CNA Classes & Jobs in New Orleans, LA

Everything you need to start a CNA career in New Orleans: local training programs, the Ochsner Health hiring pipeline, current wages, and a free study plan for the Louisiana NNAAP exam.

New Orleans Louisiana skyline illustration
New Orleans, Louisiana — MSA population ~1270K
Median CNA wage
$13.50/hr
~$28,080–$38,480/yr
Major employer
Ochsner Health
Largest healthcare system in the metro
Metro population
1,270,000
Greater New Orleans metropolitan area

Working as a CNA in New Orleans

New Orleans is part of the Louisiana CNA registry, which means your training and certification follow the same NNAAP standards used across the U.S. The local healthcare market here is anchored by Ochsner Health, which consistently hires new graduates and offers competitive starting wages around $13.50/hour. After a year of experience and a strong track record, CNAs inNew Orleans commonly move into specialty roles (ICU support, rehab, memory care) at $3–$7 above the entry rate.

Louisiana CNA training requirements

To work as a CNA in New Orleans, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program (typically 75–180 hours depending on Louisiana's requirements), pass the NNAAP written and clinical skills exams, and register with the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. The full Louisiana CNA certification guide covers application steps, fees, testing locations, and renewal cycles.

What the NNAAP exam tests for New Orleans CNAs

Every CNA in Louisiana takes the same National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). It's a 70-question written exam plus a 5-skill clinical checkoff. The exam doesn't change by city, but how you study for it should match the skills local employers care about. Ochsner Health and other major systems inNew Orleans weight hand hygiene, transfers, vital signs, and feeding highest when hiring.

Pass the NNAAP on your first try

Try the free practice exam

ExamReady gives you the full 1,500+ question bank, all 22clinical skills walkthroughs, and a full exam simulator built around the same NNAAP you'll take in Louisiana. 7-day free trial, no card required to start.

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Other Louisiana cities

Full Louisiana guide

For state-level training requirements, application fees, exam vendor contacts, and renewal procedures, read the complete Louisiana CNA certification guide.

Read the Louisiana CNA guide →