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.
I 2nd the recommendation to check nursing homes in your area. I took my class for free at a nursing home, and they even paid for me to take the state test. It was a short class (a week of classroom and 80 hours of clinicals, so 3 weeks altogether) and I was hired right away after I finished the class.
There is no way I'd have been able to afford a paid class. And, having worked with CNA students from the community college and from the Red Cross (we used to train them during their clinicals, at my old facility) I honestly don't think I learned any less because I didn't take a paid class. Being an aide is less about technical knowledge (yes, you have to memorize steps for your state test, but beyond the memorization aspect of it, the bookwork is EASY) and more about having compassion and a good work ethic, and common sense, to be perfectly honest with you! Don't let money dissuade you. :)
Ok, I looked into the FAFSA but it only does cover certain schools that do offer the CNA. I also looked into Red Cross, and it is $495.00 but not including lab costs and the state exam, which I am not sure how much everything adds up. It does offer more and obtaining more certificates, CPR, HIV, etc. . Florida Med Prep offers a week or two course for $279.00. Guess I will go that route. Maybe it just takes some digging to do, I don't know. I just know there are additional costs (well, nothing is free afterall), for it not be for the lab costs and state exam (which is separate anyway), the additional certificates for Florida Med Prep.
I can also get in contact with WIA and find out if they offer anything to help with going towards the CNA. I'd hate to just give up on becoming a CNA. I'm sure everyone Tom, Dick and Harry is finding out that to become a CNA takes short amount of schooling = give me a job. Guess I can't blame that and I'm not judging, as the economy is the way it is. I'm unemployed too and since I've wanted to become a CNA for awhile, I want to make the steps to get there.
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.
It is actually Federal law now that if you are hired within 12 months of finishing school at an "extended care facility" that you get the cost of schooling and test fees returned to you. If it takes more than 6 months to find a job than you get 50% back. In PA you get it back in two parts... half after 130 hours of work, the other half after another 130.
Perhaps you can borrow the money from a friend or relative knowing you will get it back?
Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.
I don't know if this would apply to you, but my class was paid for by my tribe. (I am Chickasaw.) If you have a CDIB card, you could look for grants there.
The school I went to had financial aid available. If you call the school, they would be able to give you information. Just ask if they have funding available. I'm sure they would be happy to help.
jjic3982
146 Posts
Wow 16 dollars? County does pay well. Is it in a hospital?
I'm happy for you since you are doing so well.
And American Cross here in California is 1400.
Too bad for me.
I was looking into the unemployment option as well, but I got a job in retail. I wish I could be a part of the program that you are in Scarlet.