Free and Low-Cost Certified Nursing Assistant Courses: Here’s How!
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great way to enter the healthcare field, and many programs offer free or affordable training options. Here are some excellent opportunities to start your CNA career for free or at a low cost:
Free CNA Training Programs
Consider these free online cna courses with certificates:
1. Job Corps
Certificate Title: Certified Nurse Assistant
Program Length: Varies
Certificate Overview: This free training program is available at 62 Job Corps centers across the U.S. Students can earn their CNA license, along with Heartsaver® Bloodborne Pathogens and BLS for Healthcare Providers credentials.
Eligibility: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applicants must complete introductory and career prep courses, pass all tests, and meet math and reading requirements, as well as additional state requirements like background checks.
2. Procareer Academy
Certificate Title: Certified Nursing Assistant
Program Length: Six weeks
Certificate Overview: This online program offers live classes on weekday evenings and in-person clinical hours on weekends in Whittier and Escondido, California. Approved by California’s Department of Public Health, it prepares students for the California CNA exam, covering patient rights, patient care skills, emergency procedures, and end-of-life care.
Eligibility: Some learners can take this course at no charge due to California grants. Tuition free! Applicants must agree to work as a CNA for one employer for at least a year after graduating.
3. Ballad Health
Certificate Title: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program – Online Hybrid Course
Program Length: 60 hours of classes and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience
Certificate Overview: This program meets state and federal requirements and focuses on bedside patient care, especially in long-term care and geriatrics. Classes take place online, but learners complete in-person labs and clinical experiences in Tennessee. Students must purchase scrubs, but otherwise, the program is free.
Eligibility: Must be at least 17 years old, complete a background check, meet Ballad Health's vaccination policies, and hold a high school diploma or GED or be within six months of graduating high school.
4. CAL ACE Nursing Academy
Certificate Title: Online NATP (CNA Program)
Program Length: Seven weeks
Certificate Overview: This program prepares students for CNA certification in California and includes 62 online theory hours and 102 in-person clinical skill hours in San Jose and Santa Cruz. The curriculum covers rehabilitative nursing, vital signs, communication skills, and abuse prevention.
The program offers paid and free options through partnerships with potential employers. In this scenario, a facility would pay 100% of your tuition fees or offer to reimburse you. Must be at least 16 years old, a California resident (or willing to become one), and have BLS certification, COVID-19 immunizations, a negative tuberculosis test result, a physical exam, and a background check.
Low-Cost CNA Courses
While free courses are limited, there are several low-cost options that still provide valuable training:
1. Udemy
Certificate Title: Home Health Aide, Nurse Aide, Caregiver Certification Course
Cost: $89.99 (often discounted)
Program Length: Self-paced
Certificate Overview: This course teaches the basics of home healthcare, including care for children and elderly, mentally ill, and disabled patients. Topics include CPR, basic anatomy, nutrition, and meal preparation. It offers lifetime access to resources, including articles, videos, and downloadable materials.
2. American River College
Certificate Title: Certified Nurse Assistant
Cost: $552 (in-state)
Program Length: About three-and-a-half months
Certificate Overview: This program equips students with essential nursing skills, comprising 86 hours of classroom theory, nine hours of skills lab practice, and over 100 clinical hours. The college is located in Sacramento, California.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet California Department of Public Health requirements, including a criminal background check and proof of vaccinations. A passing grade in a medical terminology course is also required.
3. Lehman College
Certificate Title: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Online
Cost: Varies by course
Program Length: 125 hours
Certificate Overview: This hybrid program, approved by the New York State Education Department, prepares students for the state CNA certification exam. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, and fundamentals of patient care courses, with 95 classroom hours and 30 clinical rotation hours.
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, submit required medical forms and COVID-19 vaccination documentation, and complete a CPR course before clinical rotations. The ASSET scholarship covers 50% of tuition, and the program is eligible for Workforce1 Individual Training Grant vouchers.
Steps to Enroll
1.Research Programs: Identify accredited CNA courses that meet your state’s certification requirements.
2.Check Eligibility: Most programs require a high school diploma or GED, background checks, and certain vaccinations.
3.Apply Early: Free and low-cost courses can be competitive, so apply as soon as possible to enhance your chances of admission.
4.Gather Required Documents: Prepare any necessary documentation, such as proof of education, vaccination records, and identification.
5.Follow Up: After applying, follow up with the program to ensure your application is complete and inquire about next steps.
Certification and Job Opportunities
Upon completing these courses, students will be prepared for the state CNA certification exam, a necessary step for becoming a licensed professional. Certified Nursing Assistants can apply for work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long term care facilities, clinics, psychiatric units, pediatric centers, day care facilities, assisting living units, hospice and home health agencies.
Affordable or free CNA courses offer an excellent entry point for a career in healthcare without significant financial investment. Explore the options that best suit your needs and take the steps to apply today.