Lake Charles, LA

SOWELA Technical Community College

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Location

Lake Charles, LA

Duration

80 hours (40 classroom + 40 clinical)

State Required Hours

80 hours

Address

3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue

Lake Charles, LA 70615

About This Program

SOWELA's Nursing Assistant training runs on the main campus on the east side of Lake Charles off Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, near Chennault International Airport. The program is approved by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and meets the state's 80-hour minimum (40 classroom + 40 clinical). Graduates are prepared for the Prometric-administered competency exam (written/oral plus clinical skills) required to earn the CNA credential. Successful candidates are placed on the Louisiana CNA Registry and eligible to work in LDH-licensed long-term care facilities statewide.

Location & Directions

3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615

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 SOWELA Technical Community College include?

SOWELA's Nursing Assistant training runs on the main campus on the east side of Lake Charles off Sen. The program is located at 3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615. For the current curriculum, admission requirements, and start dates, call (337) 421-6550 or visit https://www.sowela.edu/programs/workforce/nurseaide/.

How much does SOWELA Technical Community College cost?

SOWELA Technical Community College has not published a flat tuition figure on this directory; pricing for the certified nursing assistant (cna) depends on residency, financial aid, and any employer sponsorships. Call (337) 421-6550 or visit the program website at https://www.sowela.edu/programs/workforce/nurseaide/ to request the current fee schedule. For reference, total CNA training costs in Louisiana generally fall in the range of $200–$1,200 depending on whether training is employer-sponsored, at a community/technical college, or private.

How long is the program at SOWELA Technical Community College?

The certified nursing assistant (cna) at SOWELA Technical Community College is structured as 80 hours (40 classroom + 40 clinical). Louisiana requires 80 hours of state-approved training, so this program meets or exceeds the state minimum. Contact the program at (337) 421-6550 for current cohort start dates and schedule options.

How do I apply or contact SOWELA Technical Community College?

Call SOWELA Technical Community College directly at (337) 421-6550 or visit https://www.sowela.edu/programs/workforce/nurseaide/. The program is located at 3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70615. 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 SOWELA Technical Community College?

Before enrolling at SOWELA Technical Community College, 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 Lake Charles?

Yes. In addition to SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles, our directory includes CNA training programs in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette. 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.