Paying for CNA course

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I am in the process of obtaining my GED and looking into becoming a CNA after. I just learned that there is no aid available for a CNA course and I am without job as well. Obviously after obtaining the GED, I would look for a job and save up for a CNA course. There's no easy way to go about it and I understand that, it's just that, if you are as a matter of fact unemployed, and want to become a CNA, you would not be able to (no one specifically, just my experience). I really want to attend my local Red Cross CNA course because I know I will receive the best training there. But it will be $495.00 (which really is a good deal considering the things included). Then I'd have to sit for the state exam ($$). I understand nothing is free, and we must work toward things we want. I've just been having my sights set on becoming a CNA for a long time and it's all I want to do right now. Most jobs are retail (which I've done and had several injuries from it, bad experiences), fast food. I can look into a call center for now and there's a lot of them in the area (that also pay the same, if not a little more, than a CNA) as well as hotel jobs, and save for a course. I'm trying not to become discouraged, but right now I understand there are more jobs out there than a CNA. I was hoping once passing the GED I can just go straight toward the CNA. It's not looking like I will right now, unfortunately.

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Specializes in CNA.

Did you do more research for funding? Or try your local Community College, etc.? Last I knew, there was funding and much of it goes unused as people don't realize how much is out there.

http://www.nursingassistantcentral.com/faqs/guide-to-college-grants-for-cna/

I'm sure there are more out there. I just can't think of them now.

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There are some nursing homes that will offer the CNA course for free. That's what I did when I became a CNA for the first time back in 1996. There is a nearby nursing home that will be offering the program for free come June or July. I will be keeping my eyes open for this offer to come by again.

I would definitely call around to several nursing homes and see what they are currently offering.

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Thanks you two. Really helpful.

Another choice was Florida Med Prep which I've heard good stories about as well. They are a bit cheaper but also don't include a lot of things in the price either. I'll call around and research more on programs, as well as funding too. I really want to become a CNA.

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If you can get into a nursing home that will train you, that's definitely the best option. If your area is like mine, then it will be hard though. I called one place and they said they get about 100 applicants for 20 slots. Also if you have a credit card, many schools will take credit cards and you would be able to pay it back soon after you finish the course and have a job. I am going to a private school which surprisingly is cheaper than the community colleges and they allow you to pay half up front, and the other half before your final exam, and they take credit cards. A family member or close friend may let you use their credit card if you promise to pay the bill on time. Just trying to give you some more options to think about. Hope everything works out.

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I also forgot to mention WIA. To apply for WIA you are supposed to be unemployed through no fault of your own and receiving unemployment, but I've heard of so many people getting WIA who were not in that situation. There's usually a WIA office in or near the unemployment office.

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I really want to become a CNA.

Very glad to see this! People who WANT to become a CNA, not just to pay the bills, are the ones that make it. I wanted to become one. I quit because of my family. I LOVED being a CNA. It was hard, somedays, but totally worth it at the end of the day when I said good night to my residents.

People like you are needed in LTC facilities that will actually show they care.

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I forgot to add in, that there is this one company that, when you get hired on to a facility, they reimburse you the amount of the class, minus physicals, tb tests and scrubs.

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If you can get into a nursing home that will train you, that's definitely the best option. If your area is like mine, then it will be hard though. I called one place and they said they get about 100 applicants for 20 slots. Also if you have a credit card, many schools will take credit cards and you would be able to pay it back soon after you finish the course and have a job. I am going to a private school which surprisingly is cheaper than the community colleges and they allow you to pay half up front, and the other half before your final exam, and they take credit cards. A family member or close friend may let you use their credit card if you promise to pay the bill on time. Just trying to give you some more options to think about. Hope everything works out.

I'll definitely look around. There are some technical schools around that offer a CNA course, even a some places like retirement homes are affiliated courses out of their buildings. Florida Med Prep comes to hand. They have a weekend course, or a 2 week course, separated on time lengths (8 hours, 3 hours, etc.) It will be shorter and more cheaper. I like the Red Cross style, which is 4-6 weeks and they really prepare you so I know I will get the best. I was thinking off applying for financial aid through FAFSA and select certificate less than 2 years, but then I would have to choose a school. A college and some tech schools are listed, but I believe I would actually would need to attend at that individual school.

Thank you all so much for your replies!

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Very glad to see this! People who WANT to become a CNA, not just to pay the bills, are the ones that make it. I wanted to become one. I quit because of my family. I LOVED being a CNA. It was hard, somedays, but totally worth it at the end of the day when I said good night to my residents.

People like you are needed in LTC facilities that will actually show they care.

I've been wanting to work in health care for as long as I can remember. My sights were always set on RN, but becoming a CNA to me will be such great experience and many benefits and rewards that far exceed the pay itself. Those are the other things that you can't pay for and that are priceless (and I'm trying to become one!). I want to become a CNA to enter the health care field and care for patients. I also had life experience with my beloved uncle, Billy, who had down syndrome and I always loved and enjoyed chatting with him, being around him. I much preferred spending time with him than anyone else in the world. He passed away around the holidays last year. He was in his 60's and he lived longer than those with the "condition." I learned so much about him. I want to be with others like him and take care of them. Right now, since I worked in retail for 4 years, it's a point that if I'm going to be working around others, I want to care for them and give them that touch of a hand or hug, I want to offer that special touch that I can't get in any other field besides working with animals. I want and need to be around others as bright as I am so I can also learn from them. As silly as it sounds, I also love wearing scrubs, having a first aid kit near me and gloves. Sounds immature but when I volunteered for animals I got excited over this because I knew there was a care of action to be taken and done.

I'll, again, look into more of my resources. I'm bound to find something.

Thanks again everyone!

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Specializes in CNA.

Thought of two more:

WIA Funding (some else mentioned that)

Pell Grants

Good luck!

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Specializes in About to start Vent Care.
I also forgot to mention WIA. To apply for WIA you are supposed to be unemployed through no fault of your own and receiving unemployment, but I've heard of so many people getting WIA who were not in that situation. There's usually a WIA office in or near the unemployment office.

That is exactly what I did. I was on unemployement and the Dept of Labor is paying for my course in full ($1475.00). I will begin my classes on4/25. It is a 6 week class. Iwould definetly check this out. The woman who helped me was on my side and fighting for me to get into the class. She also is going to help me get into a county run facility after I complete the course that pays extremely well. ($16/hr to start). These types of programs are very helpful to those who really WANT to become something.

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