Lafayette, LA
W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Location
Lafayette, LA
Duration
School-year program
Cost
No tuition (minor course fees may apply)
State Required Hours
80 hours
- Address
200 18th Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
- Phone
- (337) 521-7570
About This Program
The W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center (WDMBS) is a Lafayette Parish School System career and technical school just north of downtown Lafayette on 18th Street, serving as an extension campus for LPSS high schools. Its medical pathway includes a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) approved CNA track that prepares students for the Prometric competency exam and Louisiana CNA Registry through classroom and clinical instruction. Students attend in three-hour daily blocks and can earn dual enrollment credit through SLCC. Enrollment is restricted to Lafayette Parish high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Location & Directions
200 18th Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Becoming a CNA in Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the shorter CNA training requirements in the country at 80 hours, which means most full-time candidates can complete their program in 4 to 6 weeks. The 80 hours split evenly into 40 classroom hours and 40 supervised clinical hours, but there are two scheduling quirks worth planning around: at least 16 of the 40 classroom hours must be completed before any clinical work can begin, and the program must include a separate 4-hour clinical site orientation that does not count toward the 80 hours. The Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) runs the largest network of approved programs, typically priced between $300 and $1,000.
Minimum Age
18
Training Hours
80 hours
Exam Vendor
Prometric
Time to Cert
5–10 weeks (training typically 4–6 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CNA program at W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center include?
The W.D. The program is located at 200 18th Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (337) 521-7570 or visit https://www.lpssonline.com/schools/careercenter.
How much does W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center cost?
W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center lists tuition for its certified nursing assistant (cna) at No tuition (minor course fees may apply). 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 W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center at (337) 521-7570 for the current fee breakdown and any available scholarships or financial aid.
How long is the program at W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center?
The certified nursing assistant (cna) at W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center is structured as School-year program. Louisiana requires 80 hours of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (337) 521-7570 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.
How do I apply or contact W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center?
Call W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center directly at (337) 521-7570 or visit https://www.lpssonline.com/schools/careercenter. The program is located at 200 18th Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Ask about upcoming cohort start dates, application deadlines, background-check requirements, and any scholarships or financial-aid options before enrolling.
What Louisiana CNA requirements should I know before enrolling at W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center?
Before enrolling at W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center, make sure you meet Louisiana's minimum age (18), education requirements, and background-check rules. Louisiana requires 80 hours of state-approved training and uses Prometric for the competency exam, with most candidates reaching certification in 5–10 weeks (training typically 4–6 weeks, exam and registry listing 2–4 weeks). See the full Louisiana CNA requirements page for a complete checklist.
Are there other CNA programs near Lafayette?
Yes. In addition to W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette, our directory includes CNA training programs in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles. Comparing programs by location, schedule, and cost is the easiest way to find the best fit for your situation. Browse all Louisiana CNA classes for the full list.