CNA Training Schools

CNAs play a major role in the medical and health-care industry. It is the responsibility of the CNAs to take care of the patients in the hospitals and clinics and help them perform their day-to-day activities. The CNAs also have to assist Registered Nurses, Doctors as well as Surgeons.

A CNA career offers a rewarding career option, which is recession proof. You need to enroll for the CNA training program if you wish to become a CNA. There are various training institutions and community colleges that offer the CNA training program to candidates.

CNA Training Schools 

CNA training schools are institutes or places that offer the CNA trainings and teach you all the aspects related to health-care as well as the basic principles of nursing. These training schools help you get ready for the CNA certification so that you can become a Certified Nursing Assistant. There are a wide range of options of training schools available for you to choose from. Some of the most common training schools are mentioned below:

• Community Schools and Colleges: These are one of the most common training schools for CNA. The advantage of community colleges is that they are easy to locate in absolutely any part of the state. So, you can choose a community schools or college according to the state for your CNA training.
• Vocational Training Schools: The vocational schools offer a fast track method of CNA training. This helps you to complete the CNA program in a short span of time and get started with your CNA career much before your competitors.
• On-line CNA programs: Online CNA training programs are a great option for individuals who want to pursue the CNA training without any interference in their daily routine. Online training programs give you the flexibility to choose a time to study as per your convenience. Also, the costs are low when you go in for online programs. You can continue with your day-to-day routine and at the same time study the course-work online, whenever it best suits you. 

Eligibility criteria to enroll for the course 

You need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria to enroll for the CNA training program. You need to be minimum 18 years of age when you are enrolling for the training program. You also need to hold a high school diploma or GED or be a graduate in any discipline to enroll for the CNA training program.

Training for CNA

The duration of most of the CNA training programs is for around 3 months. The training program is divided into 50 hours of theoretical sessions and 100 hours of practical training. The theory sessions cover important aspects of the duties and responsibilities of being a CNA such as helping the patients with their daily activities like combing hair, bathing, dressing, feeding, walking, as well as moving in and out of bed. The CNAs will also learn how to maintain hygiene, help patient do their regular exercise and take their medicines as and when necessary.

The theory sessions conducted in the CNA training schools also covers and train you on soft skills such as communication skills and leadership qualities. Many a times the CNA acts as an important link between the patient and the doctor. The doctor cannot always give a lot of time to every patient and hence the CNAs need to effectively communicate with the patients as well as the doctors. The CNA needs to talk to the doctor about the medical condition of the patient and communicate about the doctor's advice and suggestions to the patient.

The practical sessions,on the other hand, are aimed at brushing your on-the-job or practical skills. In the practical sessions of the CNA training schools, you will learn how to measure and record the patients' vitals such as blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate. You will undergo training to assist doctors and surgeons while doing surgery and operation.

There are several educational institutes like schools, colleges as well as universities, that offer CNA training courses. There are also various health-care facilities like hospitals and clinics that offer these training programs for free. However, these health-care facilities need you to sign a bond with them stating that you will work with them after finishing your course and getting the CNA certificate.

It is important here to remember that before you choose any CNA program, check for its credibility and select a course that is an accredited one. You can check for the course registration either with the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and Education. This ensures that the course that you are enrolling for is authentic and a quality course.

Certificate for CNA 

To get the maximum benefit of the CNA training, you need to apply for CNA certification exam. This exam consists of a written test as well as a practical exam to test your overall ability to become a CNA. It is necessary to clear both the written as well as the practical sections in order to obtain your certificate for CNA. Generally, 3 attempts are allowed for this exam.

Once you successfully complete you CNA training with a registered school, and pass your certification exam, you can get registered with the state nurse aide registry and can pursue your career as Certified Nursing Assistant in that state.