Bethesda Health Group’s CNA Apprentice Program is a free, paid training opportunity for those looking to enter the healthcare field without the burden of tuition costs. Operating across multiple senior care facilities in the St. Louis metro area, including parts of Illinois, this program trains new CNAs directly in the workplace. Participants not only receive instruction and hands-on experience, but also get paid as they train and become eligible for bonuses up to $2,500 after completing employment milestones. The program is designed to fill workforce gaps while helping compassionate, motivated individuals build a solid career path in elder care.
With full-time and part-time CNA jobs available after training, competitive wages starting at $16.08 per hour, and benefits like daily pay options, tuition reimbursement, and medical coverage, this program is particularly well suited for people who want to earn while they learn. No previous healthcare experience is required—just a strong work ethic and a genuine interest in helping others.
Program Overview
The CNA Apprentice Program at Bethesda Health Group is not your typical classroom-based training. Instead of enrolling in a separate school or paying tuition, participants are hired directly into the organization and trained on-site to become Certified Nurse Assistants. The program is a true earn-while-you-learn model, offering full immersion into the senior care environment from day one.
This approach helps address the ongoing CNA shortage while giving students a unique opportunity to enter the field without taking on debt. Once hired, apprentices receive structured support to complete state CNA certification requirements—including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical training. Bethesda covers all program-related costs, and those who move into full-time CNA roles can earn a $1,000 bonus upon hire, followed by an additional $1,500 bonus after nine months of employment.
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Training and Responsibilities
Once certified, CNAs at Bethesda are responsible for delivering frontline patient care in long-term care and rehabilitation settings. Tasks include:
- Assisting with hygiene, feeding, and mobility
- Taking and recording vital signs and weights
- Repositioning patients to prevent bedsores
- Monitoring intake and output and documenting data
- Supporting residents with emotional and physical needs
- Communicating with charge nurses and other team members
- Maintaining equipment and supplies
- Providing comfort and companionship to seniors
CNAs are also expected to document patient information accurately, participate in shift changes and team huddles, and follow proper infection control protocols. The work is hands-on, physically demanding, and deeply personal—ideal for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact in others’ lives.
Pay and Benefits
Bethesda offers competitive starting wages, with CNA pay ranging from $16.08 to $25.24 per hour, depending on experience and location. But the benefits go far beyond the hourly rate. All regular full- and part-time employees are eligible for:
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and prescription coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Daily pay option
- Holiday pay and paid time off
- Sign-on bonuses for nurses and CNAs
- Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000/year for full-time staff
- Access to Bethesda’s Career Ladder Program for continued advancement
These extras can make a big difference for anyone trying to build a long-term, sustainable career in healthcare. Bethesda is clearly investing in its team, not just for today’s needs, but for the future of the workforce.
Locations and Flexibility
One of the strengths of Bethesda’s CNA program is its geographic accessibility. With nearly a dozen locations spread across the St. Louis metro area, including facilities in Illinois, prospective students have a better chance of finding a training and job placement site that’s close to home. Since each location may have different staffing needs or schedules, flexibility is key—and so is the ability to travel if needed.
Admission Requirements
To enter the CNA Apprentice Program and eventually qualify for CNA roles within Bethesda, you’ll need to meet the following job qualifications:
- High school diploma preferred but not required
- Active Certified Nurse Assistant certification in the state where you’ll be working (or willingness to complete the program and earn it)
- CPR certification required or obtained within six months of employment
- Long-term care experience preferred but not mandatory
- Strong communication skills and ability to work on a care team
- Physically able to lift, move, and assist patients (including those over 200 lbs with help)
- Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods
- Must be able to document information clearly—either in writing or verbally
Because this is a healthcare role, candidates must also be comfortable working in a highly structured environment with responsibilities that impact patient safety and quality of life.
Why Bethesda’s Model Stands Out
Unlike traditional CNA programs that charge tuition and require students to attend school full time without pay, Bethesda’s model is apprenticeship-based—which can be a major advantage for those with limited income or time. You become a paid employee while gaining the training and support needed to earn certification and secure a long-term role in the organization.
This approach isn’t entirely unique—other healthcare systems are adopting similar models—but Bethesda’s long-standing reputation in elder care and the supportive culture described in their mission statements make them a particularly strong option in the St. Louis area.
Their Career Ladder and tuition reimbursement program also signal that this isn’t just a short-term staffing fix; it’s a strategy to help people grow from entry-level roles into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or even registered nurse (RN) positions down the line.
Real-World Impact and Culture
Bethesda employs over 1,200 healthcare professionals, and according to their messaging, culture matters. Employees build lasting relationships not just with coworkers, but with residents, who become part of their daily lives. The organization promotes a family-focused, compassionate work environment, which can be especially important in long-term care, where continuity and empathy are vital to resident well-being.
The focus isn’t just on care delivery—it’s on improving quality of life for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. This kind of atmosphere can make a tough job feel more purposeful and fulfilling.
Who Should Consider Bethesda Health Group
If you’re looking for a debt-free, direct path into the healthcare field, Bethesda’s CNA Apprentice Program is worth serious consideration. It’s best suited for those who have a passion for helping others and are ready to dive into hands-on care work. This is not a quick, sit-at-a-desk kind of job—it requires energy, compassion, and resilience. But if you’re reliable, motivated, and eager to start earning right away, Bethesda offers a smart route with no upfront costs, paid training, solid benefits, and room for growth. For anyone in the St. Louis metro area—especially adults re-entering the workforce or exploring a career shift—this could be a practical and rewarding starting point.
| Category | Details |
| Cost | Free (CNA Apprentice Program is fully paid by Bethesda) |
| Duration & Clock Hours | Varies by location; structured as a paid apprenticeship with training included |
| Evening/Weekend Classes? | Varies by facility; dependent on staff scheduling needs |
| Online Classes? | Not specified; most training is on-site within Bethesda facilities |
| Job Placement? | Yes; participants are hired into Bethesda facilities with CNA employment after certification |
| Requirements | Active CNA certification or willingness to train, CPR certification (or within 6 months), physical ability to assist patients, strong communication skills |
| Address | 12101 Woodcrest Executive Dr., Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63141 |
| Phone | 314-800-1900 |
| Website | https://careers.bethesdahealth.org/creative/clinical |
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