The Top 20 CNA Programs in Akron, OH in 2026
Obtaining CNA certification in Akron, Ohio opens up rewarding career opportunities in the healthcare industry. As the aging population increases demand for qualified nursing assistants, CNA programs provide the training and education to start a meaningful career helping others.
This definitive guide examines the top 20 CNA programs in the Akron area based on reputation, quality of education, hands-on training, instructor expertise, career support services, and graduate outcomes.
1. Central School of Practical Nursing
Central School of Practical Nursing has been educating exceptional nursing assistants in Akron for over 50 years. This accredited program provides comprehensive training with an emphasis on clinical skills and compassionate patient care.
Highlights
- Accredited program with decades of experience
- Hands-on clinical training at top facilities
- Small class sizes for individualized instruction
- Excellent pass rates on certification exams
- Career guidance from dedicated support staff
The holistic, patient-centric approach produces knowledgeable graduates fully prepared to excel as nursing assistants. With strong relationships across the Akron healthcare community, Central School of Practical Nursing opens doors to rewarding career opportunities.
Contact
4700 Rockside Rd, Independence, OH 44131
(216) 901-4400
2. American Red Cross Akron Chapter
The American Red Cross offers reputable CNA classes through their Akron chapter. Their accelerated course provides a fast-track option to achieve certification quickly while gaining skills through laboratory practice and clinical experience.
Highlights
- Accelerated 4-week training program
- Hands-on practice labs with cutting-edge equipment
- Clinical rotations at top Akron healthcare facilities
- Extensive review for the state certification exam
- Assistance with job placement upon completion
With flexible class schedules and financial aid available, the American Red Cross empowers students with essential skills to begin rewarding nursing assistant careers.
Contact
501 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303
(330) 535-6131
3. Fortis College Akron
Fortis College has developed a stellar reputation for their nursing assistant training program using an interactive hands-on teaching approach. Students gain extensive experience in simulation labs and clinical environments to prepare for real-world practice.
Highlights
- Interactive labs with high-tech patient simulators
- In-depth clinical rotations at diverse healthcare settings
- Small classes taught by experienced nursing professionals
- Comprehensive exam preparation and career services
- High graduate placement rates in Akron facilities
Fortis College produces supremely confident, knowledgeable nursing assistants ready to join the healthcare workforce. Their CNA program has a proven track record of success in Akron.
Contact
2545 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
(330) 923-9959
4. American Health Care Academy
Based in Cuyahoga Falls just outside Akron, AHCA offers a 75 hour CNA program to quickly gain skills for state certification. Their dedicated instructors provide impactful hands-on teaching tailored to each student‘s strengths.
Highlights
- Qualified, supportive instructors
- Innovative hands-on training methods
- Clinical experience at specialty facilities
- State certification exam preparation
- Job placement assistance nationwide
AHCA produces compassionate, caring graduates fully equipped to excel as nursing assistants. Their high graduate satisfaction and employment rates showcase the quality of their accelerated program.
Contact
2803 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221
(330) 920-6800
5. University of Akron College of Health Professions
The University of Akron offers an acclaimed four-week CNA program preparing students for certification and professional practice. Taught by highly qualified nursing faculty, students gain hands-on clinical experience in acute and long-term care settings.
Highlights
- Fast-track four-week program
- Taught by skilled college nursing faculty
- Valuable clinical rotations at Akron healthcare sites
- Hands-on labs with patient care simulators
- Assistance with resumes and job applications
Graduates gain appreciation for teamwork and compassionate care while mastering the role of a nursing assistant. The College of Health Professions produces supremely confident graduates ready to launch their careers.
Contact
302 Buchtel Mall, Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7555
6. US Career Institute
US Career Institute offers a self-paced online CNA class with flexible start dates and affordable tuition. Their curriculum covers key nursing concepts reinforced through hands-on skills labs and clinical training arranged in Akron facilities.
Highlights
- Self-paced online didactic content
- Skills labs and clinicals arranged locally
- Start anytime and learn on a flexible schedule
- Dedicated academic advisors provide support
- Assistance preparing for certification exams
The online format allows students to balance studies with work and family commitments. USCI provides a viable online alternative to traditional CNA programs.
Contact
2001 Lowe St Fort Collins, CO 80525
(800) 347-7899
7. Akron General Hospital
Akron General Hospital provides a three-week intensive program to achieve CNA certification. Students gain extensive clinical experience across different units learning hands-on skills from registered nurses.
Highlights
- Three-week accelerated course
- Clinical training on multiple hospital units
- Direct hands-on instruction from RNs
- Comprehensive exam preparation
- Interview skills workshops
With preferred hiring consideration for hospital positions upon completion, Akron General's program is an excellent pathway to launch a nursing career.
Contact
1 Akron General Ave, Akron, OH 44307
(330) 344-7170
8. Legacy Health Services
Legacy Health Services operates several skilled nursing facilities in Northeast Ohio that offer CNA programs, including locations in Seville and Wadsworth near Akron. These accelerated four-week courses provide hands-on clinical experience with registered nurse instructors.
Highlights
- Convenient course locations near Akron
- Experienced registered nurse instructors
- Clinical rotations within skilled nursing facilities
- Preferred consideration for facility employment
- Continuing education opportunities
Legacy‘s programs allow students to train where they may ultimately work, gaining familiarity with policies and procedures. With plenty of ongoing support, graduates can launch rewarding long-term careers.
Contact
Call individual locations for details and class registration:
- [Legacy Health Services – Wadsworth](https://www.lhshealth.org/ Wadsworth)
- Legacy Health Services – Seville
9. Northcoast Medical Training Academy
Northcoast Medical Training Academy operates several Akron area campuses offering nurse aide training from knowledgeable instructors. Students gain hands-on skills working alongside certified nursing assistants in clinical environments.
Highlights
- Multiple Akron-area campus locations
- Small classes with increased attention
- Clinical experience alongside working CNAs
- Job placement assistance upon completion
- Assistance preparing for state certification
Northcoast‘s affordable fast-track programs provide convenient training options combined with valuable real-world experience.
Contact
Call for details on Akron-area campus locations:
- Summit County Campus – (330) 650-4021
- Stark County Campus – (330) 491-9675
10. Ohio Living Rockynol
The state-of-the-art Ohio Living Rockynol continuing care facility hosts occasional CNA programs providing hands-on clinical experience across healthcare settings within their Akron campus.
Highlights
- Gain skills across acute and long-term care
- Rotate through various departments
- Shadow staff nurses and clinical managers
- Apply concepts with latest healthcare technology
- Possible employment opportunities upon completion
Graduates gain unique exposure to diverse nursing assistant roles while training onsite at one of Akron‘s premier wellness facilities.
Contact
1150 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313
(330) 869-3660
11. Xavier Educational Academies
Xavier Educational Academies offers an accelerated 80 hour CNA program at their Akron campus taught by knowledgeable instructors. Students gain experience in clinical settings and access job placement assistance upon completion.
Highlights
- Condensed two-week program length
- Small classes with increased attention
- Clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities
- State certification exam preparation
- Graduate employment assistance
Xavier‘s affordable tuition and schedule flexibility empowers students to quickly gain skills for an in-demand profession.
Contact
640 Wolf Ledges Pkwy Suite 201, Akron, OH 44311
(330) 998-0943
12. Care Partners Health Services
Care Partners Health Services operates CNA training within many of their skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers northeast of Akron. These programs often lead directly to employment within their facilities after completion.
Highlights
- CNA classes hosted at Care Partners locations
- Possible hiring preference upon graduation
- Valuable exposure to Care Partners procedures
- Experienced registered nurse instructors
- Continuing education opportunities
Care Partners‘ classes offer convenient training pairing theoretical and clinical coursework to their sites‘ protocols, helping smooth the transition to gainful employment.
Contact
Visit individual facility websites near Akron for upcoming programs:
13. Brightwood College Akron
Brightwood College provides an accredited CNA program teaching core skills for certification and professional success through classroom and clinical training. Students gain experience in nursing home and hospital settings.
Highlights
- Accredited seven-week program
- Clinical rotations included
- Classes held once weekly
- Customized payment plans
- Career placement support
Brightwood empowers students through flexible coursework guided by knowledgeable instructors providing a gateway to launch healthcare careers.
Contact
26 East Exchange Street, Akron, OH 44308
(330) 253-3142
14. Ohio Department of Public Safety EMT/Fire Training
This state-run firefighter training facility periodically offers a nurse aide workforce development course sponsored by local organizations. The program includes classroom education, skills labs, and clinical rotations to gain well-rounded experience.
Highlights
- State-certified training course
- Classes, labs, and clinicals
- Sponsors cover program costs
- Learn alongside firefighter trainees
- Possible employment aid upon completion
This unique training opportunity allows students to become nursing assistants tuition-free within an emergency response environment.
Contact
2265 Locust Street, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
(330) 854-6290
15. Polaris Career Center – Adult Education
Polaris Career Center hosts occasional CNA programs sponsored by partner organizations. These comprehensive courses use classroom lectures, skill labs, and clinical rotations to fully prepare students for certification and professional practice.
Highlights
- State-approved curriculum
- Taught weekdays or evenings
- Skills training and clinical experience
- Covers exam content and test-taking tips
- Part-time program length
Polaris's community connections allow students affordable access to impactful nursing assistant courses taught by qualified instructors using industry-standard equipment onsite.
Contact
7285 Old Oak Blvd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
(440) 891-7638
16. ASPIRE CNA School LLC
ASPIRE CNA School provides small-group adult education for nursing assistant training combining online learning with in-person labs and clinicals. Their dedicated instructors offer individualized guidance to prepare for certification and job placement.
Highlights
- Blended online and in-person instruction
- Accessible training for adult learners
- Small class sizes
- Specializes in exam preparation
- Job interview skills workshops
ASPIRE‘s flexible program options make gaining CNA skills achievable while working around busy schedules.
Contact
3692 Darrow Rd. Stow, OH 44224
(800) 951-3692
17. Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice
Ohio Living Home Health provides occasional CNA programs that place students within their operating units for invaluable exposure to healthcare practice across different settings like homes and care communities.
Highlights
- Learn nursing skills across care settings
- Shadow home health nurses and aides
- Visit independent and assisted living facilities
- Experience Ohio Living's care philosophy
- Possible employment upon completion
This rare opportunity provides comprehensive understanding of nursing assistant roles across the healthcare continuum.
Contact
Ohio Living Home Health Akron Office
(330) 253-4960
18. Grace Healthcare Services
Grace Healthcare Services provides occasional CNA programs between their skilled nursing and assisted living facilities near Akron. Coursework covers key concepts and skills with hands-on experience working alongside certified staff members.
Highlights
- Rotate between Grace sites near Akron
- Shadow certified nursing assistants
- Experienced registered nurse instructor
- Preferred interview opportunities upon completion
- Possible direct-hire and tuition reimbursement
Grace‘s classes prepare students for certification and potential job placement simultaneously within their family of healthcare communities.
Contact
Grace Healthcare Services locations north of Akron offering courses:
19. Western Reserve Academy Lifelong Learning
Western Reserve Academy periodically offers an intensive one-week CNA certification course over Spring Break through their community outreach program. This immersive 40 hour experience provides impactful exposure to healthcare careers.
Highlights
- Total 40 hour course over five days
- Combination of lecture and clinical work
- Introduction to healthcare careers
- Training held on elite private school campus with advanced facilities
- Unique off-season term timing
This innovative short program delivers key concepts to ignite passion within the context of school vacation weeks.
Contact
115 College St, Hudson, OH 44236
(330) 650-4112
20. Victory Career College
Victory Career College offers an accredited 100-hour CNA course at their Akron campus preparing students for certification exams and employment through classroom teaching merged with experiential labs and clinical rotations.
Highlights
- 100 hour accredited curriculum
- Skills labs using advanced patient simulators
- Clinical experience included
- Assistance preparing for career placement
- Flexible financing options
Their respected faculty integrates educational theory with relevant hands-on application for a comprehensive learning experience. Graduates gain confidence to launch purposeful nursing careers.
Contact
1598 East Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, OH 44312
(330) 923-0702