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List of Free Online CNA Courses and Classes

See our list of the top free online CNA courses. Learn about what courses are available and what topics they cover to find the course that's right for you.

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Required Information for Online CNA Courses

Free courses offered through the OpenCourseWare (OCW) system don't provide college credit, assignments aren't graded and communication with instructors isn't offered. While these courses aren't specifically geared toward those interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and don't typically meet state requirements for initial registration, they can provide aspiring and practicing CNAs with foundational knowledge relevant to nurses and others working in healthcare. OCW courses employ videos, slides and quizzes to inform learners about medical topics and practices. Some courses require additional materials that aren't available for free or online, such as textbooks.

Free Online CNA Course List

Medical Terminology at Des Moines University

Prospective or current CNAs can learn roughly 300 medical terms in this free class. Through quizzes and text-based content, students learn anatomical terminology for areas such as the reproductive, digestive and circulatory systems, as well as terms related to cancer and non-prescription medications. Students can register and pay to receive a certificate of participation for completing this course.

Ethical Issues in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University

This OCW course emphasizes ethical issues found in public health systems, including the right to health care, the right to make personal health choices and resource allocation. Students must have Adobe Reader to view the lecture materials.

Health Issues for Aging Populations at Johns Hopkins University

CNAs often work in nursing homes or long-term care facilities dealing with the elderly population. This course teaches students about the various health, societal and governmental issues involving the aging population. Students learn through the 15 lectures; however, the last lecture isn't offered through OCW.

Patient Safety and Medical Errors at Johns Hopkins University

This free course tackles the implementation and practice of safety by healthcare workers. Topics include the science of safety, safety and medicine, teamwork, communication, medical errors and medication safety. These topics are offered through lectures and assignments.

Principles of Human Nutrition at Johns Hopkins University

This OCW course from Johns Hopkins University looks at the ways in which nutrition can affect health, physiology and disease in humans. Students could learn about malnutrition, obesity, dietary supplements and amino acids. In addition to lecture notes and slide presentations, there's a recommended textbooks list.

Aging Immune Systems Makes Older Adults More Vulnerable to Attack at Nurse.com

Aimed at educating nursing and healthcare professionals, individuals learn the various health risks associated with aging immune systems. Students learn why elderly patients are more susceptible to illness than young patients and the importance of immunization. The text-based course includes a reference list.

Improving Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning at Nurse.com

This free online course can be beneficial to CNAs or any medical professionals. Students examine both clinical reasoning and critical thinking as it relates to nursing careers. The 3-page course is text-only and can be printed.

Patient Communication Skills at the University of Michigan

Originally designed for dental students, this free course teaches communication techniques that can be used by healthcare workers. The course explores patient interviewing, cross-cultural communications and telephone skills, among other topics. The course notes (known as performance keys) are in PDF form, but there are also video demonstrations of patient communication.

Perspectives in Global Health at the University of Michigan

Although not required for CNAs, this free OCW course teaches aspiring CNAs about global health concepts and the various organizations networked to promote health care around the world. This course includes lecture notes, online references and the name of the textbook used.

Medical Ethics at University of Notre Dame

The Medical Ethics OCW course from Notre Dame seeks to introduce students to the fundamental ethical theories behind modern medical practices and procedures. Topics include confidentiality, honesty, healthcare reform, euthanasia, experimentation and abortion. Audio lectures, slides and sample essay assignments allow students to explore various ethical biomedical issues. The textbook used for the course must be purchased separately.

Earn Real Credit from Free Courses

While the free courses above don't award credit directly, you can earn credit by passing an exam and transferring credit to your college. There are two widely recognized and affordable options for exams that award credit.

Option #1: CLEP Exams

The College Board's 33 CLEP exams allow you to test out of your general education requirements. Credit is accepted at 2/3 of colleges and universities in the U.S.

Option #2: Excelsior College's Credit-by-Exam

Excelsior College offers over 40 exams that lead to transferable credit. You can also earn three full degrees by taking free online courses and earning your credit by exam.

Learn how Education Portal Academy will pay you to earn credit!

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21 Popular Schools

The schools in the listing below are not free but are popular choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations. Be sure to always request tuition information before starting a program.