New Orleans has several affordable routes into home health care, although most local schools train students as Certified Nursing Assistants rather than offering a separate HHA credential.
Louisiana CNA programs require at least 80 hours of training, and graduates can pursue work with home health agencies as well as nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare employers.
1 Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College offers a Louisiana-approved Certified Nursing Assistant program through its Charity School of Nursing.
Students study:
- Basic nursing skills
- Infection control
- Personal care
- Human anatomy
- Patient safety
- Communication
- Clinical patient care
The program includes substantial hands-on experience in a long-term-care facility.
Program Length
Training takes approximately 8 weeks.
Students complete at least 80 hours, including approximately 40 hours of clinical training.
Cost
Estimated tuition and fees are approximately $1,674.
The CNA certification examination is included in the program fees, so Delgado students do not need to pay a separate testing charge.
Admission Requirements
Students generally need:
- Minimum age of 16
- High school diploma, equivalency, or qualifying Ability-to-Benefit score
- Criminal background clearance
- Required health screenings
- Drug screening
- Ability to meet program technical standards
What Makes This Program Worth Considering?
Delgado provides a college-based program with extensive clinical training and includes certification testing in the program cost.
It is especially useful for students who may eventually continue into nursing or another healthcare program.
Address: 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
2 Nursing Assistants Network Association
Nursing Assistants Network Association offers an accelerated hybrid CNA program.
Students complete part of the academic curriculum online and attend in person for laboratory and clinical training.
The course prepares students for Louisiana’s CNA competency examination and employment in home health, long-term care, and other patient-care settings.
Program Length
The program takes approximately 3 weeks.
It provides the Louisiana-required 80 hours of nurse aide preparation.
Cost
Current tuition is approximately $570.
Students should ask whether books, background screening, TB testing, uniforms, and certification testing are included before enrolling.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy Louisiana Nurse Aide eligibility requirements and complete the required clinical and background screening.
Reliable internet access is necessary for the hybrid portion.
What Makes This Program Worth Considering?
The combination of a three-week schedule and approximately $570 tuition makes this one of the fastest and least expensive options inside New Orleans.
The hybrid format can also make training easier to combine with work or family responsibilities.
Address: 4509 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
3 Advance Nursing Training
Advance Nursing Training offers a comprehensive Louisiana-approved Nurse Aide program.
The course provides:
- 93 hours of classroom and laboratory training
- 40 hours of clinical experience
Students learn direct patient care, safety, infection prevention, personal care, communication, and other nursing-assistant skills.
Program Length
The program contains 133 hours.
Training takes approximately 5 weeks.
Day and evening classes are available.
Cost
Tuition is $1,400.
The price includes:
- CPR certification
- State background check
- Initial state CNA examination
- Textbook rental
Admission Requirements
Students must generally:
- Be at least 16
- Read, write, speak, and understand English
- Pass the admission assessment with at least 75%
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide a negative TB test
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States
What Makes This Program Worth Considering?
Advance Nursing provides considerably more training than Louisiana’s 80-hour minimum.
The $1,400 tuition also includes several expenses that students commonly have to pay separately, including CPR, the background check, and the first certification examination.
Address: 501 O'Bannon Street, Suite 111, New Orleans, LA 70114
4 St. Agatha Career School
St. Agatha Career School offers an approved Nursing Assistant program in New Orleans East.
Students receive classroom and clinical preparation covering basic nursing care, personal care, infection control, safety, and other CNA responsibilities.
Graduates can pursue employment in home health agencies, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Program Length
The program contains approximately 84 hours.
Training takes around 4 to 5 weeks.
Cost
Published tuition is approximately $670.
The Louisiana certification examination is generally a separate expense.
Students should also budget for health screening, uniforms, and other required supplies if they are not included.
Admission Requirements
Students generally need:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or qualifying Ability-to-Benefit result
- Criminal background clearance
- Ability to meet the school’s technical standards
- Required clinical health documentation
What Makes This Program Worth Considering?
At approximately $670, St. Agatha is one of the lower-cost CNA programs in New Orleans.
Its location is particularly convenient for students living in New Orleans East, and the four-to-five-week schedule allows students to begin working relatively quickly.
Address: 10001 Lake Forest Boulevard, Suite 502, New Orleans, LA 70127
5 Life Care
Life Care is located just outside New Orleans and offers a Louisiana-approved Certified Nursing Assistant program.
Training includes:
- 40 hours of classroom and skills-lab instruction
- 40 hours of clinical training
Students learn the practical skills needed for nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care.
CPR training is also included in the program.
Program Length
The program takes 3 weeks.
Students complete two weeks of classroom training followed by one week of clinical experience.
Day and evening schedules are available.
Cost
Current published tuition is approximately $570.
Students should confirm whether the state CNA examination and screening expenses are included in the current price.
Admission Requirements
Applicants generally must:
- Be at least 16
- Have parental approval if under 18
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide a recent TB test
- A high school diploma or GED is not required.
What Makes This Program Worth Considering?
Life Care combines low tuition with an accelerated three-week schedule.
The lack of a high school diploma or GED requirement also makes it accessible to students who may not qualify for some college-based CNA programs.
Address: 5100 Westbank Expressway, Suite 4, Marrero, LA 70072
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Delgado Community College | |
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#2 | Nursing Assistants Network Association |
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#3 | Advance Nursing Training |
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#4 | St. Agatha Career School |
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#5 | Life Care |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Home Health Aide
