CNA Training Classes and Programs
Some of the most desirable, in-demand, and secure career paths in today's economy can be found in the healthcare field. People will always need the services of health care workers and the demand has never been greater for these types of jobs. One of the quickest avenues leading you to a career in health care is to become a certified nursing assistant. The certified nurse aide may hold a different title depending on the state in which certification has been obtained. Individuals who complete a nursing assistant class, a CNA course or program and pass the state certification exam earn the title of Certified Nursing Assistant.
Other titles used to refer to a C.N.A include Patient Care Assistant (PCA), State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) or Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR). All these titles refer to individuals who hold the same credentials, education, and skills and are commonly known as Certified Nurse Aides. To become a CNA, PCA, STNA, or NAR you must enroll in a state-approved nurse aide program, complete the classroom and clinical components of the course, and pass the CNA examination. According to Federal regulations, a nurse aide training class offered in any state throughout the United States must contain at least seventy-five hours of instruction, with sixteen hours dedicated to hands-on clinical practice. Use the map below to find certified nursing assistant classes in any state.
Nursing assistant programs prepare individuals for challenging the nurse aide certification exam and for entry level positions in health care environments. Each state has the authority to decide how many hours of training a nursing assistant course must consist of, as long as the minimum federal requirement of seventy-five hours is met. Students interested in attending CNA classes have a wide array of choices when it comes to selecting a training facility.
Nursing assistant courses are conducted at nursing homes, vocational schools, private schools, and community colleges. Program length, admission requirements, and cost of training vary depending on the policies of every training facility. Several states have implemented legislation which requires licensed long-term care facilities to reimburse CNA employees for the costs associated with training. An individual who has paid for nursing assistant training classes and who becomes employed by a nursing home within a year of obtaining certification, is eligible for financial reimbursement. Compared to other training programs in the health care field, nursing assistant classes are relatively short and inexpensive. Obtaining state certification as a CNA is the main requirement for securing a nurse aide job at a nursing home, hospital, rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions
Name: C. Adams Date posted: July 7, 2009 - 12:15 AM
Message: Is it possible to enroll in a CNA class without a high school diploma or GED?
Name: B. M. Date posted: July 13, 2009 - 09:28 PM
Message: There are no federal regulations stating that individuals are required to have a high school diploma prior to attending nurse aide classes. A program coordinator at the school or nursing facility which is offering CNA training classes may tell you if a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required in order to enroll in the nurse aide program. Some facilities do not require a diploma as long as you have completed a 10th grade high school education. In the state of Texas a high school diploma or a GED is not necessary in order to attend and complete a nursing assistant program.
Name: Felica G. Date posted: July 16, 2009 - 02:23 PM
Message: How long do CNA classes take and what exactly do you have to do?
Name: Admin Date posted: July 19, 2009 - 10:51 PM
Message: Nursing assistant training courses may take anywhere between three weeks to three months to complete, depending on the facility or school which offers the program. To enroll in nurse aide classes you must meet certain admission criteria pertaining to education, health, and background history. Those who are accepted into CNA classes must complete both the classroom and hands-on practice sessions to graduate. Finally, one must pass a final exam which tests a candidate's skills and abilities to practice correctly and safely. When you pass this final test you become a certified nurse aide.
Name: Shavera Date posted: August 18, 2009 - 09:51 AM
Message: After becoming a CNA how much more experience, training or school has to be done to become a RN?
Name: Admin Date posted: August 18, 2009 - 11:34 PM
Message: CNA training classes are usually between six and eight weeks long. During training you learn to provide assistance with activities of daily living to clients which are elderly, sick, or disabled. A registered nurse program involves a lot more studying than a CNA course. Associate degree nursing programs require at least two years of study and clinical practice, while bachelor's degree RN programs require four years of study and hands-on practice.
Name: Hailee S. Date posted: September 10, 2009 - 01:10 PM
Message: I am really interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant. I am in the military and we go out to sea continuously. I do not have too much time to actually attend a program until next year. Who offers online CNA classes?
Name: Admin Date posted: September 10, 2009 - 02:37 PM
Message: Certified nursing assistant courses have both classroom and clinical instruction components. While you might be able to complete the theoretical component through an online course, the hands-on clinical training must be conducted at a facility such as a nursing home or hospital. Even if you find a program which offers online courses for the theoretical portion of the class, you still have to be present for on-site clinical training in order to complete the course. Even though you might have to wait a year until you are able to enroll and complete a nursing assistant training class, you still have the opportunity to decide on a particular school in the state where you are stationed in next. If you want to go further, contact the school and ask which textbook they use for their CNA classes. Purchasing the book and studying when you have time will prepare you for the class as well as for the state exam. Good luck!
Name: Tenesha Date posted: September 21, 2009 - 03:14 PM
Message: How do I sign up for CNA training? I am having trouble finding the shortest training program in my area. Can you help me?
Name: Admin Date posted: September 22, 2009 - 04:16 PM
Message: To sign up for a certified nursing assistant program, you must contact the school and request an enrollment application. Some schools provide applications online, but others do not. You might have to visit the facility to pick up an application. A deposit is usually required to reserve your seat in the class. You must contact each program yourself to ask about the length and cost of their classes and decide which one is best for you. I could help you locate several CNA training classes in your area. Please provide me with state and county information if you need help locating nursing assistant courses close to where you live.
When asking a question, please provide as much relevant information as possible (for example include the state in which you are certified when asking about how to verify your license or about CNA classes in your area).