11 Free CNA Classes in Pennsylvania - Full Tuition Waiver
Living Branches Programs Offered:CNA Training Class Location:2343 Bethlehem Pike Hatfield, PA 19440; 207 West Summit Street Souderton, PA 18964; 275 Dock Drive Lansdale, PA 19446 Rating:
Living Branches provides a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program designed to prepare individuals for careers in long-term care. The program focuses on developing essential skills for providing quality care to elderly residents while offering paid training opportunities.
Training Structure and Compensation
The program runs for seven to nine weeks, during which students are employed by Living Branches and compensated at $15.00 per hour. Upon successful completion, graduates may receive employment offers within the organization, with opportunities for wage advancement based on certification status and shift assignments.
Career Progression and Benefits
Initial employment as an uncertified nursing assistant begins at $16.00 per hour. Upon passing state examinations, compensation increases to:
Personal Care: $17.65 per hour
Health Care: $20.00 per hour
Additional $2.00 per hour for evening and night shifts
Curriculum Components
The training covers crucial aspects of elderly care, including:
Understanding aging processes
Vital signs monitoring and recording
Activities of daily living (ADL) assistance
Safe patient handling techniques
End-of-life care protocols
Infection control measures
Emergency response procedures
Professional Development
Living Branches supports continued career growth through:
Tuition reimbursement programs
Nursing scholarships
Internal advancement opportunities
Application Process
Prospective students must submit applications 60 days before class commencement. Candidate interviews are conducted on a rolling basis within the two months preceding each course start date.
This program represents Living Branches' commitment to developing skilled healthcare professionals while providing competitive compensation and clear career advancement pathways.
For over two decades, Genesis HealthCare has been at the forefront of healthcare education, successfully training more than 10,000 nurse aides through their innovative, cost-free training program. This comprehensive initiative represents a significant investment in healthcare workforce development and patient care quality.
Program Structure and Implementation
The program begins with participants securing paid positions in non-clinical roles within Genesis's skilled nursing facilities. Throughout their employment, candidates receive fully-funded, state-approved nurse aide training while gaining valuable workplace experience. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, typically spanning one to four months. Upon successful completion, graduates obtain their certification and transition into direct patient care positions.
Training Accessibility and Delivery
Genesis HealthCare maintains an extensive network of training facilities across their skilled nursing centers. In locations where on-site training isn't available, the organization has established partnerships with accredited institutions to provide both traditional and digital learning opportunities, ensuring program accessibility to all qualified candidates.
Organizational Philosophy and Culture
As a leading force in long-term care, Genesis HealthCare emphasizes excellence in patient care delivery while fostering a workplace environment built on collaboration, inclusion, and professional empowerment. The organization actively supports both newcomers and experienced professionals in their career advancement aspirations.
Career Development Opportunities
The Nurse Aide Training Program serves as a gateway to numerous healthcare career pathways. While no prior experience is required, candidates must demonstrate a genuine commitment to compassionate patient care. The program offers:
Guaranteed employment upon certification
Clinical advancement opportunities
Support for LPN and RN education progression
Alternative career paths in non-clinical areas
Comprehensive professional development support
Essential Requirements and Qualifications
State certification completion within four months post-training
Proficiency in English language communication
Dedication to patient safety and well-being
Comprehensive Benefits Package
The organization offers an extensive benefits program including:
Competitive compensation structures
Complete healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision)
Retirement planning options
Professional development support
Mental health assistance programs
Financial hardship support through Employee Foundation
DEI initiatives and dedicated committee involvement
Additional Optional Benefits
Diverse insurance options (pet, life, disability)
Specialized healthcare coverage
Travel and communication allowances
Work-life balance support systems
Benefit eligibility varies according to collective bargaining agreements, state regulations, employment classification, location, and length of service.
Landis Communities Programs Offered:Nurse Aide Program Location:1001 E Oregon Road Lititz, PA 17543 Rating:
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) serve as vital healthcare team members who provide fundamental patient care under LPN or RN supervision. This entry-level healthcare position requires successful completion of state-approved training and certification before professionals can practice in healthcare settings such as long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Through a strategic partnership between Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) and Landis Homes, aspiring healthcare professionals can now access a fully-funded Nurse Aide Training Program. Upon successful completion, graduates will be prepared for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Competency Examination, enabling their enrollment in the Commonwealth's Nurse Aide Registry. Additionally, participants receive official certification from EMU documenting their achievement.
Training sessions take place at the Listrak facility in Lititz, Pennsylvania. The comprehensive six-week program operates on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule, with classes running from 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM. This structured evening schedule allows participants to maintain existing daytime commitments while pursuing their healthcare career goals.
Arbutus Park Retirement Community Announces Free CNA Training Partnership
In collaboration with Laurel View Village in Davidsville, Arbutus Park Retirement Community offers a comprehensive four-week Certified Nursing Assistant training program at no cost to participants. The program consists of two distinct phases: two weeks of classroom instruction and laboratory skill development, followed by two weeks of hands-on clinical training in a skilled nursing environment.
Selected candidates begin their journey as Resident Care Attendants (RCAs) at Arbutus Park Retirement Community upon successful completion of the application and interview process. During the training period, participants maintain a 10-hour weekly work schedule at the Manor, typically divided into two five-hour shifts.
The program features a progressive compensation structure. Participants earn $12 per hour during their initial RCA training phase, advancing to $14 per hour upon course completion. Upon successful certification, which requires passing both written and skills assessments, compensation increases to $18.50 per hour. Additionally, the organization provides mileage reimbursement for travel to and from training sessions at the Laurel View Village facility, located approximately 10 minutes from the main campus.
Kendal-Crosslands Communities Programs Offered:Certified Nurse Assistant Program Location:Kennett Square, PA 19348 Rating:
Kendal-Crosslands Communities (KCC) offers a comprehensive three-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, fully approved by the Department of Education and culminating in Red Cross certification.
This program serves as both an entry point into healthcare careers and a professional development opportunity for existing staff members.
CNAs at KCC provide essential support for residents' daily activities and healthcare needs under RN or LPN supervision. The program features small class sizes, ensuring individualized attention from certified instructors, and combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories.
The program is available to new hires and current KCC employees seeking career advancement in healthcare services. For existing staff members, internal postings announce upcoming class schedules, offering opportunities for skill enhancement and potential wage increases.
The CNA certification provides numerous career advantages, including stable employment, diverse daily responsibilities, and a solid foundation for advanced nursing education. Many CNAs leverage this credential as a stepping stone toward registered nursing or advanced practice nursing roles. At KCC, CNAs serve as vital team members, functioning as key observers and communicators between residents and the broader healthcare team.
This position offers more than just career advancement opportunities; it provides meaningful work that directly impacts residents' quality of life. KCC's supportive environment encourages professional growth while fostering genuine connections between caregivers and residents.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Programs Offered:Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program Location:South Allentown campus, 850 S. 5th St., Allentown, PA 18103 Rating:
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network offers a comprehensive, state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program that combines professional education with immediate employment opportunities.
This fully-funded initiative spans 120.5 hours of intensive instruction, preparing candidates for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) certification examination.
The curriculum, certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, takes place at two locations in Allentown. Classroom instruction is conducted at the South Allentown campus, while hands-on clinical training occurs at the Raker Center facility.
The four-week program encompasses essential healthcare competencies, including:
Patient care fundamentals
Safety protocols and emergency response
Clinical infection control
Patient rights advocacy
Abuse prevention and reporting
Mental health support
Basic nutrition principles
Healthcare communication
Essential caregiving techniques
Upon successful completion, graduates transition directly into CNA positions at either the Allentown Raker Center or the Bethlehem facility. These institutions serve 159 residents with complex medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, and developmental disabilities.
The program offers competitive compensation, beginning at $14 per hour during training and increasing to $22 per hour upon certification. Candidates should be prepared for flexible scheduling across all shifts, including weekends and overnight hours. The seamless transition from training to employment minimizes career interruption.
Cornwall Manor Programs Offered:CNA Training Program Location:Cornwall Manor 1 Boyd Street Cornwall PA 17016 Rating:
Cornwall Manor's fully-funded Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program represents a strategic investment in healthcare workforce development.
This intensive 18-day program operates weekdays, with classroom sessions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and clinical rotations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., offered at multiple intervals throughout the year.
CNAs serve as essential members of the healthcare team, providing fundamental support to residents in their daily activities. The role demands both physical stamina and emotional intelligence, as these professionals develop meaningful connections with residents while assisting them with essential tasks such as personal hygiene and nutrition.
The program curriculum encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for CNA certification. Participants receive comprehensive training materials, including textbooks, skills checklists, and clinical supplies, with Cornwall Manor covering all associated costs except uniforms and meals. The program culminates in a federally mandated certification examination, also funded by the institution.
Qualified candidates must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate qualities essential for eldercare: empathy, professional dedication, and genuine interest in geriatric care. The selection process involves three phases: submission of an employment application, completion of the CLUES pre-employment assessment, and a formal interview with the Nursing Department.
Cornwall Manor offers competitive compensation throughout the training period. Trainees earn $17.65 per hour, increasing to $20.75 upon program completion. Certified CNAs receive $22.00 per hour, with additional shift differentials of $1.50 for evening and night shifts. This structured compensation model reflects the organization's commitment to professional development in healthcare services.
Gracedale Nursing Homes Programs Offered:Certified Nursing Aid Training Classes Location:2 Gracedale Ave, Nazareth, PA 18064 Rating:
Gracedale Nursing Home, a healthcare institution with roots dating to 1837, offers a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program at no cost to participants.
The comprehensive curriculum, endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, consists of 125 hours of instruction delivered over a four-week period. Training sessions operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with new cohorts beginning every six weeks.
The program prepares candidates for the mandatory Nurse Aide competency examination. Successful program graduates may qualify for employment opportunities within the facility, which has served the Northampton County community since its establishment on 365 acres of former Moravian Congregation property.
Employment benefits for qualified candidates include:
Comprehensive healthcare coverage and pension plans for full-time staff
Educational advancement support through tuition assistance programs
Premium pay for weekend shifts
Additional compensation for evening (3:00 PM - 11:00 PM) and overnight (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM) shifts
Flexible scheduling options:
Full-time: Four weekdays plus alternating weekends
Part-time: Two weekdays plus alternating weekends
Gracedale maintains its historical commitment to excellence in resident care, fostering an environment where healthcare professionals function as extended family members, delivering personalized attention while respecting each resident's dignity and independence.
Employment Skills Center Programs Offered:Nurse Aide Training Location:29 South Hanover Street, Carlisle PA 17013 Rating:
The Employment Skills Center, a nonprofit organization established in 1967, provides specialized free nurse aide training programs serving Cumberland, Perry, and Adams Counties in Pennsylvania.
This workforce development initiative combines preliminary healthcare education with state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.
Program Structure:
Two-week preparatory course focusing on fundamental healthcare concepts
Three to four weeks of state-approved CNA training
Scholarship opportunities for qualified candidates advancing to CNA certification
Continuous support through training and employment phases
The comprehensive curriculum encompasses:
Core academic skills (mathematics, science, reading)
Professional development
Healthcare fundamentals
Workplace communication
Stress management techniques
Team collaboration skills
Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum age: 18 years
Residence in specified service areas
Successful completion of mathematical and reading assessments
Priority consideration for candidates without prior healthcare certifications
Maximum education level: Less than four years of college
The Employment Skills Center maintains its commitment to community education, serving 450-500 students annually across various programs. Their dedicated instructional team provides ongoing support throughout the training process and initial employment period, ensuring successful career transitions for program participants.
Kane Community Living Centers Programs Offered:CNA Training Location:955 Rivermont Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15207; 100 Ninth Street, McKeesport, PA 15132; 110 McIntyre Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237; 300 Kane Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15243 Rating:
The Kane Community Living Centers, in collaboration with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), offers a comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program at no cost to qualified candidates. This innovative program combines classroom instruction at CCAC with practical clinical experience at Kane facilities, creating a seamless educational pathway to healthcare employment.
The program structure includes theoretical coursework at CCAC's campus, complemented by hands-on clinical training at Kane facilities. Upon successful completion of both the skills assessment and written examination, graduates receive guaranteed full-time employment opportunities within the Kane healthcare system. Additionally, Kane demonstrates its commitment to professional development by providing 100% tuition reimbursement to graduates who accept full-time CNA positions.
Kane's investment in future healthcare professionals extends beyond tuition coverage to include all program-related expenses, such as textbooks and certification examination fees. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package for CNAs, featuring competitive compensation, complete healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision), retirement benefits through a defined pension plan, generous paid time off, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:
Possess a high school diploma or GED certification
Demonstrate basic computer literacy
Maintain perfect attendance throughout the training program
Successfully complete pre-employment screening, including criminal background verification, drug testing, and tuberculosis clearance
Philadelphia Job Corps Programs Offered:Certified Nurse Assistant Training Location:2810 S 20th St #12 Philadelphia, PA 19145 Rating:
Philadelphia Job Corps offers a comprehensive free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program designed for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field.
This program provides an ideal starting point for those who excel in dynamic healthcare environments and demonstrate a commitment to patient care.
Professional Responsibilities:
CNAs perform essential patient care duties including:
Providing personal hygiene assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting)
Facilitating patient mobility and positioning
Monitoring and recording vital signs
Assisting with nutritional needs
Maintaining accurate patient records
Communicating health observations to nursing staff
Enrollment Requirements:
Candidates must:
Hold or be willing to earn a high school diploma/GED (available through Job Corps)
Successfully complete foundational coursework
Meet program-specific academic benchmarks in mathematics and reading
Pass required assessments
Complete state-mandated background checks and training requirements
Program Benefits:
As part of the national Job Corps network, which operates over 120 locations throughout the United States, this program offers:
Zero-cost career training
Complete educational support
Career pathway opportunities including:
Direct employment
Advanced healthcare education
Military service
Apprenticeship programs
The program specifically serves individuals aged 16-24 from low-income backgrounds, providing them with the skills and credentials needed for sustainable healthcare careers.
