Many people ask this question and it seems quite simple sometimes, but depending on your location, this could be a difficult task.  Many school offer the CNA program in a continuing education curriculum and not college credit curriculum.  EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic courses are also a continuing education class.

Almost all of your local community colleges offer continuing education programs (or con-ed for short).   To enroll, you will need to have a GED or high school diploma, take the entrance exam, and pay out of pocket or file for financial aide.  Financial aide is quite easy to get.  Your local community college will have a financial aide office that will help guide you through the steps.  The PELL Grant is the largest and most common type of financial aide.  This grant will even pay for your pencils, pens, paper, books, tuition, and even daycare for your child if you’re a parent!  The Pell Grant can be applied for by visiting this website.

The con ed courses for the Certified Nursing Assistant program are somewhat lengthy.  When I took the CNA program, I was enrolled in a “hybrid” course.  This means that portions of the course are online, and portions of the course are in the classroom setting, lab, and in the hospital while performing CNA skills in a hospital setting with real patients.