In nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide direct patient care. They assist the nursing staff by providing patients with basic hygiene, collecting their vital signs, and arranging for medical supplies. In order to get a job a a certified nursing assistant you can research free cna classes online to learn the basic nursing skills and theory required for certification.

CNAs also aid patients with eating, dressing, and bathing. In addition, they help make the care facilities welcoming and secure. Thus, several states let nursing students work as CNAs after a few semesters providing they have the necessary personal care skills in the medical field.
However, if you are not a nursing school student yet want to become a certified nursing assistant, you must complete online CNA training. Although most states don’t need students to have a degree to become CNAs, they demand qualifying a competence test. Thus, students must enroll themselves in online certification programs to prepare for the exam and get CNA-registered.
Here, in this article, we have brought you some of the best online CNA programs near you to choose and kick-start your journey as a certified nursing assistant. Many looking for a nursing program are interested in possible free online cna courses with certificate of completion. Although there are very few establishments offering free cna classes online, some locations will allow you to take the training providing you pay them back once you have your CNA salary.
Best Free CNA Classes Online

Students can benefit immensely from free online learning. Easy accessibility, an affordable price, flexibility, and the convenience of learning at your own pace are the major benefits of attending free cna classes online.
The CNA diploma and certificate programs teach students the fundamentals of nursing, fire safety protocols, and patient rights. You can also get knowledge in the healthcare field on how to assist patients with special needs.
So, here are the 8 best free cna classes near you to consider applying for.
1.CNA Short-Term Certificate Program – Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College offers aCertified Nursing Aid (CNA) Short-term Certificate program. It is a 5-credit, 1-semester program that costs $149.55 per credit.
The program prepares students to be eligible to appear for the CNA test administered by the Indiana State Department of Health. Besides, it has a Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
The course uses a blended, predominantly conventional teaching method. It combines in-person instructions with online reading and other course resources that complement the knowledge and abilities acquired in in-person seminars.
Besides, enrolling in this CNA program can render career placement and academic counseling. Also, students of this program can participate in clinical practice experiences in hospitals and other long-term care facilities in the neighborhood.
8 locations of Ivy Tech now offer the blended/traditional curriculum in Indiana. So, if you want to inquire about the programs offered at nearby campuses, contact them directly.
2. Nursing Aid Certificate Course – Somerset Community College
SCC, situated in Somerset, Kentucky, provides aNursing Aid Certificate Coursethat trains students to get state certification as nurse assistants. The Cabinet for Health Services, Department of Medicaid Services, has mandated the pre-requisites for this program’s training.
Students can easily take the State Nursing Aide test after completing this 75-hour course and passing with a C or better. After receiving the certification, you get a permit to work as a patient caregiver in nursing homes and hospitals under the direction of a registered nurse.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has granted SCC regional accreditation.
However, students seeking this online CNA course must pass a criminal background check investigation and drug test. They also need white scrubs and shoes for practical training at nearby nursing facilities. The tuition fee for the program is $5,481.
3. Nursing Assistant Certificate – Lehman College

TheNursing Assistant Certificate from Lehman Collegehas authorization from the New York State Education Department. Those looking for work as CNAs in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and home health organizations can join this online program.
However, before taking the New York State certification test, students must complete this course and related clinical training.
This program requires a high school diploma or GED/TASC. In addition, CPR for Healthcare Providers or a current American Heart Association National Certification is a pre-requisite for clinical CPR100. Also, you might need to present the completed CNA certification exam documentation at the initial class meeting.
The program covers a total of 125 hours. It includes the fundamentals of patient care, anatomy and physiology, and nursing home clinical rotation. However, you must complete each pre-requisite course with a grade of C or higher to get the program certificate.
4.Certified Nurse Assistant Certificate Program – American River College
You must finish 2 courses for theCertified Nurse Assistant Certificate program at American River College. The first course, Medical Terminology, introduces the fundamental forms and elements of medical words. The second course in the curriculum, Nurse Assistant, is offered in a 100% asynchronous manner. Therefore, you must finish the first course before beginning the second one.
The 10-credit course lasts 16 weeks and costs $46 per credit if you take it in-state. The program costs $370 per credit for out-of-state students. Completing this accredited CNA program will offer you the ARC CNA Certificate and qualify you to sit for the nurse assistant certification test for the state of California.
The Nurse Assistant program at ARC’s main campus in Sacramento, California, entails 86 hours of classroom theory lectures, which you can access asynchronously online. In addition, you must complete 9 hours of laboratory training. Besides, you’d also require more than 100 hours of clinical training at healthcare institutions nearby.
5. Nurse Aide Program – Hazard Community and Technical College

Hazard Community and Technical College, HCTC, based in Hazard, Kentucky, provides a 4-monthNurse Aide Online Program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has granted HCTC regional accreditation to this course.
It blends classroom instruction with practical laboratory and clinical practice. The program has a maximum of 15 students allowed in each class.
Besides, candidates must possess a high school diploma, a GED, or a TABE score of at least 10th grade. Additionally, they must have 2 years and 6 months of nursing assistant experience.
2 curriculum choices are available to students interested in obtaining this online CNA degree. They are the Kentucky Medication Aide and Medicaid Nursing Aide certifications.
The Medicaid Nursing Aide program students are prepared to qualify for a Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry listing. In contrast, opting for the Kentucky Medication Aide makes students administer drugs under the supervision of a registered nurse.
6. Certified Nursing Assistant Program – Manhattan Institute
The Manhattan Institute of Allied Medical Training in New York City offers a certified nursing assistant program. It equips students with the necessary information and abilities to qualify for the New York CNA license test. In addition, the hybrid nature of the institute’s curriculum allows students to benefit from the adaptability of online learning.
You can learn about the more specialized technical and clinical skills required for CNA employment while spending time with classmates and lecturers in this arrangement. The Manhattan Institute offers 3 ways to fulfill in-person requirements. You can fulfill 4 days of classes over 4 weeks, 4 nights of lessons over 8 weeks, or 7 weekends of sessions.
Before moving on to part two of the program, which enables you to take part in an externship at a nearby healthcare institution, you must spend the first half of the program fulfilling classroom pre-requisites. However, after completing the course, you can take the two-part certification test.
The program’s total cost for students at MI is around $6,050, which covers tuition fees, registration costs, and expenses for books and other supplies. Besides, you can also benefit from the career services and professional coaching offered by the institute to obtain a CNA position that aligns with your professional objectives.
7. Hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant Curriculum – Middlesex Community College
The institute offers aHybrid Certified Nursing Assistant Curriculumfor those looking for flexible distance learning choices that fit their hectic schedules. Although MXCC offers many online classes for this CNA program, students must go to campus to participate in face-to-face clinical learning.
Thus, here, you can get the opportunity to advance your laboratory and clinical skills at a nearby hospital facility as part of MXCC’s offerings. Moreover, to ensure that the participants acquire all the abilities necessary to pass the CNA certification test, the program comprises 6 distinct modules.
However, candidates must possess a diploma or GED, show proficiency in English, submit proof of immunizations, pass a background check, and be 18 years or older for admission into this CNA training program.
The total course fee is $1,199. It includes the application and examination fees for the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry.
The Blackboard Learning platform implemented by Middlesex Community College allows students to balance their work with learning. They use the platform to complete online requirements and submit examinations and assignments.
8. Home Health Aide, Nurse Aide, and Caregiver Certification – Udemy
Udemy offers aHome Health Aide, Nurse Aide, and Caregiver Certification Course. In this program, you will learn about the basic details and capabilities of providing healthcare services in the home. In addition, it will help you become capable home health aides and carers.
Besides, through this course, students can also learn to look after older people and those with long-term illnesses. It teaches learners to use the latest American Heart Association recommendations to execute cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Additionally, they can master the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology.
However, the course doesn’t require any pre-requisites. Students from any academic background can join the program.
It is a fully online course that allows students to learn at their pace. It contains 20 modules, and students are required to complete all of them. You can easily access the course material in the form of videos, slides, PDFs, and audio. However, you must score 75% or higher on the final examination to get the CNA certification.
FAQ – Free CNA classes online
Can I still receive certification with free cna classes online?
This depends on the nursing assistant training you take and the topics they cover. It also varies depending on the state you are in as there are different regulations in each regarding CNA certification.
Does the Red Cross offer free cna classes online?
The Red Cross does provide CNA training and nurse aide training programs but have not yet fully expanded into a free cna classes online. They do provide a number of different training programs across the United States.
When can I work after I receive certificate of Completion?
Nursing Assistant jobs can be found within a healthcare setting such as a hospital, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Or otherwise you could work with home health agencies where you may visit patients at their own properties to assist with daily living.
Final Thoughts
CNAs often work under the direction of a practical nurse or licensed nurse during clinical hours in health care settings. They can care for patients with basic mobility and sanitization needs while ensuring their proper nourishment. Taking even just some basic free cna classes online can help you prepare for the CNA exam.
Thus, it’s essential to take out sufficient time and complete your research to identify the best online CNA classes, as doing so can boost your job hunt significantly.
FAQs
Can you take CNA classes online in Pennsylvania? ›
The Pennsylvania Department of Education offers a list of certified nursing assistant training in Pennsylvania. The majority of these programs can be found at local community colleges, trade schools, or even the American Red Cross. You can find local CNA classes near you as well as CNA classes online.
How can I be the best CNA ever? ›- Be prepared with a plan for each day. ...
- Share your compassion. ...
- Be a patient listener. ...
- Pay attention to details. ...
- Understand basic medical terminology. ...
- Use your strongest communication skills. ...
- Ability to follow protocols and work independently. ...
- Continue your education!
- successfully complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program, and.
- successfully complete the competency evaluation program examination; or.
- qualify to be placed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry by waiver or reciprocity.
In some states, a nursing assistant is called a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but titles vary by state. Nursing assistants who have passed the competency exam are placed on a state registry. They must be on the state registry to work in a nursing home.
Can you take the CNA test without classes in PA? ›Eligibility and Training Requirements
The Pennsylvania Department of Education may authorize student/ graduate nurses to test as CNAs. Individuals who do not have qualifying nursing education must complete state-approved nurse aide training programs.
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $56,235 | $4,686 |
75th Percentile | $37,790 | $3,149 |
Average | $39,761 | $3,313 |
25th Percentile | $26,992 | $2,249 |
- Nurse Aide Evaluator. Salary range: $106,000-$106,000 per year. ...
- Nursing Attendant. Salary range: $37,000-$45,500 per year. ...
- Cna Ltc. Salary range: $36,000-$45,000 per year. ...
- Hospital CNA. ...
- Geriatric Nursing Assistant. ...
- Nursing Technician. ...
- Nursing Assistant. ...
- Nursing Unit Clerk.
As of May 12, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Cna in the United States is $16.04 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $24.76 and as low as $8.89, the majority of Cna wages currently range between $12.98 (25th percentile) to $18.03 (75th percentile) across the United States.
Who pays the most for CNA? ›1. Alaska. With an average annual salary of $43,080, Alaska tops our list of the highest-paying states for CNAs.
What is a CNA salary in Texas? ›Years of experience | Per hour |
---|---|
1 to 2 years | $15.18 |
3 to 5 years | $15.98 |
6 to 9 years | $16.39 |
More than 10 years | $18.06 |
How much do CNA make in Texas a month? ›
Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $39,574 | $3,297 |
75th Percentile | $32,978 | $2,748 |
Average | $31,182 | $2,598 |
25th Percentile | $23,744 | $1,978 |
The average Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Texas is $34,301 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $31,262 and $37,874.
Is a CNA a type of nurse? ›Nursing assistant (CNA)
Nursing assistants also go by the title of nursing aides or CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants). While these professionals are not technically nurses, they are on the frontline of contact between medical staff and patients—and the role can serve as a starting point for many aspiring nurses.
Certified nursing assistants may also be called a nursing assistant, a nurse's aid, or a patient care assistant.
Is a CNA and CMA the same thing? ›The next time you are confused about the difference between them, just remember the difference in responsibilities: the CNA involves hands-on, daily personal care of patients, while the CMA's tasks are more varied and encompassing in terms of patient care. CNAs usually work at inpatient facilities, unlike CMAs.
Do you need a high school diploma to be a CNA in PA? ›In the state of Pennsylvania you can take CNA classes as early as 16 years old, however, after a certain age they require H.S. Diploma or GED. Most employers will request that you provide Diploma or GED along with CNA cert. to be considered for employment.
How many questions are on the CNA test for PA? ›You may take Written (or Oral) examinations either online or at a test center. Skills Evaluations are only offered at a test center. The Written Examination consists of seventy (70) multi- ple-choice questions written in English.
What happens if your CNA license expires in PA? ›Licenses expire June 30 of every even-numbered year.
(If your license is INACTIVE or EXPIRED, you must submit a reactivation application by logging into your account at www.pals.pa.gov.) The renewal fee is $297.00.
Yes, you can 100% make six figures as a nurse. The disclaimer is that working in some states may make this easier than working in other states. Geographic location is a huge indicator of starting salary and can be a reason why some of you are not as close to others when looking at raw data.
How long is CNA school in PA? ›Program Length: The State of Pennsylvania recommends CNA training programs that include at least 130 hours of instruction, which includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice in a medical facility.
What is the minimum wage for CNA in Florida? ›
Years of experience | Per hour |
---|---|
1 to 2 years | $18.01 |
3 to 5 years | $18.96 |
6 to 9 years | $19.44 |
More than 10 years | $21.43 |
How much does a Traveling Cna make in Georgia? As of May 13, 2023, the average annual pay for a Traveling Cna in Georgia is $30,175 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $14.51 an hour. This is the equivalent of $580/week or $2,514/month.
How much do travel CNA make in New York? ›Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
---|---|---|
Certified Nurse | $65,383 | $5,448 |
Independent Contractor Traveling Cna | $60,371 | $5,030 |
Local Travel Cna | $59,473 | $4,956 |
Cna Travel Nursing | $58,262 | $4,855 |
You will not make a tremendous amount of money.
CNAs work as much as 40 hours per week, and since they do not make that much money, it is hard to live off that salary. A CNA will most likely need a second job to stay afloat. The average CNA salary is about $15.41 an hour or $32,050 a year.
How much does a Cna Ii make in North Carolina? As of May 13, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cna Ii in North Carolina is $26,584 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $12.78 an hour. This is the equivalent of $511/week or $2,215/month.
How much does a CNA make in Dallas Texas? ›How much does a CNA make in Dallas, TX? The average CNA salary in Dallas, TX is $34,670 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $31,600 and $38,280.
How do CNA negotiate salary? ›- Here are the rules for successful salary negotiating:
- Do your homework. ...
- Don't let salary be an obstacle. ...
- Wait until you're offered a job to discuss salary. ...
- Let them mention a number first. ...
- Know your bottom line. ...
- Be prepared to sell yourself.
While the job is not glamorous, there are a few things that are pretty great about being a CNA, and a few that are – well… they're just gross. The good news is, you'll get used to the gross stuff as you develop a routine and learn from your mistakes.
How much do traveling CNAs make in alaska? ›How much does a Cna Travel make in Alaska? As of May 10, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cna Travel in Alaska is $45,578 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $21.91 an hour. This is the equivalent of $876/week or $3,798/month.
What is a phlebotomist salary in Texas? ›Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
---|---|---|
Top Earners | $38,695 | $3,224 |
75th Percentile | $30,780 | $2,565 |
Average | $29,334 | $2,444 |
25th Percentile | $27,702 | $2,308 |
How long does a CNA license last in Texas? ›
Nurse aides renewing their certification are required to complete 24 hours of in-service education every 2 years.
How long is CNA class in Texas? ›NATCEP Requirements
60 clock hours of classroom training that doesn't involve direct resident care. 40 clock hours of hands-on resident care in a nursing facility.
The most significant difference between CNA1 and CNA2 certification is the curriculum. CNA1 certification teaches fundamental skills required to work as a nursing assistant, while CNA2 certification teaches advanced skills required to work in specialized healthcare settings.
How much do LVN nurses make in Texas? ›How much does a Lvn make in Texas? As of May 12, 2023, the average annual pay for a Lvn in Texas is $53,966 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $25.95 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,037/week or $4,497/month.
What is the scope of CNA in Texas? ›Their tasks include assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and walking, feeding patients, changing linens and stocking supplies. Those CNAs who are properly trained and certified may administer oral medications in certain work settings.
What is the minimum wage in Texas? ›What is the minimum wage in Texas? Texas adopts the federal minimum wage rate. Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. With specified restrictions, employers may count tips and the value of meals and lodging toward minimum wage.
How many CNAs are in Texas? ›In 2020, there were 100,161 actively licensed CNAs in Texas.
Where do LVN get paid the most in Texas? ›- Gento. 4.3 $40.21per hour. 36 reviews23 salaries reported.
- FleetNurse Inc. 4.8 $39.83per hour. 14 reviews93 salaries reported.
- Regal Medical Group. 2.7 $39.19per hour. ...
- CareLinx. 3.8 $38.86per hour. ...
- Sierra Health and Wellness Centers. 2.8 $38.32per hour. ...
- Show more companies.
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
What's higher than RN? ›What Are the Levels of Nursing? There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
What is the highest nursing position? ›
Chief nursing officers are nursing administrators who work within the leadership team of a healthcare organization. They are considered the highest level of nursing leadership.
What are three different titles a CNA typically can have? ›CNAs are often given titles such as Nursing Assistant, Certified Nurse Aide, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), State Certified Nursing Assistant (STNA), or Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA).
What are the commonly used abbreviations for CNA? ›CNA stands for Certified Nurse Aide. It is also sometimes referred to as a Certified Nursing Assistant or simply a Nurse Aide. The abbreviation would stay the same, as an NA refers to a Nurse Anesthetist. There is an abbreviation, HHA, which stands for Home Health Aide.
What does the abbreviation CNA stand for and can they diagnose? ›' CNA stands for certified nurse aide or certified nursing assistant (both terms are often used interchangeably). CNAs are healthcare professionals that help provide direct care to patients. They also assist patients with tasks they may not be able to perform on their own.
What's higher a CNA or CMA? ›While it takes more training and time to become a CMA, if you decide to pursue this career option, you'll probably make more than you would as a CNA. The median salary for a CNA is $30,310 per year. The average salary for a CMA is $35,100 per year.
How do I get CMA certification? ›CMAs must have completed a bachelor's degree or qualifying professional certification, plus two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. CMA candidates need to complete a two-part exam as well.
Can a CMA be called a nurse? ›Should a medical assistant call herself/himself a “nurse,” even in a generic sense? A. Absolutely not. The title “nurse,” even when used generically, is restricted by state laws to those individuals licensed as RNs or LPNs.
How long does it take to become a CNA in PA? ›Program Length: The State of Pennsylvania recommends CNA training programs that include at least 130 hours of instruction, which includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice in a medical facility.
How long does a CNA license last in PA? ›Licenses expire June 30 of every even-numbered year.
(If your license is INACTIVE or EXPIRED, you must submit a reactivation application by logging into your account at www.pals.pa.gov.) The renewal fee is $297.00.
In the state of Pennsylvania you can take CNA classes as early as 16 years old, however, after a certain age they require H.S. Diploma or GED. Most employers will request that you provide Diploma or GED along with CNA cert. to be considered for employment.
How long does it take to get CNA reciprocity in Pennsylvania? ›
A: Reciprocity applications are processed within 15 days of receipt of the completed application.
How much do Cnas make in PA an hour? ›How much does a Cna make in Pennsylvania? As of May 12, 2023, the average annual pay for a Cna in Pennsylvania is $29,731 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $14.29 an hour. This is the equivalent of $571/week or $2,477/month.
What is the shortest time to become a CNA? ›While the answer isn't exactly cut and dry, most CNA certification programs take between four and 12 weeks to complete. Some might take longer, though, even up to six months or more.
How many questions are on PA CNA exam? ›The CNA exam will consist of two parts: a written portion (also known as a knowledge exam) and a clinical skills test. The written test is intended to measure a candidate's mastery of nursing assistant knowledge and skills. The test consists of 60 multiple choice questions, with 90 minutes to complete them.
How much does a PA nursing license cost? ›Nursing Licensure Guide & Timeline
Your completed application, Payment of your $70 permit fee along with your $95 initial licensing fee, and. Education verification from your Pennsylvania nursing program confirming your successful graduation.
Reciprocity is a process by which a certified nurse aide from another state may ... This can be done by requesting a Reciprocity Application Form from www. The reciprocity forms are also available at Pearson Vue Pennsylvania Nurse Aides. Renewal of Continued Registry Enrollment Process.
What happens if you let your nursing license expire in PA? ›Nursing licensees with expired licenses are presumed not to be practicing nursing. When you renew a license that has expired, you will be asked to sign an affidavit stating whether or not you have practiced nursing in Pennsylvania after the expiration of your license.
How old do you have to be to be a CNA in PA? ›The candidate must be 16 years of age before taking the Nurse Aide Competency Examination. Some nursing facilities (employers) may require the candidate to be at least 18 years of age.
What is the scope of practice for a CNA in PA? ›CNAs are not classified as licensed health professionals. Rather, they are considered unlicensed medical personnel. They are certified and put on a state registry after completing a CNA class and passing a test, but this is different from licensure. Therefore, CNAs do not have a scope of practice.
Can you get a CNA license without a high school diploma Florida? ›No. If you are age 18 or older, you do not need a High School Diploma or GED to become a Florida Certified Nurse Assistant. However, if you are under the age of 18, you must have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Can I use my Florida CNA license in Pennsylvania? ›
You can apply to receive CNA certification through reciprocity in the state of Pennsylvania if you hold certification in another state.
How long does it take pa to issue a nursing license? ›Up to 70 business days upon receipt of all required materials.
How do I apply for reciprocity in Pennsylvania? ›Click on the exam schedule to register for an exam. To apply for reciprocity, go to the web page "Operator Certification Documents & Forms" and click on the link "Application for Certification through Reciprocity to Operate Water or Wastewater Systems." You may also obtain an application by contacting 717-787-5236.