HSU nursing students examing dummy with a stethoscope

Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate

Are you a passionate and caring individual? Do you want a career helping others in hospitals, nursing homes, and doctor’s offices? Earning a nursing assistant certificate from Hardin-Simmons University will give you a solid foundation to start a rewarding career in an exciting and fast-paced field.

HSU’s Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program will prepare you to assist patients and nurses with daily living needs. Many nursing schools, including Texas Tech University, now require nurses to hold a CNA certificate before applying to a BSN program. To set you off on the right path toward success, we’ve designed a CNA certificate summer program that lets you enter a BSN program in the fall.

Position yourself for success with one of the top nursing assistant certification programs in the region. After earning your nursing certificate, you will be ready to sit for your CNA exam and enter an entry-level position earning a great CNA salary.

A Flexible Nursing Assistant Certification

We pride ourselves on offering one of the most accessible nursing assistant certification programs in the state of Texas, so you don’t have to sacrifice your personal or professional schedule to earn your certificate. Whether you’re a working professional or a high school student looking to earn dual credit, choose the pace of your studies to fit your schedule.

Program Contact

Martha Hartranft

PHSSN Coordinator of Admissions, Records, and Advising Martha.hartranft@phssn.edu 325-670-1724

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Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate

Why Earn Your CNA Certificate at Hardin-Simmons University?

Two HSU nursing students checking vital signs on dummy

Career Preparation

There are many reasons why HSU is considered one of the best nursing assistant certification programs in the region. For example, in 2017, 89 percent of our CNA certificate graduates found jobs after graduation. By earning your nursing assistant certificate from HSU, you give yourself the best chances of finding the satisfying career of your dreams.

HSU Nursing student looking at her clipboard

Hands-on Experience

To prepare you for a career helping others and earning an exceptional CNA salary, our program provides you with at least 40 hours of real-world experience working with residents in a nursing home. Build an impressive resume while helping others live healthy and comfortable lives.

A Renowned CNA Certificate

HSU’s nursing certificate program has been approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission as a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program. Enter the field with confidence knowing that you graduated from one of the most renowned nursing assistant certification programs in Texas.

What Can You Do With a CNA Certificate?

For any student considering entering the nursing field, a nursing certificate from HSU provides a strong baseline to get started earning a BSN. With many BSN programs now requiring CNA certification from their applicants, earning a nursing assistant certificate is essential to succeeding both academically and professionally.

Our nursing certificate graduates typically go on to work as CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes, or retirement centers. Many choose to continue their education in a nursing program.

Jobs for CNA Certificate Holders

Certified nursing assistant
Critical care technician
Patient care technician
Home health aide
Travel CNA
Qualified medication aide

CNA Salary

The average CNA salary in 2021 was $30,300, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment predicted to grow by 8 percent through 2030.

Program Details

Application, interview, and admission to CNA certificate program all completed at PHSSN.

CNA Certificate

Criminal background check, including fingerprints
Drug screening
Negative tuberculosis (TB) screening
All required immunizations:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): If born after January 1957, two doses of MMR 28 days apart or serological (blood test) evidence of immunity.
- Chickenpox (varicella): Two vaccines given at least four weeks apart are required. Documentation of the disease or serological proof of immunity is also accepted.
- Tdap (tetanus, diptheria, pertussis): A booster of “Tdap” is required within the past 10 years.
- Hepatitis B series: Three vaccinations or serological evidence of immunity. The administration dosage and time separation of the three hepatitis B vaccination series as recommended by the Texas Health and Human Services.
- Flu vaccine: Within the past 12 months unless the vaccine is not available.
- Meningococcal (MCV4): If under the age of 22 (vaccine received within the last five years of enrollment).
- TB skin test: within the past 12 months.
- Chest X-ray is required.
  - Immunizations must be current prior to clinical training. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical training without proper documentation of the required immunizations, in addition to a negative TB test.
  - Adult CNA immigrant students are required to have documentation of Tdap/Td three=dose series as recommended by the CDC.
Students must meet criteria for physical requirements.
Students must be able to read and comprehend at an 8th-grade level.

You’ve chosen to join one of the most affordable and accessible nursing assistant certification programs in Texas, and we want to help you pay for your education. Partners with Adult Education of Abilene provides tuition assistance for qualifying nursing certificate students.

Qualifications: Students must be age 16 or older, cannot be enrolled in high school, or have a U.S. college degree of any kind. Must complete the free 15-hour RAMP Program with Adult Education before enrollment in the CNA class. Once you complete the RAMP Program, you will qualify for $450 in tuition assistance.

If you’re thinking about earning your nursing certificate at Hardin-Simmons University, you might also be interested in learning about our BSN degree.