The clinical foundation.
CNA-aligned, six months, and the most common entry point into hospital and long-term care floor work. Sets up your state CNA exam and serves as the prerequisite credential for half a dozen advanced clinical paths.
The Nursing Assistant fit.
If any of these describe you, this program likely matches your goals and timeline.
Aspiring nurses
RN/BSN programs require clinical experience — CNA is the standard pre-nursing credential.
Hospital floor staff
Hospitals hire CNAs and patient care technicians directly into med-surg, ED, and ICU support roles.
Long-term care professionals
Nursing homes, assisted living, and rehab facilities are the largest CNA employers.
Career changers
Six months to a credential that pays $30–40K with strong growth trajectory.
6 modules. 224 hours.
24 weeks online + 120hr clinical externship. Asynchronous online with weekly live office hours.
Patient Care Foundations
Scope of CNA practice, patient rights, the care team structure, and ethics in clinical settings.
Anatomy & Physiology
Body systems overview, common pathologies, and how patient conditions present clinically.
Infection Control
PPE, isolation precautions, hand hygiene protocols, and bloodborne pathogen safety.
Vitals & Assessment
BP, pulse, respiration, temperature, O2 saturation; pain assessment and reporting.
Mental Health & Aging
Cognitive decline, dementia care, behavioral health basics, and end-of-life support.
CNA Externship
120 hours of supervised patient care at a partner long-term care facility, rehab center, or hospital.
Practical, employer-ready competencies.
Every skill below is taught explicitly, practiced in coursework, and validated during the externship.
Where graduates work.
Salary ranges reflect U.S. national averages. Local Texas market and metro Dallas pay tend higher in most categories. State CNA exam preparation + CPR/BLS readiness.
CNA
Patient Care Tech
Hospital Floor Tech
LTC Aide
Tuition: $7,200 total · $399/mo payment plan
0% in-house payment plans, scholarships, employer reimbursement, and military/veteran benefits available. 87% of HCI students qualify for some form of aid. Federal Title IV pending ABHES accreditation.
Nursing Assistant questions.
Will I be ready for the state CNA exam?
Yes. The curriculum is mapped to the federal OBRA-87 minimum competencies and the test plans of the major state exams (Prometric, Headmaster, D&S). You’ll sit your state exam after completion.
Where will my externship be?
We coordinate placement at long-term care facilities, rehab centers, or hospitals near you. The 120 hours satisfy the clinical requirement in most states.
Can I become a CNA in any state?
We are authorized in 49 states (CA pending). Each state has its own exam — we map your home-state requirements during enrollment.
What’s the next step after CNA?
Common paths: LPN/LVN bridge, Patient Care Tech with EKG/phlebotomy add-ons (our Diagnostic Tech program), or RN bridge programs. Career services helps you choose.
Start the Nursing Assistant program.
Open enrollment year-round. Cohorts start every 4 weeks. Application takes about 5 minutes and is free.