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How Can I Begin CNA Training With No Income?
I Have Previously Worked As A CNA ; My Certification Expired. I Did Not Have Enough Money To Renew It.
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6 answers
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Elaine,
If you work for a long-term nursing facility, they are responsible for the cost of training and testing or you can get re-imbursed if you start working later:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/career-and-technical-education/nurse-aide-training-program
"Long-term nursing care facilities are responsible for the full payment of training and testing costs for candidates employed or offered employment at the time they start the nurse aide training program. Federal Department of Health regulations prohibits training and testing costs from being imposed on the nurse aide.
A candidate who does not have an employment relationship with a long-term care nursing facility at the time they start a NATCEP and personally incur the cost for training and testing is eligible for reimbursement if they become employed by a long-term care nursing facility within twelve (12) months of completing the nurse aide training program."
Some training programs also have free tuition, e.g.:
https://lancasterctc.edu/jobs/cna-training-free-tuition/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.registerednursing.org/certified-nursing-assistant/programs/pennsylvania/
If you work for a long-term nursing facility, they are responsible for the cost of training and testing or you can get re-imbursed if you start working later:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/instruction/elementary-and-secondary-education/career-and-technical-education/nurse-aide-training-program
"Long-term nursing care facilities are responsible for the full payment of training and testing costs for candidates employed or offered employment at the time they start the nurse aide training program. Federal Department of Health regulations prohibits training and testing costs from being imposed on the nurse aide.
A candidate who does not have an employment relationship with a long-term care nursing facility at the time they start a NATCEP and personally incur the cost for training and testing is eligible for reimbursement if they become employed by a long-term care nursing facility within twelve (12) months of completing the nurse aide training program."
Some training programs also have free tuition, e.g.:
https://lancasterctc.edu/jobs/cna-training-free-tuition/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
If you're in school and have technical schools nearby, you can try dual enrollment. If you're not in school, you can still check out technical schools, as they might offer financial aid or grants.
Lots of long-term care facilities, adult education centers, and nursing homes offer free CNA classes. Some even pay you while you train if you agree to work for them once you're certified.
Lots of long-term care facilities, adult education centers, and nursing homes offer free CNA classes. Some even pay you while you train if you agree to work for them once you're certified.
Updated
Ubani’s Answer
Hi
It's good to know that you want to upgrade your career, weldone.
U can apply for financial aid with some online tutoring applications, that way you will not pay all the money, rather some percentage
Weldone, keep soaring higher
It's good to know that you want to upgrade your career, weldone.
U can apply for financial aid with some online tutoring applications, that way you will not pay all the money, rather some percentage
Weldone, keep soaring higher
Updated
Kris’s Answer
I would look at the nursing schools around you, and ask some nurses what they think of the schools.
For the more common technical schools, its a simple test to get in (most people choke on the math - brush up on fractions).
The school will arrange for funding the classes and books, through Pell grants or student loans.
For the more common technical schools, its a simple test to get in (most people choke on the math - brush up on fractions).
The school will arrange for funding the classes and books, through Pell grants or student loans.
Updated
Sue’s Answer
As the population ages, the demand for CNAs is growing. After two years working as a ward clerk in a nursing home post-military, I learned a lot about CNAs:
1. Being a good CNA takes a special kind of person. The job is challenging but rewarding.
2. Employers look for motivated and sincere individuals.
3. No experience may be needed. Many places offer training and may even pay you during it.
4. Wages are getting better. On average, CNAs earn $39,430 a year, or $18.96 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Pennsylvania, as of January 2026, CNAs earn between $34,600 and $46,188 a year, or $17.00 to $22.21 an hour. This shows how salaries can differ based on factors like experience and location.
5. Starting as a CNA is a good path if you want to become an LPN or RN or even go to medical school later.
Consider reaching out to hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, and home health care facilities. Good luck!
1. Being a good CNA takes a special kind of person. The job is challenging but rewarding.
2. Employers look for motivated and sincere individuals.
3. No experience may be needed. Many places offer training and may even pay you during it.
4. Wages are getting better. On average, CNAs earn $39,430 a year, or $18.96 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Pennsylvania, as of January 2026, CNAs earn between $34,600 and $46,188 a year, or $17.00 to $22.21 an hour. This shows how salaries can differ based on factors like experience and location.
5. Starting as a CNA is a good path if you want to become an LPN or RN or even go to medical school later.
Consider reaching out to hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, and home health care facilities. Good luck!
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
Hi Elaine,
My son found himself in a similar situation with an outdated CNA course after working in an unrelated field. The new employer (it was a home health agency) paid for new CNA training. Not all employers offer this. The hospital I work does not. I recommend calling potential employers and asking if they cover the training. I would also let them know that you have successfully completed it previously.
Also, check out this site. It's a pretty detailed blog post about free CNA programs in Philadelphia; primarily hospitals that will pay for training with an agreement to work for the hospital for some period of time. (Varies.) I am not familiar with the facilities, but you may be. :)
https://cnaclassesphiladelphia.com/philadelphia-hospitals-that-offer-cna-training/
Good luck!
Carmen
My son found himself in a similar situation with an outdated CNA course after working in an unrelated field. The new employer (it was a home health agency) paid for new CNA training. Not all employers offer this. The hospital I work does not. I recommend calling potential employers and asking if they cover the training. I would also let them know that you have successfully completed it previously.
Also, check out this site. It's a pretty detailed blog post about free CNA programs in Philadelphia; primarily hospitals that will pay for training with an agreement to work for the hospital for some period of time. (Varies.) I am not familiar with the facilities, but you may be. :)
https://cnaclassesphiladelphia.com/philadelphia-hospitals-that-offer-cna-training/
Good luck!
Carmen