The Carlos Rosario International School provides a free Nurse Aide Training Program tailored for adult DC residents, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds and English language learners. The program runs for 5 months, includes 200 hours of instruction plus a 40-hour clinical, and is led by a registered nurse instructor. Both morning and evening classes are available, and students receive job placement assistance after graduation.
This program is especially accessible for non-native English speakers—classes can be taken in Spanish, and the school also helps students without a high school diploma earn their GED at no cost. With a strong emphasis on real-world preparation and small class sizes, graduates are well-positioned for work in hospitals, nursing homes, or private care settings.
Program Overview
Carlos Rosario International School’s Nurse Aide Training program is one of the more inclusive CNA programs available in the Washington, DC area. Designed specifically for the city’s adult residents—especially those from immigrant communities—the program makes healthcare career training accessible to individuals who may face language or educational barriers elsewhere.
The program runs for five months, with morning (9:00–11:30am) and evening (6:00–8:30pm) classes held Monday through Thursday at the Sonia Gutierrez Campus. It includes 200 hours of classroom instruction and skills lab, followed by a 40-hour clinical practicum that takes place over 10 days at a local healthcare facility. The training is taught by licensed nurses, and covers core CNA topics like basic caregiving, infection control, medical terminology, and more.
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Language and Accessibility
One of the standout features of this program is that it’s built with non-English speakers in mind. It’s open to students who are at an ESL 8 level or higher, and some courses are conducted in Spanish to support learners who are still building English fluency. This makes it ideal for immigrants and refugees who need a culturally and linguistically supportive learning environment.
In addition, if a student hasn’t earned a high school diploma yet, the school provides free GED prep and testing as part of its broader adult education services. This is a major advantage for those who want to launch a career in healthcare but need to meet basic educational requirements first.
Real-World Experience & Instruction
Class instruction is led by a registered nurse, ensuring that students are learning from professionals with real clinical experience. The curriculum blends lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and the required practicum hours, allowing students to gradually build confidence before working directly with patients.
The 40-hour clinical portion is conducted mid-semester over a 5-day span (7:00am to 3:00pm), and is arranged through a local partner site. This practicum is essential for students to gain firsthand exposure to patient care in a real healthcare setting.
Admission and Application Process
Students must be DC residents and must complete a few steps before getting into the program. Space is limited, and registration periods are short, so those interested are encouraged to get on the interest list as soon as possible to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
Here are the admissions requirements for the Nurse Aide Training program:
- Must be a resident of Washington, DC
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent from country of origin
- Must be eligible for ESL 8 (High Intermediate English)
- Attend a counseling/advising session
- Pass a criminal background check in the first week of class
- Provide proof of required immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccine
- Meet DC Board of Nursing clinical requirements
All interested applicants are also required to attend a counseling session, where they can ask questions, discuss scheduling, and confirm that this is the right path for their goals.
Additional Student Support
Carlos Rosario School doesn’t stop at the classroom. Students in the healthcare career training track receive job placement assistance, post-secondary education advising, and employability coaching. The school partners with local healthcare employers and education institutions, which helps students transition into the workforce or continue their studies after completing the program.
These supports are especially useful for students hoping to climb the healthcare career ladder. Many Nurse Aide graduates go on to become LPNs, RNs, or even medical assistants, and the foundation built here prepares them well for those next steps.
Inclusivity and Community Impact
The program’s accessibility, particularly for Spanish-speaking and immigrant residents, sets it apart from other CNA training options in the region. This commitment to equity and inclusion ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds can pursue stable, meaningful work in the healthcare industry.
Additionally, Carlos Rosario’s non-discrimination policy guarantees that students from all races, nationalities, and backgrounds are welcomed and supported. This creates a truly community-centered environment where learners can grow academically and professionally.
Who Should Consider Carlos Rosario International School?
Carlos Rosario’s Nurse Aide Training program is best suited for adult DC residents, especially those who may be newer to the U.S. or who are still improving their English. It’s also a smart choice for anyone who wants free, high-quality CNA training and personalized support to launch a healthcare career. The fact that GED help is available—and that some instruction is in Spanish—makes this program incredibly approachable for students who might otherwise struggle to enter the field.
It’s also a good fit for individuals who are balancing other commitments like work or family, thanks to flexible morning and evening schedules. With experienced instructors, practical clinical training, and follow-up career guidance, this program checks a lot of boxes for students looking to get their foot in the door in healthcare.
If you’re a DC resident serious about becoming a CNA—and especially if you’re navigating barriers related to language, finances, or education—Carlos Rosario International School is one of the best local options to consider.
Category | Details |
Cost: | Free |
Duration & Clock Hours: | 5 months; 200 hours classroom + 40 hours clinical |
Evening/Weekend Classes?: | Evening classes available (Mon–Thurs, 6:00–8:30pm); no weekend classes |
Online Classes?: | No |
Job Placement?: | Yes, job placement assistance is provided |
Requirements: | DC residency, High School Diploma/GED, ESL 8 or higher, advising session, background check, immunizations (incl. COVID-19) |
Address: | 1100 Harvard St NW, Washington, DC 20009 |
Phone: | 202-797-4700 |
Email: | careertraining@carlosrosario.org |
Website: | https://www.carlosrosario.org/courses/class-listings/career-training-programs/health-academy/ |
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