It is not possible to work as a certified nursing assistant until you select and enroll in a training program that has been approved by the state in which you are planning to work. In this page, we will be looking at various ways you can get trained for free as well as the different programs and grants available for each state.
Once you get enrolled into a program. you will need to complete all segments of the training program including the theoretical and clinical instruction. There will be a certification exam that you will need to pass before receiving certification.
If you’re in a hurry, simply click on your state below and you’ll be taken to a listing of different opportunities we have found as well as those sent in by readers just like you. If you don’t find an opportunity, you can come back to this page and see the general ways you can get free CNA training.
Click Your State Below:
Scholarships and Grants
Nursing assistant training programs are often available through community colleges, technical schools and other educational facilities. You should locate a few cna training programs at colleges in your area. Contact the school to determine if the nursing assistant training courses make you eligible to apply for scholarships. You can receive free cna training if your scholarship covers the entire price of tuition and expenses.
When attending a certified nursing assistant program at a college or university, you might qualify to apply for financial aid in the form of grants. This is particularly true for schools that offer you credit hours for training as a CNA. The financial aid office of a school can help you determine if you can apply for financial assistance.
The CNA/HHA Scholarship Program provides scholarships for eligible students who might otherwise not be able to afford tuition and fees associated with training to become certified nursing assistants or home health aides. These scholarships are often available through healthcare facilities and other certified nursing assistant training providers.
Nursing Care Facilities
It is often possible to access CNA training through nursing care facilities. You might very well be able to receive your training for free through one of these facilities. Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities must employ high quality nursing assistants. In order to attract potential nursing assistants, these facilities will hire individuals to train as certified nursing assistants. The individuals will sign a contract agreeing to work for the nursing home for a specific amount of time (often 6 months to one year) as long as their training fees are paid for them.
Many nursing care facilities will hire men and women who have just recently received their nursing assistant certification. In most states, these healthcare providers will reimburse people for the fees they paid to receive their nursing assistant training and certification.
Employment and Training Programs
You can receive free cna training as a result of financial assistance from employment and training programs in your state or local area. For example, individuals who are unemployed can often receive assistance paying for training programs (such as CNA courses). Many states offer training opportunities for displaced homemakers as well. These programs help to ensure that individuals who are not currently working can access training for a new career. Contact unemployment agencies, income assistance office and other programs in your area to search for help receiving free cna training.
If your state offers Offices of Adult and Continuing Education or The Workforce and Continuing Education Departments, you should contact local offices if you are looking for cna programs. There are often programs through these departments that offer help with training expenses. You are more likely to be able to receive help if you have little or no income, are a single parent or are facing some other type of hardship. For More info on the Workforce Investment Act Click Here
State Board of Nursing
Call the State Board of Nursing if you want to start a career as a certified nursing assistant but are unsure of how to finance your training. Many states offer special programs to help individuals afford entry-level training for healthcare and other occupations. The State Board of Nursing should be able to help direct you to any programs in your state. They should also be able to direct you to cna training providers in your area that offer free cna training.
The State Board of Nursing can direct you to the Nursing Aide Registry or other agencies in your state if they do not handle information pertaining to nursing assistants (though in most states the board of nursing does deal with nursing assistant information). Contact these agencies as well if you are looking for free cna training options.
Your Employer
If you are working in a healthcare setting and wish to start a career as a cna, you should talk to your employer. If your employer utilizes certified nursing assistants, the employer might be willing to pay for your training. This is especially true if you are a motivated and hard-working individual. It is likely that you will be required to continue working for your employer as a CNA for an agreed upon amount of time if they pay for your training.
i was interested in knowing if there were any free cna classes around hagerstown md
Hi Tiffany,
This might help: http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/maryland/
Well do you know of any in the Detroit area…
See our page for Free CNA training in Detroit
New in the area and need to be certified already have experience.
Hi Joycelyn,
Check out the pages on the left to see the different free options in your particular state.
I was wanting to start training for a cna how would i be able to start that.
Teri,
You can read the introductory part on our main page: http://cnatraininghelp.com/
Specifically, check out the post on http://cnatraininghelp.com/introduction-to-cna-training/
I was looking for a nursing home that has these class”s available in my area Columbus INdiana? any onfo would be great…
Hi Cynthia,
Check out our dedicated page for Free CNA training in Indiana
Want to take online cna classes. I live in mussouri. What online course do I go to?
I had my CNA but I let it expire without realizing it. I was wondering where and when there are more classes in the Syracuse, Ny area?
Hi Helen,
check out our page on CNA classes in new York
hi i am nterested in knowing if there were any free cna classes in delaware conty community college or around philadelphia pa
and am new in usa from another contry there is any chance forn to be cna certified
Hi,
I’m not really sure if there were. You can however check out the options in Delaware for free CNA training by clicking the link on the right.
I am looking for free cna classes n colorado.Preferbaly in Aurora.
Check out our dedicated page for Free CNA training in Aurora, Colorado
Hi Christina,
Have you checked out our dedicated page for Free CNA training in Colorado? You can go to your preferred state page by selecting it from the navigation on the right.
i need to find free cna classes in houston tx 77088 that fit my work hours 230pm to 1100pm how do i go about doing that. are who i need to contact,i perfer working @ a hospital that pays you to work for them but i dont know who to talk to about it
Hi Evelyn, Did you check out the specific Free CNA training page for Houston?
i would like to become a cna i have been doning direct care work for five years but i dont have money to go does any one know how i can get help? please help me i really want this!
If you’ve been working in a nursing care facility, they might be willing to sponsor you to get certified.
nedd a phone # to contact and ask questions
I am unterested in your CNA on-line certification
Hi Rosemary, we don’t provide CNA training from our website. We provide information on getting Free CNA training at different facilities accross the US. If you have any questions, feel free to use the contact page to send it over. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide call support but we’ll do our best to get back to you with an aswer as soon as we can.
I am 17 and was wondering if I could take evening CNA classes in Fayetteville Arkansas. I have talked to a nursing home that is willing to sponsor me, but I didn’t know if I could do it before I turned 18.
Your age shouldn’t be a problem Amanda. Congratulations for wanting to become a CNA!
hi my name is monica i really want to take cna class but i can’t effort because i m a single mother not working right i am to rise a Struggling to raise a child on my own i was wondering what i can do get my cna license.
Hi Monica,
You can check out our Free CNA training page for your state to see if there are any available free training options. if not, your best bet is to contact a nursing care facility and work in exchange for free training.
I was wondering if they had any free cna classes around des moines iowa
Hi,
Check out our dedicated page for Free CNA Training in Des moines Iowa
i was wondering if there were any free cna training in jamaica ny
Hi, Check out our dedicated page for New York
I am interested in any free or employer sponsored CNA training classes in Boise, Idaho, can you help?
Currently, The only available option for Idaho is to contact nursing care facilities and see if they’ll hire you and pay for your CNA training.
hi i was wondering about cna training near madison fl or valdosta ga
Hi Belinda,
Did you check out our dedicated page for CNA classes in Florida?
i cant find any CNA that is free in federalway wa…im stuggling.. i cannot get finicail aid once again because the apllication was imcomplete.which i do not understand because i had alot of help doing that,,,or if u knw any hospiatl that would train me so i can work my way up to an RN..thanks
Hi,
Have you tried contacting nursing care facilities and the like near your area? They are your best bet for free training. You could also opt to join the Job Corps if you’re able to.
I recently moved to eutaw alabama…I’m unemployed and looking to take free cna classes.
Hi Keisha,
You might want to check out our dedicated page for free CNA classes in Alabama
I was wondering are there any nursing homes in the Mississippi area offering Free CNA Training.
Usually, the ones that might offer free trainign are the ones with active vacancies. That’s a good place to start. Also check out our dedicated page for free CNA classes in mississippi
im lookin for free CNA traing in Norfolk,VA PLEASE HELP!!!
I’m looking to take a CNA class in Star City or Pine Bluff Arkansas. Can you help?
Hi, Have you checked out http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/arkansas/
I was wondering if there are any free CNA training in Rome, GA
See http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/georgia/
i was wondering if there where nursing homes in buffalo n.y. that provided cna training
Try the ones over at http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/new-york/
Im looking a CNA school program near in fontana, and rancho cucamonga. Finish already my nursing degree but i did not yet take my NCLEX exam. Can you help me to find is offering CNA program.
Check out the list at http://cnatraininghelp.com/cna-classes/cna-training-in-california/
I was wondering if there was any free CNA classess in north augusta SC
See http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/south-carolina/
I already have a school picked. I live in Palm Bay Florida. The school is state certifed however I cannot find any scholarships available for this school. It is just a training school. There are no credits involved and it is only an 8 week CNA course. I am trying to get financial assistance (NOT FINANCIAL AID as this school does not take that) through a job workforce center in my town. They want me to first apply for three scholarships, as they are just a last resort, but I cannot find any scholarships available for the school I am trying to attend. Any advice? I really need this!
Hello. Does anyone here know when the next CNA program will be posted for Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Sayville NY? Thanks.
I did contact them directly, and they told me it would be up on their wesite, but I dont see where it would be posted, and they were of little to no help in explaining how to navigate the website to find this information.
anyone who knows where i can do the CNA program in nevada? i did these in a different country and i hate i have to do it all over again.
See free CNA classes in Nevada
Hello, I am looking for a totally free cna class in Detroit, MI starting soon. If anyone knows of one please let me know. You can email me at (removed). I would appreciate any information you may have. Thank You.
Did you see our page on free CNA classes in Michigan?
I already took the cna wriien and practical exam and pase=sed in Fl. How do I get certified and registered in Georgetown, Kentucky?
You need to transfer your certification to Kentucky. Read the detailed guidelines over at http://cnatraininghelp.com/cna-certification/kentucky/
im looking for free c.n.a training bradenton fla
I was just woundering if anyone knew of a class. That i can take in rockdale thats were i live. or if their is any near by me. ( free CNA traniing )
call me at 724 992 4153 Thanks alot kaylah.
hi my name is tenasha trammell iam looking for a cna class in the chester county area and i would liketo start ASAP s is you can help me please do so that you so much .
Hi I am Marie I am looking for free cna tranning class in Attleboro MA. Thank you.
I am looking for CNA classes around Corinth
Have you tried any nursing home near your area?
is there a free training cna program or equivalency for a bsn graduated in a different country like philippines?
Hi Dominic,
Federal guidelines state that specific topics have to be covered as part of CNA Training. If you’re moving to the US and want to become a CNA you will need to take the classes. Its only for around 4 to 6 weeks though.
Hi
I have a HHA cert from the state of New York that I completed over 10 years ago. Have been living in CT and raising my four children, looking to either find a FREE refresher course for my HHA or FREE CNA Training. I cannot pay for any tution at this time with only my husband working and supporting a family of 6 with one of our children who is disabled. Thank so much!
Hi Lisa,
I’d suggest contacting a nursing home near you. Since they are always looking for CNA’s they might be willing to pay to get you trained if you’re willing to commit to working for them for a set number of years. Its the best way to get training. other options may include contacting workforce and unemployment programs but those can be difficult and time consuming.
I was wondering if there was any free cna classess in nashvill,tn.
i would like to know ifb there is any free cna courses in new york
Check out http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/new-york/ for options
I am looking for a free CNA class in Black Mountain, North Carolina.. I have looked all over the place and can not find anywhere offering them. I am very limited to transportation right now so the class has to be in Black Mountain.. If anyone can help please let me know. I would really appreciate it..
Thanks
Have you checked out out specific NC page at http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/north-carolina/
I was wondering if there where nursing homes in Philadelphia,PA that provided CNA training
I am seeking employment at a nursing home in richmond virginia offering cna training
Check out thelist over at http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/virginia/
Hi, I’m in real bad need of work so i decided to go with CNA classes..Unfortunately i don’t have the 600 dollars to take the class due to the lack of employment in the woodstock virginia area. I already contacted all of the nursing homes in my surrounding area, but none of them do it. I dont hafve a car or anyone to drive me to where the classes are being held, so i was kind of thinking about maybe any colleges around the woodstock virginia area that may offer take financial aid to take the class. If you know any plz contact me @ kennyz_boo1823 thats my yahoo e mail…Thanks!
Have you tried out any of the nursing homes near your area?
Hello. I recently lost my GA certification and was wondering if there are any CNA training programs that are free or provide fincial aid in GA.
Hi Narriman, Click on http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/ and select your state on the right navigation bar.
I was wondering if there was free CNA training in Fall River,MA.
Check out http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/massachusetts/
i am trying to find a shool or program that offer free cna classes in milwaukee wi
Check out http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/wisconsin/
Need to know if there are any nursing homes in Charlotte NC, Concord or Matthews area that offers free Cna training.
Check out http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/north-carolina/
I would like to finda a facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho that is willing to provide training for a person interested in Certified Nursing Assisting. I have taken a course in Phlebotomy, and am going for my certification. I love people, and believe we learn from others how to provide the best posible care and service. Not all people whom have a desire to give care, can afford the cost of the education. And I have found that not all areas have the training facilities to provide necessary classes. I would appreciate any information, or help in becoming a dedicated CNA trainee/student.
Thank you!
Hello there,I have been working as an Home care provider for the past7 years.In Oct.2001 I received. my cert. as a Certified Nurses Aide.in N.ca.my cert. didn’t expire for 4 years due to all of the in service hours I put in.I recently moved back down to So.Ca.And i am seeking Facilities in the Ontario areas that offer C.n.A. training programs.I am ex-pd.with wound vacs,pic lines,G.T.feeding,Wound care,cock pouches(general term for a special procedure that reroutes the bladder from vaginal to stoma for catheterizing for urine) Quads,Alzheimer’s, dementia. Can you please help me find a location?I am a single mother trying to start all over again and only working part time.I’ve been searching on line but when I think I found a solid link it sends me to “Medical assistant. No thank you. I like hands on,exposure,dealing with patients,or residents that really depend on our knowledge,experience,and compassion,and some times knows more than our charge nurses,LOL Thank you,Robyn Moore Ontario,Ca.
here did you go at school in ontario ca.
I took the CNA Training course a few years ago, and i never went and took my exam to be certified. I was wondering, since it’s been so long..do i have to retake the course?
& I was wondering will nursing facilities hire you if you do not have the certification, and perhaps train you there to get it..im just so unsure if ive waited too long and wont remember.
To answer your first question, you have 2 years from when you did the training to take the CNA certification exam. Some nursing homes will train you to become CNA’s provided you agree to work for them for a specified number of months after you get certified.
I am looking for free CNA training classes near Fayetteville, Arkansas!
Hi Lorianne,
Have you checked out http://cnatraininghelp.com/free-cna-training/arkansas/
am a Ugandan who wants to relocate to Colorado, i want to do CNA training. am i eligible. i have a medical background in Uganda but want to improve my career from USA.
kindly advise me.
Hi Ziraba,
The requirements for CNA training aren’t that difficult to obtain. As long as you’ve completed an equivalent of the GED(high school) you should be able to get into a CNA training school. Sometimes even without a GED, depending on the requirements of the Colorado board of nursing you might be able to get trained as a CNA.
Hi, I would like to train to become a CNA but I do not have the $ 680.00 so I was wondering if there was some way that I could get so financial assistance through the government or some sort of grant. I need to get certified so I can find a job.
Hi Valenice. Have you checked out your state specific page on the right to see if there are any opportunities in your state?
Hello, try going to your nearest one stop building. Its also known as unemployment and u could ask for a training voucher. I live in nj and thats who going to pay for my cna training. Youll have to go to a couple of work shops but its worth it. I start school on sept 12.
I have worked in a hospital as a CNA but was not required to have a license. I worked at the hospital for 16 years. After 10 years they sent us to Armstrong university to become PAtient Care Technicians. I am wondering I have the medical experience can I just take the CNA exam? I live in Savannah Georgia please I need some information on this
Subject.
sincerely,
Corinne
As far as I know, only the state of Florida allows you to do the exam without taking the training course. I’d suggest contacting the Georgia CNA registry for more specific info.
I am currently a PCA in Albany New York and would like to obtain my CNA and eventually my LPN. I’m looking for free CNA training in Albany other than GJCA (Glenmont Job Corps Academy).
I have a strong academic background in Medical Assisting & CNA experience for the last three years. In addition to my experience Im also a fast learner and dedicated to quality work & if presented with the proper opportunity to allow me to develop & strenghten my skill’s , I believe I can make a significant contribution to any company. Looking for training course in Antioch Ca Area
Hi my name is Vanessa i live in puerto rico and im wondering if i can take a free cna course my plans are to move to bridgeport connecticut any help will be appreciated
hi i was wondering if you can please help me find a school or program that offers CNA training for little to no cost. i am currently in Binghamton, NY.. thank you
I got a job opportunity at a brand new Adult Family Home here in WA state. My employer needs me as CNA. I am being hired due to my B.S. in Nursing degree which I took back in the Philippines in 1990. However, I am not certified as RN here in the US. Do i need to take the usual route of required trainings to be CNA like anybody else or do I need to have my credentials evaluated to see if I qualify to just take a required number of training hours to be certified as Nurse Asst?
If I need to take CNA classes/trainings…is there anywhere I could them for free? I am currently a stay-at-home mom blessed with this wonderful job opportunity.
I live in Chesapeake, Virginia and I was wondering if there are any free cna courses within 25 miles of this area.Ii have been unemployed for three years and I really just want to return to work and provide for my family. Any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
I live in Puerto Rico..and wanted to know if you have info on any place I can take the CNA course…planning to go back to the states..but they told me its cheaper here..can I take the certificate here and use in the states…I am working right now in a nursing home for 5 years..and have training skills.
Please let me know.
Sorry but no. I was going to get mine in Kentucky, and then move back to my hometown, but you need a License in the state your practicing in. So you can get one in Puerto Rico, but once you come back to the states you would have to get another one. I’m pretty sure you would have to do the whole course again. I could be wrong on that part, not sure really. But I do know that you need an active license for the state your doing it in.
I was sent to your website for finiancial support to get my LNA. I have passed my class and nd am certified and now i would like to to get back to work , i am unable to work du to lack o fund..is there and way you can help me with tis area.
My name is Helen Strawder,i would like to get certified for CNA, but i don’t have the finances to do so, iwould like to have help with getting certified and getting a job. Thank you in advance
HI my name is Ronnie Paschal, I live Grayson Ga, looking for classes for CNA through the Red Cross any information.
Does any body know any CNA classes around Mount Pleasant,Michigan.Or is there any cheap school there?
I do not have a DWI charge
Hello, I’m interested in obtaining information on free c.n.a. certification classes in houston, tx. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my post, THANK YOU & MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
Your two best choices for FREE C.N.A. Training are an employer or the Workforce Investment Act. With the employer, if you do not have the money up front to go to one of the long term care facilities that has tuition reimbursement, try to get hired on at a local hospital that offers paid training or a community college that offers free classes for employees. This means you may have to get a job as a tray line person, or housekeeper, or something else unrelated to nursing, but you will be in a medical care facility that rewards their employees with free tuition to better themselves and who want to go for occupations that are in demand in the hospital. Some will even pay for LPN or RN classes while you go down to part-time. Most community colleges offer free classes for ALL their full time employees and many for their children as well. My two kids got their first two years of college free. Again, you might have to take a job in housekeeping or the mail room to get the free money. Workforce Investment ACT offices are the other choice as mentioned here. I worked for them for 20 years. You will want to do a search for Workforce Investment Act office for your county and state. Your unemployment or public aid offices should also know where they are. This is FREE money for school – for low income individuals or laid off workers. I’ve paid for CNA, LPN, RN, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Tech, Med Lab Assistant, Coder, and Physical therapy assistant. We paid everything including all the tuition, childcare, gas mileage, stethoscope, scrubs, text books, etc. The client paid NOTHING! Since many programs are cut, some wont have money at this time of the year (April) but they get their new money July 1st for most states and October 1st for other states. When I’ve run out of money I have also sent people to the State’s Department of Rehab Services if they had any kind of disability including something like seizures or diabetes. They paid for all their schooling as well. hope this helps.
Hello, im looking for cna classes if i could, or even one where i can be on a payment plan, id prefer red cross but am open to any, can you please help me?
Hi,i am living in sunnyvale,California and lokking for financcial support to get a training for free becouse i don’t have work to cover the cost.I am looking forward to hear from you.
Hi, would like to get certified for CNA, but not working right now. Would like to get help been certified. Thanks!
I’ve wasted alot of time and money to trying to find where i fit in the medical field. Private colleges lie, jump thru hoops with their BIG PROMISES of unbountiful job oppertunities..But at the of the day, i still don’t have a job, a $16,000 piece of expensive tissue paper..Being diagnose with severe depression hasnt help either. I want to become a working class citizen, someone able to pay loans, buy new items for my children. I’m unemployed and a displace worker, who is willing to do anything (LEGAL) to get ahead in life. I’ll wash toilets, windows, babysit, even walk dogs. Can someone please point me in the right direction and PROMISE I’ll take it from there. Kimberly J in Long Beach, Cali.
hi, i was wondering if u no of any websites that i can apply for scholarships for obtaining cna classes? any info would be great help. thanks!
I was trying to start a CNA OR HHA training but I couldn’t find anything in the state of Philadelphia thats free. could you help me.