Compare top-ranked online CNA programs available to Hawaii residents — with tuition, outcomes, and certification details.
Hawaii's hospitals and nursing homes face a growing need for CNAs, with the median annual wage of $44,830 attracting many job seekers. However, island geography limits local program options, and no in-state school currently meets our ranking criteria. Hawaii residents must turn to online programs that accept them: these deliver didactic coursework remotely while students complete clinical hours at approved facilities on Oahu, Maui, and neighbor islands.
Hawaii mandates 70 clinical hours within a 100-hour program; online providers partner with local facilities to meet this requirement. Certificate costs start under $1,000, though private programs may charge more, and many island employers offer tuition reimbursement.
These rankings highlight online CNA programs that accept Hawaii students through remote coursework, though clinical hours still need to be arranged locally and may require travel to the school's state. Because topnursing.org has not yet verified any in-state online CNA program in its directory, this list prioritizes hybrid and online-delivery options with transparent net price, institution-wide graduation rates, and flexible formats. In-person CNA training may still be available through Hawaii community colleges and private programs, so use this page's program search to compare options.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Pima Medical Institute-Aurora | Aurora, CO | ~$23,000/yr (est.) | Adult learners needing hybrid flexibility | |
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora offers a hybrid nursing assistant certificate that blends online coursework with on-campus clinical training. The institution-wide graduation rate is around 72%, and the typical net price after aid is about $23,300. The program can be completed in roughly six weeks and includes eligibility to sit for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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| #2 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Career changers needing flexible schedule | |
Mid-State Technical College's hybrid nursing assistant option combines online theory with in-person labs and a 27-hour clinical practicum. The institution reports a 52% graduation rate, and the typical net price after aid is about $10,900. Recognized by Wisconsin's health department, it prepares graduates for the state competency evaluation.
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| #3 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX | $3,000 – $5,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious students seeking low cost | |
Odessa College provides an accelerated hybrid certified nurse aide program with online instruction and weekend clinical rotations in Texas. The college's overall graduation rate is 37%, while the typical net price after aid is around $6,400. The program's own tuition is about $1,900 and includes textbooks, scrubs, and the state exam fee.
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| #4 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
College of Western Idaho offers a three-month hybrid CNA preparation program that pairs online coursework with in-person skills labs. Its institution-wide graduation rate is about 31%, and the typical net price after aid is roughly $8,500. The program prepares students for the CNA certification exam.
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| #5 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Brightpoint Community College's hybrid nurse aide and medication aide certificate blends online learning with in-person internships. The college's graduation rate is 38%, and the typical net price after aid is approximately $5,500. Eligible Virginia students may receive G3 tuition assistance, though Hawaii residents should confirm funding options.
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| #6 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
Johnson County Community College delivers a hybrid certified nurse aide certificate that combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals at an Overland Park health education center. The institution's graduation rate is about 31%, and the typical net price after aid is around $14,200. The 96-hour curriculum includes hygiene, vital signs, and patient safety.
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| #7 | Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne, WY | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Laramie County Community College's hybrid CNA certificate uses asynchronous online theory and mandatory in-person labs plus a 30-hour nursing home clinical. The college reports a 38% graduation rate, and the typical net price after aid is about $7,300. The state-approved, OBRA-compliant course costs roughly $1,200 in total.
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| #8 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northcentral Technical College offers a hybrid nursing assistant technical diploma with online flexibility and required in-person course hours. Its institution-wide graduation rate is 45%, and the typical net price after aid is around $10,300. The approximate all-in cost is $583, and graduates are eligible for Wisconsin's CNA competency evaluation.
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| #9 | Victoria College | Victoria, TX | $3,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Victoria College's hybrid nurse aide program pairs a free 60-hour online theory course with on-campus and local clinical hours. The college's graduation rate is 29%, and the typical net price after aid is about $3,000. Tuition is $650, including a textbook, and graduates may sit for the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam.
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| #10 | Lake Region State College | Devils Lake, ND | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
Lake Region State College offers a campus-based nurse assistant program rather than an online option, so Hawaii students would need to relocate to North Dakota for in-person training. The institution reports a 52% graduation rate, and the typical net price after aid is about $13,600. Prospective students should confirm whether the program meets Hawaii's certification requirements before applying.
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The path to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Hawaii is regulated by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and requires completing a state-approved training program, passing the Prometric exam, and enrolling in the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry.
Hawaii’s CNA certification requirements reflect a strong emphasis on clinical readiness, with the state mandating 70 clinical hours out of a total 100-hour training program. Whether you are a new student or an experienced aide moving from another state, the process moves through a clear sequence: training, exam, background check, and registry placement.
To become a CNA in Hawaii, you must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program totaling a minimum of 100 hours. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) sets a clear split: at least 30 hours must be classroom instruction, covering essential topics like infection control, communication, and resident rights. The remaining 70 hours are dedicated to supervised clinical training, where you practice skills directly with patients in a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility. This heavy clinical emphasis ensures new CNAs are comfortable with hands-on care before entering the workforce.
Once your training is complete, the next step is passing the Hawaii Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by Prometric. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test (or an oral version in English or your preferred language) and a skills demonstration. For the skills test, you will be asked to perform five randomly selected nurse aide tasks in front of an evaluator. You must pass both components to be placed on the registry.
The written test typically consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need a score of 80% or higher to pass. If you opt for the oral version, the passing threshold remains the same, but the questions are read aloud. On the skills side, your performance is judged against a checklist of critical steps; missing a key step can result in failure. Prometric allows three attempts to pass each section. If you fail a part, you can retest after scheduling a new appointment, though additional fees apply.
Hawaii offers Prometric test sites on four islands: Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai, making it convenient for students across the state. Scheduling is handled through Prometric’s online portal, and it’s wise to book early, as slots can fill up weeks in advance. Detailed information on current fees and site addresses is available on the Prometric Hawaii nurse aide page.
Before you can take the exam or work as a CNA, you must apply to the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry through the DCCA. Required documents typically include proof of completed training, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed application form. All applicants must also undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. The background check looks for any disqualifying convictions; if something appears, the DCCA reviews it on a case-by-case basis.
Application fees vary, but expect to pay around $25 to $50 for the registry application, plus separate exam fees (around $120 to $150 total for both parts). Processing times can take two to four weeks, so plan accordingly. You cannot be employed as a CNA in a licensed facility until your name appears on the registry.
If you are already a certified nurse aide in another state, you can transfer your certification to Hawaii through a reciprocity process also handled by Prometric. You’ll need to submit proof of your active, unencumbered certification from your current state, along with verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months. If your out-of-state training did not meet Hawaii’s 100-hour minimum, you may be required to complete additional training. There is no additional exam if your certification is in good standing, but you still must pass the Hawaii background check and pay applicable fees. The processing timeline for reciprocity can be longer, up to six weeks, so start early if you’re planning a move.
Once listed on the Hawaii Nurse Aide Registry, your certification is valid for two years. To renew, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education, maintain CPR and first aid certification, and demonstrate that you have performed at least eight hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work within the past 24 months. Facilities often require an annual performance review as well. Staying on top of these renewal requirements ensures your active status and ability to keep working as a CNA in Hawaii.
For Hawaii residents, choosing between online and in-person CNA training hinges on where you live and how you learn. Online and hybrid programs can bridge the gap for neighbor-island students with few local options, while traditional on-campus cohorts offer built-in clinical rotations and direct employer connections.
The sticker price of an online CNA program can look intimidating, but financial aid often brings the real cost down significantly. For Hawaii residents, the final amount you pay depends on which school you choose, what aid you qualify for, and whether you can tap into local funding sources.
Across the top-ranked online CNA programs accessible to Hawaii students, out-of-state tuition ranges from about $4,900 to over $11,500. However, these are full annual tuition rates, and most CNA programs last only a few weeks or months. More revealing is the institution-wide net price, the average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Among these schools, the net price sits between $230 and $6,370, with several falling under $3,000. Keep in mind this figure reflects all students at the institution, not just those in the CNA program, so your actual cost may differ. Still, the gap between sticker price and net price shows how much financial aid can shave off your bill.
Federal Pell Grants are the cornerstone of need-based aid, and many of these schools enroll high percentages of Pell recipients, for example, 93% at Midland College and 91% at Odessa College. That signals a strong track record of packaging aid for students. When you file the FAFSA, you may qualify for Pell Grants, work-study, and low-interest loans that bring your direct costs closer to the net price figures.
Beyond tuition, be ready for additional costs. The Prometric CNA exam fee, required for certification, is set at registration (check the current rate before you sign up). Clinical site placement may carry its own price tag: online programs often expect you to arrange a local clinical site in Hawaii, and some facilities charge for supervision. You’ll also need a background check, drug screen, scrubs, and basic supplies. Budget $150–$400 for these combined items, depending on local requirements.
Before committing to an online program, explore tuition-free training in Hawaii. Ohana Pacific Health offers a CNA program with zero out-of-pocket cost through its tuition assistance program, and you earn while you learn. Kahu Malama Nurses provides a scholarship that covers training in exchange for a 13‑week work commitment. Windward Community College charges $3,000 for its CNA program (all‑inclusive of exam fee, textbook, and uniform), and scholarships may be available.
Nursing assistants in Hawaii earn a median annual wage of $44,830, which is notably higher than the national median of $38,200. However, Hawaii’s high cost of living, especially in Urban Honolulu, means that a dollar stretches less than it would on the mainland. Employers added about 4,620 CNA positions statewide as of 2023, and BLS projections call for a 2% national increase in nursing assistant jobs from 2024 to 2034, a pace that is slower than average.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total employment in Hawaii | 4,620 |
| Mean annual wage | $45,480 |
| Median annual wage (Hawaii) | $44,830 |
| National median annual wage | $38,200 |
| 10th percentile hourly wage | $12.88 |
| 25th percentile hourly wage | $15.51 |
| 75th percentile hourly wage | $20.18 |
| 90th percentile hourly wage | $23.41 |
| Projected job growth (2024-2034) | 2% (slower than average) |
Hawaii's median CNA salary of $44,830 sits well above the national median, partly due to the state's elevated cost of living. The 25th to 75th percentile range spans $39,700 to $51,110, showing where most CNAs land.
Hawaii’s nursing career ladder is expanding rapidly, with new bridge programs and employer incentives making it more feasible for CNAs to advance without leaving the workforce. In 2023, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii launched a 12-month CNA+ to LPN bridge program, which graduated 55 students in 2025. Coupled with employer tuition aid and the state’s $30 million loan repayment initiative, CNAs on every island now have a clearer upward path.
Moving from CNA to LPN typically requires 12 to 18 months of additional education, often through a certificate program at a community college or approved training center. Many online CNA programs are offered by schools that also have LPN tracks, creating a seamless transition. From LPN, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes about two years and leads to RN licensure. For those aiming higher, an RN-to-BSN program can be completed in one to two years, while a master’s (MSN) or nurse practitioner (NP) degree adds another two to three years, including nurse practitioner programs in hawaii. This stepwise progression allows CNAs to work while studying, especially through hybrid or online formats.
Several Hawaii healthcare employers actively fund CNA advancement. ALTRES Medical provides up to $1,000 in tuition reimbursement after 240 work hours within 180 days. Ohana Pacific Health offers up to $3,500 in tuition assistance and covers exam fees. Larger systems like Queens Health Systems and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii also commonly provide tuition reimbursement, check with HR for current caps and work commitments. The HAH CNA+ to LPN Bridge program is a standout: a 12-month curriculum with hands-on clinicals, designed for working CNAs. Graduates earn their LPN license and can immediately transition into higher-paying roles.
Nurse shortage areas, particularly on neighbor islands like Maui, Kauai, and Hawaiʻi Island, offer additional support. The Hawaii Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (HELP) provides up to $50,000 in loan repayment (minimum $12,500) for RNs and advanced practice nurses who commit to two years in a shortage area. Applications open twice yearly (October and April) with disbursements in January and July. Good Jobs Hawaiʻi also covers training costs for eligible residents pursuing healthcare careers, making the financial barrier even lower.
Online and hybrid programs allow CNAs in rural communities to complete coursework without relocating, while local clinical placements keep everything grounded. Pairing these educational options with employer tuition aid or state loan repayment creates a powerful engine for career growth. Whether you’re eyeing an LPN diploma or a BSN, the infrastructure in Hawaii in 2026 is more supportive than ever.
Navigating CNA certification and training in Hawaii comes with specific questions about renewal, locations, and support. Here are straightforward answers to help you plan your career path.
The programs below are additional online and hybrid CNA training options that accept students from Hawaii, presented as a non-ranked directory rather than a ranked list. Most of these schools are community and technical colleges on the mainland, so expect online coursework paired with a clinical placement arranged near you. In-state Hawaii options are not yet in our directory; local community colleges, vocational-technical schools, and apprenticeships are worth exploring alongside these programs, and the program search on this page can help you narrow things down.
