Get free CNA training and certification through the federal government
Plans to further their education often fall by the wayside when prospective students consider the cost of a course of study. Due to high tuition costs, book fees, and the need to take time off to attend classes, people find themselves unable to pursue a career that could help them enter a new and exciting career field. Free CNA training is available in every state, allowing you to further your career in the healthcare industry. And it's available at any age.
States Offer Free CNA Training
Due to the huge demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) across the United States, many healthcare facilities, nonprofits, and government-related organizations now offer free training programs that provide the same quality of instruction that students receive on a college campus. Similar experiences make this a suitable option for those considering entering the healthcare industry as a CNA.
CNA Training by State (Select your state):
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Maryland
New York
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Apply Now for Free
State Nursing Agencies
If you are interested in becoming a CNA, nursing homes in your community are an excellent resource to inquire about free training. Due to the CNA shortage and the increase in the aging population, nursing homes CNA Training by State and similar residential care agencies have found it strategic to offer training programs within their own agencies. By doing so, they can increase their CNA/resident ratios and be able to provide better care within their agencies. Additionally, such programs essentially become on-the-job training, and employers are able to mold their CNA candidates into the employees they need to fit their organizational schemes. This training option is not only beneficial to employers, but also to CNA candidates.
Nursing Homes and Residential Care Agencies
Many nursing homes and residential care agencies that offer free training programs will also compensate students for their work time. An arrangement is often made between the employer and employee for continued employment after completing certification and being placed on the state registry of nurse aides. This often requires the CNA candidate to commit to working at the agency for a period of time after certification, but this is also often accompanied by an increase in hourly wages and a sense of job security. This situation is ideal for both nursing homes and individuals who are considering entering the healthcare industry but are unable to find a way to pay for the program.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that helps communities and those in need. From basic needs like personal and family shelter to disaster relief, the American Red Cross is well known for its efforts to help the helpless. Likewise, the American Red Cross recognizes that one way they can help those in need is by training others to do the same. That’s why many locations across the country offer free training for Nurse Aides. By helping those interested in becoming CNAs get the proper training they need to enter the healthcare industry, the American Red Cross fulfills its mission to help others. Free programs are available in nearly every state, and some states even have the American Red Cross oversee the certification of Nurse Aides by proctoring exams and working with state boards to add qualified CNAs to the registry.
Free CNA Training in New York
In New York, there are a variety of potential methods you can use to train to work as a certified nursing assistant for free. For example, the Rochester Adult Education Center administers a state approved CNA training program for those who qualify. This program can help individuals who are currently not gainfully working anywhere and who are hoping to improve their lives. Applicants will need to take an exam and receive the required score along with being certified as physically able to perform duties of a nursing assistant. Scroll down for more options.
There are numerous opportunities for receiving CNA training in New York for free or at a reduced price, we have listed some opportunities below to help you get started. Students attending a program at a community college can often receive a financial aid package to help pay for training if the class is for credit hours. Some CNA schools offer scholarships for those who meet specified criteria. There are employer-sponsored programs throughout the state of New York as well. These programs are often provided through nursing care facilities.
There are a range of programs offered through unemployment services and public assistance benefits in the state of New York that can help an individual to train for a new career. This can include options to receive free CNA training at various training locations.
Below we have a few options you can try and get in touch with and see if you qualify to get training at no cost. We have categorised them as follows:
Updates (as and when we get new info on a class we will put it up here)
Through Nursing facilities
Through WIA Approved Colleges
Free training Opportunities:
Wesley Health Care Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
Wesley Health Care Center is looking for dedicated individuals who are willing to work as a CNA at their facility. The Center is willing to pay for all your tuition fees to become a CNA on condition that you dedicate 1 year of service working at their institution. Full time classes will commence on 06-Mar-15 and all interested individuals should send in their applications by end of Jan. To know more about this opportunity and what it entails, follow the link: http://goo.gl/Ja2c8N
Jewish Home Lifecare – Bronx, NY
There is a Home Health Aide Training program, which is free for those people who are aggressive and have a willingness to learn. The classes will take place in Bronx and will go on for 4 weeks in which time you will be going through intensive training for special skills, work ethics and practices, nursing rules and regulations and more. Once you finish your training and pass the exam – you will get a job with benefits. A few requirements are mandatory such as being 18 and above, passing a drug test and a few others. To know more about this program and contact the administrators for the classes, kindly follow the link: http://goo.gl/42NWFU
Archcare at Ferncliff Nursing home – Rhinebeck, NY
This job post is for trainee candidates who are not qualified yet, but are interested in working as a nurse. Its a full time job with upto four days of work per week. Their training program is scheduled to commence on 16th Sept 2013. After completing the full course which is 125 hours in total, candidates must pass the state dept exam with a minimum pass mark of 75% throughout the course period. There will a medical check and a minimum GED or high school diploma is required. for further information you can visit this link which will also guide you to applying for this position. http://goo.gl/PUKVOm
Loretto Health & Rehabilitation – Syracuse, NY
CNAT have a CNA course designed for those students who would like to get trained as nurse aides at no cost and also have a job at the end of the course. After you finish your exam and successfully pass both written and skills portions, you will then be hired to work at the above facility. Candidates who are interested should apply only if they meet the age restriction of 17 with minimum high school dip, should be fluent in English, be able to carry weights as in some cases they might have to help with transferring patients and a few other requirements – for more info you can visit their site here: http://goo.gl/6CsR9
The Maplewood – Rochester, NY 100 Daniel Drive | (585) 872-1800
The Maplewood is offering free training for those living in or near Rochester. They will provide you with full training of five to six weeks and on completing your course and successfully passing you will then be employed by the center on a part-time basis. If you’re interested you can send in your Resume here: http://goo.gl/KI9Ui. The HR team will get in touch with you if you have qualified – This will happen a few weeks before the classes commence. For more details you can visit their website over at: http://goo.gl/AvxYb
Through Nursing Care Facilities:
Rochester Adult Education Center – 161 Chestnut Street Rochester, NY 14604
Among the tuition free training programs offered for those who qualify, the Rochester Center highlights a CNA program. This program will provide students with the lab, clinical and lecture studies they need to sit for the competency exam to receive a state recognized NA certification. The programs are able to be provided through workforce programs and other programs designed to help individuals receive the training they need to get to work or to get back to work.
Through WIA Approved Colleges:
Hudson Valley Community College-30 North Russell Road-Albany, NY 12206
Albany, NY 12206 assistant training program offered through Hudson Valley Community College that includes 90 hours of classroom instruction and demonstrations as well as classroom skills training. CNA students will then receive supervised clinical instruction for a total of 30 hours. The course is offered by the Employment Opportunity Center of the college. As such, it might be possible to receive WIA benefits to help you complete this training program if you are currently not working and have no opportunities to become employed without further training.
York College – 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd Jamaica, NY 11451
Free CNA Training in California
In California, the American Red Cross offers free training to future nursing assistant students throughout the state. This is a great opportunity for students looking to build a career in the healthcare industry or for adults interested in a career change. Certification upon completion of the American Red Cross training program is through the State of California and can only be taken at authorized testing locations. Certification and nursing assistant certification renewals require additional fees. To find out which American Red Cross locations offer nursing assistant training in California, visit their website or your local American Red Cross facility. You can also find Workforce Investment approved colleges and low-cost institutions, here are some WIA approved free CNA training programs in California:
Contra Costa College – 2600 Mission Bell Drive | San Pablo CA 94806 | 510-235-7800
Alan Hancock College – 800 South College Ave | Santa Maria CA 93454-6399 | 805-922-6966
American River College – 4700 College Oak Drive | Sacramento CA 95841 | 916-484-8011
Bute College – 3536 Butte Campus Drive | Oroville CA 95965 | 530-895-2511
College of the Sequoias – 915 South Mooney Blvd. Visalia, CA 93277/559-7307-6266
How long does it take to become a CNA in California?
Certified Nursing Assistant Training programs in California are about 6 to 12 weeks long depending on your pace. The training program comprises of classroom and clinical work.
How long does CNA certification last?
Your CNA certification typically lasts 2 years and can be renewed using a renewal form and fee as long as you have maintained working as a CNA during this time.
Is CNA a good career path?
Being a Certified Nursing Assistant is a very rewarding healthcare position and can serve as a stepping stone towards other opportunities in healthcare depending on your goals.
Can I transfer my CNA license to California?
Yes, you can transfer your CNA certification via reciprocity. A background check will be conducted before your certification can be transferred to California. The nursing aide registry will ensure that your certification has not expired in your former state.
What is the average pay for a CNA in California?
The typical salary for a CNA in California ranges between $31,000 and $39,000.
How long does it take to get CNA certified?
Most CNA programs take between 4 to 12 weeks. This is divided into classroom and clinical practices.
Free CNA Training in Florida
If you are interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant but are unsure how to pay for the course, consider the free or low-cost training courses available in Florida. Nursing homes and other long-term residential health centers sometimes offer training courses for little or no cost, with the potential for employment opportunities upon successful completion of the course. There are many agencies that offer these training courses in Florida. The best way to find these agencies is to check with hospitals, nursing homes, and other residential care facilities in your community. Also consider contacting employment centers in Miami, Jacksonville, and other cities in Florida that offer training courses for those who need employment assistance.
Free CNA Training Opportunity:
AdventHealth Winter Park
AdventHealth is looking for high-energy candidates to fill Certified Nursing Assistant openings. They offer great benefits to their employees such as pet insurance, signing bonuses, relocation bonuses, and free CNA training in Florida so you can complete your certification without paying out of pocket, and they will reimburse you for the NCLEX exam you take.
You can contact them at +1 407-646-7000 | Address: 200 N Lakemont Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792, United States
CNA Certification Information
In Florida, all individuals who want to become a certified nursing assistant must meet all course requirements before taking the state certification exam. There are some requirements that all potential students should consider before becoming a certified nursing assistant.
In Florida, all approved certified nursing assistant training programs must provide students with a comprehensive orientation on the requirements to work in all types of licensed healthcare settings, including nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice agencies, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities. Prior to employment, all CNAs must undergo a thorough background check as part of the certification process.
Free CNA Training in Other US States
For free CNA training in other states in the U.S., you can view more details by selecting your state on the page at https://nursingcareertips.com/free-cna-training/.
How to apply?
Because each state provides different channels for free CNA training, you can refer to the links, addresses or phone numbers provided above to contact.
Summary
If you want to work in healthcare, becoming a CNA can help you get started. This path requires much less time and money than obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license. The rules and requirements for becoming a CNA vary from state to state, and you can complete your certification as quickly as possible through free training in each state.