How Do You Become a CNA in Houston?
To become a CNA in Houston, you must complete a Texas-approved nurse aide training program, pass the state certification exam, and get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
If you’re looking for a rewarding entry-level career in healthcare that offers fast training, hands-on patient care, and strong job security, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Houston is one of the best paths to start. CNAs are essential to the healthcare system—especially in a city like Houston, where hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies are constantly in need of skilled, compassionate support staff.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps on how to become a CNA in Houston. Whether you're entering the healthcare field for the first time or transitioning from another career, I’ll help you navigate training, testing, and certification so you can succeed.
As a Medicare agent in Houston, I often partner with CNAs and other caregivers who need guidance on Medicare options for their patients. If you ever have questions about helping your clients connect to better Medicare coverage, you can call me directly at 281-870-3599 or visit HoustonMedicareHelp.com.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Texas, you need to meet a few initial qualifications before enrolling in a CNA training program:
- Be at least 18 years old (some programs accept students at 16 with parental consent)
- Have a high school diploma or GED (recommended but not always required)
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screening
- Be physically able to perform job-related tasks (such as lifting or assisting patients)
- Provide proof of immunizations and a negative TB test
If you meet these criteria, you can begin looking for a state-approved CNA program in Houston.
Step 2: Enroll in a Texas-Approved CNA Training Program in Houston
The next step is to complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). These programs are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and must meet federal and state standards.
CNA training programs in Houston typically take 4 to 12 weeks to complete and include at least:
- 60 hours of classroom instruction
- 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience
Top CNA Training Programs in Houston:
Houston Community College (HCC) – Coleman College for Health Sciences
- 1900 Pressler St., Houston, TX 77030
- www.hccs.edu
- 713-718-7353
Lone Star College – Multiple Locations
- www.lonestar.edu
- 281-618-5400
- Offers CNA training through its Continuing Education department
Texas Health School
- 11211 Katy Fwy Ste 170, Houston, TX 77079
- www.txhealthschool.com
- 713-932-9333
Houston CNA Training
- 9550 Forest Ln #318, Houston, TX 77078
- www.houstoncnatraining.com
- 832-529-5932
Make sure the program you choose is approved by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) or now regulated under the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Step 3: Complete Your Clinical Hours and Coursework
CNA training in Houston includes both theoretical instruction and clinical practice. You’ll learn:
- Basic nursing skills
- Infection control
- Resident rights
- Communication techniques
- Personal care skills
- CPR and first aid
- Safety and emergency procedures
Clinical rotations typically take place in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. These hands-on experiences are essential to preparing you for the CNA exam and real-world caregiving.
Step 4: Pass the Texas CNA Certification Exam
After completing your training, you must pass the Texas Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, which is administered by Pearson VUE.
The exam includes:
- Written (or oral) portion: 70 multiple-choice questions
- Skills evaluation: Perform 5 randomly selected nursing assistant skills on a mannequin or volunteer patient
You must pass both sections to become certified.
Register for the exam at www.pearsonvue.com and select a testing site near Houston. Some schools assist with registration and may host exams onsite.
Step 5: Get Listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry
Once you pass the exam, you’ll be automatically listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
You can confirm your status or check your registry listing at nurseaideregistry.hhs.texas.gov.
Your certification must be renewed every two years, and you must complete at least 24 hours of in-service education during that time to remain active.
Step 6: Start Your CNA Career in Houston
After getting certified, you’re ready to start working as a CNA. Houston has a robust healthcare ecosystem, and the demand for CNAs is especially high in:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted living communities
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Hospice and home health agencies
Top employers hiring CNAs in Houston include:
- Memorial Hermann Health System
- Houston Methodist
- HCA Houston Healthcare
- Kindred Healthcare
- Encompass Health Rehab
- Aveanna Healthcare (home care and pediatrics)
You can search for jobs through Indeed, Glassdoor, or local staffing agencies specializing in healthcare placements.
Most new CNAs in Houston start earning between $14 and $18 per hour, with opportunities for pay increases based on experience and specialty.
Step 7: Maintain Your Certification and Explore Career Growth
To stay active as a CNA in Texas, you must:
- Work in a nursing or direct care setting for pay at least once every 24 months
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education during that period
- Renew your listing on the Nurse Aide Registry
As you gain experience, you may choose to advance your career by pursuing further certifications or bridge programs, such as:
- Medication Aide
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
- Registered Nurse (RN) through CNA-to-RN programs
Several schools in Houston offer bridge programs specifically designed for CNAs who want to move up the healthcare ladder.
Conclusion
To become a CNA in Houston, you need to complete a Texas-approved nurse aide training program, pass the certification exam, and get listed on the state registry through HHSC.
If you're planning to enter the healthcare workforce, working as a CNA is one of the fastest and most impactful ways to start your career.
As someone who partners closely with CNAs in the field, I also want you to know that if you ever need help answering Medicare-related questions for your clients—or if you're trying to connect someone with better Medicare coverage—I’m here for you. I’m Nick Bryant, a licensed Medicare agent in Houston. You can reach me directly at 281-870-3599 or visit HoustonMedicareHelp.com for more information and personalized support.
Helping others begins with knowledge. Let me help you empower your clients with the healthcare coverage they deserve.