So, you want to be a CNA? Great! But don’t you want to spend a ton of money on tuition? Well, you’re in luck! There are several great free online CNA courses with certificates of completion available in 2024.
There are so many free options that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 15 best free online CNA courses with certificates of completion.
So whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your skills, this list has something for you. And the best part is, they’re all free!
Is It Worth It to Take a Free Online CNA Course?
Whether or not it is worth taking a free online CNA course depends on your circumstances and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your budget: Free online CNA courses can be a great way to save money on your education. The average CNA program cost in the United States is around $1,000. However, free online courses can be as effective as in-person programs, so you may not need to spend any money.
- Your schedule: A free online CNA course can be a good option if you are busy. You can work at your own pace and complete the course independently. This can be especially helpful if you are working or have other commitments.
- Your learning style: A free online CNA course can fit you well if you are a self-motivated learner. You must be disciplined and organized to complete the course on your own. However, you may want to consider an in-person program if you prefer more structure and support.
- Your state’s CNA requirements: Not all states accept free online CNA courses. Be sure to check with your state’s board of nursing to see if they are approved.
What are the Requirements for a Free Online CNA Course With a Certificate?
The requirements for a free online CNA course with a certificate vary depending on the provider.
However, some common requirements include:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pass a physical exam
- Complete a CPR and first aid certification course
- Be able to commit to the time and effort required to complete the course
Check out these 11 best Harvard free online courses- 11 Harvard Free Online Courses for You.
How Long Does It Take to Finish a Free Online CNA Course?
The time it takes to finish a free online CNA course can vary depending on the specific course and your learning speed.
However, most free online CNA courses take between 4 and 8 weeks to complete.
What are the Best Platforms That Offer Great Free Online CNA Courses in 2024
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the most in-demand healthcare jobs in the United States. CNAs provide basic patient care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.
They help patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom. They also monitor patients’ vital signs and report any changes to the nurse.
You can take free online courses from various platforms to become a CNA. Here are four of the best platforms that offer great free online cna courses with a certificate of completion:
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer high-quality online courses. They have a variety of CNA courses available, including “Introduction to CNA” from the University of California, San Francisco, and “CNA Skills and Procedures” from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers courses on various topics, including CNA. Various CNA courses are available, from basic courses to more advanced ones.
edX is another popular online learning platform that partners with top universities to offer courses. A few CNA courses are available, including “CNA Fundamentals” from Harvard University and “CNA Skills and Procedures” from the University of Pennsylvania.
Alison is an online learning platform that offers free courses on various topics, including CNA. A few CNA courses are available, including “Introduction to CNA” and “CNA Skills and Procedures.”
Check out these ten best online courses at Oxford University- Top 10 Best Online Courses at Oxford University.
Which Universities Provide Great Free Online CNA Courses With Certification?
Many universities offer CNA courses with certificates, but not all are free. Some of the universities that offer free Online CNA courses with certification include:
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Washington
- University of Massachusetts, Boston
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Michigan
15 Great Free Online CNA Courses with Certificate of Completion in 2024
These courses selected are considered the best because they offer a comprehensive and affordable way to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). They include:
1. CNA Exam Prep: The Ultimate Guide to Passing the CNA Exam by Nurse Amy.
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 10 hours of on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
This course differs from the other two courses on this list. It’s not specifically designed to teach you the material for the CNA exam. Instead, it’s designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful CNA. This includes topics like time management, stress management, and communication.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to CNA
- The Nursing Assistant Role
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Patient Care Skills
- Infection Control
- Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Documentation
- The CNA Exam
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This free online cna course with a certificate of completion is for anyone interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It is a comprehensive course covering all the topics you need to know to pass the CNA exam.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The Role of a CNA
- The skills and knowledge that you need to be a CNA
- How to communicate and interact with patients and their families
- How to provide patient care
- How to prevent and control infection
- How to respond to emergencies
- How to document patient care
- How to prepare for the CNA exam
2. CNA Training: The Complete Course for the Certified Nursing Assistant by Nurse Bella.
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 17 hours of on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian
This course is another great option for preparing for the CNA exam. It covers all the same topics as the NurseAid course but includes a live Q&A session with the instructor. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and ensure you’re fully prepared for the exam.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to CNA
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Patient care procedures
- Bed Making and hygiene
- Mobility and transferring
- Vital signs
- Basic nursing skills
- Documentation and reporting
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The course is designed for anyone who wants to become a CNA. It is also a good refresher course for current CNAs.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The skills and knowledge necessary to pass the CNA certification exam
- How to provide safe and effective care to patients
- Ways to communicate and interact with patients and their families
- How to follow proper infection control procedures
- How to document patient care
3. CNA Training: The Beginner’s Guide
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 6 hours of on-demand video
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese
This free online CNA course with a certificate of completion is a great option for those just starting with CNA training. It covers the basics of CNA care, such as patient assessment, basic nursing skills, and infection control. This course is a good foundation for those planning to take a more comprehensive CNA course later.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to CNA
- History of CNA
- Roles and responsibilities of a CNA
- CNA skills and knowledge
- CNA certification process
- CNA job outlook
- CNA salary
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This course is for anyone interested in becoming a CNA. No prior experience or knowledge is required.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
In this course, you will learn about the history of CNAs, their roles and responsibilities, the skills and knowledge they need, the certification process, and the job outlook and salary for CNAs. You will also get hands-on practice with CNA skills through interactive exercises and quizzes.
4. CNA Training: The Fast Track to Certification by Nurse Bella.
- Platform: Udemy
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 8 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
This course is designed to help you get certified as a CNA quickly. It covers all the essential topics for the CNA exam but in a more condensed format. This course is a good option for those short on time or wanting to save money.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to CNA
- The Nursing Assistant Role
- Patient Care Skills
- Communication and Documentation
- Infection Control
- Safety and Body Mechanics
- Ethical and Legal Considerations
- The Certification Examination
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The course is designed for anyone who wants to become a certified nurse assistant (CNA). The fast-paced course will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to pass the certification exam.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- How to provide basic care to patients
- How to communicate effectively with patients and their families
- How to document patient care
- How to prevent the spread of infection
- How to use safety equipment
- How to handle ethical and legal issues
- How to prepare for the certification exam
5. Introduction to Clinical Nursing Assistant (CNA) Skills from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
- Platform: edX
- Institution: University of California, San Francisco
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 12 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese
This free online cna course with a certificate of completion provides an overview of the skills and knowledge required to be a CNA. Topics covered include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, and patient care procedures.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to the CNA profession
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic patient care skills
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Bedmaking and linen management
- Feeding and eating assistance
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Mobility and transfer assistance
- Vital signs measurement
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The course is designed for anyone interested in becoming a CNA. No prior experience or education is required.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic patient care
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Follow infection control procedures
- Administer basic treatments and procedures
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families
6. CNA: Communication and Teamwork from the University of Washington
- Platform: edX
- Institution: University of Washington
- Level: Intermediate
- Time: 10 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Portuguese
This course teaches CNAs how to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Topics covered include active listening, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- The Importance of communication and teamwork in the workplace
- Effective communication skills, such as active listening, clear writing, and presenting
- Teamwork skills, such as conflict resolution, decision-making, and giving and receiving feedback
- How to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues
- How to work effectively in a virtual team environment
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This free online cna course with a certificate of completion is for anyone who wants to improve their communication and teamwork skills. It is particularly relevant for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to be more effective in the workplace.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The Importance of communication and teamwork in the workplace
- Effective communication skills, such as active listening, clear writing, and presenting
- Teamwork skills, such as conflict resolution, decision-making, and giving and receiving feedback
- How to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues
- How to work effectively in a virtual team environment
7. CNA Fundamentals from the University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Platform: edX
- Institution: University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 10-12 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the CNA profession, from the history of CNAs to the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the field. Topics covered include communication, ethics, legal issues, and infection control.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- The Role of a CNA
- The responsibilities of a CNA
- The skills and knowledge required to be a CNA
- The CNA certification process
- The different types of CNA work settings
- The ethical and legal responsibilities of a CNA
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The CNA Fundamentals course is for anyone interested in becoming a CNA. This includes high school students, college students, working adults, and anyone interested in a healthcare career.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The basic skills and knowledge required to be a CNA
- The CNA certification process
- The different types of CNA work settings
- The ethical and legal responsibilities of a CNA
8. CNA Caregiving Skills from Duke University
- Platform: edX
- Institution: Duke University
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 12 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
This course covers the essential skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective patient care in various settings. Topics include communication, personal care, feeding, mobility, and documentation.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- The Role of a CNA
- The different types of care that CNAs provide
- Basic nursing skills, such as taking vital signs and giving baths
- Personal care skills, such as dressing and grooming
- Observation and reporting skills, such as identifying changes in a patient’s condition
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The free online cna course with a certificate of completion is intended for anyone interested in learning the skills necessary to become a CNA. This includes high school graduates, college students, and working adults. The course is also a good option for people already working as CNAs and wanting to improve their skills.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- How to provide basic care to patients
- How to take vital signs
- How to give baths and showers
- How to dress and groom patients
- How to observe patients for changes in their condition
- How to report changes in a patient’s condition to their nurse or doctor
9. Introduction to Nursing: Concepts for Caregivers by the University of Pennsylvania.
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University of Pennsylvania
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 6 weeks, 4-6 hours per week
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arabic
This course provides an overview of the nursing profession, including the different types of nurses, the roles and responsibilities of nurses, and the nursing process. It also covers the ethical and legal aspects of nursing and the Importance of communication and teamwork in the healthcare setting.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- The nursing process
- The different types of nursing care
- The ethical and legal Aspects of Nursing
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Patient assessment and care planning
- Evidence-based practice
- Leadership and management in nursing
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This course is for anyone interested in learning about the fundamentals of nursing. It is a good starting point for people considering a career in nursing and those already working in healthcare and wanting to learn more about the nursing profession.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The different roles of nurses
- The nursing process, which is a systematic approach to providing care to patients
- The different types of nursing care, such as direct care, indirect care, and administrative care
- The ethical and legal aspects of nursing, such as confidentiality and informed consent
- Health promotion and disease prevention, such as immunizations and healthy eating, etc.
10. Fundamentals of Nursing by the University of Pennsylvania.
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University of Pennsylvania
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 4 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
This free online cna course with a certificate of completion covers basic nursing concepts, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, asepsis, and infection control. It also covers the principles of patient care, such as vital signs, medication administration, and wound care.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- The history of nursing
- The role of the nurse
- The nursing process
- Health assessment
- Basic nursing skills
- Communication and teamwork
- Ethical and legal issues in nursing
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The course is designed for anyone interested in learning about nursing, including high school students, college students, and working adults. It is also a good refresher course for nurses returning to the profession.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- Understand the history and role of nursing
- Apply the nursing process to patient care
- Conduct a health assessment
- Perform basic nursing skills
- Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues
- Navigate ethical and legal issues in nursing
11. CNA Caregiving: Skills for the Workplace by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 6 weeks
- Language: English
- Subtitles: Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Chinese.
This course provides the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Topics covered include providing personal care, assisting with activities of daily living, and monitoring patient health.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to CNA Caregiving
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Personal Care and Hygiene
- Bedside Manner and Patient Comfort
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Infection Control
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Safety and Emergency Procedures
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The course is designed for anyone interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). It is also a good refresher course for current CNAs.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- Understand the role of a CNA
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families
- Provide basic personal care and hygiene
- Administer medications and treatments
- Promote patient comfort and safety
- Document patient care
- Follow infection control procedures
- Respond to emergencies
12. Anatomy and Physiology for CNAs by the University of Michigan.
- Platform: Coursera
- Institution: University of Michigan
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 3-6 months
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Chinese
This course provides an overview of human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the body systems most relevant to CNAs. Topics covered include the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to anatomy and physiology
- The integumentary system
- The skeletal system
- The muscular system
- The nervous system
- The endocrine system
- The cardiovascular system
- The respiratory system
- The digestive system
- The urinary system
- The reproductive system
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
The specialization is designed for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who want to learn more about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is also a good resource for anyone studying human anatomy and physiology.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The basic structure and function of the human body
- The different systems of the body and how they work together
- How to apply anatomical and physiological principles to patient care
- How to identify and assess anatomical landmarks
- How to interpret diagnostic imaging studies
- How to communicate effectively about anatomical and physiological concepts
13. Introduction to CNA
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 15 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
This course provides an overview of the role of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the field. Topics covered include patient care, infection control, basic nursing procedures, and communication.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Nursing ethics and rules
- Infection control
- Fire safety
- Emergency procedures
- CNA learning basics
- Delivering bedside nursing care
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This course is for anyone interested in becoming a CNA. It is a good starting point for those without prior healthcare experience. The course is also a good refresher for those already working as CNAs.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The different roles and responsibilities of a CNA
- The Importance of infection control and safety in the Healthcare setting
- The basic skills and procedures that CNAs need to know
- How to provide care to patients with a variety of needs
- How to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
14. CNA Skills
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 10-15 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Chinese
This course details the specific skills that CNAs need to know, such as how to take vital signs, measure height and weight, and provide basic wound care. It also covers how to use medical equipment and communicate effectively with patients and their families.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- The role of the CNA in patient care
- Patient hygiene and safety
- Basic nursing procedures, such as bed-making, feeding, and bathing
- Care of patients with specific conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
- Infection control
- Communication and teamwork
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This course is for anyone interested in becoming a CNA. No prior experience or education is required.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The skills and knowledge required to provide basic care to patients in a healthcare setting
- How to follow infection control procedures
- How to communicate effectively with patients and their families
- How to work as part of a healthcare team
15. CNA Patient Care
- Platform: Alison
- Institution: None
- Level: Beginner
- Time: 100 hours
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
This course focuses on the different types of patient care that CNAs provide, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and transferring patients. It also covers how to provide care for patients with specific conditions, such as dementia, diabetes, and heart disease.
Online CNA Courses to Take
- Introduction to CNA
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Patient assessment
- Personal care
- Bedmaking and hygiene
- Mobility and transfer
- Feeding and nutrition
- Elimination
- Infection control
- Documentation
- Ethical and legal considerations
Who is This Free Online CNA Course For?
This course is for anyone interested in becoming a CNA. It is also a good course for nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals who want to learn more about CNA care.
What You’ll Learn From This Free Online CNA Course
- The skills and knowledge required to provide safe and effective care to patients
- How to communicate effectively with patients and their families
- How to assess patients’ needs and provide appropriate care
- How to perform basic personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- How to make beds and maintain a clean and safe environment
- How to help patients move around and transfer from bed to chair, etc
Frequently Asked Questions
The time to complete a free online CNA course varies depending on the program. However, most programs take between 6 and 12 months to complete.
The costs of a free online CNA course vary depending on the program. However, most programs do not charge tuition. Some programs may charge fees for textbooks, materials, or exams.
To get certified as a CNA after completing a free online course, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. Pearson VUE administers the NNAAP exam.
The job prospects for CNAs are good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of CNAs will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
The next steps after becoming a CNA are to get a job as a CNA and to continue your education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN).
Conclusion
There are many great free online CNA courses available in 2024. These courses can give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a certified nursing assistant.
If you want to become a CNA, we encourage you to check out some of these free online CNA courses discussed above. These courses can be a great way to start your journey to a rewarding career in healthcare.
References
- Bestaccreditedcolleges.org– List of Free Online CNA Courses and Classes
- Alison.com– Free Online Courses to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant