Preparing for an alliedhealth certification can feel overwhelming, especially when tuition fees and studymaterial costs add up quickly. Fortunately, a growing number of highquality, nocost resources are available online. This page gathers the most reliable free options for the most common alliedhealth exams, explains how to use them effectively, and offers tips for creating a balanced study plan.
Key AlliedHealth Certification Exams
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMTB & EMTP)
- Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Basic & Advanced
- Medical Assistant (AAMA CMA, NHA CMA)
- Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP, NHA)
- Dental Assistant (CDCA, DAS)
- Respiratory Therapist (CRT, RRT)
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
General Study Tools for All Exams
OpenStax (openstax.org)
Free, peerreviewed textbooks covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. PDFs can be downloaded or read online. Use the Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology books as core references for most alliedhealth tests.
Visit OpenStaxKhan Academy (khanacademy.org)
Video lessons and practice quizzes on subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and medical terminology. The Health & Medicine section aligns well with CNA, EMT, and medical assistant curricula.
Explore Health & MedicineQuizlet (quizlet.com)
Search for premade flashcard sets titled CNA Test, EMT BLS, or Radiology Terminology. You can also create custom sets and use the Learn mode for spacedrepetition practice.
Start Studying on QuizletNational Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Practice Exams
While the full CNA exam is not free, NCSBN offers a short Sample Test that replicates the format and difficulty of the state CNA exam. Great for familiarizing yourself with the question style.
View Sample CNA TestVideo & Lecture Series
MedCram (medcram.org)
Provides concise, highimpact videos on pathophysiology and emergency medicine concepts. Many videos are free on YouTube and helpful for EMT and respiratory therapy preparation.
MedCram on YouTubeAllied Health Central Free Webinars
Monthly webinars cover topics such as infection control, phlebotomy techniques, and dental radiography. Recordings are archived and can be accessed at any time.
Browse WebinarsRadiology Masterclass (radiologymasterclass.co.uk)
Offers free introductory videos on basic radiographic positioning, image interpretation, and safety. Perfect for ARRTeligible candidates.
Visit Radiology MasterclassFree Practice Question Banks
EMTB & EMTP Free 200Question Bank
The National Registry of EMTs provides a downloadable PDF with 200 practice questions. Answers include detailed rationales.
Download EMT Practice TestMedical Assistant HESI Free Sample
HESI offers a free 25question sample for the CMA exam covering medical terminology, coding, and anatomy.
Access HESI SamplePhlebotomy NHA Practice Questions
National Healthcareer Association lists 30 free sample items on their site; each comes with explanations.
View NHA Phlebotomy SamplePhysical Therapy Assistant Free Test Bank
University of Pittsburghs PT program shares a set of 50 multiplechoice questions that reflect the PTA exams content outline.
Download PTA Test BankStudy Communities & Mentorship
Reddit r/alliedhealth
A bustling subreddit where students share study schedules, free resources, and personal tips. Use the sticky guide post for an organized list of free materials.
Visit r/alliedhealthDiscord Allied Health Study Group
Realtime chat rooms for each certification (CNA, EMT, Radiology, etc.). Members post quizzes, schedule virtual study sessions, and even conduct examday mock runs.
Join Discord ServerFacebook Groups
Search for CNA Exam Prep Free, EMT Study Group, or Radiology Tech Test Help. Groups often pin resource lists and host live Q&A streams with volunteer instructors.
Tips for Making the Most of Free Resources
- Set a schedule. Treat free content like a paid courseblock consistent time each day.
- Combine formats. Watch a video, then read the corresponding textbook chapter, and finish with flashcards.
- Track progress. Use a simple spreadsheet to log completed modules, practice test scores, and areas needing review.
- Simulate the exam environment. Time your practice questions, eliminate distractions, and use a quiet space.
- Engage with peers. Discuss difficult concepts in a study group; teaching others reinforces your own knowledge.
- Take advantage of rationales. When a practice question is wrong, read the explanation thoroughlythis is where the learning happens.
Conclusion
Free online resources have dramatically lowered the barrier to entering alliedhealth careers. By strategically using open textbooks, video tutorials, practice question banks, and supportive study communities, you can build a comprehensive prep plan without spending a fortune. Remember that consistency, active engagement, and periodic selfassessment are the keys to turning these resources into a passing score.
Good luck on your certification journeyyour future patients are counting on you!
