Due to the high demand for nurses, there are numerous scholarship and grant programs available that may help you pay for school.
Another good place to start looking for grants and scholarships is the financial aid department of the nursing school you plan to attend. Often, the people who work in the financial aid department have a wealth of knowledge and have assisted others in finding scholarships to help pay for part or all of their education. This can be a very good place to start, with lots of resources that you can use.
The Workforce Investment Act
The workforce investment act was made up to help people improve their chances of gaining employment. Through your local workforce office, you may be eligible to get free training if you’ve been unemployed for a substantial amount of time. Nursing assistant training is one of the programs that is eligible as a free training option under the WIA. Once you qualify, you will get trained for free without needing to repay back the charges.
For more info on this read our article on receiving Free Training Through The WIA
Opportunity Grants
The opportunity grant is available to those who can not get or are not eligible for traditional financial aid. The eligibility requirements differ between states, but in general depending on your income level you may qualify for it if you are planning to take nursing assistant training through a community college. For example, In Oregon the Highline Community College has a nursing assistant program that qualifies for the Opportunity grant.
To find out if you qualify, you will need to talk to the financial aid office of a community college in your state.
Disability Grants For CNA Training
Most states have vocational rehabilitation programs for disabled individuals who can not afford training. You can either go to your local district office for information or visit one of the workforce offices.
The Brooks Dean Memorial Scholarship (Arizona Only)
This is a scholarship offer in Arizona through the Arizona Medical Training Institute. It is awarded largely on the financial need of its applicants. It is also a necessary requirement to want to work as a certified nursing assistant after completion of training. For a full list of requirements please click here
More General Scholarships and Grants Info
To help fill Certified Nursing Assistant jobs, many colleges and other organizations are offering Nursing Assistant Scholarships. The US Department of Health and Human Services provides money to more than one hundred different colleges and universities for the explicit purpose of making Certified Nursing Assistant training more affordable. Much of the money is used to create grants and scholarships for those who otherwise could not afford the training.
Certain schools offer Nursing Assistant scholarships to those who plan to continue their education beyond becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. If you want to go on to work as an LPN or RN, you will find that there are even more scholarships available than for people who only plant to complete training as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
There are also federal, state, and private organizations that offer Nursing Assistant Scholarships to those who will practice as Certified Nursing Assistants in rural areas, regions with a high demand for Certified Nursing Assistants, and under-served areas. If you plan to live and work in an area that would meet these criteria, look for scholarships designed for that purpose.
Employers who hire Certified Nursing Assistants sometimes offer scholarships or tuition assistance to employees who complete their training as a CNA. Look for local agencies or medical institutions that offer these scholarships along with the promise of a job upon graduation. Often, you will be required to commit to the agency for a certain length of time upon completing your training.
There are many grants and scholarships that can help you pay for training as a Certified Nursing Assistant, you just need to do some research to find the right one for you. To make yourself more eligible for these scholarships, consider volunteering in a nursing home or other facility that will show your dedication to the profession. No matter how you choose to pay for your education, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a worthwhile and rewarding job that you are sure to enjoy.
Other helpful local resources: Free nurse aide classes in Maine and Free CNA classes in Arkansas
I have a new CNA School, what do I need to do to become eligable to accept scholarships and grants for my school?
If you’re accredited by your state, I think you’ll be eligible to provide scholarships and grants. I’d suggest contacting your state nursing board for more detailed info.
Hi Shirley we may not know each other but we can sure help each other..i was reading your comment and I have really been looking for some good advice and direction on starting my own cna school too..im not in your state but i could sure use the help..Please email me a way of contact please cause I really have alot of ?’s….
Thank You
Single mother of two
I am also seeking information to start a CNA school or training, and would appreciate your help as a mentor.
Have had training and License in State of Oklahoma but expired in 5/31/2010. I also worked as a CNA in the state of Oklahoma. But would like to return to the profession and take a refresher course for the state of Texas.To return to the profession.
I have been a cna for many years the most experience you have the more money you can make it pays off in the long run.I have been certified over 15 years and the pay is over $15.00/hour plus extra in Cincinnati,Ohio.
Go ahead and further your career it is a good thing to do.
I am looking for scholarships to help me become a certified CNA. I have been a caregiver for 5 years+ for a small business in Kansas City, MO. I am ready to further my career in this field. Financial AID doesnt cover CNA training and I dont know which way to go to get certified. Can anyone please help me? Please, please, and please 🙂
I am a single 18 year old mother as a Senior in high school in the state of Maine. Im trying to further my education to become CNA certified, but im being told i cant get help on paying for the course, because im still in high school. Does anyone have any suggestions or know anywhere i could go for help? Its a $1000 course.
Hey Kaitlyn, have you tried asking your high school? I was applying to this CNA school and a student who was taking her exam was 16 years old and said her high school offered the CNA class as a summer program. the school paid for her to do it or the city did. Ask your counselors.
Thank you Andy
Hi, The American Red Cross offers CNA training for 16 years old and up and you can still be in high schoo, you just have to show you are on your way to graduation. Call your local chapter, number is in phone book. Some chapters offer scholarships and/or financial aid. Hope this helps.
Please help me to get l my CNA Licenced I have completed the class thats needed just need help with my skills test what I mean by this to pay for it so what can I do
Hi Im a 23 year old single mother of one and i would really love to start a career in the medical feild as an CNA but i have no job and i really cant afford to pay $1000 for the classes. If someone could help me by informing me on any cheaper cna classes in atlanta ga or morrow ga area i would be grateful. Thank You Kindly
I have been doing hike health for almost three years in Illinois and would like to get my CNA but need help in finding scholarships or grants. Can I please get some information to do so.