Top Online CNA Programs Before a Pre-Nursing Internship

Build Skills, Boost Confidence, and Qualify for Hands-On Experience

If you’re preparing for a pre-nursing internship abroad, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) first can be a game-changer. CNA training provides the core clinical skills and patient care experience that will help you stand out—not only during your internship but also on your future nursing school applications.

And thanks to flexible online CNA programs, you don’t have to wait or attend a local college to get certified.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the top online CNA programs you can complete before traveling, explain how CNA certification enhances your internship abroad, and share what to look for when choosing a quality course.

> Explore Go-Elective Pre-Nursing and Nursing Internships Abroad

Why Take a CNA Course Before Your Internship?

Whether you're heading to a hospital in Kenya or Tanzania with Go Elective, CNA training gives you:

1. Basic knowledge of anatomy, infection control, and patient safety
2. Confidence in working with patients during bedside care
3. A competitive edge for pre-nursing internships and future admissions
4. Eligibility to perform supervised, hands-on tasks in clinical settings
5. Clearer understanding of your interest in nursing as a career

Go Elective allows interns to log supervised clinical hours abroad—and being CNA-certified means you may qualify for more active patient care roles.

What to Look for in an Online CNA Program

Before enrolling, make sure your CNA program includes:

• State-approved curriculum aligned with federal and state standards
• Hybrid structure: online theory plus in-person clinical skills training
• Exam prep for the state CNA certification exam
• Flexible pacing to finish before your internship departure
• Affiliation with licensed instructors and testing centers

Note: No legitimate CNA program is 100% online. All require some form of in-person clinical training, which you’ll schedule locally.

Top Online CNA Programs You Can Start Before Your Internship

1. MedCerts CNA Program (Hybrid)

medcerts.com

MedCerts offers a nationally recognized, hybrid CNA prep course combining online theory modules with hands-on clinical training arranged in your area.

Highlights:

• Fully accredited and state-approved in multiple states
• Designed for fast-track completion (4–6 weeks)
• Access to career advisors and exam prep
• Payment plans and military spouse scholarships available

Tip: Ideal if you're looking for structure, professional support, and test-readiness before traveling.

2. Alison’s Caregiving Skills Courses (Free Prep)

alison.com

While not a certified CNA training provider, Alison offers free online modules covering basic caregiving skills such as hygiene, patient communication, and elder care.

Highlights:

• Free introductory training
• Great for building foundational knowledge
• Self-paced and internationally accessible
• Can supplement formal CNA certification or Go Elective pre-internship prep

Tip: A good low-cost option to build confidence before taking a certified CNA course.

3. American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training

www.redcross.org 

The Red Cross is one of the most trusted names in healthcare education. Their CNA program combines online learning with in-person clinical instruction in many U.S. cities.

Highlights:

• Emphasis on compassionate care and patient interaction
• Nationally recognized instructors and curriculum
• Extensive hands-on skills lab
• Support in finding clinical sites

Tip: A great fit for students who want in-depth training before working in global healthcare environments.

4. Penn Foster CNA Prep Program

pennfoster.edu

Penn Foster’s CNA prep course is fully online and ideal for students who want to prepare before attending an in-person clinical program.

Highlights:

• Flexible self-paced modules
• Affordable tuition with payment plans
• Aligned with state exam requirements
• Option to bundle with career readiness tools

Tip: Best used in tandem with a state-approved clinical program or in advance of scheduling your hands-on portion locally.

5. ProTrain CNA Program (with In-Person Skills Lab)

protrainedu.org

ProTrain partners with colleges and health systems across the U.S. to offer a blended CNA experience—combining online modules with skills testing and clinical hours.

Highlights:

• Interactive lessons and videos
• Coordination with local testing centers
• Tailored support for healthcare career pathways
• High first-time pass rate on certification exams

Tip: A reliable option if you want hands-on preparation and guided practice before flying out for your internship.

How CNA Certification Enhances Your Internship Abroad

If you’re joining a Go Elective internship in Kenya or Tanzania, CNA training prepares you to:

• Assist nurses with bedside care
• Take and record vitals
• Support patient hygiene and mobility
• Engage confidently in rounds and clinical discussions
• Log patient care experience (PCE) hours for future PA or nursing school applications
  
  

Testimonial

“Having my CNA certification gave me the confidence to help patients and communicate effectively with staff during my rotation in Mombasa. I felt ready and respected.” — Go Elective intern, 2024

Tips for Timing Your Certification Before Travel

1. Plan ahead—many hybrid CNA programs take 4–8 weeks to complete
2. Choose programs that offer local clinical labs near your home
3. Make sure your certificate and transcripts will be ready before departure
4. Use your certification to apply for more active roles abroad

Final Thoughts: Start Your Clinical Journey with Confidence

If you’re serious about a nursing career, CNA certification is one of the smartest early moves you can make. It adds depth to your pre-nursing internship, improves your skills in patient care, and gives you a professional foundation for future growth.

Whether you’re prepping for medical school, nursing school, or a global internship—starting with CNA training is a powerful first step.

Ready to Apply Your CNA Skills in a Global Health Setting?

Join Go Elective for a pre-nursing internship  abroad

 ✓ Rotations in public hospitals
✓ Hands-on experience under supervision
✓ Safe housing and local support
✓ Flexible dates for summer or gap year students

Apply today to take your nursing journey global.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Programs

Date Published: Jun 27, 2025