If you’re looking to start a career in healthcare without the financial burden, there are five Denver area free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs.
- Vista Academy provides high school students with a free, three-trimester CNA program that combines e-learning with hands-on skills.
- CEC Early College also offers a tuition-free, two-semester CNA program for high school juniors and seniors, focusing on practical nurse assistant skills.
- The Denver Hospice provides a free, two-week CNA program, including classroom and clinical training, with the option of paid employment during training.
- Intermountain Healthcare Saint Joseph Hospital partners with ccCna to offer a unique, tuition-free CNA program with paid training.
- CrossPurpose offers a six-month, no-cost CNA program that includes professional development and hands-on training.
Explore the detailed summaries of each program, along with their admission requirements and noteworthy information about each to find the one that suits you best.
Vista Academy
Vista Academy offers a unique opportunity for eligible high school students to enroll in a free CNA program. Unlike traditional CNA schools that require tuition, Vista Academy provides this program at no cost, removing financial barriers and enabling students to pursue healthcare careers without the burden of debt. The program spans three trimesters, incorporating cutting-edge technology and sound learning theory to prepare students for healthcare roles.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for healthcare professionals, from medical terminology and infection control to hands-on skills like CPR certification and emergency care. The training is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills, setting students up for success in entry-level healthcare employment and further advanced training. The program’s goal is to foster informed career choices and offer a pathway into the healthcare industry, supported by both classroom learning and real-world clinical experiences.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free for eligible High School students |
| Program Duration | Three trimesters |
| Class Schedules | Not specified; involves e-learning and hands-on skills |
| Website | Vista Academy CNA Program |
| Location | 4800 Telluride St Bldg #6, Denver, Colorado, 80249 |
| Phone | (720) 423-7650 |
| Not specified; contact through website | |
| Online Classes | No |
CEC Early College
CEC Early College offers a free CNA program exclusively for high school juniors and seniors. This program is tuition-free, allowing students to complete their CNA certification without the financial burden associated with traditional CNA schools. The course spans two semesters and provides 15 elective high school credits.
The program covers essential healthcare topics, including body systems, medical terminology, basic first aid, and CPR, with a strong focus on practical nurse assistant skills. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical training, preparing them for state CNA certification. Classes are held in both morning and afternoon sessions, ensuring flexibility for students’ schedules. This program is an excellent opportunity for high school students to enter the healthcare field at no cost while earning valuable college credits.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free for High School students |
| Program Duration | Two semesters |
| Class Schedules | AM: 8:20-10:45 AM, PM: 1:15-3:40 PM |
| Website | CEC Early College CNA Program |
| Location | 2650 Eliot St, Denver, Colorado 80211 |
| Phone | (720) 423-6600 |
| Not specified; contact through website | |
| Online Classes | No |
The Denver Hospice
The Denver Hospice offers a free CNA training program through Care Synergy, allowing participants to complete their CNA certification without paying tuition. This program is designed to remove financial barriers, enabling students to gain essential healthcare skills at no cost, unlike traditional CNA schools that charge tuition fees.
The two-week program includes 76 hours of training, covering classroom instruction, hands-on practice in a simulation lab, and two days of clinical experience at a skilled nursing facility. Participants can even be hired by The Denver Hospice or Colorado Visiting Nurse Association before completing their certification, with paid training included. This program is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to enter the healthcare field quickly and without financial strain.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free |
| Program Duration | 2 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Not specified; includes classroom, lab, and clinical training |
| Website | The Denver Hospice CNA Program |
| Location | 8289 E Lowry Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80230 |
| Phone | (303) 329-7400 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Intermountain Healthcare Saint Joseph Hospital
Intermountain Healthcare Saint Joseph Hospital offers a free CNA training program in partnership with ccCna, allowing students to complete their certification without paying tuition. This program is unique because it includes a two-week paid training period, where participants earn $16 per hour while learning essential CNA skills.
The program covers all fundamental CNA duties, such as patient care, vital sign monitoring, and record-keeping. It is designed to help students gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting without the financial burden typically associated with CNA programs. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and without upfront costs.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free |
| Program Duration | 2 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Not specified; includes paid training |
| Website | Intermountain Healthcare CNA Program |
| Location | 1375 E 19th Ave, Denver, Colorado 80218 |
| Phone | (303) 812-2000 |
| Not specified; contact through website | |
| Online Classes | No |
CrossPurpose
CrossPurpose offers a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program in Denver, allowing students to complete their certification without any tuition fees, unlike traditional CNA schools. This program is designed to remove financial barriers, providing all necessary training and resources at no cost.
The program lasts six months, starting with three weeks of personal and professional development. This is followed by five weeks of hands-on CNA training in partnership with the South Denver School of Nursing Arts. Students receive all necessary materials and support to prepare for the state CNA exam. The program even includes paid opportunities, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This structure provides an accessible path into the healthcare field without the typical financial burden.
| Program Information | Details |
| Cost | Free |
| Program Duration | 6 months |
| Class Schedules | First 3 weeks: Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm, Wed 6pm-8pm; CNA training follows with varying schedules |
| Website | CrossPurpose CNA Program |
| Location | – NE Denver: 3050 Richard Allen Ct., Denver, CO 80205 – South Metro: 3855 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113 – North Metro: 8330 W 80th Ave Suite 8, Arvada, CO 80005 |
| Phone | (720) 724-9544 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | No |
Our Recommendation
Given the range of free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs available in Denver, it’s important to consider your individual needs and circumstances when choosing the right one for you. Each program offers unique benefits, such as Vista Academy and CEC Early College’s focus on high school students, or the two-week intensive training offered by The Denver Hospice and Intermountain Healthcare Saint Joseph Hospital. CrossPurpose provides a more extended six-month program with personal development and hands-on training.
We recommend reaching out directly to each program to gather more detailed information and assess which program aligns best with your goals. By understanding the specific offerings and requirements of each program, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your career aspirations.