We have listed over 7 opportunities to get Free CNA Classes in NJ. The average CNA in New Jersey can earn about $31,000. But in some of the larger city areas, they may up to $37,000. This is higher than many of the other states. There is a need for many qualified CNAs and this article will show you some places you can go to train and even some options for no cost training.
Table of Contents
Getting Started
In most cases you will need to complete a training program for nursing assistants before you can take the test to become certified. You can find training programs in New Jersey here: http://www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/documents/ltc/approved_natcep_programs.pdf. The program must have 40 hours of clinical training and 50 hours of classroom training at a minimum. If a couse program is not seen on the above listed website, you will know it has not been approved in New Jersey and would not make you eligible to become certified.
Free CNA Training Options in NJ
Catholic Charities of ARCH Newark
321 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103
The Catholic Charities of ARCH Newark has a nursing assistant training program that can be obtained for free if you are eligible. The programs through this charity, are intended to help individuals and families who have a low income. They have job training opportunities including the CNA training program. These programs can help individuals who have a low income and who are struggling to find employment. They also help men and women who wish to find a better job or a starting career, but who would otherwise be unable to afford the necessary training or education.
This CNA training program includes an internship where you can gain valuable experience and make some initial contacts. Job placement help is also available to make certain you have the opportunity to put your new skills and training to good use. IF you think you might qualify for help, you should get in touch with this division of the Catholic Charities. Their website is found at: http://www.ccannj.com/cert_nursing.php.
Programs are provided in partnership with the workforce development act. You might also need to visit a local workforce agency to complete the application process for the assistance you seek to become a nursing assistant.
Essex County College
303 University Ave-Newark, NJ 07102
There is an allied healthcare grant that students can apply for if they are taking the CNA course. It is also available for similar courses: the Clinical Medical Assistant Course and the Patient Care Technician course. The program is to help cover the cost of career training in these study areas for students who wishes to start their healthcare career or students in need of a new career for better employment and earning opportunities.
This grant is also intended to help get more students interested in these careers to meet the increasing demand for these well qualified and well trained professionals.
The grant is funded by a partnership from the Department of Education and the Department of Labor. This special fund is called the Trade Adjustment and Assistant Community College and Career Training Grant. The latest grants funds will be available through 2018 (September).
Students who are interested in this grant, should contact the financial aid office of the college for more details on how to apply. Other grants and scholarships are also available by completing financial aid applications and the federal application for student financial assistance.
Monmouth County Vocational School District Adult Education
280 Atlantic Street Keyport NJ 07735
They sometimes provide a free CNA course that is Hackensack Meridian Sponsored. Hackensack is a healthcare system. They provide acute, emergency, long-term and short-term care. There is always a high need for well qualified certified nursing assistants. This program helps meet that need.
The certified nursing assistant course is a 90 hour course. 50 hours is spent in the classroom. 40 hours is spent gaining hands-on experience. You will learn to carry out all duties and responsibilities of a nursing assistant. The course will teach you to work in various healthcare settings. You will learn to work with patients of all ages including a focus on elder care.
You will help to ensure a patient’s safety, privacy and their dignity. You will assist with activities of daily living. You will learn to take vital signs and monitor input and output. The course teaches you all you need to work well under the direction of nurses.
This program will provide you the instruction and real life training needed to sit for as well as pass the necessary certification exam.
The Vocational school’s adult education branch prepares adults to have better opportunities in employment. This benefits adults of any age. If you can show that you really need opportunities for a better career and do not have a great income, you can apply for the free program.
There are other healthcare and non healthcare training programs offered at this training school.
You may be required to work for an agreed upon amount of time at a Meridian facility after graduation.
You can call 732-272-7359 to determine if there is an upcoming class.
Parker Life Long-Term Care Facility
Parker at Monroe-395 Schoolhouse Road, Monroe Township New Jersey
Parker’s history dates all the way back to 1907. It first started as a care home for individuals with severe chronic illness. They now have a focus on the aging population. Their goal is to help people age gracefully and maintain independence and continue to live a full and meaningful life.
Either way they are skilled at providing care for individuals who may be scared or confused. For people young and old. For those with typical aging diseases and people with chronic conditions. You therefore will learn to work well with any resident.
They offer free CNA courses for applicants hired to join their team. If you are already a CNA, they might reimburse you for your training depending on when you graduated from the class.
They offer a high quality nursing assistant training course. It is state approved. The course is 11 weeks and spans 90 hours of instruction. This is a paid-to-learn program. You will receive compensation while attending the course. You will gain hands-on experience working with patients at their facility as you train. This is part of your course and prepares you for your future employment. You must ask them how long you will continue working for them after they provide the free training.
The class will provide you the skills and knowledge you need to work anywhere. That said, your clinical experience gained here will prepare you well to work with the elderly and with those who are in care facilities for the long term.
Some topics you cover will be: assisting with ADLs, answering call bells, monitoring vital signs, measuring output, monitoring input, patient transfers, use of equipment and repositioning patients. You will learn medical ethics and laws, good communication skills as well as medical terminology.
Bayshore Healthcare Center
715 North Beers Street-Holmdel NJ 07733
This company offers rehabilitation care. They also offer long-term care for seniors. They can care for individuals with a variety of ailments and a wide range of needs. They have a good reputation as a senior care loving facility.
They will pay for training for qualified applicants Who are also very motivated. They must really believe that the person will continue working for the facility without a problem. They offer training for free because there is a shortage of well qualified certified nursing assistants in the area. You must work for them for at least one year after you complete training otherwise you could have to pay back for the training.
You will learn how to perform CPR and basic first aid. You will learn about medical equipment and medical terminology. You will learn to do various tasks for patients or assist them with such. The course will help you gain skills in interpersonal communication.
Colleges and Universities (Paid Classes)
Camden County College
200 N. Broadway-Camden, NJ 08102-1185
Students will learn the skills they need to have success as a certified nursing assistant when taking the Nursing Aide Class at Camden College. The course teaches students about infection control, patient rights, privacy and ethics. Students will also learn how to take and record vital signs and how to monitor patients for signs of concern that must be reported to the nurses or other healthcare providers.
The nursing aide course will prepare men and women to work directly with patients providing a range of care services. The future aides will learn skills to communicate well with patients and other staff members.
Camden County College’s CNA class is worth 4 credits. It takes 90 hours to complete and is held over the duration of one semester. Instruction and clinical experience are both provided during the course of the program. Students will find that the CNA course is offered not only at the Camden Campus location but also at the blackwood location.
Samuel Morris Career Institute of New Jersey
701 McCarter Hwy-Newark, NJ 07102
Among the programs offered at the career institute if a certified nursing assistant course. This course has two sections. The first section is in the classroom setting and covers 50 hours. The second session is held in clinical settings and will cover 40 hours of study. After completing both parts of the CNA training course, an individual can apply to sit for the state’s certification exam.
Many different topics will be covered during the course in addition to learning the most common nursing assistant skills that are used on a regular and usually daily basis. Students will also learn how to help meet the emotional, physical, spiritual and psychosocial needs of the patients.
This program requires 100% attendance. To apply you must be a high school graduate. Before you can sit for the competency test,you will need to have a background check done and may need to meet some other requirements.
Atlantic Cape Community College
1535 Bacharach Boulevard-Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
There is a 90 hour certified nursing aide course offered at Atlantic Community College. The course will include 50 hours of classroom theory time. Another 40 hours will then be spent in the clinical setting. This is where a student is able to develop their nursing assistant skills while working with patients. Graduates of the class can sit for the nursing assistant certification exam.
The CNA training course is currently being offered at the Worthington Atlantic City Campus. The clinical segment is offered at nursing care centers that are in the general area of the campus. It usually takes about six weeks to complete the course with a Monday through Friday class schedule.
Applicants to the course will need to have fingerprinting and background checks completed. They will also need a two part TB test and proof of other applicable immunizations. This must all be done prior to the first classroom session.
CNA Exam Process in NJ
The exam process in New Jersey differs from some other states. In New Jersey you must take and pass the skills test before you can move on to the written test. The skills test will have you demonstrate 4 nursing aide skills. You will also need to prove that you can use proper hand washing methods. Once you pass this part of the test, you can call 1-800-733-9267 in order to schedule the other part. This part will test you on your CNA knowledge and can be scheduled to be taken in either written or in oral form.
Application Steps
You will need to pass a background check and have fingerprinting before you can become a certified nursing assistant. If you are a nursing student, have worked a home health aide or have military experience in healthcare, you might be able to sit for the certification exam without needing to finish a CNA training course. If you are not taking the test by completion of a nursing assistant program, you will need permission from the Department of Health to sit for the exam. You can go here to get the needed application: (http://www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/certification-licensing/nurse-aide-pc-assistant/apply/index.shtml.
Out of State Certification
If you are a nursing assistant in a state other than New Jersey, you can apply for your certification to be transferred to New Jersey. You will need to show that the training and testing in your state was similar to that of New Jersey. If it is deemed not to be equal, you will need to schedule the competency test in New Jersey. You can start the process to appy for CNA transfer here: http://www.nj.gov/health/healthfacilities/certification-licensing/nurse-aide-pc-assistant/apply/index.shtml.
Places to Work as a CNA in NJ
Alaris Health at Cedar Grove
110 Grove Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Alaris Health at Riverton
1777 Lawrence Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
Care One at Ridgewood Avenue
W-90 Ridgewood Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
Elizabeth Nursing and Rehabilitation
1048 Grove Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Gates Manor
111-115 Gates Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
Jewish Home at Rockleigh
10 Link Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647
Merry Heart Nursing Home
200 Rt 10 West, Succasunna, NJ 07876
Oaks at Denville
21 Pocono Road, Denville, NJ 07834
Regent Care Center
50 Polifly Road, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Rolling Hills Care Center
16 Cratetown Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833
CNA Training Center Reviews
Camden County College – Affordable fees, the lowest tuition in New Jersey. The location is quite near which allows more time for studying. They offer classes for almost anyone and give students endless opportunities to do great things in life. Students usually take online classes because it easily fits into the schedule. The staff and professors are very helpful and resources are also available for students to use. Most importantly, the college provides an opportunity for unemployed students to search for jobs! This is of great benefit to a number of students every semester.
Atlantic Cape Community College – Wonderful classes and professors, amazing fellow students and the most peaceful environment where students can be stress-free. The staff are very helpful especially if you are someone totally new to a college, they answer all questions you may have and they are also very friendly.
CNA Training FAQs
What happens if I fail the test? In case you fail the test three times, you must retake a training program in New Jersey.
How can I be eligible for re-certification? Your CNA license must be renewed every two years. To be eligible for re-certification, your license has to be current, valid and active as well as you must have done at least seven hours paid nurse aide work in the last 24 months.
How fast can I get a job as a CNA once I’ve completed training? Job opportunities for trained CNAs are growing very rapidly in most parts of the U.S including New Jersey.