Free CNA Classes in NYC
Free CNA classes in NYC are not impossible to find as some people seem to think, but they are more difficult to find than a few years ago. To obtain completely free CNA classes in NY will take a little research and persistence on your part to locate a free CNA training program near you.
Options Available In Finding Free CNA Classes In New York
Free CNA classes from the New York State Board of Nursing
Scholarships and grants
From local nursing homes in NY
New York Job Corps
Links to further information and resources on free CNA courses in NYC can be found at the bottom of the page.
Free CNA classes from the New York State Board of Nursing
Every State Board of Nursing across the country are aware of the current shortage of certified nursing assistants, and are now in a position to offer free CNA classes that are run by local universities and colleges in New York. The State Board of Nursing has a detailed list of accredited programs where you can take your CNA training. The free nursing aide programs include scholarships that are provided by universities and colleges, private groups, plus state and federal government grants. The NY State Board of Nursing could also provide you with information on local employers that will offer to pay for certified nursing assistant training, in return you would agree to work for the employer for a minimum period of time.
Free CNA course with scholarships and grants
CNA training is a program that is eligible for free with the introduction of The Workforce Investment Act. This act was set in motion by the government to give people a chance to improve their employment prospects. The program can be found with your local workforce office. To qualify for free training you will normally have to have been unemployed for a substantial period.
Scholarships can sometimes be obtained from a nursing schools financial aid department that you are considering attending. This option in finding free CNA classes in NYC is a little hit and miss as grants are offered to these nursing schools in a random fashion and timescales for obtaining funding can often be a lengthy process. The financial aid department will be able to inform you quickly if there is funding available for that term to apply for.
Disabled individuals can apply for vocational rehabilitation training programs that cannot afford to pay the fees associated with a CNA program. Further information on whether you can apply for this grant can be found at a local workforce office or your local district office.
Local nursing homes in NY
The nursing assistant shortage is applicable to nursing home facilities, and as such many nursing homes now provide free CNA class training in return for your agreement to work for them for a set period of time. This can benefit you because you will be gaining experience as a nursing aide, whilst obtaining free CNA training in your employment. There is a slight catch with this form of free training. If you hate the place of work for instance and quit your job before the time period agreed to after graduation of the training program, you will have to pay back the fees in full to the nursing home. So you would need to either be sure that you would stay with the home, or stick it out until the employment time has lapsed and then look for employment elsewhere.
New York Job Corps
Another option to consider in obtaining free CNA classes in NYC is with the Job Corps. If you are between the age of 16 and 24 you can apply for the free CNA training program run by the corps. Most young people taking courses with the Job Corps stay on the premises with accommodation and meals provided. If you did not want to stay in house as you complete your training, you would need to check with the program administrator to see if they allow you to attend classes without staying at the Job Corps Centre. The CNA course run by the corps lasts 4 months and there is also the opportunity to continue your free training and advance to Licensed Practical Nurse. You can stay with the program for up to two years and other training courses like Medical Assistant or EMT training are available for you to choose from.
The Job Corps is not for everyone however. The level of discipline required on these courses is high, and if you stay on premises you will be expected to keep the live in quarters clean and there is a no tolerance policy on any violent behavior, drugs or alcohol. For more information on what center life is like with the Job Corps there is a link at the bottom of the page to check out.
There are other ways to obtain free CNA classes in NYC, but the options above are considered the easiest and most reliable ways to get free training right now.
Further information and training resources :
Nurse Aide Programs – http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nurseprogs-cna.htm
New York State Nursing Education Scholarships, Grants & Loans – http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nurse-education-scholarships-grants.htm
Job Corps Centers in New York – http://www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov/en/centerlocations.aspx?statename=ny
Job Corps Center Life – http://www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov/en/benefits/centerlife.aspx