Hi. I'm a nursing student in Cleveland, Ohio. I decided to take a break and attend a nursing assistant program at American Red Cross close to downtown. The class was for about 2-3 weeks and the cost was $1600.00. I got a scholarship from American Red cross for $800.00 and there are other financial programs available (also free for low income). When I graduated, I took the state test the following week and was hired the same week by Visiting Nurses Association Of Ohio. My start rate per hour is 11.33 and raise every 6 months. Hope this helps!