Tag: online cna training programs

Certified Nursing Assistant And Certification

Certified nursing assistant certification

In today’s economy, finding a job can be difficult.  However, there are certain segments that do offer plenty of opportunity.  The medical field is one such segment where there is a great need for new workers.  In particular, nursing is in high demand.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an important job.  It is also commonly referred to as an order lie or a home health aide.  As a nursing assistant, your job would be to provide help caring for patients that need some extra attention.  You might work in a nursing home or an adult assisted living facility.  You may assist someone who is elderly or disabled.  With today’s aging population, many people call on a nursing assistant to provide support so they can maintain their independence and be able to live in their own homes.

CNA training requires you to take certain classes and earn a certification that will qualify you as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  It varies from state to state, but usually requires a 6 to 12 week program at a community college or similar educational facility.

You will learn how to take a patient’s vital signs and some additional medical procedures.  You will learn how to properly help a patient out of bed and how to help them bathe and get dressed.  Interacting with a patient to understand their needs and provide a friendly face is probably the most important part of the training.

Once you have undergone your CNA training, you will then be asked to take and pass a test to get your certification. The test is given in two parts.  There is a written test where you will be asked to answer roughly 70 multiple choice questions and then there is a demonstrated skills test.  In the demonstrated skills test, you will be evaluated in a real life situation where you may be asked to take a patient’s blood pressure and temperature, serve them food and maybe change the linens on their bed.  Your bedside manor will also be observed.

According to the latest data from Salary.com, a nursing assistant can make from $25,000 to about $35,000, depending upon experience and specific employment situations.  The field is growing and demand is expected to increase in upcoming years.

Free CNA Training Opportunities

cna class online for free

Because of the growing need for workers in the health care field, getting a job as a certified nursing assistant is one career that thrives in a suffering economy.

As a CNA, you have the opportunity to work directly with patients, caring for them just as a nurse would. Certified nursing assistants have duties that include monitoring patient food intake and output, assisting patients with walking and getting in and out of bed, cleaning and making a patient’s bed, administering tests and giving medicine among many other duties.

To become a certified nursing assistant, training courses and certificate completion are required. Most courses are three to six months long with a test at the end of the course. Typically, these courses are offered at your local technical school or community college and often financial aid is available. More recently CNA training classes have also been offered online. These online CNA classes can take much less time, some can be completed in as little as 90 days. Be aware that often classes are state specific, so be sure to find out this information before signing up.

In some cases, it is possible to take advantage of free training opportunities to become a certified nursing assistant. Different than courses, classes give the potential CNA candidate time in a real health care setting with hands on clinical work and practice. There is a program called Displaced Homemakers that offers free training classes to those interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant. Also, working through your state’s Department of Health you may be able to find scholarships for CNA training classes. Often this scholarship money will cover the complete cost of the CNA training program as well as the exam fee upon completion of the program. In addition, the Armed Forces has also begun teaming up with Spectrum Medical services in offering spouses of active duty military CNA training classes funded by the Air Force Aid Society.

Nursing homes and hospitals sometimes offer CNA training classes throughout the year. Usually institutions like these will offer free CNA training (in other words, no cash payment made by you) but with the understanding that upon completion you will plan to work for them.

Becoming a CNA is a great way to get your start in the health care field, so check out these training classes today!

CNA training programs

CNA Training Programs- Finding the Right One for You

Are you the type of person that enjoys variety in your work environment? If you don’t enjoy being stuck in a cubic hole all day long and doing the same thing, day after day, becoming a nursing assistant might just be the right fit for you.

To become a nursing assistant you must enjoy working with people.  It is also important to have natural empathy.  These two things cannot be learned; they have to be part of you.  If you fit the bill, there is a great feeling of reward as a nursing assistant.  This is a field where you truly make a difference to someone each and every day. Certified nurse’s assistant works closely with the patients, not just on daily needs such as grooming and feeding, but also on an emotional level. For some patients the nursing assistant might be the only person that they closely interact with that day.

The good news is that there are many options available to get your CNA certification. It is important to do your homework because regulations to become a nursing assistant will vary depending on what state you live in. If you are working in a health care facility, consider asking your supervisor if there is a program available for you.  They just might finance your classes if you agree to work with them after getting your CNA certificate. Another option is the U.S. Department of Labor.  The Labor Department has a program called Job Corps. They can assist anyone and if you are struggling financially this might be the best path for you. This program not only assists in training but also with transportation for students between the ages of 16 and 24!  In fact, even if you have not passed you high school diploma or earned your GED, the Job Corps will help you in getting it before going on to your CNA training.

Another option is training online. If your schedule is quite hectic, this might be the best option for you. With an online course you can train around your home and work life. There are excellent online programs that will assist you in your goal. Whatever route you take make sure that your school meets the federal and state’s regulations to be certified as a nursing assistant.

The future is bright in this career field, as the population ages there will be a huge need for nursing assistants.