With rising tuition costs, CNA classes are becoming more expensive and less affordable than ever before. Many individuals simply cannot afford CNA training, even though it is exactly what they need to kickstart a career as a CNA and enter the workforce.
Fortunately, there are several non-profit organizations in the Houston regional area who offer free CNA classes. We’ve curated information about various organizations and institutes in Houston that offer free CNA training programs. From eligibility criteria to program durations and contact details, our guide aims to provide you with all the essential information to help you take the first step towards becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Class availability may be limited or offered at select times of the year. If you have any suggestions for additions or changes to our listings, please send us an email.
Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM)
Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) offers a Free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program in collaboration with the Academy of Exceptional Healthcare. This 5-week vocational program prepares individuals with essential skills to become CNAs, playing a vital role in healthcare by assisting in fundamental patient care. Participants learn various tasks, including taking vital signs, feeding patients, performing range of motion exercises, and providing incontinent care.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Mandatory attendance for introduction/job readiness before the course starts (in person at MAM Services).
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Fluent in English (speaking, reading, and writing).
- 18 years or older with a successful state criminal background check.
- Valid Driver’s License or State-issued ID and SS card.
- Authorized to work in the US.
- Motivation and commitment to complete the class and take the State Exam.
Class Timing and Location:
- Week 1 & 2: Skills Training at Academy of Exceptional Healthcare (8200 Wednesbury Ln, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77074).
- Week 3 & 4: Online classes on Zoom.
- Week 5: CPR Training, review, and State Exam registration.
For more information, contact Salim Rizk at [email protected]. Mandatory attendance for introduction/job readiness is required before the course starts at MAM Services (1625 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77080, in person). Applicants must review the eligibility criteria and proceed with the training application.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) |
| Phone | Not specified |
| Salim Rizk at [email protected] | |
| Program Duration | 5 weeks |
| Requirements | – Mandatory attendance for introduction/job readiness (in person at MAM Services) – High School Diploma or GED – Fluent in English (speaking, reading, and writing) – 18 years or older with a successful state criminal background check – Valid Driver’s License or State-issued ID and SS card – Authorized to work in the US – Motivation and commitment to complete the class and take the State Exam |
| More Information | MAM CNA Training |
Goodwill Industries of Houston
Goodwill Industries of Houston helps connect those currently does not offer Goodwill is a great organization for CNA classes as they offer free CNA classes for those who qualify.
The Career Centers at Goodwill Houston are dedicated to preparing individuals for employment. Each location is committed to aiding Houston residents by providing a wide range of job search and career training assistance services. These include individual development planning and evaluation, assistance with resume preparation and interview skills, support in job search activities, and access to a computer lab and phones for job search endeavors. Each location offers training in workplace success skills, facilitates networking opportunities, and provides job placement services. The commitment extends to coaching individuals in personal financial skills and offering referrals to services such as housing, clothing, and child care.
| Location | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| River Oaks Job Connection | 2520 Brun Street, Houston, TX 77019 | 713-590-3123 |
| Heights Job Connection | 215 W. 20th, Houston, TX 77008 | 832-431-4471 |
| Corporate Offices | 1140 West Loop, North Freeway, Houston, TX 77055 | 713-692-6221 |
| Goodwill Temporary Services (GTS) | 1140 West Loop North, Houston, TX 77055 | 281-480-3930 |
| Meyerland Job Connection | 9606 Hillcroft St., Houston, TX 77096 | 832-900-7454 |
| Galveston Job Connection | 4525 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas 77551 | 713-970-1646 |
To get started, reach out to a Goodwill of Houston Career Center closest to you and ask about their upcoming CNA classes and the criteria for taking classes free of charge.
Chinese Community Center
The Chinese Community Center offers a free Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) virtual training program designed for individuals with a passion for healthcare. The program equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level work in nursing, focusing on safe patient care in various healthcare settings. The tri-level course includes theory, skills lab, and clinical rotation in a Long Term Care Facility. Successful completion makes participants eligible to take the State of Texas Certification Exam.
The program also provides a Job Training/Job Placement and Employment Counseling Program to enhance the job readiness of low-to-moderate income individuals. This initiative aims to help clients navigate the job market successfully, improve relevant skills, and achieve financial stability through sustainable employment.
To be eligible for the CNA program, individuals must have a valid driver’s license or state ID, a Social Security Card, proof of at least a high school education/GED, and the ability to work legally in the U.S. Eligible Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) clients can apply for vocational training programs aligned with their career goals. A $150 program deposit fee is required, refundable upon certification and employment in the training field.
Prospective participants must fulfill specific requirements, including attending an FOC orientation, submitting necessary documents, completing TABE Testing, undergoing an application interview, and participating in a coaching session.
For more information and to express interest, individuals can contact Chelsy Aledia, Vocational Coach, at [email protected] or (713) 271-6100 Ext. 130, or Jesus Herrera, Employment Coach, at [email protected] or (713) 271-6100 Ext. 304. The program is part of the Financial Opportunity Center, which focuses on improving the financial well-being of low-to-moderate income individuals through employment placement, financial education, and public benefits access services.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, TX 77036 |
| Phone | (713) 271-6100 Ext. 130, (713) 271-6100 Ext. 304 |
| [email protected], [email protected] | |
| Program Duration | Varies |
| Requirements | Valid driver’s license or state ID, Social Security Card, proof of at least a high school education/GED, ability to work legally in the U.S. $150 program deposit fee (refundable upon certification and employment). Eligible Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) clients can apply; attendance at FOC orientation, document submission, TABE Testing, application interview, coaching session required. |
| More Information | Chinese Community Center – FOC Vocational Training |
Goodwill of Central Texas
For those who live near Austin or would be willing to travel for free CNA classes, Goodwill of Central Texas offers free CNA classes for those who qualify through their Nursing Assistant program.
The 6-week, 119-hour course designed to teach essential skills for providing basic patient care. Graduates can effectively communicate and interact with patients, ensuring their functional independence. The curriculum covers first aid, CPR, vital signs, basic nutrition, infection control, and proper body mechanics.
Approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and the Department of Aging and Disability Services, the program includes clinical practice at a long-term care facility.
Eligibility requirements include at least an 8th-grade education, age 18 or older, passing a background check, and possessing a valid State ID and Social Security Card. Graduates may secure entry-level employment as Nursing Assistants in various healthcare settings. For more information, contact 512-637-7131 or [email protected].
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 6 weeks (119 hours) |
| Location | 1015 Norwood Park Blvd, Austin, TX 78753 |
| Phone | 512-637-7131 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | https://www.goodwillcentraltexas.org/education-job-training/nursing-assistant-program |