the process will be provided on the first night of class.
- Students who do not meet all requirements or fail to submit the necessary documentation will not be permitted to continue in the class
- The fee for the state certification exam is not due until the class has concluded. Payment must be made at the time of testing using a debit card. The state exam will be administered in the Drake State Health Science building.
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Provide proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
Cost and Refund Policy
The cost of the CNA training is $899 and must be paid in full before the first class. This includes books, tuition, and one set of scrubs. Payments must be made at the Business Office. Pell grants or other financial aid will not pay for this class.
75% of the tuition will be refunded to the applicant if the applicant withdraws within two business days before start of class. If the student does not show up for class, they may apply for a 50% refund provided the application is made in writing within three days of the start of the class. Refunds will not be issued after this time.
Course Funding Options
Paths for Success Scholarship
Students who require financial assistance for expenses such as tuition, transportation, or certification costs related to employment may be eligible to apply for the Paths for Success Scholarship.
The ELM Foundation
Students in need of financial assistance to pursue career training or certification programs that lead to sustainable employment and long-term self-sufficiency may apply for a workforce scholarship through the ELM Foundation, located in Huntsville, AL.”
Contact
Darcel Forde
256-551-5229
Darcel.forde@drakestate.edu