If you are among those who are interested in a nursing career, then you should also explore the possibilities to be eligible to get Free CNA Training from your potential employer.  The US Federal Government offers reimbursement for training through Medicare to the health industry employers.  This free training also includes CNA training programs.  All CNAs by law must clear a competency test as per federal requirement. This is the same for all health aides.  Health aides must also have seventy five hours minimum of state approved training.

The National Association for Home Care and Hospice also provides voluntary certification. This is mostly for states that need nursing aides to have a license.  Some high schools also provide free training for CNA certification test.

American Red Cross trains and tests CNAs but it is not free.  However, it is relatively less expensive in comparison to most paid CNA training programs.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) along with Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education is offering to cover cost of training of approximately 1000 CNA students for the year 2010.  All the money to fund this program has been collected form nursing homes that have defaulted by providing sub standard care.  CNAs working with long term  patients in a  nursing home and skilled facilities are eligible for these CNA training classes.

There are close to 66,000 CNAs who are certified and registered in the state of Oklahoma.  These 66,000 are eligible for applying  for free training as CNAs.  Since in 2010, only 1,000 students are going to be funded  the competition is very high.  If accepted, the students are given instructions on immunization.  Also, a criminal background check as well as a drug screening test is done as an eligibility criteria to undergo the CNA training classes.

The CNA training is for 30 hours.  It has 11 modules each of which is 3 hrs long. This  five day training focuses on teamwork, safety, nutrition, aging, dementia care, illness, importance of family, restorative care, dying and spirituality.  For CNA certification the student needs to pass after taking the state exam.

Another choice would be free CNA classes that are available online.  But these only cover certain topics and may not have everything that is necessary for passing the exam.  So be sure whether the site you refer to is showing topics to pass CNA exam or just general information.

The projected rate of job growth for nursing aides and assistants is 28% between 2006 & 2016. But although the job growth is tremendous, opportunities for advancing may be less as compared to an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).  Hence it is recommended that CNAs continue their studies and education to certification as an LPN or RN (registered nurse).  Online LPN classes are also available.

We hope this answers most of your questions about free CNA training classses. You may also read another post  on Free CNA Training for more details.

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