Now more than ever is the best time to get started on a career as a certified nursing assistant. This resource aims to provide updated opportunities to receive free CNA training in various nursing homes, community colleges and employment training centers across the USA.
CNA Help Organization was founded to make CNA training more accessible owing to the huge demand for front line medical workers after the Covid-19 outbreak.
For many who may have lost their jobs, this resource will help you get a free retraining opportunity in many cases under three months and get back on your feet as a certified nursing assistant.
Table of Contents
What is a CNA?
A certified nursing assistant is the starting step to a career as a nurse. It involves providing basic care to patients and helping them with their daily activities when they are unable to do so. In many healthcare settings, the CNA has the most interactions with a patient during the course of the day. It may not be a very glamorous career but it is the first step in getting started in healthcare. A CNA gets paid upwards of $10 an hour in most states and if you end up working in a hospital (where there is currently a huge demand) you stand a chance of getting free continuing education to further your career and go on to become an LPN or eventually an RN.
The most common way to get free training is via nursing homes. They have among the highest demand for nursing assistants and will more often than not agree to pay for training if you are willing to work for them for a predetermined time after getting certified.
Another way to get free training is via scholarships and grants that are provided by various institutions (I have featured some of them below.
You can also get training via employment centers like the Job Corps provided you qualify and are of the required age.
Free CNA Training from Nursing Homes
You can call nursing homes in your area to determine if and when they offer CNA training. Ask to speak to the Human Resources Department or training coordinator.
Do a google search for local nursing homes. You can use yellow pages as well. Here are some headings they may be listed under: nursing homes, long-term care facilities, continuing care communities, rehabilitation centers and retirement communities. You may wish to write down a list of questions to ask when you call.
Learn how to apply for the free training option. It may be as simple as applying for employment with the nursing home. In some cases, they may offer the course to the general public and then offer a few slots covered by scholarships or grants. If that is the case, ask where and how you can apply for financial assistance.
You are more likely to be selected for free training if:
- You have don’t prior healthcare or caregiver experience
- You are CPR Certified
- You are committed to helping others and have a strong desire to work in the healthcare field
- You have good references and maybe letters of recommendation
- You can begin training and work as soon as needed
- You can commit to the schedule for training without difficulty
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be a high school graduate or have passed an equivalency exam
Please remember, if you train for free, you would likely be required to work with the nursing facility for a few months or even a year. If you do not stay that long, you will likely need to pay them back or any training and associated fees.
It is not as difficult as you might to receive free CNA training through a nursing home. When applying for free or even paid training (and subsequent employment), be prepared to submit an application, background check and references.
Applying for CNA Scholarships
Training centers, colleges, organizations and healthcare facilities frequently offer CNA scholarships. Contact the location of your CNA class and talk to local healthcare agencies to help you find scholarships for which to apply.
Once you find scholarships of interest, there are several strips you must follow.
Read over all details and instructions for the scholarship. Make special note of deadlines for applications. Have your packet ready well before the due date.
Then you can proceed with applying. Determine if you apply online or need to print or obtain a paper application.
The next steps are:
- Read the requirements for the fund to determine if you are eligible. For example, you may need to live in a particular county, be a certain age, already be enrolled in a program, have special circumstances or meet various other criteria.
- Determine if you need to complete a FASFA form for financial aid (this is common for college scholarships). This form can also qualify you for grants and other financial assistance.
- Complete the scholarship application itself and any other required forms. Read all questions carefully. Do not skip any questions.
- Write your essay if an essay is required. Some scholarships have short questions for you to answer.
- Obtain letters of recommendation if they are requested.
You will also need to provide any other documents requested with the scholarship application. For example, you might be asked to submit a transcript, proof of CPR certification, proof of acceptance in a CNA class or documentation of your finances.
If you have questions about the application process, find a contact email or phone number. Ask all questions before submission.
Review your application and all documents carefully. Submit it to the required address, email or fax number.
Updated Free CNA Training Opportunities
New York
Living Resources
This is a collection of group homes that offer living support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As part of a recent job posting, they offer tuition reimbursement to those who apply for their CNA position. This means that if you are selected, they will pay for your tuition fees. They currently have this opportunity in their Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer and Columbia county Group Homes.
How to apply: Visit their website or find out more from their hotline: (518) 218-0000
HCR Home Care
If you’re comfortable working in a home setting and attending to the needs of patients in their own settings, this might be a good opportunity for you. HCR has a special training program for veterans who may have worked as medical technicians as part of their service. They provide a free one day paid training class to those that qualify. This is valid for their Rochester, NY facility.
How to apply: Visit their website or find out more from their hotline: (800) 270-4904
LHC Group
They offer flexible schedules and payments on a weekly basis. You will receive free training to work for them as a home health , personal care or certified aide. The LHC group serves clients who need assistance with activities of daily living and/or personal hygiene. They also assist with light household futures. Call 845-791-7077 or apply with your Indeed Account.
Samaritan Health
You could change your life by devoting 40 hours a week for six weeks to training. Samaritan Health offers free training to individuals who will work for their company as a nursing assistant. They provide all the necessary knowledge and skills to become fully certified as a CNA. This career will provide you with an opportunity to help others while earning a good living with opportunities for personal and career growth. To learn more please call: 315-779-5133.
Centers Health Care
Do you want a job as a CNA with a trusted company? Centers Health Care has nearly 4 dozen skilled nursing facilities throughout 4 states. If you’re looking to work as a CNA in the Greater Adirondack Region of New York, consider the free CNA training offered by Warren Center. Receive employment at one of the 4 locations in the region after certification. Contact 518-761-6540 to learn more about training sessions.
YAI
YAI Suite 1 is home to 8 people with disabilities. This unique home has compassionate employees providing personal care, social and sensory activities for the residents. They help individuals engage in the world around them in ways that work for their individual disabilities. Those who are hired will receive paid training to provide safe and kind care to the people they work with. To learn more visit: YAI.org or call 212-273-6100.
Villages of Orleans
Are you looking for a job you can start right away even if you just graduated high school? If you have a high school diploma and you care about others, the Villages of Orleans need you! They are hiring nursing assistants. You will be trained for free. And, in fact, you will receive pay for the classroom training. You can go to 14012 Route 31, West Albion, New York to apply or call 585-589-5637 with questions.
Pennsylvania
Quality Life Services
Quality Life Services treat both their residents and staff like family. They need CNAs who are looking to begin a career in nursing. This company provides excellent pay and benefits for individuals wishing to provide loving care to aging individuals. One key benefit is student loan repayment help and even tuition reimbursement for your training. You will learn to provide safe and compassionate care every step of the way. Call 724-654-7791 to learn more.
Quality Life Services, Chicora PA
This company offers you the opportunity to learn and grow as you pursue careers in nursing. Start out by applying for a job where you will be trained to become a certified nursing assistant. If you wish to advance in the company to provide more advanced services to their clients, they offer programs with tuition assistance and even help to pay back loans. Contact them at: 724-445-2000.
Gracedale Nursing Home CNA Program
Gracedale Nursing Home is located in picturesque Nazareth PA. They offer both rehabilitation and long-term care services to individuals in need of medical, social and emotional services. Every 6 weeks they offer free CNA training to accepted applicants. You will be offered employment if you finish the certification successfully. This is a course covering 125 hours of training. Apply at the link above or contact 610-746-1900 with questions you may have about training or the company.
Redstone Care
Redstone Care offers long-term Care, respite care, retirement living and rehabilitation services. Their staff is well trained to meet the personal care and daily functional needs of the residents. They also work to provide for the psychosocial needs of all clients well. Through their career development and tuition reimbursement programs, you can become a CNA to work for this company without a financial cost to yourself. Call them at 724-832-8400.
Senior Resource Group; Coventry Place
You can start a job as a CNA for Coventry by applying for employment-including their tuition reimbursement benefits to receive free training. Whether you are looking for full-time, part-time or even as needed with; they have positions for you. You will help residents get in and out of bed, transport them within the facility, help with bathing and at meal time. You will meet a wide range of their needs throughout the days. To learn more call 415-275-3671.
Texas
Right at Home
You can apply for a job as a caregiver with Right At Home to receive a competitive wage and care package. You will receive individualized training for the clients with whom you work. Free continuing education is also provided. Some online learning units are even available. If you begin as a caregiver, you might have an option to train as a CNA for free in the future. Call 979-221-6685
Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veteran’s Home
They are seeking qualified students for their CNA class. This course prepares an individual to take the certification exam. Students work directly with residents while being well supervised to gain the nursing assistant skills they need. They will learn to assist clients with a range of daily activity and personal needs. Students are well trained to protect the privacy and dignity of all patients. Any needed classroom instruction is also provided. You can apply on this website or call 903-640-8387.
Professional Caretakers
This is a trusted home care agency that is a family-run business. With experience of being in business for over thirty years. They provide quality care and are always looking for dedicated RNs, LVNs and CNAs. This company knows it is not easy to afford training for these careers. This is why they offer scholarships each year for all three careers. You can access the applications at https://professionalcaretakers.com/scholarship/ or call 1-877-921-9500 with questions.
The Houston Gerontological Society’s Scholarship Program
This program offers CNA scholarships. The scholarships are to honor Dr. Ruth DeHart. She was a vital member of the Gerontological Society in Houston. She was always doing what she could to help advance education and opportunities to improve the gerontology fields. Scholarship applicants should be individuals with a vision to be leaders in the care for aging individuals. They must desire to provide the highest level of care. Inquire to learn more at: 713-500-2000.
CTE Scholarships
These Scholarships are for students of the 4 high schools in the Keller ISD District. Their purpose are to help graduates receive career or technical training after high school. Students can receive scholarships for a wide range of career areas including medical jobs such as those as a Certified Nursing Assistant. These scholarships provide great opportunities for good careers and excellent earning opportunities. Call 817-744-1000 to learn more.
California
International Health Group
The International Health Group is working with nursing facilities in the San Diego area to provide free CNA training to qualified applicants. Graduates of the program must work for one year with a participating facility. Individuals who apply should have caregiving experience if possible. Prior CPR training is preferred. This program allows students to receive real-time hands-on training caring for patients while being closely supervised. Please text 619-890-2897 to learn more. Ask for Tiffany Kaita.
Windsor Post Acute Care of Arvin
Have you always wanted to train as a CNA but not had the funds for classes? Now is your opportunity to train for free! You can train at the Windsor Post Acute Care Center to work at one of the Arvin Care Facilities. Learn all the skills and theoretical background you need to pass both the written and skills segment of the exam for certification. This course will take you six weeks to complete. Contact 661-854-4475.
World-Class Assisted Living Memory Care Community-Silverado
This living care facility is for individuals with memory disorders. People hired to work as caregivers and CNAs will receive all the necessary training for free. You will have other continuing education and tuition reimbursement opportunities as you help individuals with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders have a full life. There are opportunities to bring your children to work with you. This is a unique and rewarding work opportunity. Learn more about this community: 949-631-2212
Avocado Post Acute, Community Care Center and Jacob Healthcare Center
These continuing care communities are looking for entry-level healthcare workers who wish to become CNAs. Applicants are motivated individuals who are looking to receive paid tuition to become a certified aide at local schools. You will be interviewed and have a background check. Anyone who is selected to be in the program, will then be hired to work at one of the centers for one year after becoming fully certified. Call 619-574-6744 to learn more Premier Healthcare.
Georgia
Taylor County Health and Rehab
The CNA training program is a great start for a career in nursing. If hired to work for the company, you will receive excellent benefits and your trading for free. Many CNAs go on to become LPNs and even RNs. The CNA training program is taught through three main processes; hands on clinical experience, supervised learning and classroom instruction. You can apply online or call to learn more at; 478-862-2220.
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation
Apply to work for Azalea Health and Rehab. You will be trained to sit for your CNA Certification exam for free. This company offers opportunities for advancement and continued education. You can work full-time hours and receive health, vision and dental insurance. As a CNA, you will also earn paid time off. You will spend your days helping men and women with nursing care needs. You will work under the supervision of nurses. Call 706-738-3301
Comer Health and Rehabilitation
Comer Health and Rehabilitation is looking for applicants for their free CNA program and employment. Employees receive excellent compensation, benefits and room for career growth. You might enjoy the career enough to become a nurse. Candidates should be team players and problem solvers. They should also be focused individuals who are excellent at multitasking. CNAs must be caring and compassionate with the clients they serve. Learn more about corner health by calling : 706-783-5116
Oak View Waverly Hall
Their free CNA training program for employment prepares you for a career where you can truly help others each and every day. Trainees will learn how to help residents safely walk or safely transfer them in their wheelchair. They will be trained to provide personal care and assistance with ADLs. CNA students also learn to help get patients ready for discharge or admissions; among a range of other tasks. Contact 706-582-2117 to learn more.
Pruitthealth
They are offering a free CNA in training program. Students learn all skills needed to successfully pass the CNA licensing exam and to work successfully as a CNA. You will learn to assist patients with bathing, eating and dressing. Training will teach you to safely help patients in and out of bed and wheelchairs. You will learn to help prevent bed sores and provide many care services. Call to learn more: 770-533-7410
Heritage Inn of Barnesville Health and Rehab
The CNA Training Program offers a free path to full-time employment as a CNA. Individuals in the program must be able to lift 40 pounds and to be on their feet most of the days. It is necessary to work well with others both one-on-one and as a team. You must successfully complete all necessary training and exams for your full certification. Call 770-358-2485 to learn more about this great opportunity.
Florida
UCOM CNA Scholarship
This scholarship program will cover training through Acumen to become a CNA including 24 hours of nursing training and all necessary CPR training. Applicants will need to be residents of zip codes of:
32210, 32207, 32216, 32246, 32217, 32246 32256, 32223 or 32257. Applications are available on the website and questions can be directed to: 904-396-2401. There is an application fee of $50 that will not be refunded.
North Florida Technical College CNA Application
This is a unique opportunity for seniors in the North Florida area. If they have shown an interest in the healthcare field and want to begin as a CNA, they may apply for the scholarship. They will need to have a GPA of 2.5 and write an essay. Anyone who wins the scholarship must use the funds within two years of their award. The application is at the link above. Questions? Call: 904-966-6785.
ThedaCare Family of Foundations Scholarship
ThedaCare partnered with Fox Valley Technical College to create a unique CNA program. Students accepted to the program will have the 6 week course paid for by ThedaCare. The goal of this program is to find students who wish to work for an extended period of time as a CNA rather than nursing students who leave the job quickly. Graduates Must work for ThedaCare for at least one year. Call: 920.830.5800 to learn more.
Gabriel Health Scholarship
Gabriel Health wanted to give back to the city they live so much (Orlando). Over a 12 month period they awarded 100 scholarships to people in the area. 40 were granted through business partnerships and the other 60 for Video Essays on Facebook. The scholarships do not cover the exam. They’ve given some lucky men and women the chance to begin a great career. Call them to find out when they will award more scholarships: 407-777-9778.
City of Titusville CNA Scholarship
The City of Titusville CNA Scholarship is a fund for which prospective CNA students at Eastern Florida State College May apply. A student must be admitted into their program before applying. They must reside in Titusville and meet all post admittance criteria. The value of this scholarship is $1875. Eastern Florida State College can be reached at 321-632-1111. You can apply at the link on the website.
Illinois
Monarch Landing
Monarch Landing offers a CNA Sponsorship Program for individuals accepted for employment and enrollment in the program.
Those accepted will need to to go to a higher learning facility in Illinois. And the CNA program the student enters must be fully accredited. It’s a wonderful opportunity to become a nursing assistant without needing to worry how to pay for training or where to work. To learn about Monarch Landing Call: 630-300-1300.
Community Care Center
This company is under great new management. Their goal is to provide the best care to their residents to provide them a high quality of life. They also strive to treat their employees well. If you have recently finished a CNA program and are hired to work here, they will reimburse the tuition you paid for your training. Call Community Care Center at 773-538-8300 to learn about CNA job options.
Ascension Living
This company is looking to hire CNAs for their kind and compassionate continuing care community. They treat their full-time employees well. And they offer vision, dental, health insurance, PTO and retirement benefits. Provide care for individuals throughout your shifts knowing you are helping them live more comfortably and often more independently. Get refunded for the cost of your CNA class if you are hired. You can call: 314-729-3500.
Northwestern Medicine
You can apply to work for the inpatient rehabilitation unit for children at Three West of Northwestern Medicine. They treat children with both illnesses and injuries requiring loving and intensive therapies and rehabilitation. As a patient care tech you will play a vital role in their care. Receive student loan forgiveness and even reimbursement of training tuition if you are hired to work on this innovative wing. Northwestern Medicine’s main number is 630-909-7150.
FHN CNA Scholarship
FHN and the Workforce Connection are working to provide a high quality CNA workforce. Together they are able to offer a scholarship and all necessary training for certification. This scholarship is superb in that it covers not only tuition but also books and other fees. Graduates will then work for the agreed upon amount of time (and beyond if they do wish). You can access the application at www.fhn.org or call 1-877-600-0346.
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Scholarships
OSF employees can embark on a new healthcare career by applying for their employer’s scholarship program. The CNA course is offered through Illinois Central College. It takes 16 weeks to complete and prepares individuals to provide daily care to patients. Applicants must have worked for OSF for at least 3 months and must agree to work in their new career for OSF after graduation. Apply at the link above or call 309-655-2323.
Mercer Foundation for Health Scholarship program
This scholarship is available to individuals living in Mercer County. It is to help the area gain more CNAs. The person applying must have a healthcare or medical field related employer. The scholarship is in the amount of $500. The application process requires a written essay to the application question, two letters or recommendation and an interview. A fully completed application must also be submitted. Call with questions: 563-421-1000.
Ohio
LHC Group
You can come to work as a CNA for this company even if you do not have prior experience. They will provide you the training you need to become certified. It will not cost you anything as long as you remain working for them after your training. You must have an active driver’s license. You will need to be CPR certified as well. Learn more about the company by calling: 614-232-6200.
Countryside Manor
You can click to apply for a job and free CNA training at the link above. Become a CNA through their 8 hour training course. This care facility has been renovated and now has new management as well. It’s now time to join the team. Work in shifts of 12 hours for 3 days and then have time off before your next 3 days. They offer a sign on bonus of $1500. You can call 419-768-6468.
Park Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation
Apply for work above and receive the 8 hours of needed CNA training at no cost to you. When hired to work here, you will assist nurses with care of the residents. You have options to work day, evening or even night shift. Benefits are good. They offer medical and even dental insurance. You receive a 401K plan. And you eat paid time off. You can call: 419-768-6468 with questions.
Westlake Rehab and Nursing
This is a unique job opportunity to become a CNA. Not only do you get free training, but you also get a payout after going through orientation. Thus payout is in the amount of $500. The total bonus you get for joining the company is $1500. They can offer you full-time work or even a part-time job depending on your employment needs. You can contact them if you have questions about applying at: 419-768-6468.
Walnut Hills Retirement Community
Walnut Hills offers tuition reimbursement if you are hired to work as a CNA and already paid for your training. Other educational benefits are available. This continuing care community is in a beautiful location of 110 acres. It offers comprehensive services and assistance for the residents to live as independently as possible. The community reflects serenity and Christian values. It’s nestled in Amish Country with peaceful living and beautiful views. Call them at: 330-852-2457.
FirstLight HomeCare of Akron
This company is looking for home health workers for immediate positions. The need is high during the pandemic. Prior experience is not needed as they pay for your training. You just need to be a compassionate and caring individual who loves helping others. You will be able to set your own schedule at this job. Earn between $10-$13 per hour with other possible benefits. The company can be reached at: 866-663-0647.
Your Independence Inc
This company offers direct care services of varying levels for people with both physical and mental health conditions in a residential setting. If hired you will be paid for your required 8 hours of training. Assist individuals to live empowered and as independently as possible. You must be motivated and hard working and have a true desire to help others. Learn more about the services this company offers by calling: 866-287-4157.
Agape Healthcare Schools
The CNA scholarship at the school is all about paying it forward to those with a big heart so they may someday do the same. Their CNA scholarship is for those with a passion to help others and a dream to work in healthcare. Applicants must show how extremely difficult it would be for them to pay for CNA classes. The application is available on the website. Call 231-577-9885 with questions.
North Carolina
Forsyth Tech Scholarships
The college offers many scholarships including a few in the health services field. You could try to obtain a scholarship to cover the cost of CNA training at the college. Complete a FASFA to apply for financial aid. You will also need to complete the scholarship application form found here: forsythtech.academicworks.com. You will need to have enrollment at the college and keep good grades in order to qualify. Call: 336-723-0371 with questions.
Michigan
Homewatch Caregivers
This company received an award from the Detroit Free Press as one of the best places to work. You can join the team of caregivers and work as a home health aid. You will provide non-medical services that clients throughout the local area. Receive a competitive wage and good benefits package. Your training will be free upon being hired. Continuing education is also provided. Call with inquiries: 734-530-4217.
Fresh Perspective Home Care
New hires receive pay to train. You will learn the skills needed to become a vital member of the home card team. Your job will include many times. For example, you may be asked to prepare light meals and do light housework. You will help clients with personal card needs. You may also need to go shopping with clients or even pick up items at the store for them. Apply now on the website or call: 269-329-4717
Sunset Senior Communities and Services
You can apply to become a night shift CNA. You do not even need to be a CNA yet, as they will employ you and pay for your course and training. If you’ve already paid for training, you may qualify to be reimbursed. This shift pays $15.50 an hour and offers a $1500 sign on bonus. You will work 3 (12 hour days) each work week. Learn more about this company by calling: 616-254-8115.
Trilogy Health
They need temporary nursing assistants during the Pandemic. Those recruited, can complete the initial needed training online (free) for 8 hours. This company allows people to earn a degree from Purdue Global at no cost to them. Nursing assistants are paid weekly and will receive pay raises every 3 months. It is preferred but not required that you already have experience as a care assistant. Learn more by texting Keiwana at 248-710-0153.
THE VISITING ANGELS HOME CARE CNA SCHOLARSHIP
This is one of the Monroe County Community College Foundation Scholarships. It is for an enrolled CNA student in the amount of a $1500 reward. You need to be well motivated as a nursing assistant. A person must reside in Michigan to apply. Students need to show they need significant financial help to pursue their CNA training. Non-traditional students will be given preference for these funds. Call: 734-384-4207 to learn more about applying.
The Maples
There are 3 ways to begin and advance a healthcare career. They have scholarships for the CNA Program at Agape. If you were hired after you already paid for certification, you can be reimbursed. If you wish to advance your career even more for the company someday; they even offer college tuition reimbursement programs. Contact: 231-399-6044 about applying.
Didn’t find an opportunity in your state? Here’s what you can do
There are many ways to receive free training to become a care aide or even to become certified as a nursing assistant.
Look into home health caregiver jobs: Many times, these jobs are to provide non medical care. As such, you may not need to be certified. You will probably need some training; which will be provided by the employer when hired.
Like nursing homes, they may also offer free CNA training and sign-on bonuses or free CNA courses in exchange for a commitment to work for the company for a while.
Unemployment benefits: You May qualify for free career training if you are currently out of work but actively seeking employment. CNA programs may be among those available to you. Contact a workforce agency in your area to learn more.
Employer benefits: You May be eligible to pay for CNA training as part of your benefits if you work for a health care employer. Many companies offer continuing education and tuition assistance benefits. You could study to become a CNA and then work in this new job position for your employer.
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