If you want to pursue training to become a certified nurse assistant but have questions about the financial requirements, you should know that there are often free training opportunities available for those in need. In the state of Connecticut, nursing homes and other long-term residential health centers sometimes offer certified nursing assistant training programs at little or no cost with the possibility of employment upon successful completion of the program. These programs are not always open to the public and are often only available to new hires for positions at these facilities. To learn which locations offer free training in Connecticut, students should first check with hospitals, nursing homes, and other residential care facilities. We have put together a list of few colleges and centers that provide Free CNA Training in Connecticut via the Workforce Investment Act:
American Professional Educational Services, Inc. – One American Way | Norwich, CT 06360 | 860-886-1463
Centro de la Comunidad, Inc. – 109 Blinman Street New London, CT 06320 | 8604424463
Educational Training of Wethersfield – 415 Silas Deane Highway 3rd floor, Suite 304 | Wethersfield, CT 06109 | 8605717666
Tunxis Community College – 271 Scott Swamp Road Farmington, CT 06032 | 8602553666
New Haven Adult Education – 580 Ella T. Grasso Blvd. New Haven, CT 06519 | 2034920210
Housatonic Community College – 900 Lafayette Boulevard Beacon Hall, Room 274 Bridgeport, CT 06604 – They do not provide free training themselves however they do accept third party payments from organisations like the Health Career Academy or CT Works if the student meets their minimum requirements and if approved can choose to use the available funds awarded as a means to cover the training costs.
Check out other state options here:
Updates:
Jan 2013
Sheriden Woods Health Care Center – 321 Stonecrest Drive Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 583-1827
This health care center is among healthcare facilities and nursing care providers who provide training at no cost for individuals who will then work as nursing assistants within the organizations. Sheridan Wood center offers free training at times when they have an increased demand for certified nursing assistants to work within their facility. You will be achieving two objectives at one time: training to become a nursing assistant without cost and obtaining your first job as a CNA.
CNA Certification Information
It is important to be aware of the facts of certification before pursuing a nurse aide program in the state of Connecticut. In order to be certified on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry, an individual must have completed an approved nurse aide training program, and sit for the state competency examination within 24 months from completion of the class.
A student enrolled in a LPN or RN program may request to challenge the examination by providing original transcripts of their education verifying they have completed the basic nursing fundamentals and skills that are covered in a nurse aide training program.
An individual who is currently listed as active with no derogatory or abuse information on another states’ list of certified individuals can apply to have their name added to Connecticut’s Registry. The certification period is for 24 months, and the individual must re-certify every 2 years. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted to directly to Prometric.
The State of Connecticut requires that a nurse aide training program be at least 100 hours in duration and be coordinated by a Registered Nurse with at least 2 years experience, one of which must be in long term care. Students must complete 16 hours in the following areas prior to any direct contact with the residents:
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Residents Rights
- Residents Independence
- Safety and Emergency Procedures including the Heimlich Maneuver, and
- Infection Control
The training program must include all other basic theoretical components defined by state and federal regulations, as well as a clinical component where the students are trained on the 25 competency skills of which they will be evaluated on five. For successful passage of the competency evaluation, the student must pass all five skills.
The Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section reviews and approves the certified nurse aide training programs throughout the state. Currently, there are approximately 155 of these training programs approved by the Department of Public Health.
For more information on certification including questions on reciprocity programs, you should contact the Connecticut Department of Health.
CNA TRAINING FAQs:
How much is the CNA course in Connecticut?
The Certified Nursing Assistant training program in Connecticut costs approximately $5,000 and students can complete the program in day and evening formats.
How do I become certified as a CNA?
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you are required to earn your high school diploma or GED, complete a state-approved CNA training program, complete an in-person clinical training and pass a state-approved CNA Certification Exam.
Can I get a CNA license online?
Yes you can complete the theory classes online, however, the hands-on portion of the course has to be completed at an in-person clinic such as a hospital or other healthcare setting.
Can you become a CNA online? There are web-based training programs available for CNAs. The best of these programs require on-site clinical training but most classes are taken online to give students maximum flexibility.
Where can CNAs work?
Most CNAs work in nursing care facilities and may work in hospitals. They work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
What does it take to become a CNA?
In addition to the CNA education, some of the CNA characteristics/skills required include:
• Great Communication. This not only includes effective talking but active listening too. Communication with other healthcare workers and patients especially has to be effective.
• Compassionate. CNAs care for the sick, injured or elderly. This type of work requires great compassion and care toward patients.
• Patience. The daily routine consisting of cleaning, feeding and bathing patients can be extremely stressful. You need to ensure you maintain patience and empathy despite all the stresses.
• Comfortable with physical tasks. Physical tasks include lifting or moving patients. CNAs need to ensure they are able to and are comfortable with performing such tasks.
CNA Training in Connecticut
Individuals can become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Connecticut upon successful completion of state approved course work and certification exam at an approved testing site. Training programs will adequately prepare students to sit for this exam. All programs are 120 hours and range from 12 weeks to a full semester in length. The cost for these programs is between $800 and $1400, though some facilities may offer free training programs. Scholarships and payment plans are available through colleges and technical schools. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of Connecticut:
Bullard-Haven Regional Vocational Technical School – 500 Palisades Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut 06610
The Bullard-Haven Regional Vocational Technical School CNA program offers a 10-week course, providing clinical training in both Long-term Geriatrics as well as Acute Care clinical facilities in addition to the classroom and lab instruction. The course is offered three times over the school year to postgraduate adults: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Classroom hours are 8 am to 12 pm Monday through Friday. Clinical hours are preformed in assigned facilities for 10 scheduled days, 8 am to 2 pm. The estimated cost of the program is $1400. Students are required to purchase their textbooks and white uniform needed to attend clinical rotations. Upon successful completion of the course a Certificate is issued. In addition, certification entitles the individual for eligibility to take the written and skills examinations necessary for entry onto the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. The testing is administered to graduates at the conclusion of the course and costs $108.00. For more information on the program, call 203-579-6904.
Naugatuck Community College – 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708
The CNA program at Naugatuck Community College offers a variety of course schedules to meet student needs. Students participate in classroom discussions and lectures, applying learned skills in simulation labs and gain experience in a clinical setting. After successful completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the Competency Skills and Written Examination. This exam is given on-site and is included in the cost of the course. The estimated cost of the program is $1205 which includes tuition and textbooks. Additional fees are required for other program-related supplies and certification exam. For more information on the program, call the program coordinator at 203-575-8253.
Tunxis Community College – 271 Scott Swamp Rd. · Farmington, CT 06032
The Tunxis Community College CNA program is 120 hours held over a 12 week period, and offered days and evenings. Each section is limited to 20 applicants, and students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Classroom instruction is held at the college; clinical groups are limited to eight students and are held at Ledgecrest Health Care (Tuesday days), Ingraham Manor (Friday days and Saturdays), Southington Care Center (Tuesday evenings) and Avon Health Center (Thursday evenings). Your tuition, estimated at $1000, includes the cost of malpractice insurance and State Competency testing. Additional costs include textbook, uniform and registry fee. For additional information on the program, call 860.255.3500.
Norwalk Community College – 188 Richards Avenue Norwalk, CT 06854 (203) 857-7000
The Norwalk Community College CNA program is a 108-hour, 12-week (twice-a-week) course consisting of 36 hours of classroom instruction. Combined with 72 hours of practical hands-on training, students are enabled to deliver all aspects of personal care to patients. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are awarded the required state certificate to work in long-term care facilities. Students choose for clinical rotations Saturdays (8:00 AM-2:30PM) or weekdays (4:00-10:30PM).
Three Rivers Community College – 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360
The Three Rivers Community College CNA program is a 120-hours, designed to prepare individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge in the first steps to a career in the medical field. Training consists of classroom lecture and clinical rotations at locations in Groton or Waterford,Connecticut. The cost of the program is $850 plus the cost of text books. For more information on the program, call 860-885-2608.
Quinebaug Valley Community College – 742 Upper Maple Street Danielson, CT 06239
The Quinebaug Valley Community College CNA course provides students with the required training to obtain CNA certification in the state of Connecticut. In order to successfully complete this course, students will be required to achieve a 60 average on all quizzes, a 70 or better on the written final, and pass the five primary clinical skills in order to receive certification and placement on the Connecticut CNA registry. Students will commit 120 hours over the course of 3 months to complete the program. The program costs $1,099 and includes all textbooks and supplies. Not included in this fee are scrubs, watch, and approved shoes. Textbooks are distributed at the first class. For more information in this program, call (860) 412-7300.
- Apple Rehab Coccomo – Meriden, CT 06450 | 203-238-1606
- Jewish Senior Services – Bridgeport,CT 06604 | 203-365-6400
- Centro de la Comunidad Inc. – New London, CT 06320|860-442-4463
- New Milford Nursing Home – New Milford, CT 06776 | 860-354-9365
- Northbridge Health Care Center – Bridgeport, CT 06606 | 203-336-0232
COLLEGE REVIEWS:
Naugatuck Community College:
Flexible, the best professors, extremely affordable payment options and multiple programs to choose from.
Three Rivers Community College:
Positive and motivating professors, I was able to take online courses and the staff are very kind-hearted.