Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program
in Houston, TX
Start Your Nursing Career Today!
Smithwood Medical Institute’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program in Houston, TX prepares you to take the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation and get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, the credential Texas employers check before they hire a CNA. Our Houston CNA classes are built for career-changers, working parents and first-time healthcare students who want a fast, hands-on start in patient care. You’ll train at our campus at 7737 Southwest Fwy in Houston, with hands-on labs and clinical sessions at a healthcare facility. You can complete the nurse aide program in as few as four weeks. Since 2009, our staff works to support your success from your first class to your first CNA job.
If you’ve ever spent time in a hospital or medical facility, a CNA may have helped you! Certified nursing assistants are a critical part of patient care, and Smithwood is proud to help students achieve their dreams of a healthcare career with our CNA course. To promote student success, our program provides experience with patients at a clinical site and offers bilingual student assistance. Our 4-6-week classes prepare students with thorough, hands-on training for real-world nursing assistant careers.
At Smithwood, students receive an education that helps them excel. Our nurse aide training program is built around Texas exam preparation, hands-on skills practice, and career support. Both CNA certification exam preparation and testing conveniently take place on campus, allowing students to learn the necessary skills in a familiar, comfortable environment for their exams.
*The approximate time required to complete the Nurse Aide Program is four to six weeks.
CNA Program at a Glance
| Items # | Details |
| Credential | Prepares you for the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation and listing on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry |
| Program Length | As few as 4 weeks (about 4 to 6 weeks for most students) |
| Training Hours | Texas requires at least 100 hours: 60 classroom and 40 clinical |
| Format | On-campus classes and skills labs, plus clinical sessions at a healthcare facility |
| State Exam | Written or oral knowledge test plus a clinical skills test, administered by Prometric |
| Schedule | Day and evening classes are offered in select programs |
| Tuition Includes | Books, equipment, lab fees, and uniforms |
| Paying for school | Financial consultation, payment plans and financial aid if you qualify |
| Career Support | Resume help, interview tips and job assistance |
| Questions? | Call (713) 975-0971 |
Want to Learn More? Call Us for More Information!
Our staff is happy to answer any questions about CNA training in Houston and discuss your future career options.
How to Become a CNA in Texas, Step by Step
Becoming a CNA in Texas follows the same five steps no matter which school you choose:
- Enroll in a state-approved program. Texas calls an approved CNA program a NATCEP (Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program), and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) approves them.
- Complete at least 100 hours of training. That includes 60 hours in the classroom and 40 hours of supervised clinical training with real patients.
- Pass the competency evaluation. The Texas CNA exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills test. You have 24 months after training and up to three attempts at each part.
- Get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry. Once you pass both parts, HHSC adds your name to the registry and you can work as a certified nurse aide.
- Keep your listing active. Renew every 24 months with proof of paid work and in-service education.
What You’ll Learn in Our CNA Classes
The Smithwood Nursing Assistant program is designed to prepare students for real-world patient care and the state benchmarks measured by certification exams. Our curriculum covers the following topics:
- NA-101 Introduction to Long-Term Care: the nurse aide’s role, residents’ rights, safety and communication
- NA-102 Personal Care Skills: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and feeding
- NA-103 Basic Nursing Skills: vital signs, infection control and observing and reporting changes
- NA-104 Restorative Services: mobility, positioning and helping residents stay independent
- NA-105 Mental Health & Social Service Needs: dementia care and emotional support
- NA-106 Social Skills: working with residents, families and the care team
- NA-107 Clinical Externship: supervised, hands-on care at a healthcare facility
Texas requires every state-approved nurse aide training program to include at least 100 hours: 60 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical training, with at least one instructor for every 10 trainees during clinical.
Skills You’ll Practice Before Your State Exam
In our skills labs, you’ll practice the skills nurse aides use every shift and the kinds of skills you’ll demonstrate on the Texas state exam:
- Taking and recording vital signs, including pulse, respirations and blood pressure
- Hand hygiene, infection control and correct use of PPE (personal protective equipment)
- Safe transfers, positioning and fall prevention
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Help with activities of daily living (ADLs), the everyday tasks like bathing, dressing and eating
- Communication, documentation and respecting residents’ rights
With this practice behind you, you’ll be prepared for real-world scenarios and feel confident as you take steps toward your healthcare career.
Where Houston CNAs Work
In the Houston area, CNAs work wherever patients need daily, hands-on care, usually under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Common workplaces include:
- Hospitals, where CNAs support nurses on medical and surgical floors
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities, the largest employers of nursing assistants
- Home health agencies, providing one-on-one care in patients’ homes
- Assisted living communities, helping residents with daily routines
- Rehabilitation centers, supporting patients as they regain strength and mobility
Earn Your Nurse Aide State Certification in Houston, TX
By completing your Certified Nursing Assistant state certification at Smithwood Medical Institute, you’ll be equipped to provide essential care and comfort to patients in various settings. Our program focuses on developing clinical competencies and effective interpersonal communication, ensuring you thrive as a CNA through hands-on exercises and real-world simulations led by experienced instructors.
Upon successfully passing the certification exam, you will join a network of Smithwood alumni who positively impact the healthcare community. This certification enhances your employability and opens doors to diverse career opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and more. Additionally, our ongoing support helps you navigate the job market and secure a fulfilling position that aligns with your career goals.
Finding Success After Taking Our CNA Classes
Our rigorous training makes Smithwood graduates highly sought-after employees in the healthcare field. At Smithwood, we equip you with the necessary knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism employers look for in qualified candidates.
Best of all, we offer admissions support, financial guidance, and exam preparation that will help you achieve your CNA certification. The best way to see if Smithwood Medical Institute’s CNA programs fit you is to attend a virtual information session. You can book a virtual information session to get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the Smithwood Medical Institute community. Schedule an information session now or call to get more information.
As you near graduation, our CNA job placement assistance team can help with your resume, interview practice and job search. Still deciding which healthcare path fits you? Try our healthcare career quiz or browse answers to common questions about studying at Smithwood.
Why Choose Smithwood Among CNA Programs in Houston
Since 2009, Smithwood Medical Institute has provided CNA training and other healthcare programs to Houston students. Here is what you can expect when you train with us:
- Hands-on labs and clinical sessions. You practice each skill in our labs, then care for real patients at a clinical site.
- All-inclusive tuition. Your books, equipment, lab fees, and uniforms are included.
- Day and evening classes. Schedule options are available in select programs, so ask which fit your start date.
- Exam preparation on campus. You prepare for the state exam in the same place you learned your skills.
- Career guidance. Resume help, interview tips and job assistance as you finish the program.
- Financial consultation and payment plans. Our team helps you understand your options before you enroll.
- Bilingual student assistance. Support is available if English is not your first language.
- Room to grow. Smithwood offers seven healthcare programs plus a CNA Refresher course, so you can keep building your career with us.
Finding Success After Taking Our CNA Classes
Our rigorous training makes Smithwood graduates highly sought-after employees in the healthcare field. At Smithwood, we equip you with the necessary knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism employers look for in qualified candidates.
Best of all, we offer admissions support, financial guidance, and exam preparation that will help you achieve your CNA certification. The best way to see if Smithwood Medical Institute’s CNA programs fit you is to attend a virtual information session. You can book a virtual information session to get a true feel for what it’s like to be a part of the Smithwood Medical Institute community. Schedule an information session now or call to get more information.
As you near graduation, our CNA job placement assistance team can help with your resume, interview practice and job search. Still deciding which healthcare path fits you? Try our healthcare career quiz or browse answers to common questions about studying at Smithwood.
Your Next Steps: CNA Refresher and Patient Care Technician
Keep your certification active. Texas nurse aides renew their registry listing every 24 months. If your listing has lapsed or you need your 24 hours of in-service education, our self-paced CNA Refresher course in Houston is built for exactly that.
Grow into a Patient Care Technician. Our 20-week Patient Care Technician training program builds on nurse aide skills with phlebotomy and EKG training and prepares you for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) PCT certification exam. If you already hold your CNA, ask admissions whether part of the coursework can be waived. Many CNAs also go on to become LVNs or RNs.
Your CNA Program in Houston Questions, Answered
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is vital in the healthcare system. They provide essential support in patient care across various medical settings. This includes assisting with daily activities and ensuring patients’ comfort and safety.
CNAs can be responsible for many aspects of patient care, depending on where you’re employed. They assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating, helping to maintain their comfort and dignity. Our nurse aide training program prepares you for the versatile and much-needed role with various coursework and hands-on experience, ensuring you are well-equipped to positively impact patients’ lives.
The Smithwood Nursing Assistant program is designed to prepare students for real-world patient care and the state benchmarks measured by certification exams. Our curriculum covers the following topics:
- NA-101 Introduction to Long-Term Care
- NA-102 Personal Care Skills
- NA-103 Basic Nursing Skills
- NA-104 Restorative Services
- NA-105 Mental Health & Social Service Needs
- NA-106 Social Skills
- NA-107 Clinical Externship
The job outlook for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Houston, TX, is promising. There is a strong demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector. With both small and large organizations actively hiring, the potential for career growth is excellent; nationally, about 204,100 openings for nursing assistants are projected each year from 2024 to 2034, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
This demand reflects the increasing need for compassionate and dedicated healthcare workers as the population ages and healthcare facilities expand, making now an ideal time to pursue a CNA certification. Moreover, our program is recognized statewide, ensuring you are well-prepared for a fulfilling career in various healthcare settings.
Once you pass the state exam, your registry listing is what employers across Texas use to verify your certification.
**Growth rates are a projection only.
We offer several financial aid options and can assist you in exploring scholarships, grants, and payment plans available for our students. Our admissions support team is also prepared to help you navigate funding options to ensure your educational goals are within reach.
We offer several financial assistance options, including:
- Affordable deposit
- Weekly & advanced payment plan options
- Financial aid (if you qualify)
Our admissions support team is also prepared to help you navigate funding options to ensure your educational goals are within reach. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the financial assistance options that are available to you.
Learn more on our CNA financial aid and payment plans page.
Once the CNA training program is completed, students will be prepared to take the state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
After passing the exam, graduates can apply for CNA positions in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies. Our job placement services can provide assistance in finding job opportunities that match your skills and career aspirations, helping you transition smoothly from training to employment.
You can complete Smithwood’s nurse aide program in as few as four weeks, and most students finish in about four to six weeks. Your exact timeline depends on your class schedule and start date. Texas requires at least 100 hours of state-approved training, so every approved program covers the same core classroom and clinical content, however quickly it runs.
Most students need a high school diploma or GED, a government-issued photo ID and the ability to pass a criminal background check before clinicals. Training sites may also ask for a TB test and current immunizations. Requirements can vary, so review our CNA admission requirements or talk with an admissions advisor, who can walk you through each item before your start date.
The Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation is the state exam you take after an approved program, and Prometric administers it. It has two parts: a written or oral knowledge test, offered in English or Spanish, and a clinical skills test where you perform five nurse aide skills. When you pass both, HHSC adds you to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, which employers check before hiring..
A CNA focuses on daily personal care such as bathing, feeding, moving patients and taking vital signs. A Patient Care Technician (PCT) adds phlebotomy (drawing blood) and EKG skills on top of that foundation. At Smithwood, our PCT program in Houston runs about 20 weeks and includes nurse aide training, so many students start as a CNA and move into PCT when they’re ready.
Yes, many students keep working while they train, as long as they plan around class and clinical hours. Smithwood offers day and evening classes in select programs, so ask our admissions team which CNA schedule options are open for your start date. Clinical shifts take place at a healthcare facility on set days, so it helps to arrange time off for those shifts early.
You can’t earn a Texas CNA certification fully online, because the state requires 40 hours of supervised, in-person clinical training. HHSC does offer a free online course that can cover the 60 classroom hours, but you still complete clinicals with an approved program. Smithwood’s CNA classes are taught on campus with hands-on labs, so you practice every skill in person before your exam.
Yes, our career guidance includes resume help, interview tips and job assistance. After passing the exam, graduates can apply for CNA positions in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies. Our job placement services can provide assistance in finding job opportunities that match your skills and career aspirations. We can’t guarantee a job, but our staff works to support your success.
Your Texas Nurse Aide Registry listing stays active for 24 months, and you renew it by showing paid work as a nurse aide and completing at least 24 hours of in-service education every two years. HHSC also requires a yearly infection control and PPE course. If your listing has lapsed, our CNA renewal and refresher course can help you meet the in-service requirement and prepare to retest