CNA Classes

A certified nurse aide is a vital part of the healthcare industry. These professionals help the RN or LPN by providing nursing care and fulfilling the basic needs of the patients. In order to work as a nursing assistant, students must take state approved classes and qualify a competency exam conducted by the respective states. Enrolling for CNA classes is a great investment in vocational education.

Why to enroll for CNA training classes?

Helping the patients with their everyday activities and performing personal care duties, like dressing, bathing, feeding, shifting them from one place to another in the hospital, etc., can be a complicated task. Without a good training, a CNA may find all these duties more difficult to perform. It is, therefore, very important to take training classes before beginning the practice. These classes prepare prospective nurse aides for the upcoming challenges in their career.

CNA classes are deliberate to offer nursing assistants with the requisite training to provide patients with proper comfort and care when they are at discomfort and unease. In cases of emergencies, it becomes life threatening for the patients if they don’t get instant care from a trained medical professional.
The rising number of old age people has increased the demand of certified nursing assistants in the USA. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected 20% growth in the demand of nurse aides by the year 2018. These professionals earn a good salary, but for pursuing this career, you need to register for an accredited CNA class and qualify the respective state’s certification exam.

What are the requirements to enroll for nursing assistant classes?

Only those candidates are eligible to take CNA classes, who fulfill the following requirements:

  • 18 years of age.
  • A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
  • Applicants should submit a formal application duly dated and signed.
  • Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English and also possess knowledge of Mathematics.
  • Submit TB and criminal background check report.
  • Students may also require acquiring CPR certification during or before the training program.
  • Some institutes conduct pre-screening test. Aspiring candidates are ought to qualify this test for seeking admission in the training programs.
  • Personality traits, like professionalism, patience, compassion and desire to help others are also essential.

Duration and Fees

The duration of nurse aide classes is 6 to 12 weeks. However, the duration may vary from state to state. Online programs are also offered for the aspiring candidates. Online classes provide you flexibility and convenience, but for clinical practice, you will have to search for a healthcare center or nursing home in your locality.
The fees of certified nursing assistant classes differ in different states of the USA. You may have to shell out $400 to $2000 depending on the state in which, you reside. However, some institutes and facilities also offer free CNA training to the eligible candidates.

From where CNA classes can be taken?

Aspirants have the opportunity to pick from a large number of nursing assistant classes, conducted throughout the United States. Following facilities offer nurse aide training programs:

  • Retirement centers
  • Community colleges
  • Residential facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Hospitals
  • Assisted living centers
  • Vocational schools
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Technical schools
  • Clinics

Coursework

These classes are split into clinical and classroom instructions. Following topics are covered in the classroom studies:

  • Patient rights
  • Medical terminology
  • Emergency procedures
  • Ethical and legal aspects in nursing
  • Basic nutrition
  • General healthcare
  • Human bodily functions
  • Preventive health care measures
  • Mental health disorders
  • Physiology and anatomy

Clinical sessions are carried out under the supervision of a medical expert. Students learn following skills during clinical practice:

  • Grooming and feeding of patients
  • Infection control
  • Basic hygiene and patient care
  • Repositioning of patients
  • Recording vital signs, like temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, etc.
  • Taking care of basic nutrition
  • Record keeping
  • Making beds
  • Emptying catheter bags
  • Proper medication

Points to Remember while Enrolling for CNA Classes

  • Training programs must be approved by the accreditation body of the respective state; otherwise, it’s wastage of both the time and money if you enroll for an unrecognized program.
  • Check the track record and history of the institution for the percentage and number of students qualifying the certification exam.
  • To get further insights about the institution, check the Alumni network and investigate the teaching staff credentials.
  • Verify the salaries earned by the ex-students of the institute and placement assistance provided by the school.
  • Make sure that the school, in which you are going to take admission, provides the mandated hours of training.
  • Ensure that the program covers all the subjects and equips you with all the skills required for certification.
  • Don’t forget to check the fee structure.