So you want to become a certified nursing assistant, but you’re curious about the costs involved. It is a valid concern, especially in this tight economy. The cost of CNA training varies by institution; supplies needed and levels of training.

Certified nursing assistants, also called CNA’s, are the very spine of the nursing support system working hand in hand with registered nurses, doctors, therapists and other degreed medical professionals in direct patient care.  Certified nursing assistants, also called certified nursing aides, work in acute care support occupations in hospitals, in long term care facilities such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes; in medical clinics of all types and inside private homes as Home Health Aides. The cost of CNA training can be as little as nothing to qualified students, to a high around one thousand and five hundred dollars for students taking advanced classes and intend to use their skills in the acute care environment.

When taking the cost of CNA training into consideration, one must remember that there are usually small ancillary costs involved as well. Some of those costs not included in the classes include the purchase of a stethoscope, uniforms and the cost of pre-program medical exam, TB testing and booster shots, if you need them.

Free or low cost CNA training is really not hard to find if you are serious about your quest. Your first stop in looking for free CNA training is the phone book. Look up the number to all the local long term care facilities in your area and give them a call. Ask if they offer on the job CNA training. Generally, even if the specific long term care facility doesn’t offer OJT for CNA’s, they know the facilities that do. Don’t be afraid to ask. Remember, the only dumb question is the question not asked.

If you are a military veteran, there is a good chance the Veterans Administration will cover the classes and materials involved in becoming a certified nursing assistant. If you fall into a state mandated low-income group, you many qualify for financial assistance through one of the many state educational agencies. Don’t forget that if you can be classified as a minority student, your institution of training may be able to fund your CNA classes as well.

Trade schools, also called vocational schools, offer comprehensive CNA training at reasonable costs. Because many trade and vocational schools are subsidized by federal and state funding, they can afford to offer comprehensive CNA training at lower costs. The financial cost to the CNA student in the trade school setting usually starts at about three hundred dollars, plus the costs of books and the ancillary costs mentioned above. The great thing about trade schools is that most schools have cut deals with local businesses and can offer deep discounts on basic supplies and uniforms.

Private institutions of higher learning, community colleges and classes sponsored by the Red Cross are usually the most expensive, but well worth the expense because of the advanced training involved. These type CNA training classes generally run between eight hundred dollars and fifteen hundred dollars and sometimes include the above ancillary costs and supplies.

No matter the cost involved, many in the profession say you can’t put a price on helping make the lives of others better. Ranging from no cost to comprehensive CNA training, most say it’s one of the best investments they’ve ever made.