Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in patient care across settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences. Aspiring CNAs often wonder about the overall cost of training and what’s included in their investment. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of program expenses and uses the SisuCare CNA training program as a real-world example.
Core CNA Program Costs
Tuition for CNA programs commonly ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your location and institution. Pricing structures vary based on factors including program format (online, hybrid, or in-person), included materials, and school reputation. For instance, vocational schools and private academies may charge more but offer additional resources or accelerated schedules.
How SisuCare Compares
| Feature | SisuCare | Typical Programs |
| Tuition | $1,900 | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Equipment Included | 2 uniforms, stethoscope, BP monitor, gait belt | Often sold separately ($150-$300 extra) |
| Registration Fees | Fully included | Usually $50-$150 additional |
| Flexible Payment Options | 3 different payment plans | Limited or pay-in-full only |
| Employer Partnerships | Tuition reimbursement available | Rare |
Payment Options and Financial Flexibility
Modern CNA programs increasingly offer flexible payment methods, making training accessible to more students. SisuCare’s program fee is $1,900 and provides three payment paths:
- Pay in Full: Upfront payment with the opportunity for a discount. Ask about current promotions when you apply
- Deferred Payment: Weekly instalment plans that fit your budget
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Financing options through payment partners, subject to approval
These choices make it easier for students to budget and start their careers without a large initial financial commitment.
Estimate Your Investment: To explore the complete payment options and determine the total program costs relevant to your specific situation, please click here
What Tuition Covers
SisuCare’s tuition includes key items to help students begin their hands-on training:
- Two sets of uniforms
- A stethoscope
- A gait belt
- A blood pressure monitor
- Registration charges are fully included
Value Add: Unlike many programs that require students to purchase equipment separately (typically $150-$300 additional), SisuCare provides everything you need to start your clinical training from day one.
Having essential equipment provided fosters a smoother transition from classroom theory to clinical practice.
Additional and Third-Party Costs
Beyond tuition, CNA students should expect several additional expenses that are standard across all programs:
- LiveScan fingerprinting: Approximately $60
- State Certification Exam: Around $120 (not included in base tuition)
- Malpractice insurance: About $27
- Physical exam, TB test, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations: Costs set by individual healthcare providers; students pay these directly
These third-party fees are typical of most CNA programs and are required for state certification and clinical work.
Your Investment Pays Off Quickly
Consider the return on your CNA training investment:
- Average CNA hourly wage: $16-$20/hour (varies by location and experience)
- Full-time annual salary: $33,000-$42,000
- Break-even timeline: Most CNAs recoup their training costs within 1-2 months of full-time employment
- Career growth: CNAs can advance to Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) positions with higher earning potential
The healthcare industry continues to experience strong demand for CNAs, with the Bureau of Labour Statistics projecting steady job growth through 2030.
How to Budget for Your CNA Training
Before enrolling, collect all relevant cost details from your chosen program. Here’s your checklist:
- Confirm what is and isn’t covered in tuition
- Compare payment options and any available discounts or scholarships
- Note all required third-party costs for exams, health clearances, and insurance
- Calculate transportation costs to clinical sites
- Budget for potential replacement supplies or additional uniforms
- Research employer tuition reimbursement programs in your area
Need help planning? Get in touch with our support team for guidance regarding flexible payment options tailored to your needs.
Transparency around costs ensures students aren’t surprised by hidden charges during their training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t afford the state exam fee right away? The state exam fee ($120) is due when you schedule your test, which occurs after completing your training. This gives you time to save or arrange payment. Some students use their first paycheck from employment to cover this cost.
Can I work while attending the SisuCare program? Yes! Our scheduling options are designed to accommodate working students. Speak with an enrollment advisor about class times that fit your current work schedule.
What happens if I don’t pass the certification exam on my first attempt? SisuCare provides exam preparation support, and you can retake the CNA state exam if needed. Retake fees are set by the state testing agency (typically $120 per attempt).
Are there any hidden costs I should know about? We believe in complete transparency. The only costs beyond tuition are the third-party requirements listed above (fingerprinting, state exam, insurance, and health clearances). Some students choose to purchase additional uniform sets for convenience, but this is optional.
Ready to Start Your CNA Career?
Now that you understand the complete investment required for CNA training, you can make an informed decision about your healthcare career path. SisuCare’s transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and employer partnerships make quality CNA education accessible.
Take the next step:
- Explore enrollment options and start your application
- Schedule a free admissions consultation: Speak with our advisor about payment plans and financial aid
- Explore upcoming clinical training schedules: Find class times that work with your schedule
Limited seats available: Classes fill quickly. Check current class availability and secure your spot today.
Original Source: This article was originally published by SisuCare. For more information on our 6-week hybrid program and enrollment dates, visit: https://sisucare.com/articles/cost-of-cna-training
