CNA Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships 2026
Many companies, health organizations, and hospitals will cover costs for CNA training. You can become a CNA affordably with tuition reimbursement and scholarships.
If you're working toward becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you may be wondering how to afford your training. Fortunately, a growing number of employers offer support through CNA tuition reimbursement, paid training programs, and CNA scholarships. Whether you're planning to work in a hospital, home care, or a government-supported setting, you may be able to earn your certification without paying the full cost out of pocket.
Many hospitals that will pay for nursing school extend similar benefits to CNA students. Some cover certification fees, while others offer prepaid tuition or grant-funded apprenticeships that lead directly to employment.
Here, we'll explain how CNA tuition reimbursement works, who qualifies, and which companies actively invest in CNA training and certification.
What Is CNA Tuition Reimbursement?
<p>CNA tuition reimbursement is a benefit some employers provide to help cover the cost of your nursing assistant training. In most cases, the employer pays you back for tuition, books, and certification fees after you complete your coursework and begin working. This reimbursement can be partial or full, depending on the company's policies.
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<p>In some cases, the employer pays upfront rather than waiting for you to finish the program. This is often referred to as prepaid tuition or tuition assistance. Some companies may also provide additional support, such as paid clinical hours, uniforms, or access to continuing education.
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<p>You can find these benefits across many industries and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/companies_that_offer_tuition_reimbursement.html">companies that offer tuition reimbursement</a>, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.
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<h2 id="section---AreThereCompaniesThatOfferTuitionReimbursementForCNATraining">Are There Companies That Offer Tuition Reimbursement for CNA Training?</h2>
<p>Yes, several companies and healthcare organizations offer tuition reimbursement or assistance specifically for CNA training. These include large hospital systems like HCA Healthcare and Ascension, national home-care agencies such as Kindred at Home and Gentiva, and nonprofits like the Visiting Nurse Association.
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<p>Some companies have structured apprenticeship programs that pay for training while also offering wages for clinical hours. Others provide reimbursement after certification, sometimes with a required work commitment. You'll also find support through community partnerships, such as those between employers and local colleges, which offer CNA programs with reduced or no tuition.
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<h2 id="section---HowDoIQualifyForCNATuitionReimbursement">How Do I Qualify for CNA Tuition Reimbursement?</h2>
<p>Most CNA tuition reimbursement programs have a few basic requirements you'll need to meet. Generally, you must be enrolled in an approved training program and plan to work for the organization offering the benefit. Some employers offer reimbursement after you're hired, while others provide upfront financial assistance.
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<p>Typical requirements for reimbursement include:
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<ul><li>complete an approved CNA training program
</li><li>pass your state certification exam
</li><li>begin working for the sponsoring employer within a specific timeframe
</li><li>stay employed for a set period (such as six to 12 months)
</li></ul><p>Be sure to confirm these terms with the employer before enrolling in a training program, especially if you're relying on them to help cover costs.
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<p>Now that you understand what CNA tuition reimbursement is and how you may qualify, let's dive into a few examples of companies that provide funding for CNA training.
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<h2 id="section---MajorHospitalSystems">Major Hospital Systems</h2>
<p>Large hospital systems often offer tuition assistance as part of their employee benefits. These programs typically support certifications like CNA, and in some cases, funding is available upfront rather than through reimbursement. If you're working or plan to work in a hospital setting, these employers may help pay for your CNA training while also offering long-term career growth.
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<h3 id="section---HCAHealthcare">HCA Healthcare</h3>
<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/hca_tuition_reimbursement.html">HCA Healthcare tuition reimbursement</a> supports employee education through a program that covers up to $5,250 per year. This benefit can be used for CNA training programs, exam fees, and books. Employees in both clinical and administrative roles are eligible, allowing new hires to start career-focused training soon after onboarding.
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<h3 id="section---CommonSpiritHealth">CommonSpirit Health</h3>
<p>At CommonSpirit, education is part of long-term employee development. The system offers annual tuition support of up to $5,250, with funding available for CNA training and other health certifications. In some locations, you may also find scholarship programs through hospital-based foundations or workforce initiatives.
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<h3 id="section---Ascension">Ascension</h3>
<p>Ascension removes financial barriers early on by offering prepaid tuition instead of reimbursement. Employees can receive up to $5,250 per year without having to front the cost. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/ascension_tuition_reimbursement.html">Ascension tuition benefit</a> often applies to CNA programs and other entry-level healthcare training. Many positions come with immediate access to this resource, making it easier to begin certification soon after hire.
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<h2 id="section---HomeCareAndNationalCareProviders">Home-Care and National Care Providers</h2>
<p>Many home-care companies and national caregiving networks offer CNA support as part of their employee onboarding or retention plans. These benefits may include paid caregiver training, help with state certification, or access to continuing education after you're certified. If you're looking to work in home health, these organizations could be a cost-effective starting point.
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<h3 id="section---KindredAtHomeCenterWell">Kindred at Home / CenterWell</h3>
<p>Kindred at Home invests in its caregiver workforce through tuition reimbursement, paid CNA training, and continuing education programs. In addition to financial support, employees may have access to classroom instruction, skill labs, and career advancement workshops that align with CNA requirements.
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<h3 id="section---HomeInsteadSeniorCare">Home Instead Senior Care</h3>
<p>Home Instead offers structured caregiver development that often includes paid orientation, hands-on skills training, and support for CNA certification. While offerings vary by franchise, many locations provide mentorship and career development that can help you meet state certification requirements and build a long-term career in elder care.
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<h3 id="section---GentivaHealthServices">Gentiva Health Services</h3>
<p>Gentiva includes paid CNA training and tuition assistance as part of its employee benefits package. Training is typically integrated into your job duties, so you can earn while you learn. Gentiva also offers ongoing professional development to help CNAs maintain their credentials and move into more advanced roles over time.
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<h3 id="section---VisitingNurseAssociationVNAOfAmerica">Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of America</h3>
<p>Some local VNA branches partner with educational programs to offer fully funded classroom instruction and clinical training for CNA candidates. These opportunities often come with job placement support in home health or hospice roles. In some cases, you'll receive a wage during training, helping to minimize financial strain while earning your credential.
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<h3 id="section---RightAtHomeRockHillSCFranchise">Right at Home (Rock Hill, SC Franchise)</h3>
<p>This Right at Home location operates a CNA Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with York Technical College. Participants receive full coverage for tuition, books, scrubs, and clinical training, along with hourly pay for hands-on experience. The program offers a structured path from training to certification to employment within the agency's care teams.
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<h2 id="section---GovernmentAndNonprofitTrainingPrograms">Government and Nonprofit Training Programs</h2>
<p>Government agencies and nonprofit programs provide free CNA training to qualifying individuals, especially youth, veterans, and low-income students. These programs often include job placement assistance and wraparound services like housing or meals. They can be a valuable starting point if you need financial support beyond employer-sponsored benefits.
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<h3 id="section---DepartmentOfVeteransAffairs">Department of Veterans Affairs</h3>
<p>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) supports career training through multiple funding options. Veterans can apply GI Bill benefits toward CNA certification and related exam costs. For current VA employees, internal education programs may also cover CNA coursework, offering a stepping stone into healthcare careers within the VA system.
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<h3 id="section---JobCorps">Job Corps</h3>
<p>Job Corps provides free CNA training along with housing, meals, and job placement services for eligible students ages 16 to 24. The program includes academic support, life skills coaching, and clinical experience, giving students a strong foundation for entry into the healthcare field without taking on debt.
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<h2 id="section---ScholarshipsAndProgramsForAspiringCNAs">Scholarships and Programs for Aspiring CNAs</h2>
<p>If employer-based programs aren't available in your area, scholarships can provide another path to affordable CNA certification. These awards may be funded by colleges, nonprofit organizations, or private donors and can help cover tuition, licensing fees, and other training costs.
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<p>Many of these scholarships are local or state-based, but some are open to students nationwide. Whether you're training at a community college, nonprofit program, or technical school, these scholarships can reduce financial pressure while you pursue certification.
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<ul><li>Bold.org CNA Scholarships (national): This platform features a range of scholarships for aspiring CNAs, including awards for high school seniors, adult learners, and underrepresented groups. Applications are open nationwide with rolling deadlines throughout the year.
</li><li>National Black Nurses Association Scholarships: Open to African American students in CNA programs, these awards range from $1,000 to $6,000 and require an essay, transcript, and letter of recommendation.
</li><li>Project HOPE Workforce Initiative: While not a scholarship program, Project HOPE offers CNA training and financial support in underserved regions across the U.S. through local healthcare and training partners.
</li><li>American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training: Many Red Cross sites offer CNA scholarships or tuition waivers depending on location, financial need, or employment intent.
</li><li>HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: While geared toward RN students, this program occasionally supports CNA-level training for those committing to work in health professional shortage areas.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutCNATrainingAndFinancialAid">FAQs About CNA Training and Financial Aid</h2>
<p>If you're pursuing CNA certification, it's normal to have questions about how to pay for your training, whether you can work during the program, and what financial aid options are available. The answers below offer guidance to help you make informed decisions about your path into healthcare.
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<h3 id="section---CanYouWorkWhileCompletingCNATraining">Can You Work While Completing CNA Training?</h3>
<p>Many CNA training programs are designed to allow students to work while completing their coursework. Some employers, such as Right at Home and the Visiting Nurse Association, offer paid apprenticeships that include clinical hours. These programs help you gain experience and earn income at the same time, making it easier to support yourself during training.
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<h3 id="section---AreScholarshipsForCNAStudentsHardToGet">Are Scholarships for CNA Students Hard To Get?</h3>
<p>Scholarships for CNA students are generally accessible, especially for those who meet basic eligibility criteria such as financial need, academic effort, or commitment to healthcare. While some awards are competitive, many programs offer multiple cycles each year and consider personal background and career goals in addition to grades.
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<h3 id="section---WhatIsAServiceAgreementForCNAScholarships">What Is a Service Agreement for CNA Scholarships?</h3>
<p>A service agreement is a condition some scholarships or employer-sponsored training programs include that requires you to work for a specific organization for a set period after certification.
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<p>For example, a scholarship might require you to work at a healthcare facility for one year in exchange for covering your tuition and fees. If you leave early, you may need to repay part of the award.
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<h3 id="section---CanYouApplyForCNAScholarshipsIfYouDonTLiveInTheStateOfferingThem">Can You Apply for CNA Scholarships If You Don't Live in the State Offering Them?</h3>
<p>Some CNA scholarships are open to students nationwide, regardless of where they live. However, many scholarships tied to public colleges, nonprofit programs, or local foundations require you to be a resident or enrolled in a program within that state. It's important to read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
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<h3 id="section---DoVeteransHaveAccessToSeparateCNATrainingBenefits">Do Veterans Have Access to Separate CNA Training Benefits?</h3>
<p>Veterans can use GI Bill benefits to pay for CNA training programs, including tuition and certification exam fees. In addition, veterans employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for VA-sponsored education assistance. Some programs may also prioritize veterans for free or discounted CNA training based on their service status.
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<h3 id="section---AreGeneralNursingScholarshipsAvailableToCNAStudents">Are General Nursing Scholarships Available to CNA Students?</h3>
<p>Many general nursing scholarships are open to CNA students, especially those who plan to advance into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) programs. These scholarships often support students on a nursing career path, even if they are starting with a CNA certification. Always check the scholarship's eligibility criteria to confirm whether CNA students can apply.
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<h3 id="section---WhatOtherFinancialSupportOptionsAreAvailableBesidesScholarships">What Other Financial Support Options Are Available Besides Scholarships?</h3>
<p>In addition to scholarships, many students utilize employer tuition assistance, paid apprenticeships, and government-funded programs, such as Job Corps or WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants.
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<p>These options can help cover the cost of training, materials, uniforms, and certification exams. Some programs also provide housing, transportation, or meals to reduce your overall expenses during training.
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<h2 id="section---StartYourNursingCareer">Start Your Nursing Career</h2>
<p>There are many routes to becoming a CNA without carrying debt. Explore nursing degrees and training programs on Learn.org today to start building your path to a nursing career.</p>