6 Free CNA Training Programs in Rhode Island - Full Tuition Waiver
Brown University Health Programs Offered:Nursing Assistant Workforce Development Program Location:Associated with Brown University Health hospitals, including Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, and Newport Hospital. Classroom instruction may be virtual, with clinical rotations and internships conducted at these affiliated hospital sites. Rating:
The Brown University Health Nursing Assistant Workforce Development Program stands out as a highly comprehensive and entirely free pathway for individuals seeking to enter the healthcare field as Certified Nursing Assistants. Designed to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Rhode Island, this program specifically targets unemployed and underemployed residents aged 18 and older, transforming them into skilled and qualified nursing assistants. The program is generously funded through partnerships, including support from the Papitto Opportunity Connection, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder aspiring healthcare workers.
Participants in this accelerated program benefit from a robust curriculum that encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. The program provides free tuition and all necessary classroom supplies, alleviating the typical financial burden associated with vocational training. Beyond direct educational costs, the program offers extensive "wrap-around" support services at no additional charge. This crucial support includes assistance with books, childcare, and transportation, recognizing and addressing common obstacles that can prevent individuals from completing training programs. This holistic approach ensures that students can focus on their studies and clinical experiences without undue stress.
The training itself is structured to prepare students thoroughly for the demands of a nursing assistant role. It includes classroom instruction, which often utilizes convenient virtual formats, allowing for flexibility. This theoretical learning is complemented by essential clinical rotations and a four-week unpaid internship within a Brown University Health hospital. These practical components provide invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a supervised healthcare setting. Furthermore, the program includes training for the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) certification, a vital credential for any healthcare professional.
A significant advantage of this program is its strong emphasis on career readiness and employment. Participants receive structured work-readiness training and workshops designed to enhance their employability skills. An employment transition coordinator provides dedicated services to bridge the gap between their internship and future employment. Upon successful completion of the program, qualified candidates are presented with the opportunity for employment at Brown University Health hospitals, offering a direct and secure path to a fulfilling career. The program's commitment to providing comprehensive training, extensive support, and clear employment opportunities makes it an exceptional choice for those aspiring to become CNAs in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (RISNAPET) Programs Offered:Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program Location:Primarily based in Providence, RI, at the Genesis Center. Specific class locations may vary, but the main administrative and support services are provided from the Genesis Center's Providence facility. Rating:
The Genesis Center's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program offers an outstanding opportunity for eligible individuals, particularly those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (SNAP E&T), to receive comprehensive and entirely free CNA education. As a key provider under the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training's "Real Jobs Rhode Island" initiative, the Genesis Center is dedicated to empowering adults with the skills needed for rewarding healthcare careers.
This 12-week program is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and certifications necessary to secure employment in various healthcare settings across Rhode Island, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, adult day centers, and homecare agencies. The curriculum is extensive, covering foundational aspects of patient care and healthcare operations. Students delve into subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Diet and Nutrition, Safety and Infection Control, Medical Ethics and Terminology, Patient Documentation and Reporting, and crucial Communication Skills. Practical skills are honed through instruction on assisting patients with daily activities, feeding techniques, proper hygiene, taking and recording vital signs, and correct procedures for moving and adjusting patients. The program also includes essential certifications like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid.
What truly sets the Genesis Center program apart is its robust "wrap-around" support system, which ensures that participants can overcome common barriers to education and employment. This support, provided free of charge, includes professional career instruction, career coaching, preparation for the state licensing exam, and specialized certifications like Alzheimer's care. Financial coaching and case management are integral components, helping trainees increase financial stability and navigate their career pathway. For SNAP E&T participants, additional benefits may include assistance with childcare, coverage of all training certificates, interview clothing, uniforms, and transportation assistance (Riptiks or gas cards).
The program culminates in a 120-hour internship with an employer-partner, providing invaluable hands-on experience and often leading directly to employment. Genesis Center also commits to 18 months of follow-up support after graduation, ensuring continued access to services and assistance with job retention. By providing comprehensive training, extensive personal and financial support, and strong connections to employment opportunities, the Genesis Center's CNA program offers a transformative pathway for individuals to launch successful careers in the healthcare sector.
Saint Elizabeth Community Programs Offered:CNA Training Program Location:Classroom training is typically held at 2350 Post Road in Warwick, RI. Clinical rotations are conducted at Saint Elizabeth Home or Green House Homes, both facilities operated by Saint Elizabeth Community. Rating:
The Saint Elizabeth Community offers a highly attractive and entirely free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program, specifically designed to cultivate skilled healthcare professionals and integrate them into their reputable eldercare network. This program is a direct investment in their future workforce, providing a clear and supported pathway to employment within their facilities.
The program is structured as an intensive 8-week course, typically running in the evenings from Monday to Thursday. This schedule can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may have daytime commitments. A significant advantage of this program is that Saint Elizabeth Community covers all testing costs and class materials, eliminating any financial burden for the student. This commitment to covering expenses underscores their dedication to making the training accessible.
The curriculum encompasses both comprehensive classroom education and essential hands-on clinical experience. Students learn foundational nursing support skills, preparing them to provide expert-level, dedicated, and attentive care. Topics covered include patient care, communication, safety, infection control, and assisting with daily living activities. The clinical component provides invaluable real-world experience within Saint Elizabeth Home or Green House Homes, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a supervised, practical setting. Experienced clinical education leaders guide students throughout their training, ensuring high standards of instruction.
Upon successful completion of the training program and obtaining their CNA license, graduates are guaranteed placement as a CNA within Saint Elizabeth Community. This guaranteed job placement is a major draw, offering immediate career security. Furthermore, the community sweetens the offer with a retention bonus: a $1,000 bonus upon completion of 6 months of satisfactory qualifying employment, and another $1,000 after 12 months, totaling $2,000. While the program is free, graduates are generally required to maintain employment with Saint Elizabeth Community in a staff position with a minimum of 24 scheduled hours per week for a period of one year following graduation. This mutually beneficial arrangement provides free training and a job for the student, and a dedicated, trained employee for Saint Elizabeth Community.
Crossroads Rhode Island Programs Offered:Certified Nursing Assistant Training Location:Providence, RI (160 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903). Rating:
Crossroads Rhode Island offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program designed to empower individuals, particularly those facing homelessness or at-risk situations, with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve state licensure and secure stable employment in the healthcare field. As a partner in the "Real Jobs Rhode Island" and SNAP E&T initiatives, Crossroads aims to make this training accessible, often providing it at no cost for eligible participants, especially those receiving government assistance. The program plays a crucial role in providing a pathway to independence and a rewarding career for its students.
The CNA training at Crossroads is an intensive 7-week program that combines rigorous classroom instruction with essential hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum is delivered by experienced Registered Nurses, ensuring that students receive high-quality education that meets Rhode Island's requirements for CNA certification. Key areas of study include fundamental nursing skills, patient care techniques, communication strategies, safety protocols, and preparation for the state licensure examination. The program is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant in various healthcare settings.
A significant strength of the Crossroads program is its dedicated focus on employment. Beyond the training itself, the organization provides robust employment specialist services. These specialists work closely with program graduates to help them find and retain jobs, which is a critical step in their journey toward self-sufficiency. This support can include resume building, interview preparation, and direct connections to healthcare employers. The program's commitment extends beyond graduation, aiming to ensure long-term career success for its participants.
While the program is explicitly free for those on government assistance, Crossroads also demonstrates a commitment to assisting others in finding ways to fund their training if they do not qualify for direct government aid. This flexibility underscores their mission to remove barriers to education and employment for as many individuals as possible. By offering comprehensive training, expert instruction, and dedicated job placement assistance, the Crossroads Rhode Island CNA Training program serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking to build a new future in healthcare.
Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Programs Offered:Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course (Free Cohorts) Location:CCRI Campuses in Lincoln, Providence, and Newport for in-person labs. Lectures may be conducted online, offering flexibility for students. Rating:
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), through its Division of Workforce Partnerships, offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course that includes opportunities for free enrollment through specific funding initiatives. While CCRI's general CNA program has a tuition cost, the college actively recruits for "Community First" funded cohorts and provides "FREE Employee Sponsored Opportunities," making quality CNA training accessible to eligible individuals. Additionally, participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may qualify for tuition and fee assistance, further expanding access.
This Rhode Island Department of Health-approved course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to become competent and compassionate Certified Nursing Assistants. The program typically spans 160 hours, combining lecture, skills lab, and clinical components. The hybrid format often includes online virtual classes for lectures, complemented by in-person skill labs conducted at CCRI's various campuses. This blended learning approach offers flexibility while ensuring students receive essential hands-on training. Clinical rotations, a crucial part of the curriculum, provide real-world experience in healthcare settings.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for CNA practice, including basic nursing care, patient communication, infection control, safety procedures, vital signs, and assisting with activities of daily living. CCRI's program is structured to prepare students thoroughly for the Rhode Island Nursing Assistant licensing examination. The institution prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment with experienced instructors.
For those enrolling in the free cohorts, the benefit extends beyond just tuition. Employee-sponsored opportunities often mean that an employer covers the cost of training in exchange for a commitment to work for them upon certification, providing a clear path to employment. Similarly, Community First funding aims to remove financial barriers for specific populations. While the general program has a fee, CCRI's commitment to offering these free pathways, coupled with its established reputation as a leading educational institution in Rhode Island, makes its CNA program a valuable option for aspiring healthcare professionals. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about upcoming free cohorts and eligibility for financial assistance programs.
Grace Barker Health Programs Offered:Certified Nursing Aide Training Program Location:RI (54 Barker Avenue, Warren, RI 02885). The training is conducted in-house at Grace Barker Health's facility. Rating:
Grace Barker Health, a reputable healthcare facility in Warren, Rhode Island, proudly offers its Certified Nursing Aide Training Program at no cost to enrolled students. This in-house program represents a unique opportunity for individuals to receive high-quality CNA education directly within a professional care environment. By providing the training themselves, Grace Barker Health ensures that students are immersed in the culture and practices of a working healthcare facility from day one, preparing them for immediate integration into the workforce.
The program is taught by Grace Barker Health's own experienced staff, including Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals. This direct instruction from active practitioners provides students with practical insights and real-world perspectives that are invaluable in the field. The curriculum covers all the essential components required for Rhode Island CNA certification, including fundamental nursing skills, patient personal care, communication techniques, safety protocols, infection control, and assisting residents with their daily needs. The hands-on training is a significant aspect, allowing students to develop proficiency in a supervised, practical setting.
A key advantage of Grace Barker Health's program is the direct pathway to employment within their facility upon successful completion and certification. While not explicitly a "paid training" program in the sense of receiving a salary during training, the "no cost" tuition is a substantial benefit, and the implicit opportunity for job placement is a strong incentive. This model is particularly beneficial for individuals who are committed to working in long-term care or similar environments and are seeking a direct entry point into the profession without incurring educational debt.
The program is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to pass the state licensure exam and confidently begin their careers as Certified Nursing Assistants. While specific details on wrap-around support services like childcare or transportation assistance are not explicitly detailed, the core offering of free, in-house training with a direct link to employment makes Grace Barker Health an attractive option for aspiring CNAs in the East Bay area of Rhode Island. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Grace Barker Health directly to inquire about program availability and admission requirements.
