You will need to attend a state approved training program if you want to be eligible to sit for the training exam and start a new career as a certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania. Although, training programs usually only cost a few hundred dollars, you might very well be in need of finding free CNA training options. Fortunately, there are some free training options for you in Pennsylvania:
1) Apply for employment with a long-term care facility
These facilities will often hire individuals who are not yet certified and then provide the nursing assistant training. If they do so, the employer must pay for the cost of both your training and exam. You can also receive reimbursement for your training if you are hired by a long-term care facility in a year or less after receiving certification.
2) Welfare Office
Contact the welfare office in your local community if you are low-income or unemployed and searching for nursing assistant training. They can direct you to any programs for which you might qualify that would pay for your nursing assistant training. You can also contact unemployment agencies in your local area for details on training programs that might be available to you to receive no cost training.
3) Armed Forces
If you serve or have served in the Armed Forces, you might qualify for no cost training. Some training programs qualify individuals for tuition assistance from military benefits. Contact local training programs in your area to determine if you might be able to receive financial assistance through your military benefits. You will receive training if you receive enough assistance to cover the entire cost of tuition.
Currently Available Free Training Opportunities
1) West Haven Manor – Apollo, PA
Get paid while you are trained. Perfect if you’re in Apollo or nearby. You must apply personally and be able to drive there for testing and training. Location is: West Haven Manor, 151 Goodview Drive, Apollo, PA 15613. Apply as soon as possible as places may fill up quickly.
2) Windy Hill Village
100 Dogwood Dr, Philipsburg, PA 16866, United States Phone: (814) 342-8400
Another Paid training program where you get on the job training while receiving a wage. They have a trainee position for which you need to apply on their website over at http://goo.gl/3c14h
The position is available in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
3) Redstone Highlands
100 Dogwood Dr, Philipsburg, PA 16866, United States
They have a weekday training program for potential nursing assistants. Basically, they interview you to see if you will fit within their centers. (they have centers in Greensburg, Murrysville and North Huntingdon) if you show enough passion and commitment you will get hired into a trainee position. This will begin on 8/20/2012. You will be trained for 5 weeks after which if you have done well you will qualify to work in one of their facilities. For more info please visit or call (814) 342-8400
4) Holy Redeemer Lafayette
CNA Training offered at various timed during the year. They currently have a waiting list so your best bet is to apply early and hope get in on the next batch of training. While the training is at no cost, there is no guarantee that they will hire you. You will not be a trainee at their facility at any point. A GED is not a requirement but is preferred. You will also undergo the usual vaccinations and background check before being accepted into the program. Their next batch starts a couple of months before Christmas this year. You can find more details by visiting/calling their facility at 8580 Verree Road Philadelphia, PA 19111 Phone: (215) 214-2800
5) Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor
Same details as above. Their address is 1616 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook, PA 19046 Phone: 215-938-4000
6) Sugarcreek Station Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
They are offering a NA trainee position at the moment. You get paid a salary of $7.50 if you get in. The classes start in June 2012 and are subject to an approval process. There is also a set of terms and condition to getting the paid CNA training that you will need to abide by. They are located in Franklin, PA. Their address is 351 Causeway Dr. Franklin, PA 16323 Phone: 814-437-0100
7) Baptist Homes in Mt Lebanon
They are offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for people who want to become certified nursing assistants. if you meet the eligibility requirements of having a GED and passing a background check/drug screening, you might be one of 10 people who get paid $9 while they are being trained and $10 an hour after passing the CNA exam. The classes start in March 2012 and applications are currently open. Their contact details are as follows:
Address: 489 Castle Shannon Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15234
8) CNA classes from St Annes Home in Greensburg
685 Angela Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601
St Annes home have an earn while you learn program. You must commit to working for them for a fixed period after getting certified. The only catch is that there’s only 12 positions available. Get more info by Phone: (724) 837-6070
(thank you to Arnold Maendel for letting us know about this opportunity)
9) Training as a CareGiver
SeniorHelpers offers a career opportunity to people who would like to work with seniors. If you’re compassionate enough and feel like helping people and making a difference is something you’d like to do, SeniorHelpers has the perfect position for you. One of the benefits of the caregiver position is the access to paid training. Find out more by Phone: 800-760-6389 (Make sure you ask for the caregiver position)
10) Wexford Healthcare Center
9850 Old Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090
A fantastic nursing home located in Pittsburgh. At present, they have a free training class available due to an acute need for certified nursing assistants. If you’re in this city, this is a brilliant opportunity. The only minimum requirement is that you possess a high school diploma/GED. Note that you might need to agree to work there to get the classes for free.
11) Baldwin Health Center
1717 Skyline Dr , Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Owned by the same company that runs the center mentioned just above this listing, this is another training opportunity that is currently available in PA. For best results, apply in person at the address provided above.
Low Cost CNA Training Programs
1) Fayette County Career and Technical Institute
While most programs in PA cost upwards of $900, this one is quite reasonably priced at $595. They are also registered as an approved provider which means you can potentially get your training paid for via Career Link (or a one stop career center/Workforce office) if you qualify. As with all training programs you will need a Criminal check, FBI check and a standard TB test to get enrolled. To get in touch with them, Please use the following address: 175 Georges Fairchance Road, Uniontown, PA 15401. Phone: 724 437 2721
Scholarships And Grants For Vocational Nursing in PA
1) The Jack E. Barger, Sr. Memorial Nursing Fund – Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania
The scholarship fund was created in 1989 by the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars in order to address the states nursing shortage. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the nursing student must meet the following criteria:
- Be an active service member, U.S. veteran or the child or spouse of a veteran or active duty service member
- Must be a resident of Pennsylvania
The scholarship selection is done by lottery. The drawing will be held within two weeks of the application deadline. The amount awarded is $1000.The winners are required to attend the local VFW district meeting to accept the scholarship.
Institutions That Can be Of Assistance
1) Job Training for Beaver Country
277 Beaver Valley Mall, Monaca, PA 15061 Phone: 724-728-2020
2) Delaware County Workforce Development Office
1570 Garrett Road, Suite A, Upper Darby, PA 19082
3) JobTrackPA-Luzerne County Community College
1333 South Prospect Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634, Phone: 1-800-377-5222
Nursing homes that might be offering Free CNA Training classes in Pennsylvania
Note: These nursing homes DO NOT Provide CNA training directly. This is a list of the best nursing homes in the state of Pennsylvania. This is simply to get you started in your search for nursing homes that may have active CNA vacancies. After this list is a short way to maximize your chances of landing free training.
- Ambler Rest Center – 32 South Bethlehem Pike Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002
- Andorra Woods Healthcare Center – 9209 Ridge Pike White Marsh, Pennsylvania 19128
- Angela Jane Pavilion – 8410 Roosevelt Blvd Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19152
- Arbor View At Willow Valley – 211 Willow Valley Square Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
- Arbutus Park Manor – 207 Ottawa Street Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904
- Beaver Valley Nursing And Reha – 257 Georgetown Road Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania 15010
- Belair Health And Rehabilitati – 100 Little Road Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania 15068
- Belle Haven – 1320 Mill Road Quakertown, Pennsylvania 18951
- Belle Reve Health Care Center – 404 East Harford Street Milford, Pennsylvania 18337
- Care Pavilion Of Walnut Park – 63rd And Walnut Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139
- Carleton Senior Care And Rehab – 10 West Avenue Wellsboro, Pennsylvania 16901
- Cathedral Village – 600 East Cathedral Road Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128
- Cedar Haven – 590 South Fifth Avenue Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17042
- Centre Crest Home – 502 East Howard Street Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823
- Evangelical Manor – 8401 Roosevelt Boulevard Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19152
- Evergreen Nursing Center – 191 Evergreen Mill Road Harmony, Pennsylvania 16037
- Fair Winds Manor – 126 Iron Bridge Road Sarver, Pennsylvania 16055
- Fairmount Homes – 219 Cats Back Road Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522
- Hometown Nursing And Rehab Cen – “Rr #2, Box 118-B” Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252
- Homewood At Martinsburg Pa Inc – 430 South Market Street Martinsburg, Pennsylvania 16662
- Horizon Senior Care – 300 Barr Street Canonsburg, Pennsylvania 15317
- Hospitality Care Center Of Her – 3726 East State Street Hermitage, Pennsylvania 16148
- Hrh Transitional Care Unit – 1648 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania 19046
How To Get Training From Nursing Homes
If you’re really passionate about becoming a CNA, it isn’t very difficult to get a nursing home to subsidize or pay for your training at no cost to you.
- Find those that have current CNA vacancies. You can do this by going to any jobs website and finding CNA related jobs in your city. A nursing home that has multiple CNA vacancies is usually understaffed and requires CNA’s immediately. This is where you’re going to have the most chances of succeeding.
- Don’t apply on the listing itself. Instead, find a direct email address for the HR department. Note: You’ll usually get this by Google-ing the name of the nursing home.
- Write a short email referring to the vacancy you’ve noticed on the job site. In this email, you need to be able to show a willingness to become a nursing assistant and detail why you are unable to afford or pay for the classes.
- Usually, nursing homes will consider your willingness and passion to become a CNA as a valuable asset to have in their team. They will offer to subsidize or pay for your training.
I am francia louverture. I would like to take a CNA slass. I hope to find a job. My husband is sick and i have two kids. It is very important for me .I live near D street and roosevelt. Hoping for an answer soon.
Hi Marie,
Why don’t you get in touch with a nursing home in your area and see if you can get some free training in exchange for work.
hello i have 6 more months left in high school then after i graduate i would like to go to study to be a cna to support me and my son
get in touch with nursing homes near you that have active vacancies. A few of them might be willing to pay your way through training if you’re willing to work for them after you’re certified.
Hi I am in need of a job due to my husband being out of work. We have five children. I have been interested in becoming a C.N.A. for a long time and now regret I didn’t do this when I was younger. I am 42 yrs. old and I am wondering if there are any free classes being offered in Phila. Pa.. I was also wondering if I am too old?
hey im looking for cna training. I have two kids and I’m looking for work. I live in Telford,PA and i want to know if there are any places near there that offer free CNA training
I already went through the CNA classes but never took the state test does that mean i have to go through the classes again?
That depends on when you took the training. In most states you have 2 years after doing the training in which to do the certification exam.
I am currently looking for a CNA class in Philadelphia pa 19142. If any one would please help me i would highly appreciate it. I have been trying for a month now. I tried nursing homes around my area and many of them do not have the program or do not have it anymore. I asked welfare they told me they could not help me. i went to fair acres and never heard anything back from them and also Holy Redeemer Hospital.
Hi I would like to move from Maryland to Philly. Can someone please help with a CNA class.
Hi my name is Taylor I am 34yrs old, I moved from Baltimore to Philadelphia
7yrs ago and have not looked back. I have to children one 14 and 4. I’m currently working as a DSP with a company called TAIG/NHS where I care for
adults with Mental Health conditions or who is Mentally Retarded. I;ve been with
this company now for 6yrs, give them a call (215) 320-2040. Im now looking to go back to school to become a CNA, and yes the company I work for pays for it.
I hope this info helps you out some kind of way Good Luck and stay Strong.
Hello, I’m interested in the free training because I can’t afford to pay for classes. I’m willing to help my husband with the bills, but can’t because I’m not working. I would like the training, but I would like to do private care. Is it possible to get help with that?
hi, I’m interested in taking cna training, I am on ssa and am working private care part-time but need more training to ba able to support myself with a job. I am a cma but the jobs in this area are at least 35 miles away and I can’t afford to go that far for 9.00 an hour.Where can I get training that I can afford?
hi im interested in free cna classes i am a low income single mother that wants this and needs to do this for me and my daughter i alwayas wanted to do cna but i cant afford it so please help me and allow me to reach my goal
I’m 25 years old, and am looking to enter the health care field. I figured getting my CNA first would benefit me. The only problem, is that I can’t pay tuition at a college because of financial reasons. I’ve heard that certain votech schools and some colleges offer CNA training. I live in Milford, Pennsylvania, and I have been searching for places, but to no avail. If anyone could help me out with a website or some advice, it would be greatly appreciated on this end of the world wide web! :] thank you everyone!
im trying to find a job that will train me in a cna or rn course and pay me while im learning i live in chester, pa and need some where close by where i can catch the bus to get there but nowhere really far please help me
I am inquiring about the classes that start in february at the sugar creek station for CNA certification. Where to sign up?
Good day I’m looking for CNA courses in the area of Schuykill PA specify i live in shenandoah if you know where I can grab the free or low. Please thank.
I’m searching for a CNA job and eventually pursue a nursing degree. Training on the job to earn my CNA license will be a great opportunity. I can be reach at 202-706-0185. Any help will be appreciated.
So I am currently a full time care taker, take care of seniors with , mental disabilities but I am not a cna I would love to pursue a career in the area of field and move on to a bigger building unit and become more financially stable would love to be contacted @ 4847644011
Hello my name is Justin . I currently live in Delaware and im planning to move to PA in about 6-8 months. Im thinking of going for my CNA while im there and im just wondering if there are any free programs there. im not familar with it all so i would like some help. Im thinking of moving in bethelhem, easton, allentown areas. Thanks 🙂
Hi I have a question. I finished my nurse aide course in July 2007 in VA. Did not take the state boards there because I was moving to PA. I was going to take them when I got here but my mom got real sick and I had to take care of her. She has passed away now so I wanted to go take my state boards. But I’m not sure if my certificate will work here for me to go take my state boards