In the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 1987), Federal nurse aide training regulations are mandated. A maximum of fifty hours of theory and another on hundred hours for supervised clinical training should be followed in training programs as required and approved by the state.  Those who were able to complete the training program are known as the Certified Nursing Assistant or State Tested Nurse Aid.

This certification is included in the State registry of nursing aides.  However, they would still need to complete forty – eight hours of training every 24 months to maintain their certification.  This is to update the CNA’s or STDA’s on the trends of care giving.  They have to master the basic skills that are needed in providing healthcare assistance to the patients in both hospitals and home settings.

In order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, one would need to enroll in training and pay for certifications. And these training and certifications have costs. For people who are unable to pay for the training and certification there is still hope. There are facilities that may give you free training.

Most of the free CNA Training classes are very limited.  Only a limited number of participants are allowed and they need to enroll in advance. The Oklahoma State Department of Health worked with the Tulsa community college in Oklahoma, the Department of career and technology education and was able to create a fund of $371,000 which was established for the very reason of covering the cost of training for up to 1000 CNA students for the year of 2010.

Why are they offering free training and where does the money does come from?

The money comes from the penalties which are collected from the nursing homes that are fined by the OSDH for providing poor healthcare to the residents, using that money to help train future CNAs. In other places such as Massachusetts, the education department has a grant that will help pay for CNA training courses, uniforms, transportation costs and even day care for applicants with children.

Some of the qualifications required for illegibility include; having a low income, completion of high school, and age of 17 to 21 years old. However, for those who live in a state that does not have a local state-funded program, you could check with local nursing homes in the area which may provide you with free CNA training classes in exchange for time of service with them.

Another good idea will be to look for local regional occupation programs which, in most cases, are free. Or, if there are any payments needed, it may cost you under $100.

The CNA/HHA scholarship program sponsors free CNA and HHA training for those who are qualified to enter into the field of certified nursing assistant, or those who have plans on becoming home health aides. Red Cross offers CNA training for those who would want a faster paced training.  However, it would cost you a greater amount because the minimum training fee is about $1000 – 2000 dollars including the training materials needed. On the up side, obtaining Red Cross CNA training would ensure that your training is acknowledged federally and by the State.

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 Nursing Assistant would require taking and passing a state exam. CNA training “classes” are different than training “courses”.