CNA Red Cross training?

Stacy3381 · Dec 12, 2009

I can not help to much but when I was looking for CNA classes I called Red Cross in my town and they told me that they do not offer that class in my state (Illinois).

Justanotherday · Dec 12, 2009

There is a Red Cross chapter about an hour from me that offers a class. Their program was about 6 weeks long. And it is cheaper than through our local community college. I think it was around $800 when I looked into it. But you also had to pay to take a reading test, a TB test, and there is an exam fee. The prices seemed to vary quite a bit from state to state when I looked into it, so I would just call your local chapter and see if there is a class near you.

greengoosepumpkin · Dec 12, 2009

I am a CNA Red Cross Instructor. I'm not sure about your state, but our local classes are $500 plus you have to purchase uniforms. If you are affiliated with the military there are significant scholarships available. Also, the availability of classes depends upon your local chapter so I encourage you to call and find out the details.

*edited to add*

You will also need to pay for state certification and usually for your TB skin test and Hep B vaccines if you do not have them. Also, the class times vary according to instructor availability. We offer both day and evening classes here.

Nelle84 · Dec 12, 2009

ok thanks for the info :)

Girl Scout · Dec 12, 2009

Just a thought, but if you're looking around at jobs, and see some that say "Nursing Assistant" without the "Certified" part, check the job qualifications. Sometimes they just want you to have *some* kind of experience, but the certification isn't necessary to get the job. Now you can get experience by volunteering at a nursing home, volunteering at a senior activity center, volunteering anywhere seniors are gathered (church, veterans clubs, etc.).

Another thing to try is to ask around for nursing homes that will "sponsor" you to become a CNA. They hire you on, put you to work, and put you through class and your CNA exams, and in return you work for them for X amount of time afterwards.

I think I paid about $450 for my CNA class, just to register at the community college. Then I had to pay fees for a TB test, and a Hep B test if I wanted it (not required for class, but will be if you work anywhere), then I had to buy things I needed for theory, practicals, and clinicals like scrubs, stethoscope, etc., then school supplies like books, notebooks, pens, bookbag, etc. Then of course were the testing fees, and other incidental things you end up paying for, like your lunch where you're doing clinicals.

It's hard to pay, pay, pay, but you have to just remember the old adage, "You have to spend money to make money". But if you can't get that much money together, then I would suggest trying alternate routes like the ones I described above. Typically the RC isn't going to give you free CNA classes.

Good luck!

Nelle84 · Dec 12, 2009

@ Girl Scout -

Yeah those arent bad ideas at all, thanks. Lol, the reason i asked if the RC was free is because someone told me it was, i thought it sounded strange.

greengoosepumpkin · Dec 13, 2009

The Red Cross program can be free to military spouses and certain others on scholarship. Perhaps this is where your friend got her info. :)

Nelle84 · Dec 13, 2009

@ greengoosepumpkin

yeah you're probably right lol, and cute name btw

sooo, how would i go about finding nursing homes that offer free training if you work for them x amount of time? Just call up random places and ask to speak to (who?) and just ask if they offer those types of services?

Girl Scout · Dec 13, 2009

@ greengoosepumpkin
yeah you're probably right lol, and cute name btw
sooo, how would i go about finding nursing homes that offer free training if you work for them x amount of time? Just call up random places and ask to speak to (who?) and just ask if they offer those types of services?

You just call up a nursing home and ask them if they're currently hiring any nursing assistants. You say you don't have your certification and you'd like to work, so that you can either afford to go to school to get your certification, or you can be sponsored to get your certification. You ask to speak to the hiring director, or HR, or the personnel director, or whoever's in charge of hiring.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2009

Yup that seems to be almost everyones problem, broke it's a joke! If you can't get in through the Red Cross, try your local JC where you can apply for financial aid an get part of the fees waived, or you can try your local adult school. Financial aid covers if you're at least part time. Hope this helps and good luck

natd9 · Dec 23, 2009

I registered for the Red Cross CNA course a few months ago and paid $1000 for it. For the TB test, I went to a place where it was offered for free. My classes are January 4-February 1, 5-9:45 PM. If you need help paying, the papers I received through Red Cross had information on how to use loans to pay for the free. If this is something you want to do, please check in with them, it doesn't hurt to try.