Fort Wayne offers several opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a CNA through free training programs. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive education and practical experience without the financial burden of tuition fees.
Most free CNA programs are structured as paid training opportunities, meaning participants are compensated for the time they spend training. This setup is generally part of a work agreement where trainees commit to work for the facility for a predetermined period after completing their certification. This agreement ensures that the training facility can maintain a steady supply of trained staff, and it provides trainees with job security and practical experience.
Typically, these programs cover costs like tuition, textbooks, and uniforms, effectively removing financial barriers for students. In exchange, trainees agree to fulfill specific work obligations at the facility, which might include minimum service durations or specific roles upon certification. This model benefits both the facility, which secures dedicated staff, and the trainees, who gain valuable experience without incurring education debts.
There are three notable paid training providers in the Fort Wayne area:
- Saint Anne Home & Retirement Community: Offers a six-week, in-person program focusing on spiritual care and professional education, with minimal costs for the final exam and workbook.
- Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: Provides a detailed program with 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinical training, covering costs for textbooks, uniforms, and state testing.
- Byron Health Center: Features an extensive six-month program that compensates trainees during instruction and clinical hours, with a unique payback system for deductions taken during the training period.
Explore the more detailed overviews of each CNA program below, which include information about program duration, class schedules, locations, and other key details to help you choose the right opportunity for your career as a CNA.
Saint Anne Home & Retirement Community
Saint Anne Communities provides free CNA training as part of its mission-driven services, reflecting its Christian, non-profit ethos. This six-week, in-person program is offered at their Fort Wayne location, allowing students to avoid the tuition fees typical of other CNA courses. However, participants are responsible for a minimal cost, which includes $75 for the final exam and $25 for the workbook, ensuring they have all necessary materials for their certification.
The program is integral to the community-oriented and faith-based approach of Saint Anne Communities. As a service of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese, the facility emphasizes spiritual care alongside professional education, making it a distinctive choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field within a supportive, Christian environment.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free Tuition. However, students are expected to pay $100 for other expenses: ($75 for final exam, $25 for workbook) |
| Program Duration | 6 weeks |
| Class Schedules | 8 AM – 3 PM |
| Website | sacfw.org |
| Location | 1900 Randallia Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 |
| Phone | (260) 484-5555 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
At Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, aspiring CNAs can benefit from a fully-supported free training program offered by American Senior Communities. This program encompasses 30 hours of classroom learning and 75 hours of hands-on clinical training, meeting standards set by the Indiana Department of Health for state certification.
Canterbury covers the costs of non-tuition items, unlike other programs on this list, including free textbooks, study materials, uniforms, and covered fees for state testing attempts. Additionally, trainees can enjoy extensive employee benefits such as competitive wages, paid time off, medical insurance, 401(k) options, tuition assistance, and more, supporting both their professional and personal growth.
The total duration of the program is not mentioned, so interested students should ask about that as well as other details that may be included in the work agreement as a part of the paid job training. Canterbury also mentions opportunities for significant career advancement, and students should ask about these additional pathway and “stepping stone” opportunities.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free, with certain costs covered |
| Program Duration | Contact for details |
| Class Schedules | 30 hours classroom, 75 hours clinical training |
| Website | asccare.com/community/canterbury-nursing-rehabilitation-center |
| Location | 2827 Northgate Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46835 |
| Phone | (260) 492-1400 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Byron Health Center
Byron Health Center offers a detailed and structured free CNA training program at their facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The program, extending over six months, includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical training. Trainees are compensated $12 per hour during both classroom and clinical sessions, and for shifts worked post-training until certification. However, a total of $1200 is deducted from their paychecks during this period, which is reimbursable upon six months of continued employment, either full-time or part-time, at Byron.
Trainees must adhere to strict attendance and professional standards, including dress code, personal hygiene, and conduct. The program requires a background check, physical exam, drug screening, tuberculosis test, and a basic math assessment prior to acceptance. Trainees must commit to 100% attendance, and failing to meet this or other program standards may result in termination from the program.
Interested candidates should contact Anna Hendrick for more information or to arrange an interview. This program not only prepares trainees for the CNA certification but also instills a high standard of professional discipline that Byron expects from all its staff.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free, $1200 deductible reimbursed after 6 months |
| Program Duration | 6 months |
| Class Schedules | 40 hours classroom, 75 hours clinical |
| Website | byronhealth.org |
| Location | 1661 Beacon St, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805 |
| Phone | (260) 637-3166 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Our Recommendation
- Saint Anne Home & Retirement Community: Ideal for those looking for a shorter, mission-driven program that integrates spiritual care with professional training.
- Canterbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: Suitable for individuals seeking comprehensive benefits alongside their education, with extensive support in both classroom and clinical settings.
- Byron Health Center: A good fit for those who can commit to a longer training period and are looking for a structured program with clear financial incentives and high standards of professional conduct.
We recommend contacting each program directly to discuss details such as program lengths, specific costs, class schedules, and the conditions of their respective work agreements. This proactive approach will help ensure that you choose a program that best fits your personal and professional development needs.