Overview of Online CNA Classes

The Internet has changed the education system because of all the technological advancements. The Internet has also changed the form of CNA education and online CNA classes are now being offered by many schools and educational and healthcare institutes. The online CNA classes are becoming increasingly popular among candidates, especially those who are employed and are pressed for time to attend the regular CNA classes. Here is a brief overview of online CNA classes.

What is an online CNA class? 

The online CNA classes are Internet based. These classes are generally conducted on a part time basis. Candidates can study with the help of e-books, audio and video tutorials as well as other online study material. All the important details about the online CNA classes are communicated to the candidates through the Internet medium. There is also a provision for live chat in case of the online CNA classes.

Duration of an online CNA class 

The duration of the online CNA classes is a little longer than the regular CNA programs. Depending on the schools and the course curriculum, the online CNA classes may take 3 to 6 months for completion. These classes prepare you for the CNA certification examination by making you well equipped with all the necessary knowledge.

Admission requirements for online CNA class 

 In order to enroll for the CNA online classes, you need to be minimum 18 years of age. You also need to hold a high school diploma or a GED. Other than these mandatory requirements, you also need to have an Internet connection and a personal computer to access the online course.

Where to find online CNA classes? 

Majority of the areas of all the states in the U.S. have schools which offer online CNA classes. Vocational schools, community colleges and universities have the facility of online programs. There are some private nursing schools which also offer these programs. You can take help from the State Nursing Board to find out more information about such schools and colleges offering online CNA classes. You can also check for the accreditation details of the different schools from the State Nursing Board.

Criteria for selecting an online CNA school 

While selecting an online CNA school, make sure that it is an accredited one. The schools may offer the classes on a full time or part time basis via the medium of the Internet. If the school is accredited, then you can be sure that you will get the best quality of education and online training. It also will help you in your job search, as certification from an accredited school will be given due importance. You can refer to the nursing education commission to obtain the list of schools that are accredited.

Online CNA Classes ‒ Advantages 

• Convenience: When you opt for online CNA classes, you are studying with the help of the Internet and you can access the information as per your convenience anytime. You can study while you are at home. You simply need a computer and an Internet connection and you are set for studying the online course. 
• Distance: Distance will not be a problem when you opt to study online. Even if the CNA school is located at great distance, it does not matter as all the information related to the CNA course will be available online.
• Cost-effectiveness: You don't need to be physically present to attend the CNA classes in the classroom. Hence, you land up saving on the transportation costs. At times, while pursuing the regular CNA classes, there might be a need for you to rent a flat that is near by to the school. However, with online training you save on that aspect as well as you don't need to relocate to a closer location. You can also save on the costs involved in purchasing the study materials, as with online training it is possible to download all the study material with the help of the Internet. 
• Flexibility: You can choose to study as per your schedule. You can decide on a time that suits you best for studies. If you are working, then you can start you studies online after returning from work or before going for work – whatever suits you best. You also have the flexibility of choosing to study based on your speed. You can refer to the study material online as and when you require and complete the course with flexible study hours. 

Online CNA Classes ‒ Disadvantages 

• Requires motivation: When it comes to online CNA classes, there is no one actually there to monitor you. Hence, you need to monitor your self and be motivated enough as well as disciplined enough to complete all the course requirements in time. It is quite likely that you will procrastinate and delay doing things, and this will increase your chances of failure. Online CNA classes thus require great motivation for successful completion. 
• No face-to-face meetings: In case of online training, there is no provision for face-to-face meetings with other candidates or professors which can be a major disadvantage. In case you have any doubts or questions about the course, it cannot be cleared there and then. 
• No clinical exposure: Another major disadvantage of the online CNA classes is that you do not get any clinical exposure. You can get all the theoretical information online, but it is not possible to get trained on the practical skills with the help of online classes. Thus, it might get difficult for you once you are on the job as you do not have any practical knowledge. 
• Incompetent schools: There are some online schools which are present just to mint money. You need to check the credentials of the online schools and details regarding their accreditation before enrolling with them to ensure that the schools are not incompetent.