In order to enroll for the CNA classes, you need to hold a high school diploma or GED. A first-aid program certification will also be helpful while enrolling for the CNA classes. The CNA program generally lasts for 3 months. There are 2 main sections covered in the CNA program – the theoretical section and practical or clinical section. Once you complete the CNA training, you can give the exam and obtain the certification to start practicing as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The fee structure for the CNA classes is an important consideration for the candidates.
The fees structure for the CNA classes depends upon the state where you are pursuing the course. Most of the times, the fees are reasonable and can be easily afforded by the candidates. However, there may be cases where the candidates are not in a position to pay for the fees. This may be due to low income in the family or if you are belonging to minority groups. In such cases, the candidates need to look for options where they can enroll for the CNA classes at a cheaper rate or may be for free of charge.
Governmental as well as non-governmental institutes or agencies do offer financial aid for candidates aspiring to become CNAs. There are various types of CNA scholarships and grants available. Scholarship programs are also offered by the Red Cross CNA Training. However, you need to check for the eligibility criteria to avail this scholarship.
The CNA training is for a shorter duration as compared to other health care or medical programs. You need to consider the funding options available before enrolling for the training program.
Following are some ways of obtaining financial aid for the CNA training classes:
Scholarships
Scholarships are a good way of funding your studies. One advantage of scholarships is that you do not need to repay anything later. There are various types of scholarships available such as book allowances, allowances for uniform, certain stipends, partial as well as full scholarship awards.
The scholarships require certain eligibility criteria to be granted, and are awarded based on academic performance and merit, community contributions as well as consideration of the financial condition of the applicant. These scholarships for CNA classes can be granted by the government, nursing school, private individuals, hospitals and other health care facilities.
There exists a GPA/credit requirement for majority of the CNA scholarships. The candidates need to ensure that they maintain this requirement to continue availing the scholarship benefits.
Grants
Money can be presented to candidates in the form of grants by considering the applicant's financial condition, his needs as well the proposal for financial aid. Just like in scholarships, there is no need to repay the money in grants. Grants may be given to fund academic projects, education requirements or other relevant endeavors.
The type of grants varies as per the need and the candidates need to present a proposal to the concerned donor according to the type of grant required. Once the candidates receive money from the donor in the form of grant, it becomes totally theirs. If you have applied for a grant for research based or project based studies, you may need to update the benefactor with the status of that particular project. Generally the grants for CNA classes are given by the government's education department; however, certain private institutes also offer these kinds of grants.
Student Loans
If you are not lucky enough to qualify for CNA scholarships and grants, you can always consider opting for student loans. All the candidates who enroll for the CNA training cannot get the benefit of CNA scholarships and grants.
Private Banks, the government, as well as CNA training schools provide student loans. However, after you finish the training, you need to make repayment of these student loans along with the specified rate of interest. It's best to clear the loan repayment on time to avoid any kind of penalties. Student loans usually charge lesser interest as compared to the private loans.
Employer-Financed Training
There are certain health care facilities as well as companies that have tie ups with the CNA training schools. These facilities allow the employees to continue their studies while they are working. These employers take care of the cost of the training program in exchange of a service contract from the employees. You have to serve the contact period and cannot quit your job before the term ends.
The CNA profession is in great demand even on a global level. The rising aging population as well as the increasing health care needs of different individuals open a lot of career avenues for CNAs in various health care facilities. However, the CNA training costs are a huge concern especially for the under privileged lot who cannot afford the fees. Hence, the above mentioned financial aid options are worth a consideration for such candidates.
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