3 Free CNA Classes in Dallas

Find free CNA training opportunities for students in Dallas TX

By Sybil Morneau
Published on June 16th, 2013

Most Certified Nurse Assistants are dedicated to helping people and allowing Registered Nurses to complete more complex patient care tasks. Often a person can take courses during high school and become a CNA before graduation. There are several other ways to become a CNA in Dallas, TX and some students will qualify to take the courses for free.

The Red Cross will often offer free CNA classes in Dallas, TX. Students who are interested in taking advantage of these classes will need to apply for a waiting list and be ready to take the classes when there is an opening. Most Red Cross CNA classes can be completed in two months although there are a few requirements students must meet. First, students must be at least eighteen years old and in past seven years they cannot have a felony conviction. Students will also need to prove they do not have a communicable disease and pass a tuberculosis screening. In addition to classroom instruction, students will also have laboratory practice and will go into local hospitals or nursing homes and perform CNA tasks under supervision. To earn the certification, students will need to take and pass a written and a performance exam.

Cedar Valley College in Dallas, TX will also offer free CNA classes through a Workforce Development program. Students may need to meet specific qualifications including income and past education, but within a few months, the CNA certificate can be earned. Basic classes in patient care, CPR, Biology and hands on lab classes will help a student prepare for the Texas State CNA exam. In addition, some of the classes with Cedar Valley College can be taken online from home.

Another option for earning a CNA certificate is working for a hospital or nursing home. In Dallas, TX students can contact the Rising Star Nursing Center Certified Nursing Assistant Program. In exchange for working for the facility for a number of years, the center will provide the necessary training. CNA students may need to attend some classes at a local community college and will complete the “clinical” portion of the training at the Rising Star Nursing Center. Some of the duties a CNA student may perform include: helping patients to the restroom, changing bedding, taking lunch to residents, etc.

Certified Nurses Aides make an average $24,000 a year. Depending on where students live, they may make more or less than the national average. Full-time CNA’s will usually work all hours of the day and night and many will also be required to work weekends and holidays. Jobs in the medical profession seem to be increasing each year and CNA’s are usually in high demand. Once a student has passed the state test, he or she can find jobs in local nursing homes, hospitals, hospice care or private companies.

People who have a caring, compassionate personality will enjoy a position as a CNA. Once a person becomes certified, he or she can enjoy working with all different types of people in many different situations. Once a person has been working for several years as a CNA in Dallas, TX, he or she may decide to pursue an even higher degree or certificate. People who want more responsibility and earn a higher salary, may choose to go back to school and become a registered nurse. When searching for free CNA classes in Dallas, TX, be sure to check out local medical facilities that may be able to help.

Sybil Morneau

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