Here are suggestions and opportunities for potential funding to cover the costs of your certification.
Your employer
You may want to look into the possibility of financial support from your hospital or employer. If your employer is funding your certification (in full or in part), be sure to submit the total amount with your online application.
Each year, CNA gives a health-care facility the Employer Recognition Award for showing exemplary, sustained support of the certification program and CNA-certified nurses. Learn more about eligibility details, past winners and how you can nominate your employer.
Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF)
CNF provides more than 25 certification awards each year to successful certification candidates. The awards cover the cost of the initial or renewal certification application fee (excluding taxes and test centre fee). Applications open mid- September and close mid-January each year to ensure both exam classes have an opportunity to apply.
For more information, or to apply, please visit the CNF website.
Marie Marques Certification Award
CNA is pleased to announce the Marie Marques Certification Award, which will be established to provide financial assistance to nurses in Canada pursuing CNA certification in any area of specialty. This award recognizes Marie’s leadership and dedication in the field of nursing and her passion for certification.
CNA will encourage nurses to apply for the award after it is fully established. The award will reimburse the fees (excluding taxes and test centre fee) for a certification exam or a certification renewal by exam or continuous learning.
CNA’s partner, CNF, will administer this merit-based award in perpetuity. The award will be funded through an endowed gift fund that can be contributed to at any time.
Individuals and organizations interested in making a contribution to the Marie Marques Certification Award in support of nursing certification can visit CNF’s website or contact Chris McGarvey, CNF’s director of development, at cmcgarvey@cnf-fiic.ca or 613-680-0879, ext. 223.
Government
Your provincial or territorial government may have funds available for nurses involved in continuous learning, certification or both. For more information, visit your province or territory’s government website or contact its chief nursing officer or nursing regulatory body.
National nursing specialty association
Some national specialty associations offer funds for nurse members pursuing initial certification or renewal. For more information, visit your national nursing specialty association website.