15 Great Free Online CNA Courses with Certificate of Completion
Image source: Istockphotos.com
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 2023.
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!
Quick Navigation:
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
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 2023
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.”
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 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
How long does it take to complete a free online CNA course?
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.
What are the costs associated with taking a free online CNA course?
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.
How do I get certified as a CNA after completing a free online course?
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.
What are the job prospects for CNAs?
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.
What are the next steps after becoming a CNA?
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 2023. 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.