Free CNA training for those looking to become Certified Nursing Assistants can often be found through employers, such as hospitals, through local vocational training organizations, and through online training. It should be noted that becoming a Certified Nurse requires taking and passing a state exam, which may not be covered by online CNA training. CNA training "classes" are different than training "courses".
The classes usually include hands-on clinical learning and practice, while courses are usually in the form of printed or online courseware. Depending on where you live, hospitals or nursing homes may hold free CNA training in exchange for you working for them. The best way to check is to get your local phone book and call them up. Look up long term care centers and call them up and ask.
Some hospitals have contracts with local community colleges and offer their courses free to the student. There are also CNA/HHA Scholarship Programs, which sponsor free CNA and HHA training for qualified individuals who would like to become Certified Nurse Assistants and/or Home Health Aides (HHAs) and work in long term care. These programs often cover the full cost of training, including the CNA state certification exam. They are usually administered and funded by the states Department of Public Health.
The Armed Services also offer various training programs. Through the Air Force Aid Society Spouse Employment Program, some facilities were recently approved to offer the Certified Nursing Assistant Program in partnership with Spectrum Medical Services. Through this program, the Air Force Aid Society will pay for 10 spouses of active- duty military to become certified nurse assistants. If you are a spouse of an active-duty military member and are interested in becoming a CNA, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at the AFB.
Going beyond free CNA training, if you're already a Certified Nursing Assistant and have been working in the same facility for some time, particularly if your employer has paid for your CNA classes, they may also be willing to send you back to school to get your RN certification.
