According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Texas is the #3 state in the nation for nursing assistant employment.
Learn how to get started on this promising healthcare career path.
Education and Training
In order to legally work as a CNA in the state of Texas, you will need to fulfill certain education and/or training requirements. Unlike other professions, aspiring CNAs do not need a high school diploma or GED.
Local Trade School Programs
A necessary part of becoming a CNA, these programs provide students with the knowledge they’ll need to be successful certified nursing assistants.
- Houston, Missouri City, Stafford
- Houston
- Denton
- Hutto
- Weatherford, Bridgeport
Houston Community College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
HCC offers a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program to meet the growing demand for trained healthcare personnel. This fast-track training equips students with essential skills to provide basic care in long-term care facilities, doctor's offices, and hospitals. The program covers resident rights, communication, safety, observation, and assistance, preparing students for entry-level employment and certification.
Lone Star College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
The CNA program imparts essential skills, knowledge, and abilities to provide basic care in long-term care facilities. The program covers resident rights, communication, safety, observation, reporting, and maintaining resident comfort and safety, preparing students for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services State Examination.
North Central Texas College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
NCTC’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program addresses the significant demand for CNAs in Texas, providing students with the skills needed to work effectively in healthcare settings. The program includes 100 contact hours, with 60 hours dedicated to lecture/lab and 40 hours to clinical externship, led by experienced Licensed Vocational Nurses. Students will learn vital communication skills, patient care techniques, and how to advocate for residents in long-term care facilities. The program covers tuition for scrubs, lab supplies, textbooks, materials, and the state certification exam. Completing the program can also earn students a priority point for admission into an NCTC Nursing program.
Temple College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
The Certified Nurse Aide program at Temple College trains students to become state-certified nurse aides, preparing them for roles in healthcare settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. Students learn basic patient care under nurse supervision, including bathing, feeding, and vital sign monitoring.
Completion of the program allows students to sit for the Texas Certified Nurse Aide state examination administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Weatherford College (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
This 108-contact-hour program equips students with foundational skills to provide basic patient care in long-term care, hospital, and home health settings, culminating in eligibility to take the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Exam for CNA certification. Offered through continuing education (10.8 CEUs), the program includes CPR certification and requires completion of health and background screenings prior to registration. Graduates may pursue careers as CNAs, PCTs, or Home Health Aides, and the certification can also support advancement into LVN or RN programs.
What Will You Study?
A CNA curriculum would cover topics such as the following:
- Introduction to Health Care
- Resident Rights
- Communication Skills
- Observation and Reporting
- Patient Care (Bathing, Feeding, etc.)
- Infection Control (Hand Hygiene)
- Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Disease Processes
- Legal Issues in Nursing
- Effective Interaction with Healthcare Team
- Restorative Services
- Mental Health and Social Service Needs
- Safety and Preventive Measures
- Skills in Observing and Reporting
- Assisting Residents with Functional Independence
While enrolled, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, engaging in hands-on training that will prepare you for your future career.
How Much Does a Program Cost
You may be able to earn an education as a CNA for under $1,000, while some programs may cost as much as $2,000. Additional fees may include classroom materials, uniforms, and textbooks.
How Long Does a CNA Program Take?
Some programs can be completed in at little as a few weeks. Other programs can take several months, sometimes even up to a year.
During this time, CNAs in training in Texas will need to complete at least 100 hours of training, which includes at least 40 hours of hands-on clinical training.
Salary Range
Below is a range of salary data for CNAs in Texas:
- Vivian.com: $27,000
- Talent.com: $31,200
- Nursa.com: $30,860
- Salary.com: $35,438
- Bureau of Labor: $35,370
- ZipRecruiter.com: $40,000
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for each area of the state.
| Area Name | Hourly wage | Annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $14.96 | $31,120.00 |
| Amarillo | $16.36 | $34,030.00 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $17.87 | $37,180.00 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $15.52 | $32,280.00 |
| Big Thicket Region | $16.24 | $33,780.00 |
| Border Region of Texas | $15.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $13.92 | $28,950.00 |
| Coastal Plains Region | $15.47 | $32,170.00 |
| College Station-Bryan | $16.48 | $34,280.00 |
| Corpus Christi | $16.15 | $33,580.00 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $18.17 | $37,790.00 |
| El Paso | $15.40 | $32,030.00 |
| Hill Country Region | $15.43 | $32,090.00 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $17.60 | $36,600.00 |
| Killeen-Temple | $16.42 | $34,160.00 |
| Laredo | $13.84 | $28,790.00 |
| Longview | $16.10 | $33,490.00 |
| Lubbock | $15.34 | $31,910.00 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $14.61 | $30,380.00 |
| Midland | $18.11 | $37,660.00 |
| North Texas Region | $15.84 | $32,940.00 |
| Odessa | $16.91 | $35,170.00 |
| San Angelo | $15.58 | $32,410.00 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $16.99 | $35,350.00 |
| Sherman-Denison | $15.83 | $32,920.00 |
| Texarkana | $14.86 | $30,910.00 |
| Tyler | $15.60 | $32,450.00 |
| Victoria | $15.72 | $32,690.00 |
| Waco | $16.61 | $34,560.00 |
| West Texas Region | $15.41 | $32,050.00 |
| Wichita Falls | $16.26 | $33,810.00 |
source: data.bls.gov
Texas CNA Requirements
There are several state requirements when becoming a certified nursing assistant in Texas.
To become a CNA, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be up-to-date on immunization records
- Pass a criminal background check
- Be in good physical health
- Graduate from a CNA program
- Pass the State Exam
- Register as a CNA
Earning a Certification
Earning your CNA certification from an accredited program is mandatory to work as a certified nursing assistant in Texas.
CNA Exam
Once a person completes their training, they must pass the official CNA examination.
This exam consists of two parts: a written section and a clinical skills test.
There are 60 multiple-choice questions and test-takers have 90 minutes to finish. In the second part of the exam, individuals will need to demonstrate five CNA duties in 30 minutes.
Where to Take the Exam
You must take the exam at a certified testing center in the state, or one of the Pearson VUE testing sites for the National Nurse Assistant Training and Assessment Program.
Exam Costs
For the CNA exam, you can expect to pay the following fees when taking the test:
- Written & Skills Evaluation – $104
- Oral & Skills Evaluation – $104
- Written Exam Only – $27
- Oral Exam Only – $27
- Skills Exam Only – $77
Career Overview
Job Description
These nursing assistants play a vital role in the day-to-day care of patients. These workers provide patient care in places such as hospitals and nursing homes.
CNAs can also offer home care to patients who need it. As part of their job, a CNA helps patients with basic needs like eating, grooming, bathing, and more.
What Do They Do?
Some job duties a CNA in Texas may be responsible for are:
- Monitoring the food and liquid intake of a patient
- Helping patients with everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, and exercise
- Observing and recording conditions and vital signs of a patient
- Updating care team on any changes with the patient
- Answering call buttons for patient needs
- Alerting nurses to any issues or emergencies
- Ensuring patient comfort
- Repositioning patients in their beds
- Helping patients move from the bed to their wheelchair and back
- Help with lifting patients from their bed to exam or surgical table
Other Skills Needed
A CNA needs a wide range of skills to complete the job successfully.
In addition to strong interpersonal and communication skills, CNAs should be patient, since they will likely often work with sick or confused patients. Other skills that a CNA should possess are:
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Flexibility when it comes to scheduling
- Optimism
Career Outlook
Wondering what the job outlook for a CNA is in the coming years? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNA jobs in Texas are expected to be on the rise.
With a five percent growth from 2021-2031, experts predict an additional 220,000 job openings each year.
Numbers will likely increase due to the increase in demand for CNAs, current workers retiring, and individuals leaving the field for other jobs.