If you have decided that you want to start a career as a certified nursing assistant, there are steps you will need to take. You will need to find and complete a training program that is state approved. After completing that course, it will be necessary to pass the certification test. You will also need to submit finger print cards to the state board of nursing. Please read below for a list of free training opportunities:
Most states offer programs to help individuals who have a low income or are unemployed to train for a new career. You might qualify for such programs in the state of Nevada. You should contact the Board of Nursing in Nevada for referrals to any programs that could help you receive your training for free. The Board of Nursing should be able to help provide you with advice on who to contact to determine if you qualify for any help.
If you attend cna training at a college or vocational school, you should apply for financial assistance. Some programs might not be eligible for financial aid, but it does not hurt to try. You should apply for financial grants and scholarships if any potential grants and scholarships are available to you. Attempt to receive as much assistance as you can to cover the cost of your training.
Contact nursing homes and nursing care facilities to inquire about being hired to train as a nursing assistant. Some facilities will provide you with training for certification if you will work for them for several months or more after becoming certified. Some of these healthcare providers will even provide you with employment in non-certified positions while you complete your training.
It is not hard to find programs to help you afford CNA training in Nevada. In fact, you might find that you are even able to benefit from free training.
Direct Training Opportunities
Nursing Assistant Trainee (added May 2012)
The Highland Manor of Elko located along 2850 Ruby Vista Drive, Elko has Nursing Assistant trainee positions at the moment. This means that you can get your training at no cost AND get paid while you’re doing it. The terms and conditions have not been specified but you will need to apply in person to stand a chance of getting in. These kind of programs usually determine applicants based on their passion and commitment for working in a healthcare position. If you can portray to them that you really want to work directly with patients you stand a better chance of getting accepted into their program.
Low Cost Training Programs
The South Lyon Medical Center has one of the cheapest training programs in Nevada. While most training centers charge upwards of $900 for training in Nevada, the South Lyon Medical Center charges $150. They have a 150 hour program that lasts for 11 weeks(16 hours per week on average). The center is located in Yerington.
The Truckee Meadows Community College also has a low cost program. Their course costs $458 and lasts for 150 hours. They are located in Reno along Dandini Avenue.
Both of the above training centers are eligible for WIA funding. if you’re receiving unemployment benefits or are finding it hard to get a job, you might be able to get the training for free. You need to visit an unemployment office and ask about retraining programs you might be eligible for. We have an article discussing this. Click here for more info .
Nursing Related Scholarships in Nevada
College of Southern Nevada Scholarships
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) works in collaboration with the CSN Foundation to provide scholarships to applicants based on academic achievement or special talents. The Scholarships are open to all CSN students and awards range from $500 to $2500. Applicants can apply for all scholarships offered at CSN by filling out one application. CSN encourages all students to apply and make sure to submit the application by the priority filing date.
Carrington College Scholarships
Carrington has two campuses in Nevada that offer scholarships to graduating seniors or those that have graduated high school in the most recent academic year. The scholarship is $1000 and must be applied toward tuition. In order to qualify, applicant must:
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Submit high school transcripts
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 at Carrington to maintain eligibility
- Submit two letters of recommendation and an essay on why the student has chosen a career as an LPN
Remember to submit all requested documents by the deadline date.
Nevada State Elks Association – Vocational Grant Program
The Vocational Grant program is offered to students who reside within the jurisdiction of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in the state of Nevada. The Grant is open to all students pursing a vocational or technical course. In order to qualify, the applicant must:
- Complete the application and have it signed by a Lodge official
- Have all requested documents in chronological order
Once the grant is awarded, it may only be used for tuition/fees, books, supplies, room and board (if living on campus). In order to be considered for the grant, make sure and submit application before the deadline date.
Institutions in Nevada That Could Help You
Rehabilitation Services
2800 E. St. Louis Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104
The Office of Rehabilitation Services provides many services to help individuals with disabilities. This includes a range of solutions to help individuals find employment opportunities. There are also programs to help put individuals find employment while still receive their much needed health insurance benefits.
The Ridge House
900 West 1st Street, Suite 102. Reno, NV 89503
The Ridge House works with individuals who were formerly in the justice system. They help those individuals to be ready to go back out in the community again. Individuals will receive therapy and a range of other assistance that will really make a difference in their lives. They can also receive workforce development and in some cases this will include job training.
Nursing homes in Nevada that might offer free CNA training
Note: These nursing homes include some of the popular ones in Nevada. While they don’t directly provide free training, it is a good starting point if you’re looking for facilities that may have active vacancies for CNA’s. Those are more likely to hire nursing assistant trainees.
Cheyenne Care Center – 2856 E. Cheyenne Ave. North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
Delmar Gardens Of Green Valley – 100 Delmar Gardens Drive Henderson, Nevada 89014
Evergreen At Pahrump Health & – 4501 North Blagg Rd Pahrump, Nevada 89048
Grover C. Dils Med Ctr Snf – “700 N Spring St, Box 1010-C-Adm Bldg” Caliente, Nevada 89008
Harmony Manor Hgh Snf – 118 East Haskell St Winnemucca, Nevada 89445
Hearthstone Of Northern Nevada – 1950 Baring Blvd Sparks, Nevada 89434
Manor Care Health Services – 3101 Plumas Reno, Nevada 89509
Mountainview Care Center At Bc – 601 Adams Boulevard Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Nevada Veteran’s Nursing Home – 100 Veterans Memorial Dr Boulder City, Nevada 89005
North Las Vegas Care Center – 3215 E. Cheyenne Ave. North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
Nye Regional Med Ctr Snf – 825 Erie Main/ Po Box 391 Tonopah, Nevada 89049
Tlc Care Center – 1500 W Warm Springs Rd Henderson, Nevada 89014
Torrey Pines Care Center – 1701 S. Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, Nevada 89146
Vegas Valley Rehab Hospital – 2945 Casa Vegas Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Washoe Progressive Care Center – 1835 Oddie Blvd. Sparks, Nevada 89431
I called a lot of the nursing homes listed above to see if they offer c.n.a classes in their facilities. They all said no. I wanted to know if they offer c.n.a classes for on the job training as well and the answer is no. I’m from Hawaii and I got my c.n.a. certificate as on the job training. I would think that it would be helpful for the companies to do that as a contract basis so that they would have a employee commit to a certain amount of time of employment. Maybe you have to update this information
I am planning on moving to Las Vegas from Cali and I needed to know what I would need to be able to attend one of the cna programs thank you looking forward to hearing from you soon