To become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you must enroll in CNA courses and take a certification exam. If you don’t have money for local CNA classes, you may be wondering, “How can I find free CNA classes near me for free?” While it might seem surprising, in many places you can take these courses for free. We’ll walk you through several of the more popular ways you can enroll in reduced cost or in some cases even tuition-free CNA classes.
Why Become a CNA?
A career in healthcare is rewarding, and you can make a comfortable living while providing care for those in need. Healthcare is also one of the few industries that offer consistent demand, stability, and generous salaries. However, many people think it’s too difficult to become qualified to work in a healthcare setting. In truth, they’re not entirely wrong, as many careers in the healthcare field have lengthy educational requirements and in today’s fast-paced world it can be difficult to find the time to fit school into your life. A perfect way to eliminate some of these barriers is to start your career as a CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs are an integral part of the healthcare team working alongside doctors and nurses, and providing direct patient care. To become certified to work as a CNA you will need to enroll in a state-licensed program and sit for your state board certification exam.
How Do I Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Beginning a career as a CNA is a relatively quick and straightforward process. The first step is to find a CNA class at a state-approved nurse assistant program. Training typically lasts anywhere from four to twelve weeks and consists of both classroom and hands-on clinical training. Once you have successfully completed the required course hours, you can sit for the CNA certification examination. The exam includes a written and practical test, typically referred to as the skills test. Once you pass your certification exam, you are basically free to begin your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
How Do I Find Free CNA Classes?
Many nursing assistant courses are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and medical care facilities. One of the most popular ways to enroll in free CNA classes is in nursing homes and hospitals. Community colleges, vocational schools, and Red Cross CNA classes are great places to receive your CNA education as well, but they can be costly. Tuition for these courses can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some of these programs offer financial assistance in the way of loans, but who wants to go into debt when there are other options? Fortunately, some hospitals and nursing homes offer local CNA classes free of charge. Along with being free of charge, classes through a hospital or nursing home usually come with guaranteed employment with the facility that provides your education. Who wouldn’t want a free program and secured employment upon completion?
Should I Take Free CNA Classes?
Yes, it may seem a little sketchy to get a free education, but the truth is that the places that offer them do so for good reason. The question you might be asking is “How are healthcare facilities able to offer these courses free of charge?” The answer is that many of these programs receive funding from the state government, or hire those who complete their programs to ensure a steady stream of qualified employees.
How do you go about finding out which hospitals provide free CNA courses?
Many people find out about these free opportunities through word of mouth, from someone they know who work at that particular facility. You can also find out about these classes through a hospital or nursing home websites, or by searching online using a tool like our state by state free CNA class listings. If you are not able to find any information online a simple phone call to the hospital or nursing home human resources office will likely provide you with all the information you need. The training you receive from a hospital is very comparable to the education offered through a school. They both offer some classroom instructions and hands-on clinical experience.
Advantages of Free Hospital and Nursing Home CNA Programs
Besides the obvious advantage of the classes being free, there are many pros to receiving a free certification from a healthcare facility over other options such as a community college. What exactly are these advantages?
- Guaranteed Employment: After completing CNA coursework and earning certification, the next step is job searching, which no one likes to do. You could eliminate the formidable task of looking for your new CNA job if your training was completed at a hospital or nursing home because they will employ you. When you agree to join the program, you also agree to work for that facility for a specified period of time.
- Paid Education: Some hospitals and nursing homes, actually pay you while they train you to become a nursing assistant. Yes, you heard that correctly, paid classes are offered at many facilities because even as a student you are incredibly valuable to the hospital, this is a win-win situation for everyone involved. The facility receives new workers trained specifically for their facility’s requirements, and you receive an education, employment, and compensation.
- Networking: The classes are usually held at the hospital or nursing home that is offering the course. Throughout the weeks that you are learning, you will be able to work with other healthcare professionals. You will be able to form relationships with other healthcare professionals who can make great mentors and can guide you in the right direction throughout your career in healthcare, particularly if you want to progress to a career as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
- Practical Hands-on Experience: CNA courses through a community college or vocational school offers clinical experience because it is needed to pass the practical part of your board exam. Classes offered through a hospital provide a clinical experience as well, but you tend to have more opportunity for practicing patient care, as you will be learning in a hospital setting compared to a classroom at a school.
Potential Downside to Free CNA Classes: There is no doubt that the pros of receiving free CNA certification from a hospital are plentiful, but what are some of the potential cons? If you sign a contract to receive tuition payments in exchange for say a year of working at a facility after completing your coursework and you leave without fulfilling the requirement, there can be financial consequences. You may have to pay back the facility for the tuition if you do not comply with your contract.
Overall, hospitals and nursing homes that offer CNA classes are a great way to enter the healthcare field. Receiving your education from a healthcare facility opens up many opportunities for you.
Additional Options CNA Courses
While many people opt for free CNA classes at a senior care center or a hospital, many states offer several other options as well.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers free nursing assistant programs in certain parts of the country. If you are lucky enough to live in an area where these classes are provided, you can take advantage of it for no charge. Some locations do charge for CNA programs but make grants available to those with little or no income. You could still be responsible for the cost of uniforms and related items such as a wristwatch with a second hand. You can visit their website to learn more.
Job Centers
Many job and vocational training centers will also make free CNA classes available to certain individuals. To see if classes are available, check with your local unemployment office or job placement center. If there are no free classes being offered, you could be eligible for discounted tuition or a scholarship to help you cover the costs.
Job Corps
Job Corps is a program for individuals aged 16 to 24 who are interested in learning a trade. They offer no-cost tuition in addition to room and board at a Job Corps facility. Some centers will even help you obtain certification once you have completed your program. Assistance with job placement is provided to all graduates as well.
All of these are good options; however, not everyone is able to take advantage of them. In the event that none of these fit your needs, your best bet would be to look for classes at a local community college or through an accredited online school.
You can have a lifelong career as a certified nursing assistant, or you can use your experience as a stepping stone to other careers in the healthcare industry. Whatever your path may be, embarking on a job as a certified nursing assistant will lead to a gratifying career.
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FAQs
How can I get my CNA license for free in Texas? ›
1) Free CNA training can sometimes be accessed through The Workforce and Continuing Education Department. The Texas division of this department might offer training to you if you have a low income and are between the age of 17 and 21.
How much does a CNA class cost in Texas? ›In Texas, the average CNA class costs $1020 and is 4 weeks long. The exam costs $125 ($135 if taking orally or in Spanish). Average starting salary ranges based on where in the state you are, but is around $13-15/hour.
How much does a CNA course cost in Maryland? ›The approximate cost of this program is $1,953 and includes Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification, fingerprinting, and MBON registration.
How much does a CNA course cost in Oklahoma? ›...
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
| CNA Tuition and Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| ITEM | COST | |
| 1 | Tuition | $ 500.00 |
| 2 | State Exam | $ 160.00 |
| 3 | TB Skin Screen Test | $ 35.00 |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
$15 - 16 + / hr. based on experience.
You may request to be exempt from training and take only the exam, if: After July 1, 1989, you successfully completed the training portion of an approved NATCEP in any state and have not completed the CEP test or been placed on the registry in another state.
How much does CNA make an hour? ›As of Feb 4, 2023, the average hourly pay for a CNA in the United States is $16.03 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $24.76 and as low as $8.89, the majority of CNA wages currently range between $12.98 (25th percentile) to $18.03 (75th percentile) across the United States.
Is CNA hard to pass? ›Is the CNA Exam Hard? The exam can be hard if Nursing Assistants do not have the knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam. The written or oral section of the exam may consist of approximately 70 questions, but the exact number of questions varies by state.
What is a CNA salary? ›How Much Do CNAs Make? The median salary for CNAs working in the United States currently sits at $30,850. Nursing assistants in the top 10% of earners make more than $42,110, and those in the lowest 10% bring home less than $22,750.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Maryland? ›Healthcare Mentorship Maryland is an eight-week Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) training program that provides comprehensive essential skills training, case management, job readiness instruction, placement and retention services to meet a critical demand of essential workers for a ...
What's the difference between CNA and GNA? ›
The GNA is a person who has completed an approved nursing assistant program and has been certified as nursing assistant by the board of nursing. The CNA has to take the state exam to obtain another certification to become a GNA.
Can I become a CNA online? ›Can you become a CNA online? Yes, you can become a CNA through an online program. While taking CNA classes online, you'll complete hands-on clinical training at a local site. Online CNA programs typically take 4-12 weeks.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Oklahoma? ›Program Length: CNA training programs can vary in length depending on the type of certification. The base-level long-term care aide training in Oklahoma must include 75 hours of instruction, including 16 hours of supervised practical training. These programs generally take around 2 to 4 weeks to complete.
How long is a CNA license good for in Oklahoma? ›CNA Certification also known as Certified Nurse Aide or Long Term Aide must renew his/her certification every two years.
How long is a CNA course? ›Generally, most certified nursing assistant programs may take between four and 12 weeks. This is broken into instructional hours and clinical practice. A typical 120-hour CNA program offered over six weeks may include four weeks in class and two weeks in a clinical setting, depending on state guidelines.
Who pays CNAs the highest? ›...
The Highest-Paying States for CNAs.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $38,830 |
- Arlington, TX. $17.48 per hour. 217 salaries reported.
- Corpus Christi, TX. $16.17 per hour. 61 salaries reported.
- Dallas, TX. $16.04 per hour. 773 salaries reported.
- Fort Worth, TX. $15.87 per hour. 421 salaries reported.
- Lubbock, TX. $15.77 per hour. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
| Rank | State | Average Certified Nursing Assistant Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $45,187 |
| 2 | Alaska | $42,735 |
| 3 | Vermont | $40,762 |
| 4 | Maine | $38,575 |
Criminal Convictions and Employment
Criminal convictions related to instances of abuse or neglect will serve as immediate barriers to employment. Other criminal convictions, such as possession of marijuana, hazing, prostitution and traffic violations may not disqualify you from employment.
The Written Test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that evaluate your nurse aide knowledge and skills. You will have 90 minutes to take the test.
How long does it take to become CNA in Texas? ›
CNA training programs in Texas consist of at least 100 hours of training, including at least 40 hours of hands-on clinical training.
What is the 5 skills for CNA? ›- Knowledge. It is important for you to take your classes seriously when in CNA school. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Observation. ...
- Emotional Stability. ...
- Empathy.
A career as a CNA should provide an enriching experience for those who want to help people, make a difference in patients' daily lives, and enter a profession without committing to earning a degree. It is also ideal for those seeking variety in the workday, job stability, and opportunities for advancement.
What comes after CNA? ›While some CNAs will stay in the role for many years, others may consider the position to be a stepping-stone to another career. These CNAs may become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), or healthcare specialists in related fields.
Is being a CNA hard on your body? ›When you work as a CNA, you can expect your job to be extremely physically demanding. Every shift, you are required to move, lift, push and pull your patients. While this is excellent exercise, it can be highly uncomfortable and even painful on the body.
Is the CNA exam multiple-choice? ›The Written Test (Nurse Assistant Written Knowledge Examination) consists of sixty (60) multiple-choice questions with a two-hour time limit. Same day test results are provided.
What are automatic fails on a CNA test? ›Students will outright fail an entire skill if they forget or omit a critical step. A test taker will fail the hands-on skills section of the CNA state exam if he or she forgets to perform, outright misses, or wrongly performs any critical element steps associated with each skill.
What is a LPN salary? › How much CNA makes an hour in Maryland? ›How much does a CNA make in Maryland? As of Feb 2, 2023, the average annual pay for the CNA jobs category in Maryland is $30,198 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $14.52 an hour.
How much do CNA make starting off in MD? ›| Years of experience | Per hour |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $18.69 |
| 1 to 2 years | $18.88 |
| 3 to 5 years | $19.88 |
| 6 to 9 years | $20.39 |
What is the difference between a CNA and GNA in Maryland? ›
What is the difference between a CNA and a GNA? A CNA is a person who has completed an approved nursing assistant program and has been certified as nursing assistant by the board of nursing. A GNA is a CNA who has passed the GNA state exam.
Which is better CNA or LNA? ›The LNA title is interchangeable with "CNA", which is a certified nursing assistant. The two are essentially the same job, receive the same training and have the same requirements to work in the field. LNAs often work in hospital settings, long-term care facilities like nursing homes and more.
What position is higher than a CNA? ›LPNs provide a higher level of care than a CNA in most settings. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians monitoring patients, administering first aid, and updating health records. CNAs provide basic care and help patients with daily living tasks under the direction of LPNs and RNs.
Is CNA higher than Ma? ›Medical assistants have more education and often take on more advanced clinical tasks than CNAs. The median annual salaries for each role reflect this.
How much are CNA online programs? ›The cost to attend CNA online ranges from $100 to $570 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $500. When asked how they paid for their training, most reviewers responded, "This certification program was free for everyone".
How can I make money as a CNA? ›- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ...
- Operating Room. ...
- Telemetry. ...
- Emergency Room. ...
- Medicine and Surgery. ...
- Get hired.
Becoming a CNA has different requirements depending on the state. In Texas, CNA training and classes can be completed through a local college or vocational school and can sometimes be found online as well.
Can I get my CNA online in Texas? ›Online/In-Person Options: Online coursework may be available at some CNA schools. Typically, select courses will be offered online, with the student completing labs and clinical experiences in-person.
How long does it take to get a CNA license in Texas? ›The program can be completed in 6-15 weeks, although there are some accelerated programs that offer 4-week CNA classes as well.
Can you become a CNA online? ›
Can you become a CNA online? Yes, you can become a CNA through an online program. While taking CNA classes online, you'll complete hands-on clinical training at a local site. Online CNA programs typically take 4-12 weeks.
Does a Texas CNA license expire? ›Nurse aides renewing their certification are required to complete 24 hours of in-service education every 2 years. For a list of approved programs, visit the NAR Approved In-Service Education Programs webpage.
What score do you need to pass the CNA written exam in Texas? ›For the written (knowledge) test, you must correctly answer more than 80 percent to pass the exam. Reviewing your notes and practicing your skills are good measures to prepare for success.
How long do you have to take the CNA test after the class Texas? ›You can work for 4 months as a CNA before you need to pass your exam. You also have 3 attempts per section. So, don't stress about not passing immediately. 72% of students pass their clinical skills portion on a retest, which is a higher pass rate than first attempts.
How much does a CNA make in a hospital in Texas? ›The average Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Texas is $33,988 as of January 26, 2023, but the range typically falls between $30,975 and $37,529.
Can you make money as a CNA? ›Average Salary for CNAs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs earn a median salary of $30,310, which amounts to $14.57 per hour. The lowest 10% make about $23,880, with the top 10% earning $44,240. CNA salaries depend on many factors, like education, certification, and experience.