How to get Free CNA Training

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are a key part of the healthcare team. A CNA is also called a nurse’s aid or patient care assistant. They are trained professionals who work directly under registered nurses (RN) and doctors assisting them with various tasks including bathing and grooming patients, taking and recording vital signs regularly, repositioning patients, observing patients and reporting issues to nurses, keeping patient rooms and belongings clean and much more!

Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

If you are considering a career in the healthcare field, CNA is the right choice!

Firstly, it is the fastest way to become a professional member of the healthcare team; the training program is short and is even available online!

Second, you can get FREE training at a nursing home or a skilled care facility.

Third, CNA is the chance to start a long career in healthcare. An experienced and professional Certified Nursing Assistant has greater choices and can decide to specialize in an area of medicine or advance in the career to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Last but most importantly, CNAs have the golden opportunity of making a difference in the lives of their patients! The residents at a nursing home or healthcare facility rely on the care they receive from CNAs, the compassion and the love from CNAs keeps them positive and hopeful. A CNA’s job is tough but even more rewarding!

How do I become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

It is very important to ensure that the program you are taking is approved by your state. This means that the program must meet the state’s requirements for the number of hours in both; a classroom setting and clinical setting (hands-on training). All training programs in the United States must also include similar course content for example, ensuring that patients and residents receive consistent high-quality care. Therefore, in whatever state you are, your training will be the same as every other CNA.

CNA training programs are generally between 4 to 12 weeks long depending on your speed and convenience. The program comprises of both classroom and hands-on clinical training. Upon successful completion of the required course hours, students can sit for the certification exam which will include a written and practical test. Successful completion of the examination qualifies individuals as Certified Nursing Assistants and you can begin working as a CNA.

Should I take Free CNA Training?

Free training programs may seem a little hard to trust but the places that offer them have a good reason. Many of these training program providers, for example The Red Cross, receive funding from the state government and that is why they offer free courses for students to gain the knowledge and skills required in the field. So yes, you should take free CNA training if it is available for you.

Finding Free CNA Training.

Certified Nursing Assistant training programs are mostly available at community colleges, vocational schools and medical care facilities. Nursing homes and hospitals are known to offer free CNA training. Your local Red Cross may offer free CNA training as well.

Free CNA training programs are a safe way to discover if the job is of your interest and field.

You can find out free training opportunities through hospital websites, through word of mouth (people who work at a certain facility) or by searching online for example you can search: Free CNA training near me. If you don’t get any information online, you can call the hospital or nursing home HR office and acquire all the information you need. The free training provided is quite like the training provided at schools and it includes both classroom instructions and hands-on training.

Here are some helpful tips when looking for Free CNA training.

1. Online programs – there are many online programs and certification courses you can take up online. Some are free while others are already paid for by reputed institutes around the world. If you are unsure whether the program is genuine then you can ask for certification from the online institute itself. Then you can also research accordingly if you decide you want to take free CNA training.
2. Opportunities from the State Department of Health – it may be useful to look at their website or visit them personally. The State Department of Health, just like Nursing Homes, offers great opportunities to individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the medical field. They offer free CNA certifications, scholarships etc. which are easy to get.
3. Ensure the course is reputed – free CNA training is in demand; however, some institutes cannot be trusted. When searching for free CNA training, you must be sure that the institute is reputed and well-known. If the name of the institute is unfamiliar, it is safer to look at options from the ones that you are aware of and you trust. This way, you’ll save yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.

Advantages of FREE CNA Training

• Guaranteed employment – Usually upon completion of the CNA training program, the next step that most individuals take is searching for a job unless you wish to advance in the same career and take up RN or LPN. The great benefit of completing your training at a hospital or nursing home is that you are guaranteed employment at the same facility. Basically, when you accept free training, you are agreeing to work for that facility for a certain period of time.
• Hands-on experience – Individuals training at a hospital or nursing home have many more opportunities for practical training. Since there are real patients at these facilities, there’s greater chances to practice being a CNA and using the skills taught during the classes. This way, CNAs will gain new skills and experience much faster as well as prepare better for the job.
• Socializing & networking – Taking CNA training at a hospital or nursing home helps boost your confidence because you get to work with doctors, registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. It also helps build new relationships and brush up on your skills as you work with other healthcare professionals who can mentor, teach and guide you throughout your training. Most importantly, if you want to advance in your career as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, you can get direct guidance and assistance from the healthcare professionals around you!
• Paid training – Some hospitals or nursing homes will actually pay you while they train you to become a CNA. Students are valuable to the hospital and there’s benefit to both the student as well as the facility. They receive trained workers for their facility, and you (students) receive paid training & employment.

Other options for Free CNA Training.

Apart from hospitals and nursing homes, some states offer other options for free CNA training.

As mentioned earlier, the American Red Cross in your state may offer free CNA training programs. If you are lucky enough and live in an area where free training is provided, then you must take advantage of it. Some locations may charge for training programs but offer grants to those with little or no money. The training program offered by the Red Cross has a high number of students who pass the state examination and graduate. Taught by highly professional and credentialed nurse instructors. The program also meets the state and federal regulations; it includes theory and skills but most importantly, the course content focuses on critical thinking, decision making, team concepts, communication skills and interpersonal skills.

Job training centres across the state may also offer free CNA training to certain individuals. To check if free CNA training is available, you can check with your local unemployment office or a job placement centre. If they are not offering classes, then they may offer you a discount on the tuition or even a scholarship if you qualify. This will help cover the costs of training and could include the uniform and other necessary requirements.

Job Corps

This is a no-cost education and vocational training program for individuals aged 16 to 24. It helps improve their quality of life and empowers them to get great jobs and become independent. The training program is held at a Job Corps training facility and some centres may even help you obtain certification once you’ve successfully completed the training program. Moreover, you will even be assisted when looking for a job after you graduate!

Taking training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant can be a fulfilling career or the skills and experiences gained could be a stepping stone to several other careers in the healthcare field including Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, CNA Instructor and many more.

Some community colleges may offer free training opportunities to eligible and qualified students. For example, if an individual has a GED certification or an equivalent, half the course fees can be waived off or students who qualify for a scholarship can get the training for free.

Individuals who are looking for financial aid options can contact the college financial aid office and inquire about the state grants or loans as well as work-study options.

You may also get the chance to pay the fees in small instalments and therefore complete your training as well as achieve your CNA license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to be able to take the CNA class? Some states accept 16 years old while others require you to be at least 18 years old.

Who can apply for a CNA program? Any individual with an interest and passion to make a difference in people’s lives! The CNA program is also a great opportunity to gain access in the healthcare field.

How soon after graduating can I work? You can work within 6 months after graduation.

Why is a background screening a compulsory requirement? Students who have a criminal background will not be able to gain employment working with women and children.

Can one work as a CNA without being certified? Some employers may accept to hire you while you’re still taking the CNA training course and if you have completed at least 16 hours of the program and you intend to sit for the certification exam.

How do I keep my CNA license active? You are required to work for at least 8 hours as a CNA without a 2-year break to keep your license active.