CNA training and certification provided by the US government: start your nursing career
Sandra was a retail worker who wanted to change careers at age 45. She enrolled in a government-funded CNA program and completed her training in six weeks. She initially worked as a CNA at an assisted living facility, where the steady pay and benefits made her feel financially secure. She plans to become a CNA supervisor, making over $50,000 per year.
The U.S. government offers CNA training through various programs for individuals who wish to enter the healthcare field. 90% of those who receive CNA training and certification from the U.S. government have established satisfying careers and obtained high-paying jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings.
What is CNA？
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings.
What Does a CNA Do?
CNAs assist with daily living activities (ADLs) and provide essential support to patients, including:
Assisting with Mobility – Helping patients move, walk, or transfer from a bed to a wheelchair.
Feeding and Nutrition – Helping patients eat and ensuring proper hydration.
Monitoring Vital Signs – Checking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygen levels.
Assisting Nurses and Doctors – Helping with medical equipment and patient care tasks.
How to Get CNA Training Through U.S. Government Programs？
✅ Medicaid-Funded Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities
Nursing homes that receive Medicaid/Medicare funding are required by law to pay for CNA training for new employees.
Many offer paid on-the-job training and cover certification exam fees.
Example: Genesis HealthCare and HCR ManorCare provide CNA training in multiple states.
✅ Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants
WIOA is a federal program that funds career training for low-income individuals.
Visit your local American Job Center (careeronestop.org) to check eligibility.
Covers tuition, books, and certification fees.
✅ Job Corps (For Ages 16-24)
A federal government program offering CNA training, housing, meals, and a living allowance.
Programs are available nationwide.
Learn more at jobcorps.gov.
✅ State-Funded CNA Programs
Many state governments offer CNA training through workforce development programs.
Check with your state’s Department of Health or Department of Labor for available programs.
✅ Community Colleges & Adult Education Centers
Some state-funded colleges provide CNA courses for unemployed or low-income individuals.
Example: California’s Employment Training Panel (ETP) funds CNA training.
High-Paying Careers You Can Pursue After CNA Certification
Why Become a CNA？
✅ Fast Entry into Healthcare – Training takes just a few weeks.
✅ High Demand for CNAs – Job growth expected to increase by 8% by 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
✅ Great Starting Point for a Nursing Career – Many CNAs go on to become LPNs or RNs.
High-Paying Careers You Can Pursue After CNA Certification
✅ Travel CNA 💰 $50,000 - $80,000/year
CNAs who take short-term contracts in different states earn higher wages and receive housing stipends.
Some contracts pay up to $30/hour, plus bonuses.
✅ Hospital CNA 💰 $40,000 - $55,000/year
Working in hospitals pays more than nursing homes.
Duties include assisting doctors and nurses with critical care patients.
✅ Certified Medication Aide (CMA) 💰 $45,000 - $60,000/year
Additional certification allows CNAs to administer medications under a nurse’s supervision.
Training takes 6-12 weeks and is often paid for by employers.
✅ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 💰 $48,000 - $75,000/year
CNAs can become LPNs in 12-18 months through bridge programs.
Many hospitals pay tuition for CNAs to advance their careers.
✅ Registered Nurse (RN) 💰 $75,000 - $120,000/year
CNAs who complete an RN program (2-4 years) can significantly increase their earnings.
Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for CNA-to-RN programs.
✅ Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) 💰 $60,000 - $80,000/year
CNAs can transition into physical therapy with additional certification.
PTAs assist in rehabilitation and therapy treatments.
How to Enroll in a CNA Program？
✅ Step 1: Check for government-funded CNA training near you:
Visit careeronestop.org to find WIOA-approved programs.
Contact local nursing homes that provide Medicaid-funded CNA training.
✅ Step 2: Apply for a state-funded program:
Check your state’s nursing board website for CNA training listings.
✅ Step 3: Look into employer-sponsored programs:
Apply to hospitals or long-term care facilities that offer CNA training as part of employment.
Final Thoughts
Sandra's success story speaks volumes about the importance and effectiveness of CNA training programs. Not only do these programs provide growth opportunities for individuals, but they also have a positive impact on the nursing industry as a whole. Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) through a government-funded training program is an important first step toward a high-paying career in healthcare, allowing you to quickly enter the workforce and advance to high-paying positions such as LPN, RN, travel CNA, or healthcare administration.