Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program
The Nurse Assistant Certificate Program is approved by the Louisiana Department of
Health (LDH) and prepares students
for careers in nursing homes, hospitals and home health care. This 8-week program
is offered in the Spring and Fall at Delgado’s City Park Campus.
Students gain real-world experience through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical
training. With guidance
from Delgado instructors, students practice essential nursing assistant skills and
complete at least 80 hours of training, including 40 hours in a long-term care facility.
A career as a nursing assistant can offer opportunities
for growth and advancement. Nursing assistants in
the New Orleans area can earn an average salary of approximately $38,481, with salaries reaching up to $41,734 nationally, depending
on experience, location, and employer.
Program Highlights
- Certification costs included in program class fees
- $1,673.66 estimated cost for tuition and fees
- Financial aid may be available for students who qualify
- Pathway to Delgado's Practical Nursing (PN) program
Qualifications
- Must be 16 years of age or older
- Must have high school diploma or equivalent, or a passing score on the Ability to
Benefit Exam.
- Must pass a statewide criminal background check, including a sex offender registry
check,all necessary health screenings and urine drug screening
- Following completion of background check, student will be permitted to apply via Delgado
Community College Admissions Application
- Register for CNA course
- Ability to review and perform Technical Standards of the program
What You'll Learn
Throughout the program, students learn how to care for older adults with kindness
and respect. They are taught to meet each patient's physical, emotional, cultural,
and spiritual needs. Students also learn about rehabilitation care and how to provide
safe, compassionate care at the end of a person's life.
In the classroom, students study basic nursing skills, how the human body works, infection
control, basic computer skills for health care, and how to prepare for a job search.
After completing the program, students must pass a written exam and a hands-on skills
test at Delgado's City Park Campus or another state-approved testing center. Delgado
students do not have to pay the exam fee. Students who pass both exams are added to
the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry and may qualify for jobs in long-term care facilities
or home health care.
Ready to Apply? Here’s your Enrollment Checklist.
Application Information
|
Session
|
|
Session 1
August 17 - October 5
|
|
Session 2
October 7 - December 7
|
|
| Registration Opens |
|
June 1, 2026 |
|
September 2, 2026 |
|
| Background Check Deadline |
|
August 3, 2026 |
|
September 23, 2026 |
|
| Classes Start |
|
August 17, 2026 |
|
October 7, 2026 |
|
| Census Day |
|
August 24, 2026 |
|
October 19, 2026 |
|
Have questions? We’re here to help— contact us for more information. Send us an email
at cnaprogram@dcc.edu
