CNA Tuition Reimbursement & Scholarships 2026

Many hospitals that will pay for nursing school extend similar benefits to CNA students. While benefit details vary by location and employment status, the following organizations promote education support that may apply to entry-level healthcare credentials like CNA training.

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?

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.

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.

You can find these benefits across many industries and companies that offer tuition reimbursement, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

Hospital and Health System Employers

Several large hospital systems offer tuition coverage, including coverage for CNA programs. We've highlighted some of these below.

HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare offers tuition assistance as part of its employee education benefits. Eligible employees may receive financial support for approved healthcare certifications and training programs, which can include entry-level roles such as CNA, depending on location and job classification.

Eligibility requirements, annual caps, and waiting periods may apply. Employees should review their facility’s education policy to confirm which programs qualify before enrolling.

CommonSpirit Health

CommonSpirit Health provides tuition reimbursement and education assistance across many of its hospitals and care facilities. These benefits are designed to support career development in clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles.

In some locations, CNA training may qualify under the organization’s education benefit programs. Because CommonSpirit operates nationally, reimbursement limits and eligibility requirements may vary by region.

Ascension

Ascension offers education assistance to eligible employees as part of its workforce development efforts. Depending on the facility and region, this support may include reimbursement or tuition assistance for healthcare-related certifications, including CNA training pathways.

Employees are typically required to meet service and approval requirements before enrolling in coursework. Details vary by location, so reviewing local HR guidelines is important.

Home Health and National Care Employers

Beyond hospital networks, many other healthcare-focused employers offer options for tuition assistance as well. We've featured some of these below.

CenterWell (formerly Kindred at Home)

CenterWell provides education support and career development benefits to eligible employees. Through structured education assistance programs, employees may have access to tuition support for healthcare certifications and training programs aligned with workforce needs.

Availability of CNA-specific funding depends on role and location. Employees should confirm eligibility and approved training pathways through the company’s education support portal.

Gentiva

Gentiva partners with education providers such as Guild to offer structured tuition assistance programs for eligible employees. These programs may support healthcare certifications and training designed to help employees enter or advance within clinical roles.

Because benefits depend on employment status and approved programs, employees should review internal education resources to determine whether CNA certification qualifies.

Home Instead

Home Instead operates through franchise locations, and education benefits vary by region. Some locations offer paid caregiver training, mentorship, or support toward state certification requirements.

Prospective employees interested in CNA training should contact their local franchise to ask whether tuition assistance or sponsored training opportunities are available.

Visiting Nurse Association (Select Locations)

Certain Visiting Nurse Association organizations offer financial support for employee education, including funding or loan forgiveness for healthcare training programs. These opportunities are typically region-specific and may include structured support for entry-level healthcare certifications.

Because VNA organizations operate independently, education benefits should be confirmed directly with the local branch.

Scholarships and Community Funding for CNA Training

If employer-sponsored training is not available in your area, scholarships and community-based programs may help reduce the cost of CNA certification. While CNA programs are typically shorter and less expensive than degree programs, tuition, exam fees, uniforms, and background checks can still add up.

Some possible funding sources include:

• Local community colleges and technical schools: Many institutions offer need-based scholarships or tuition waivers for short-term healthcare certifications. Availability often depends on enrollment status and financial need.
• Healthcare foundations and nonprofit organizations: Certain hospital-affiliated foundations or regional nonprofits provide workforce development grants that may support CNA training. These programs are often location-specific.
• American Red Cross training centers: Some Red Cross locations offer tuition assistance or payment plans for nurse assistant training, depending on local funding and workforce partnerships.
• State workforce development grants: Programs funded through initiatives such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) may cover CNA training for eligible individuals, including displaced workers or low-income applicants.
• Veteran education benefits: Veterans may be able to use GI Bill benefits for approved CNA training programs and certification exams.

Because scholarship and grant programs vary by state and funding cycle, it’s important to confirm eligibility requirements and application deadlines directly with the sponsoring organization.

Other Funding Options for CNA Training

If employer-sponsored tuition assistance is not available, several government and nonprofit programs can help reduce the cost of CNA certification.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans may use GI Bill benefits to cover approved CNA training programs and certification exam fees. Veterans employed within the VA system may also have access to internal education benefits.

Job Corps

Job Corps offers free CNA training for eligible students ages 16 to 24. The program includes tuition, materials, housing, meals, and job placement support.

State and Workforce Development Programs

Many states offer grants through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding or similar workforce development initiatives. These programs often cover CNA training for eligible low-income individuals, displaced workers, or career changers.

FAQs About Employer-Sponsored CNA Training

CNA tuition assistance programs can vary widely depending on the employer, location, and employment status. Below are answers to common questions about qualifying for and applying to these programs.

Who qualifies for employer-sponsored CNA training?

Eligibility typically depends on employment status, hours worked, and length of service. Some employers require you to be hired before enrolling in training, while others sponsor candidates as part of a paid training or apprenticeship program. In most cases, you must complete an approved CNA program and meet job performance standards to remain eligible for continued employment and reimbursement.

Do I have to work for the employer after completing CNA training?

Many employer-sponsored CNA programs include a service commitment. This usually means agreeing to work for the organization for a set period, often six to 12 months, after certification. If you leave before completing that commitment, you may be required to repay some or all of the training costs.

How do I apply for CNA tuition assistance?

The application process varies by employer. Some organizations require you to apply through an internal HR portal after being hired, while others recruit candidates directly into paid training programs. In most cases, you’ll need to submit enrollment details, proof of coursework completion, or certification documentation before receiving reimbursement.

Can I receive funding before starting CNA training?

Some employers offer prepaid tuition or sponsor training directly through approved programs, which means you may not need to pay upfront. However, many organizations use a reimbursement model that requires you to complete training and begin employment before receiving financial support.

Are CNA training benefits available to part-time employees?

Availability depends on the employer. Some hospital systems limit tuition assistance to full-time employees, while others extend benefits to part-time staff who meet minimum hour requirements. It’s important to confirm eligibility criteria with the employer before enrolling in a CNA program.

Complete Your CNA Training

If you’re considering CNA training, start by researching employers in your area that sponsor education or offer reimbursement benefits. Then, check out the variety of flexible healthcare programs featured on Learn.org.