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There are several paths to becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA). Candidates may choose a program at an accredited community college or a hospital-based program. They can also become a nursing assistant by taking CNA classes online.
Candidates must enroll in a program that offers in-depth coursework and hands-on clinical experience to be eligible for the state certification examination. Let’s explore the variety of scholarships, grants, and paid programs that support your effort to become a certified nurse assistant.
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Where to Find CNA Scholarships and Financial Aid
You can find CNA scholarships and financial aid through various sources. Employers facing workforce shortages may help fund training, and local, state, and federal governments offer financial aid programs. Collectively, the following resources can help alleviate the financial burden of your education and begin your career.
Community and Technical Colleges: Community and technical colleges in your area may offer CNA scholarships and other funding support to lower the cost of a CNA certificate program.
Nursing Facilities with Medicare or Medicaid Contracts: The federal government’s Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 requires Medicaid or Medicare approved nursing care facilities to provide employees with no-cost nurse assistant training or reimbursement of training costs if hired within 12 months of training completion.
Employers Facing Workforce Shortages: Some understaffed healthcare facilities offer hiring incentives like CNA scholarships or paid CNA training programs. These typically require an agreement to work for the facility for a certain amount of time.
Local, State, and Federal Government: If you plan to enroll in a CNA certificate program at an accredited college, government grants and CNA scholarships can help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Funding availability, eligibility requirements, and amounts vary.
Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits, community organizations, and private foundations in your area may offer CNA scholarships and grants to aspiring learners with financial need.
Available CNA Scholarships
CNA students can find scholarships from sources, such as employers, non-profit organizations, and colleges. Colleges may offer dedicated CNA scholarships, while employers may offer funding for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
The following is not an exhaustive list. Students should explore additional funding opportunities in their local area to maximize their financial aid options and support their education.
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. They must be employed for a minimum of one year. Applications are granted throughout the year.
Sponsor: David M. Hersey Endowment Fund of the Allina Health Foundation
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 30
UNC Health Rockingham Foundation CNA Scholarship applicants must complete the application, 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.
Sponsor: UNC Health Rockingham Foundation
Amount: All inclusive
Deadline: March 31, June 30, November 30
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.
Sponsor: Ridgewater College Foundation
Amount: $500
The Montana Health Federal Credit Union CNA Scholarship is awarded to applicants pursuing a career at St John’s United in Billings, Montana. Those 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.
Sponsor: Montana Health Federal Credit Union
Amount: $450
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 a Massachusetts resident 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.
Sponsor: Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Amount: Varies
Government Grants for CNA Certificate Programs
A student should also consider various financial opportunities from state, local, and federal grants that help cover expenses as they take CNA classes online or in person. These programs can help cover the cost of non-degree certificate education. Most grants require applicants to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or apply through specific local or state government programs.
The Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) 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.
Location Eligibility: Maryland
Grant Amount: All costs associated with training, except licensing fee
The U.S. Department of Labor administers the Job Corps program. The CNA program is available at 62 locations throughout the U.S., where students can complete all career courses within state regulation compliance. Candidates express an interest, start an application, and interview with admissions. Candidates can live on campus or attend a non-residential program. Job Corps students must be between 16 and 24 years old and meet citizenship, background, and economic requirements.
Location Eligibility: All states
Grant Amount: Cost of education
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.
Location Eligibility: Massachusetts
Grant Amount: $200 and higher, depending on the institution
New York City Individual Training Grants are supported by Small Business Services and help to 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 looking actively 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 high school diploma or GED certificate.
Location Eligibility: New York City
Grant Amount: $3,800
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education offers scholarships and grants through need-based and merit-based options. The Lottery Tuition Assistance is one such grant. Candidates must complete the FAFSA or a FAFSA waiver and enroll in at least six credit hours in a two-year institution. They can receive assistance for one certificate or diploma within five years.
Location Eligibility: South Carolina
Grant Amount: $80 per credit hour
The Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant program offers funds to eligible students attending general academic teaching institutions in Texas. The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant guidelines include registration with Selective Service, application for available financial aid, and meeting financial needs. Candidates are not eligible if they have been convicted of an unlawful offense.
Location Eligibility: Texas
Grant Amount: Maximum $8,658 at a community college
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, and be enrolled in a certificate program. Males seeking financial aid must register with the United States Selective Service System. FAFSA data determine eligibility. Students must be enrolled at least half-time and cannot receive grant money for more than 10 semesters.
Location Eligibility: Wisconsin
Grant Amount: $250-$3,150
Paid CNA Training Programs
Paid CNA training programs offer students a valuable opportunity. They can receive employer funding for a work commitment after certification. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, providing the student with a comprehensive education in patient care.
Program length can vary from a few weeks to several months.
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 of students attending 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.
Program Length: 8-12 weeks
Location: Grover Beach, California
Program Terms: Following certification, graduates work at Compass Health part or full time; a $1,500 sign-on bonus is available.
Samaritan Health’s paid certified nursing assistant training program requires a time commitment of 40 hours per week, 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, and candidates must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Classes are Monday through Friday, beginning at 6:00 a.m. Those interested in applying can fill out their online form or call human resources.
Program Length: 40 hours per week for four weeks
Location: Long-term care facilities at Samaritan Keep Home or Samaritan Summit Village
Program Terms: Graduates who pass certification are eligible for employment
Northside Hospital CNA School is a state-approved program sponsored by Northside Hospital. Students can participate at one of five campuses and in classroom instruction for 18 days 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 departments.
Program Length: 12 weeks, including 18 days in class and an eight-week internship
Location: Atlanta, Cherokee, Duluth, Forsyth, and Lawrenceville, Georgia
Program Terms: Graduates are offered a position after completing the eight-week internship
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 classroom, lab, and clinical instruction of 138 hours..
Program Length: Four weeks
Location: Geneva, New York
Program Terms: Graduates are offered positions at one of four long-term care facilities in Geneva, Penn Yan, or Waterloo.
The Shannon Health 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 then receive job placement. Classroom hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Program Length: Five weeks
Location: Shannon St. John’s campus, San Angelo, Texas
Program Terms: After certification, CNAs are offered employment.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Scholarships
The cheapest way to become a CNA is through a paid CNA training program. Candidates do not pay for classes and are compensated during the program. Graduates may be required to complete a work commitment. CNAs can also look for financial aid opportunities or check with their local health department and non-profit organizations that may offer free CNA training programs.
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.
There are various scholarships available to candidates for nurse assisting programs. Many state and local governments, private foundations, and nonprofits offer scholarships. Some employers offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement in exchange for a work commitment.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be used in CNA programs offered through accredited community colleges. The questions on the application determine your eligibility to receive federal or state aid, including grants and scholarships to cover your education.
