Financial Aid and Scholarships for CNA Students

The Midwest Medical Center CNA Scholarship is offered to current and future CNAs. The award goes directly to the school, and once the program is completed, the CNA goes through the hiring process at Midwest Medical Center in Galena, Illinois. The CNA must be employed for a minimum of one year. Applications are accepted and scholarships are granted throughout the year.

The EMPOWER (Encourage Minority Participation in Occupations with Emphasis on Rehabilitation) Scholarship is awarded to two recipients to support ethnically diverse students pursuing a career in rehabilitation. The applicant must demonstrate an interest in rehabilitation and identify how the scholarship will be used in education and training. Awards are based on competitive metrics and needs.

UNC Health Rockingham Foundation CNA Scholarship applicants must complete the application, write a short essay, and submit two letters of recommendation. There are three deadlines throughout the year to accommodate program start dates. The award covers all costs, including uniforms and shoes, supplies, textbooks, criminal background checks, and drug screening. Winners must work as a CNA at UNC Health Rockingham for at least one year.

The Dr. Brian Bonte Memorial Scholarship helps students pursue CNA certification. Applicants must be a Minnesota resident, and preference goes to students taking classes on the Hutchinson campus of Ridgewater College. Applicants may not accept money from an employer for courses or test fees. To apply, submit letters of recommendation, answers to three essay questions, and a brief employment history.

The Montana Health Federal Credit Union CNA Scholarship is awarded to applicants pursuing a career at St John’s United in Billings, Montana. CNAs who are awarded the scholarships must be employed for a minimum of six months, or 1,000 hours. Seven scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants must submit an application and a one-page essay. Students who do not complete the class must pay back the scholarship in full.

The Community College Nursing Scholarship Program provides last-dollar financial assistance to those enrolled in a Massachusetts community college. The program ensures eligible students have the resources to cover costs and supports candidates who want to contribute to the Commonwealth’s healthcare workforce. Students must have been Massachusetts residents for at least one year to apply. Applicants must also be enrolled full- or part-time and comply with all applicable federal financial aid verification requirements.

The EARN (Employment Advancement Right Now) Maryland program is a state-funded grant initiative to help employers develop skilled workers. The healthcare arm offers several training opportunities, including CNA programs at varying institutions. Eligibility requirements vary but typically include residence within the local area, a high school diploma or GED certificate, and a clean background check. Award winners have all program fees and costs covered but must cover the cost of their state professional licensing fee.

The U.S. Department of Labor administers the Job Corps program. The CNA program is available at 54 locations throughout the U.S., where students can complete all career courses within state regulation compliance. Candidates express their interest, start an application, prove income eligibility, and interview with admissions. Candidates can live on campus or attend a nonresidential program. Job Corps students must be between 16-24 years old and meet citizenship, background, and economic requirements.

The Part-Time Grant Program is available to part-time students continuing their education while working. The program is a bridge between higher education opportunities and individuals who have greater financial need. To be eligible, students must be enrolled for 6-12 undergraduate credits. Eligible institutions must be accredited public, private, independent, for-profit, or nonprofit in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

New York City’s Individual Training Grants are supported by Small Business Services and help pay tuition, registration fees, books, and testing fees. Grants are available at eligible training providers for short-term training programs that last less than one year. Eligible candidates must be actively looking for employment and earn less than $63,928 per year. You must agree to work immediately after training, register to be a member of the Workforce1 Career Center, and have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED certificate.

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education offers scholarships and grants through need-based and merit-based options. The South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance Program is one such grant. Candidates must complete the FAFSA or a FAFSA waiver and enroll in at least six credits in a two-year institution. They can receive assistance for one certificate or diploma within five years.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board offers the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, which provides funding to eligible students attending community colleges, public state schools, and technical schools. Requirements include registration with Selective Service, application for financial aid, and demonstrated need. Candidates are not eligible if they have been convicted of an unlawful offense.

The Wisconsin Grant Program is administered by the state of Wisconsin’s Higher Educational Aids Board. Students must be residents of the state, have a high school diploma or GED certificate, be enrolled in a certificate program, and show demonstrated need through the FAFSA. Men seeking financial aid must register with the United States Selective Service System. Students must be enrolled at least half-time and cannot receive grant money for more than 10 semesters.

The Compass Health CNA program provides students with a paycheck as they learn new skills. After graduation, learners must pass an examination to receive certification as a CNA. The program takes 8-12 weeks to complete, with training held five days a week, including some weekends.

Classes start throughout the year, and graduates are offered employment at Compass Health, contingent on the results of a background screening, reference check, and vaccination status.

Samaritan Health’s paid CNA Training Program requires a 40-hour weekly commitment, after which students are eligible to take the New York State certified nursing assistant exam.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, satisfactory references, a pre-employment drug screen, and a criminal background check. They also must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Classes are Monday through Friday, beginning at 6 a.m. Those interested in applying can fill out an online form or call human resources.

Northside Hospital CNA School is a state-approved program sponsored by Northside Hospital. Students can participate in classroom instruction for 18 days at one of five campuses before taking the Georgia CNA examination to receive licensure. After certification, the student completes an eight-week patient care technician internship before moving into a full-time position in their assigned department.

The Finger Lakes Health CNA Program is state-approved. Candidates are hired before entering the program and are paid during the program. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate. After certification, employment opportunities are available at several long-term care facilities. The program includes 138 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.

The Shannon CNA Program offers a no-cost, paid training experience for aspiring CNAs. Students receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training, which is required to be eligible for the CNA certification exam. After graduation and certification, graduates receive job placement. Classroom hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some state government agencies offer full grants or scholarships for people to complete a CNA program. Medicare and Medicaid funds in some states pay for CNA training, and some CNA programs at accredited community colleges qualify candidates for Pell Grants.

Yes, you can get financial aid for CNA training from a variety of sources, including the federal government, educational institutions that offer CNA programs, and some employers in the healthcare industry. Many providers also offer CNA scholarships, which provide nonrepayable funding that can reduce your student debt burden.

Nursing homes may cover the cost of your CNA classes. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, nursing homes may pay for your courses if you train for CNA certification as a facility employee. Some will also reimburse you for your schooling costs if you accept a job within one year of certification.