Jumpstart your career in healthcare with Southwestern Adventist University’s comprehensive Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, our CNA program combines the convenience of online learning with hands-on training, all within an accelerated 8-week course format. 

SWAU’s CNA program offers hands-on training in its state-of-the-art skills laboratory. Here, students will be trained in the necessary caregiving skills to take care of their clients and pass the skills check-off needed for certification. SWAU has a close relationship with Town Hall Estates, Keene's nursing and rehab facility. Students will attend two weeks of clinicals here to hone those skills learned in the lab. 

***Course is for enrichment purposes only. No academic credits will be issued.

Program Structure

• Six Weeks of Online Learning: Engage with interactive online modules, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere, making it easier to balance your education with your personal schedule.
• Four In-Person Skills Labs: Apply what you’ve learned in practical settings under the guidance of experienced instructors at our well-equipped facility.
• Forty Hours of Clinical Experience: Gain real-world experience through a clinical placement at Town Hall Estates, where you’ll work directly with patients and healthcare professionals.

Cost and Additional Expenses

The course fee is $894, including the online learning materials, such as the textbook and workbook. However, students should expect some additional expenses. All students must purchase navy blue scrubs to wear during the skills lab and clinical sessions. Access to a computer and the internet is mandatory for the online portion of the course. Students must also register and pay for their tests. To become a certified nurse aide (CNA), students must pass both the clinical skills test and the written/oral test. The total cost for the state CNA evaluation program is $260. For additional information, please refer to the Resources section below.

Please see the student handbook below. Students will be asked to sign a waiver that they have read and understand the expectations for this course. See waiver here.

Registration Open Now

1. Complete application, print.
2. Bring completed application form and two acceptable forms of ID to the nursing department (see link for acceptable forms of ID).
   • Nursing Department Address: 114 W. Hillcrest St, Keene TX 76059, 3rd Level.
   • Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm (not open on memorial day)
3. Nursing Department completes a background check.
4. Once background clearance is received, applicant is accepted to the program.
5. Submit payment in full at cashier’s office, SWAU.
6. Student added to online CNA course.
7. Attend to orientation, Rm 110, Nursing Bldg – 9am. Be On Time! Failure to attend orientation will forfeit your place in class. no refunds after June 3rd.
8. At orientation, student will sign waiver and receive textbooks.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for Certified Nurse Aides is expected to grow 8% between 2019 and 2029, generating 119,500 jobs nationwide with a median hourly pay of $14.25. Texas ranks among the top states in the nation in terms of nursing assistant employment.

Register for your exam

Learn how to get registered for your exam