Verified for 2026
Accredited Free CNA Programs
Many healthcare facilities offer fully sponsored Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training to qualified candidates due to high staffing demands.
These programs typically cover tuition, books, and testing fees. In exchange, candidates may be required to work for the sponsoring facility for a set period after certification. The directory below lists verified locations offering these opportunities.
Accredited Free Schools Directory
Search by state to find the $0 options near you.
Location & FacilityTypeOffer Details
Alabama
Aspire Physical Recovery
Employer Sponsored
Bessemer. Mentorship, paid training, and advancement pathways.
Alabama
Bishop State CC
Fee Waiver
Mobile. Daytime and evening programs. Fee waiver requirements apply.
Alabama
Glen Haven Health
Employer Paid
Tuscaloosa. Hire as NA with free CNA training included.
Alabama
Huntsville Health & Rehab
Employer Paid
Huntsville. Paid training track for new aides. Full benefits.
Alabama
Moundville Health & Rehab
Employer Paid
Moundville. FT/PT Nursing Assistant positions with sponsorship.
Alabama
Palm Gardens Rehab
Earn & Learn
Mobile. Paid training pathway for career growth in healthcare.
Alabama
Shadescrest Health
In-House School
Jasper. Resident Assistant path leading to guaranteed CNA role.
Arizona
Creative Care, Inc.
Scholarship
Kingman. Hands-on skills training plus tuition reimbursement.
Arizona
Haven Health
5-Week Course
Multi-location (Tucson, Phoenix). Complete prep for state exams.
Arizona
Haven Of Lake Havasu
Employer Sponsored
Lake Havasu City. Comprehensive training for HS diploma holders.
Arkansas
National Park College
Adult Education
Hot Springs. 17 days classroom/skills + 2 days clinicals.
Arkansas
Lawrence Hall Rehab
Paid Training
Walnut Ridge. Paid RA role while training. Approved 125-hour course.
Arkansas
Southfork River Therapy
Paid Sponsorship
Salem. Earn a salary while receiving training and certification.
Arkansas
Spring Creek Nursing Home
Free Course
Cabot. Day shift classroom hours (8am-4pm). Certification focus.
Arkansas
The Springs of Greers Ferry
Hospitality Aide Path
Heber Springs. Work as Hospitality Aide while training for CNA.
California
Caring4Cal
State Grant
Statewide. Focus on home/community care. Financial incentives.
California
LA Skills Academy
Partner Training
Santa Fe Springs. Guaranteed job placement with partner facilities.
California
Mission Park Healthcare
FT/PT Sponsor
Santa Barbara. Free training program for qualified candidates.
California
Santa Monica College
Tuition Free
Noncredit course. Fast track certification (< 2 months).
California
Tampico Healthcare
Paid Training
Walnut Creek. $18/hr while training, $22/hr after exam.
Colorado
CrossPurpose
Full Fellowship
Denver. Pays you to learn. Personal & professional development focus.
Connecticut
Hospital for Special Care
5-Week Course
New Britain. Free tuition; students cover books/uniforms.
Florida
CareerSource Brevard
WIOA Support
Brevard County. Fast track with housing/childcare support available.
Florida
Premier Nursing Academy
Employer Partner
Bradenton, Jax. No cost training leading to guaranteed job.
Florida
Pines of Sarasota
PCA Path
Sarasota. Facility covers exam, background checks, and manual.
Florida
Senior Living Institute
Online ALF Track
Tallahassee. Free for ALF employees. Covers Prometric exam.
Illinois
Northwestern Medicine
Internal Sponsor
Chicago. 16-week standalone program for non-clinical employees.
Indiana
Providence Health
Employer Paid
St Mary-Of-The-Woods. In-house training sponsorship.
Kansas
Life Care of Andover
90-Hour Course
Andover. Instruction/textbooks covered; student pays $50 exam fee.
Kentucky
Nazareth Home
Paid Training
Louisville. 5-week hybrid program for hired employees.
Kentucky
Masonic Homes Kentucky
Learn as You Earn
Masonic Home. Step-by-step path from NA to CNA at no cost.
Maine
Maine Medical Center
Apprentice Path
Portland. 7-week apprentice role. Earn $17.44/hr while training.
Massachusetts
Holyoke CC
Benefit Grant
Holyoke. Free for SNAP/TAFDC recipients. 5-6 week hybrid course.
Massachusetts
JVS Boston
Career Training
Boston. Specialized aide training and state exam prep.
Massachusetts
Notre Dame Ed Center
ESOL/NA Track
Lawrence. Low/no-cost options for ESOL and local aides.
Michigan
Goodwill Grand Rapids
Scholarship
Grand Rapids. 115-hour training. $1,800 tuition scholarships available.
Minnesota
Alexandria Tech
Next Gen Grant
Alexandria. $0 cost through state-wide initiative for residents.
Minnesota
Cook Hospital
Online/Hybrid
Cook. Online training with clinicals at Cook Care Center.
Minnesota
Country Manor
Full Sponsorship
Sartell. Covers tuition, books, exam. Compensation during training.
Missouri
Delmar Gardens
NAT Program
St. Louis. 175 hours of instruction. Bonus upon certification.
Nebraska
Goodwill Omaha
Free + Wage
Omaha. 2-week course. All students receive hourly wage during training.
New Jersey
Bartley Healthcare
6-Week Path
Cassville. Guaranteed placement. Covers vitals, hygiene, safety.
New Jersey
Moundville Health (NJ)
Paid Mentor Path
Union. Free training for employees. Preparation for state exam.
New York
Oneida Health
ECF Path
Oneida. 75 hours. Textbooks, skills, and CPR cert provided.
New York
Rochester Regional
Stipend Path
Rochester area. Educational stipend provided for local candidates.
North Dakota
Bethany Retirement
Free Class
Fargo. Tuition is free; student only pays $100 exam fee.
Oregon
Avamere Living
Immediate Hire
Wilsonville. Equips aides for exams with immediate job offer.
Texas
James L. West Center
Specialized
Fort Worth. Includes 10-hour dementia-specific certification.
Washington
Christian Health Care
Foundation Paid
Lynden. Support from the facility foundation for students.
Wisconsin
Gundersen Health
6-Week Path
La Crosse. Covers all education costs under RN instructor.
Wisconsin
UW Health
Apprentice Path
Madison. Engaging students in paid clinical tasks. 1-yr commitment.
↓ Scroll to find all facilities in your state
Stop Paying for School
How to Get Your CNA License for $0
Look, the healthcare industry is desperate for help. If you're paying $1,500 to $2,500 out of pocket for a CNA class, **you're essentially donating money.** There is almost always a way to get certified for free.
The Three "Free" Paths
🏥
Employer-Paid Training
Nursing homes hire you as a "Hospitality Aide," pay for your class, and then bump your pay once you pass.
Usually a 6-12 month work contract.🏛️
Government Grants (WIOA)
Federal money through state career centers. If you’re unemployed or low-income, the state pays the school directly.
Paperwork and interview required.🎓
Job Corps (Ages 16-24)
Training, exam fees, housing, and even a small allowance while you study at no cost.
On-campus commitment required.Accredited Free Schools Directory
Search by state to find the $0 options near you.
Location & FacilityTypeOffer Details
Alabama
Aspire Physical Recovery
Employer Sponsored
Bessemer. Mentorship, paid training, and advancement pathways.
Alabama
Bishop State CC
Fee Waiver
Mobile. Daytime and evening programs. Fee waiver requirements apply.
Alabama
Glen Haven Health
Employer Paid
Tuscaloosa. Hire as NA with free CNA training included.
Alabama
Huntsville Health & Rehab
Employer Paid
Huntsville. Paid training track for new aides. Full benefits.
Alabama
Moundville Health & Rehab
Employer Paid
Moundville. FT/PT Nursing Assistant positions with sponsorship.
Alabama
Palm Gardens Rehab
Earn & Learn
Mobile. Paid training pathway for career growth in healthcare.
Alabama
Shadescrest Health
In-House School
Jasper. Resident Assistant path leading to guaranteed CNA role.
Arizona
Creative Care, Inc.
Scholarship
Kingman. Hands-on skills training plus tuition reimbursement.
Arizona
Haven Health
5-Week Course
Multi-location (Tucson, Phoenix). Complete prep for state exams.
Arizona
Haven Of Lake Havasu
Employer Sponsored
Lake Havasu City. Comprehensive training for HS diploma holders.
Arkansas
National Park College
Adult Education
Hot Springs. 17 days classroom/skills + 2 days clinicals.
Arkansas
Lawrence Hall Rehab
Paid Training
Walnut Ridge. Paid RA role while training. Approved 125-hour course.
Arkansas
Southfork River Therapy
Paid Sponsorship
Salem. Earn a salary while receiving training and certification.
Arkansas
Spring Creek Nursing Home
Free Course
Cabot. Day shift classroom hours (8am-4pm). Certification focus.
Arkansas
The Springs of Greers Ferry
Hospitality Aide Path
Heber Springs. Work as Hospitality Aide while training for CNA.
California
Caring4Cal
State Grant
Statewide. Focus on home/community care. Financial incentives.
California
LA Skills Academy
Partner Training
Santa Fe Springs. Guaranteed job placement with partner facilities.
California
Mission Park Healthcare
FT/PT Sponsor
Santa Barbara. Free training program for qualified candidates.
California
Santa Monica College
Tuition Free
Noncredit course. Fast track certification (< 2 months).
California
Tampico Healthcare
Paid Training
Walnut Creek. $18/hr while training, $22/hr after exam.
Colorado
CrossPurpose
Full Fellowship
Denver. Pays you to learn. Personal & professional development focus.
Connecticut
Hospital for Special Care
5-Week Course
New Britain. Free tuition; students cover books/uniforms.
Florida
CareerSource Brevard
WIOA Support
Brevard County. Fast track with housing/childcare support available.
Florida
Premier Nursing Academy
Employer Partner
Bradenton, Jax. No cost training leading to guaranteed job.
Florida
Pines of Sarasota
PCA Path
Sarasota. Facility covers exam, background checks, and manual.
Florida
Senior Living Institute
Online ALF Track
Tallahassee. Free for ALF employees. Covers Prometric exam.
Illinois
Northwestern Medicine
Internal Sponsor
Chicago. 16-week standalone program for non-clinical employees.
Indiana
Providence Health
Employer Paid
St Mary-Of-The-Woods. In-house training sponsorship.
Kansas
Life Care of Andover
90-Hour Course
Andover. Instruction/textbooks covered; student pays $50 exam fee.
Kentucky
Nazareth Home
Paid Training
Louisville. 5-week hybrid program for hired employees.
Kentucky
Masonic Homes Kentucky
Learn as You Earn
Masonic Home. Step-by-step path from NA to CNA at no cost.
Maine
Maine Medical Center
Apprentice Path
Portland. 7-week apprentice role. Earn $17.44/hr while training.
Massachusetts
Holyoke CC
Benefit Grant
Holyoke. Free for SNAP/TAFDC recipients. 5-6 week hybrid course.
Massachusetts
JVS Boston
Career Training
Boston. Specialized aide training and state exam prep.
Massachusetts
Notre Dame Ed Center
ESOL/NA Track
Lawrence. Low/no-cost options for ESOL and local aides.
Michigan
Goodwill Grand Rapids
Scholarship
Grand Rapids. 115-hour training. $1,800 tuition scholarships available.
Minnesota
Alexandria Tech
Next Gen Grant
Alexandria. $0 cost through state-wide initiative for residents.
Minnesota
Cook Hospital
Online/Hybrid
Cook. Online training with clinicals at Cook Care Center.
Minnesota
Country Manor
Full Sponsorship
Sartell. Covers tuition, books, exam. Compensation during training.
Missouri
Delmar Gardens
NAT Program
St. Louis. 175 hours of instruction. Bonus upon certification.
Nebraska
Goodwill Omaha
Free + Wage
Omaha. 2-week course. All students receive hourly wage during training.
New Jersey
Bartley Healthcare
6-Week Path
Cassville. Guaranteed placement. Covers vitals, hygiene, safety.
New Jersey
Moundville Health (NJ)
Paid Mentor Path
Union. Free training for employees. Preparation for state exam.
New York
Oneida Health
ECF Path
Oneida. 75 hours. Textbooks, skills, and CPR cert provided.
New York
Rochester Regional
Stipend Path
Rochester area. Educational stipend provided for local candidates.
North Dakota
Bethany Retirement
Free Class
Fargo. Tuition is free; student only pays $100 exam fee.
Oregon
Avamere Living
Immediate Hire
Wilsonville. Equips aides for exams with immediate job offer.
Texas
James L. West Center
Specialized
Fort Worth. Includes 10-hour dementia-specific certification.
Washington
Christian Health Care
Foundation Paid
Lynden. Support from the facility foundation for students.
Wisconsin
Gundersen Health
6-Week Path
La Crosse. Covers all education costs under RN instructor.
Wisconsin
UW Health
Apprentice Path
Madison. Engaging students in paid clinical tasks. 1-yr commitment.
↓ Scroll to find all facilities in your state
Insider Tips: How to Actually Score Free Training
1. The "WIOA" Secret
Most people don't know that every state has "One-Stop Career Centers." If you go there and say, "I want to work but need CNA training," they will often cut you a check for the full tuition. It’s federal money that has to be spent every year. **Go early in the month.**
2. Search "CNA Trainee" on Indeed
Don't search for "schools." Search for jobs with the title **"CNA Trainee"** or **"Hospitality Aide."** These are positions designed specifically to pay you while you attend class. You'll make ~$15/hr just to sit in the classroom.
3. The 12-Month Rule
If a nursing home pays for your training, they will likely ask for a 12-month commitment. **Do not sign this if you plan to move.** If you quit at month 6, they might bill you $2,000 for the class. Always read the fine print.
Free Training FAQ
Is the training truly free?
Usually, yes, but some "tuition-free" programs still require you to buy your own scrubs, stethoscope, and pay for your own state exam ($75-$120). Always ask about "hidden fees" before you start.
Can I work while doing free training?
Most facility-sponsored programs require you to work as a non-certified aide while you attend class. This is actually a win because you're getting paid to learn.
How do I find a Job Corps location?
You can visit the official Job Corps website or call their recruitment line. They have over 120 centers nationwide, and almost all of them offer a CNA track.