For DC residents interested in starting a healthcare career without paying out of pocket, several local programs offer free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. These programs include classroom instruction, lab practice, and hands-on clinical experience—all designed to help students pass the DC Board of Nursing CNA exam and begin working quickly.
Most programs also provide helpful support services like job placement assistance, GED prep, transportation stipends, and access to supplies such as scrubs and laptops. Whether you’re new to healthcare or changing careers, these free programs are a practical first step.
1. Academy of Hope
This free CNA program is available to District of Columbia residents who are at least 18 years old. Offered by Academy of Hope, the training spans 5 months and includes 200 hours of classroom and lab instruction, followed by 40 hours of clinical training. Classes are offered in both daytime and evening formats, Monday through Thursday, and are held in a hybrid format (a mix of online and on-site learning).
Students can enroll at either the Northeast DC site (Ward 5) or the Southeast DC site (Ward 8), though evening classes are currently only offered at the Ward 5 location. The program prepares students for the NNAAP exam to become Certified Nurse Aides in DC.
To qualify, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include proof of DC residency, a high school diploma or progress toward a GED, minimum scores on reading, math, and digital literacy assessments, a background check, and passing a drug and health screening. Space is limited, and an advising session is required as part of the application process.
Students receive scrubs, supplies, and use of a laptop during the program. Additional support services include transportation stipends, resume help, job search guidance, and referrals for further healthcare education.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 5 months (200 hours of instruction + 40 hours of clinicals) |
| Format | Hybrid (remote and on-site) |
| Schedules | Day: Mon–Thu, 10:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Evening: Mon–Thu, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Address | Ward 5: 2315 18th Place NE, Washington, DC 20018 Ward 8: 421 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032 |
| Phone | Ward 5: (202) 269-6623 Ward 8: (202) 373-0246 |
2. University of the District of Columbia
The CNA program offered through UDC’s Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) division is completely free for District of Columbia residents aged 18 and older. Classes are approved by the DC Board of Nursing and designed to prepare students for certification as Nursing Assistants.
To enroll, applicants must attend an information session, complete CASAS reading and math assessments, and take a digital literacy test. They must also provide documentation showing DC residency, proof of high school graduation or equivalent, and complete health screenings, a drug test, and a background check. CPR certification from the American Heart Association is also required.
Training takes place at the Old Congress Heights campus (3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE) and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Schedules and start dates are provided during the required info sessions. The university also offers support services and guidance for next steps in healthcare training or employment.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Varies by cohort; provided during required info session |
| Format | In-person classroom and clinical training |
| Schedules | Shared during information session; attendance required before enrollment |
| Address | 3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032 |
| Phone | (202) 274-7181 |
3. Carlos Rosario International School
Carlos Rosario offers a free 5-month CNA program designed for DC residents, with a focus on serving immigrant and English language learner communities. The program includes 200 hours of classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and a 40-hour clinical practicum held mid-semester. Classes are taught in English or Spanish and led by a registered nurse instructor.
Morning classes run Monday–Thursday from 9:00–11:30 a.m., and evening classes are held Monday–Thursday from 6:00–8:30 p.m. The clinical portion takes place over five full days, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Job placement assistance is included.
To qualify, students must be DC residents, have a high school diploma or equivalent (international diplomas are accepted), complete a counseling session, and meet English language proficiency of ESL 8 or higher. Required documents include proof of DC residency, immunization records, and a criminal background check. Those without a diploma can enroll in the school’s free GED preparation.
Space is limited and registration windows are short, so prospective students are encouraged to join the interest list for updates.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 5 months (200 hours of instruction + 40 hours of clinical practicum) |
| Format | In-person classes with hands-on lab and clinical training |
| Schedules | Morning: Mon–Thu, 9:00–11:30 a.m.; Evening: Mon–Thu, 6:00–8:30 p.m.; Clinicals: 5 days, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Address | 1100 Harvard St NW, Washington, DC 20009 |
| Phone | (202) 797-4700 |
🔍 Easily Compare CNA Programs
We’ve handpicked top CNA programs in Washington DC and the surrounding DMV area—including accelerated, part-time, and even online options—to help you find the right fit, faster.
If you’re looking for free CNA training or other healthcare career programs in Maryland, there are several workforce centers and job assistance sites that can help. Many of these centers offer training opportunities either directly or through partnerships with local schools. Program availability often changes based on funding and enrollment cycles, so it’s best to call each center directly and speak with a staff member. They can explain what’s currently available, walk you through eligibility requirements, and guide you through the application process.
Some programs may require proof of residency, income verification, or an assessment before enrollment, so it’s important to ask about any documents you’ll need to bring.
Here are several locations in Maryland to contact:
- WorkSource Montgomery Wheaton
11510 Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
📞 (301) 761-1639 - Southern MD Workforce Services
175 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
📞 (301) 645-8712 - American Job Center
138 Baltimore St #102, Cumberland, MD 21502
📞 (301) 777-1221 - Laurel Regional Career Center
312 Marshall Ave #604, Laurel, MD 20707
📞 (301) 362-9708 - Northwest Career Center
2401 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215
📞 (410) 396-7873 - Eastside Career Center
3001 E Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21205
📞 (410) 396-9030 - One-Stop Career Center (Laurel)
14723 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707
📞 (301) 498-7080 - Columbia Workforce Center
7161 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046
📞 (410) 290-2600 - Washington County One Stop Job Center
14 N Potomac St #100, Hagerstown, MD 21740
📞 (301) 393-8200 - One-Stop Career Center (Baltimore)
1100 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201
📞 (410) 684-6838
These centers are great starting points for free CNA programs and other entry-level healthcare training. Calling ahead is key—you’ll get the most accurate and up-to-date information by speaking with someone directly.