Huntsville, AL
Drake State Community & Technical College
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Location
Huntsville, AL
Duration
5 weeks
Cost
$899
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
- Address
3421 Meridian Street North, Health Science Building #700
Huntsville, AL 35811
- Phone
- (256) 539-8161
About This Program
Drake State Community & Technical College sits on Meridian Street North in north Huntsville, just minutes from downtown and Alabama A&M University. The CNA training program, run through the college's Workforce Development division and Health Sciences building, is approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and meets OBRA requirements for long-term care nurse aide training. Coursework combines classroom instruction Monday-Thursday with clinical rotations, preparing students to sit for the Prometric/NNAAP state competency exam administered on-campus. Graduates are eligible for placement on the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry as Certified Nursing Assistants.
Location & Directions
3421 Meridian Street North, Health Science Building #700, Huntsville, AL 35811
Becoming a CNA in Alabama
Alabama's CNA pathway is governed by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Division of Health Care Facilities, which oversees the state Nurse Aide Registry under federal OBRA-87 requirements. Unlike states with separate licensing boards, ADPH itself approves every Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and contracts with Prometric to deliver both the written and skills portions of the competency exam. This single-agency structure keeps the timeline relatively short — most candidates can move from enrollment to active registry status in 6 to 10 weeks.
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
75 hours minimum
Exam Vendor
Prometric
Time to Cert
6-10 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at Drake State Community & Technical College include?
Drake State Community & Technical College sits on Meridian Street North in north Huntsville, just minutes from downtown and Alabama A&M University. The program is located at 3421 Meridian Street North, Health Science Building #700, Huntsville, AL 35811. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (256) 539-8161 or visit https://drakestate.edu/workforce-development/certified-nursing-assistant/.
How much does Drake State Community & Technical College cost?
Drake State Community & Technical College lists tuition for its certified nursing assistant (cna) at $899. Total program cost for students typically includes state exam fees, background-check fees, books, and supplies on top of tuition, so the final out-of-pocket figure can vary. Call Drake State Community & Technical College at (256) 539-8161 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at Drake State Community & Technical College?
The certified nursing assistant (cna) at Drake State Community & Technical College is structured as 5 weeks. Alabama requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (256) 539-8161 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact Drake State Community & Technical College?
Call Drake State Community & Technical College directly at (256) 539-8161 or visit https://drakestate.edu/workforce-development/certified-nursing-assistant/. The program is located at 3421 Meridian Street North, Health Science Building #700, Huntsville, AL 35811. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What Alabama CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at Drake State Community & Technical College?
Before enrolling at Drake State Community & Technical College, make sure you meet Alabama's minimum age (16), education requirements, and background-check rules. Alabama requires 75 hours minimum of state-approved training and uses Prometric for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 6-10 weeks. See the full Alabama CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Huntsville?
Yes. In addition to Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville, our directory includes CNA training programs in Birmingham, Montgomery, Dothan, Gadsden, Opelika, and other Alabama cities. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Alabama CNA classes for the full list.
Other CNA Programs in Huntsville
J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
Certified Nurse Aide · 5 weeks · $899
Calhoun Community College - Huntsville Campus
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) · 6 weeks (evening) · $899
American Red Cross of North Alabama
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) · 4-8 weeks
JES Health Services
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) · 7 weeks · $2,240
Regency Retirement Village of Huntsville
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)