If you want to be included on a state registry for CNAs, you must qualify for a CNA certification exam. No matter which state you choose to practice in, there are several standards you must meet to become a Certified Nurse Aide. So, to complete this procedure, you will likely need to enroll in and pass a state-approved CNA training course or a collection of recognized CNA programs.
For doing so, you need to be tested on your practical skills and technical knowledge. Practical and theoretical aspects make up the training’s two main components. So, if you want to qualify as a state-registered nursing aide and find employment as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you must pass both components.
Your CNA program’s cost will be based on several characteristics that you must consider when comparing training alternatives. The major factor is the mode of classes conducted – whether they will be delivered online, in-person or hybrid.
So, here we will let you know all the costs related to CNA training classes.
Cost of CNA Classes in Offline Mode
There is a considerable difference in the cost of CNA programs around the nation. The price of CNA training might vary by institution, but most charge roughly $1,000 or $2,000 for tuition fees.
Some institutions may charge a set fee, while others may charge a tuition fee plus additional expenses. Also, a few programs may cover the cost of CNA examinations and other certificates.
However, while cost is a crucial factor, you can get numerous types of financial aid if you are eligible.
For instance, if you seek a 4-year nursing degree, certain companies may pay for your training or help you minimize the total cost. Also, applying for grants approved by Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act is another option for funding your training program.
Additional ways to pay for the online program’s costs include qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid tuition reimbursement, applying for different public or private grants and scholarships, or opting for student loans. The Medicare or Medicaid tuition reimbursement is applicable if you work for a facility that receives funding from Medicare or Medicaid.
Nevertheless, here is the cost of offline CNA classes in some states across the USA.
- The CNA program cost at the Arizona Medical Institute in Arizona is $1355.
- The curriculum costs $5205 at Immokalee Technical College in Florida.
- The expense of the CNA program at Nebraska Methodist College in the center of the nation is $499.
- The Job Corp Centers throughout Texas offer training programs without any charge. The cost of the CNA program here is nil.
- As a 96-hour curriculum, the CNA program at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon’s Pacific Northwest costs $59 per credit hour for in-state students. The program’s total cost is $5,664, including all related expenses.
Cost of CNA Classes in Online Mode
The price range for an online CNA program may vary depending on the school or program you choose to get admitted to. However, an online CNA program typically costs between $700 and $1,500.
Some programs may require a significantly higher cost. For instance, students at Middlesex Community College pay $1,199. However, at the Manhattan Institute, the price jumps to $6,050.
Pay close attention to the type of school you are enrolled in because there might be significant differences in cost between public community schools and non-profit universities. Some online courses that charge more pay for school materials and the state certification test. On the contrary, programs with a lower cost might not provide these facilities.
So, to make an educated choice, degree seekers should get familiar with each school’s pricing structure for its online CNA training classes. While some programs include the application and exam fees necessary to get a CNA certification, others do not. Hence, look into the stated amount’s purpose and whether any additional costs may apply as you progress through the learning process.
However, currently, paid online CNA programs are not available.
Additional Costs Involved in Getting CNA Certified
Besides the training and class costs, you may incur other expenses to get certified as a registered CNA.
So, here are some expenses you may expect to bear before getting CNA certified.
Expenses for Purchasing Program Supplies
Nursing assistant training programs often require a list of necessary supplies for proper learning. It may include textbooks, educational DVDs, a watch with a second’s hand, non-slip tennis shoes, uniform scrubs, and a stethoscope.
In addition, you’ll also need study essentials like notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, and other stationary supplies. All these may cost anywhere between $150 to $200, but they may vary depending on the circumstance.
Medical Exam Costs
As a potential CNA candidate, you may need to pass a physical exam to demonstrate that you are physically capable of carrying out all the responsibilities of a nursing assistant. Also, before dealing with patients, you must showcase that you have all the necessary vaccinations up to date and pass a TB test.
Thus, you need to bear the expenses of undergoing these medical examinations before getting the CNA certification. However, the costs for these tests may vary by state.
Charges for Criminal Background Checks
Before starting employment, nursing assistants must submit a report of their criminal background checks in most states.
The cost of fingerprinting and background checks varies from $20 to $40 for students. Depending on the situation, a school or state may cover the cost on their behalf.
Certification Exam Fees
Nursing assistants must pass a certification test in each state to begin their professional careers. In some circumstances, the cost of your training program may include the certification test fee.
However, the cost of the exam varies from state to state. You need to spend approximately $125 on the certification exam and $50 to register with your state and obtain the certificate of completion.
How to Pay for CNA Programs Other Than Traditional Methods?
Paying for CNA training may seem overwhelming. Usually, students can pay for the training using cash.
However, there are numerous other ways to pay your training fee, which are less time-consuming and hassle-free. So, the following are some non-traditional options to pay for your CNA classes.
Paid Training
Some hospitals and healthcare institutions offer non-profit training courses for those who want to become nursing assistants. Here, students get on-job CNA training at no cost and an employment offer for full-time work after certification.
Thus, this paid training route renders you full-time employment in the future, along with free education. But one restriction of these programs is that you must compulsorily consent to work at that school for a set period after completing your training.
State Funding
A state’s well-developed organizations can provide financial grants and tax credits funds for a student’s CNA training program. Most grants cover the cost of your education in return for a promise to work for the government.
Several institutes may provide state-funded training programs, but free enrollment has its conditions. However, when conducting an internet search, avoid using the name of the program or grant since grants and funding agencies do not have the same names.
Scholarships
Scholarships are examples of financial help that you need not pay back. The financial aid office in your institution is where you should begin your search for grants and scholarships.
According to criteria like financial need and demographic details like gender, race, and socioeconomic background, they will have a list of grants and scholarships for which you could qualify.
Student Loan
The federal government and private financial institutions offer several possibilities for student loans. Even though taking on debt of any kind may seem unsettling to some, student loans mostly come with fixed, lower interest rates than other loans. As a result, it makes them simpler and quicker to repay.
Student loans are a popular method of paying for CNA training. Your school’s financial aid staff can help you find suitable student loans.
Free Training
Through its welfare-to-work program, Goodwill Industries offers free CNA training. They offer the program for low-income families and those with single parents.
It is an 8-week program where nurses care for people with disabilities and other special needs. Students take part in practical clinical training by caring for these people. Staff members and program facilitators support students with certification, job placement, and test preparation.
Tuition Fee Reimbursement Programs
If you accept a nursing job offer within a year of graduation, federal regulations allow you to get your CNA training costs reimbursed. Your neighborhood Medicare or Medicaid office can get you more details about this financing option.
By law, your employer is obligated to cover your costs, including tuition fees and state certification expenses, if you are employed at a facility supported by Medicaid while completing your training.
Winding Up
The cost of CNA programs and classes depends on several factors. However, the return-on-investment possibilities are excellent, provided that being a CNA is a terrific first step toward fulfilling a career in the healthcare industry.
CNA is an excellent profession with a lot of potential. But it is a slightly expensive course. So, irrespective of your classes, opt for financial aid programs as mentioned above to get CNA certified hassle-freely.
However, do not forget to take free CNA practice exams online to prepare for your certification test and start your clinical practice!