Ballad Health hosts registration event for free CNA certification courses
People interested in kickstarting a healthcare career can do so for free through Ballad Health’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program – and the health system is making the first step simpler than ever.
Bristol Regional Medical Center will host an in-person registration event on Monday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Maple and Chestnut rooms of its Conference Center. Ballad Health team members will be on site to aid in completing the registration process, including scheduling background checks and employment physicals.
“Ballad Health is ready to help guide eligible individuals throughout the entire process of becoming a CNA – from registration to certification,” said Tina Crum, nurse aide training program coordinator for Ballad Health. “This free course is a great opportunity to kickstart your healthcare career, and team members will be set up at Bristol Regional ready to help.”
What to bring:
- Resume
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license or state identification
- Vaccination records
Who is eligible?
All candidates must:
- Be at least 17 years of age and have graduated high school at least six months prior
- Complete a criminal and health-related board background check
- Be compliant with Ballad Health’s vaccination policy
About the course
Registrants will be signed up for an in-person course that begins on Monday, Aug. 15, and continues through Friday, Oct. 21, meeting on Monday and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Download the full 2022 certified nursing assistant program schedule [PDF, 27 KB].
This course is completely free, and the only cost incurred by the student is a set of navy scrubs. Ballad Health pays for the exam and even offers a dual certification in Tennessee and Virginia.
The Ballad Health CNA training program presents the basics of bedside patient care under the guidelines of federal and state requirements, with an emphasis on geriatrics and long-term care. The program meets federal and state guideline requirements and sets a foundation of experience that can propel candidates forward in their healthcare journey.
Clinical hours are completed at a designated Ballad Health facility, with set rotation schedules determined at the beginning of the class. All clinical hours will be scheduled with an instructor and cannot be completed independently.
Participants who successfully complete the course will meet criteria to sit for the state certification examination.
“While entering the healthcare world is exciting, trying to figure out where to start can be difficult,” Crum said. “CNAs are key players in delivering enhanced healthcare across the Appalachian Highlands, and the time they spend directly caring for patients makes a world of difference.
“A role as a CNA can be a great place to begin your healthcare career.”
Classes are available in Tennessee, Virginia and through an online hybrid program (only in Tennessee), which consists of online classes with in-person clinicals and labs.
If candidates decide they want to become a registered nurse (RN) after they are certified, Ballad Health offers scholarships and tuition reimbursement to continue their nursing education. Learn more about additional educational opportunities here.
Interested candidates can learn more about the free CNA classes, as well as flexible scheduling options by visiting our CNA training program webpage.
