10 Free CNA Classes Online in 2025

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential support in healthcare settings, assisting patients with daily activities and ensuring their comfort and safety. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those wishing to enter this profession must complete a state-approved program and pass the exam.

Many programs range from $1,000 to $4,000; however, for those unable to afford tuition, free and low-cost program options exist. If you're searching for a rewarding career path without investing in expensive education, keep reading to learn about CNA programs online that offer free tuition, discounts, scholarships, or tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Free Online CNA Courses

Many free CNA courses online are available to students seeking to enter the healthcare industry. Below, we discuss top online programs offering free or significantly low tuition rates.

1. Nursing Assistant Certification Diploma-UDemy

In this fully online course, aspiring caregivers learn the basics of nursing assistant responsibilities. Students gain effective communication skills to navigate real-life situations with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

With videos, practice tests, and a certificate of completion, online learners finish this comprehensive course ready to begin their careers. Though it's typically priced at $44.99, this course is often sold at a significant reduction, even as much as 69% off.

2. Free Online CNA Class-Procareer Academy

At Procareer Academy, students may enroll in a free online class. Approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), this government-funded course prepares aspiring nurse assistants with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their assistant nursing careers. Some of the course modules include:

• patients' rights
• interpersonal skills
• patient care procedures
• nutrition
• rehabilitative/restorative care nursing

Students must be at least 18 years old and have a valid CA photo ID to enroll. A background check is also required and applicants must pass with a clean criminal record.

3. CNA Program-CAL ACE Nursing Academy

CAL ACE Nursing Academy offers an online CNA training course lasting four weeks. With monthly start dates, students can begin their training quickly and start their careers in the healthcare field.

While there are tuition costs associated with this program, students can receive free education through employment sponsorships. Employers cover program costs when students commit to job placement upon course completion.

4. Nursing Assistant Program-SMTL School of Faith and Nursing

Students may complete this nursing assistant program licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing. During this six-week course, students learn foundational skills for assistant nursing and prepare to pass the state exam.

This course requires tuition payments; however, institutional scholarships are available to fully cover these costs. The Joyce D. Rhynes scholarship is awarded to 20 students pursuing the certified nursing assistant program yearly.

5. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Online-Lehman College

Online learners can pursue nursing assistant training through Lehman College. As a New York State Education Department-approved course, students develop fundamental knowledge to prepare them for the state certification exam.

Classes are online; however, students must also complete supervised clinical hours to pass the exam and enter the profession. Students may apply for the ASSET Scholarship, which covers 50% of tuition.

6. Ballad Health

Ballad Health provides free CNA training through online classes, though students must complete clinicals in person in Tennessee to become certified.

Students develop bedside, geriatric, and long-term patient care skills. All state and federal requirements are met through this course so students can begin their careers in healthcare centers and long-term care facilities quickly.

7. Free CNA Course-Cook Hospital & Care Center

Those who wish to become a nursing assistant can do so through Cook Hospital & Care Center in Minnesota. It is partnered with the State of Minnesota and Leading Age Minnesota. Students can complete the necessary training online without paying any tuition costs.

All program participants must commit to three months of employment. Labs and clinicals are done on location at the care center.

8. New Hampshire Red Cross Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation (CNA Test) Training-Study.com

Aspiring nursing assistants can review the fundamental knowledge needed to pass the CNA certification exam in New Hampshire. Topics covered include:

• interprofessional team communication and collaboration
• nurse aid registry
• emergency care and procedures
• physical assessment techniques

Students pay one low monthly subscription fee for all courses on the platform. Scholarships and other available financial aid opportunities can help make this course more affordable.

9. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Core-CareerStep

In this online course, students develop the necessary skills to care for patients in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The course is self-paced and totals 57 hours worth of training.

Students do need to pay tuition; however, military funding, state assistance, and employer sponsorship could lower or even cover tuition. Dedicated advisors can guide prospective students through the application process.

10. Nursing Assistant Training Program (NAT)-Autumn School of Nursing

At Autumn School of Nursing, students can complete a CNA training course and gain essential skills for the healthcare field. Learners can complete this 60 hours of training online.

While students must pay tuition, the school participates in employer tuition reimbursement programs. Eligible students can finish the program and pass the exam for free or with a significant cost reduction.

Our Selection Criteria

Students can complete CNA training courses at many institutions. To narrow down the options, we selected programs that meet certain criteria, which include:

• Learning format: While state-approved CNA courses culminate in on-location clinical rounds, the theory portion can be done entirely online. We selected programs that offer online learning options so students can start their CNA journey from anywhere.
• Affordability: To ensure affordability, we chose programs that are free or offer financial aid opportunities that significantly lower tuition costs.
• Program focus: We chose programs centered around nurse aide training.

Benefits of Free Certified Nursing Assistant Programs

Enrolling in a free CNA program offers significant financial relief. Students won't need to worry about paying tuition fees, which typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 for similar programs.

Additionally, online learning formats provide flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This convenience is particularly beneficial for those balancing work or family commitments, as students can pursue their education without sacrificing other responsibilities.

CNA Training and Skills

CNA programs typically cover a range of essential topics that prepare students for their roles in the healthcare field. One common area of focus is patient care, where students learn how to assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and respectful support.

Additionally, these programs often include training in vital signs monitoring. Students gain skills in measuring blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, which are crucial for assessing a patient's health status and reporting changes to nursing staff.

What Are the Typical Responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant?

CNAs have a diverse range of responsibilities related to patient care. One of their key tasks is assisting with mobility. They help patients move safely within the facility, whether it's walking, transferring to a chair, or repositioning in bed to prevent pressure sores.

Another important role of CNAs is maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients. This includes tasks such as changing bed linens, cleaning patient areas, and ensuring that medical equipment is sanitized and ready for use, which contributes to overall patient safety and comfort.

How To Enroll in CNA Programs Online

If you want to know how to get a CNA license, the steps are generally quite simple: you must complete an education program and then pass the certification exam. Prospective students should look for programs recognized by state nursing boards to ensure they meet the necessary standards for certification. To enroll in one of these programs, students should meet minimum eligibility requirements, which likely include:

• a high school diploma
• a valid form of identification
• be at least 18 years old
• passing background check

After confirming eligibility, students can complete the application process, which typically involves submitting personal information, educational history, and any required documentation. Once accepted, students can begin their coursework, which often starts with foundational classes.

FAQs About Free Online CNA Training Programs

If you're considering a CNA training program, you likely have questions. Below, we'll discuss some of the most commonly asked questions about these types of programs.

How Long Does It Take To Become a CNA Online?

The timeline to become a CNA online varies by program intensity. Some free online CNA courses with a certificate of completion can be as short as four weeks, while others may last several months. Additionally, some courses, like the one offered by Study.com, are self-paced, which means you can finish it as quickly as you want.

Are Free Online CNA Courses Accredited?

Yes, typically free online CNA courses are accredited. These classes teach students valuable skills for the workforce.

Do Free Online CNA Classes Prepare You for Certification Exams?

Yes, the classes on this list prepare students for certification exams. Students learn foundational healthcare and nursing assistance principles that are on the exam.

Explore Free Online Courses To Pursue Healthcare Careers

If you're ready to begin a rewarding career in healthcare, check out the free CNA classes online here on Learn.org. Contact each institution for more information about the curriculum and the application process.