The job outlook for CNAs is bright till 2018 and maybe even beyond that as the number of aged persons is increasing and many nurses are on the verge of their retirement. CNAs play an important role in the medical and healthcare field since the doctors as well as registered nurses already are busy with other important duties and responsibilities towards the patients.
CNA programs are offered in many community colleges as well as in private institutions and the courses can be completed in a span of 3 to 12 weeks. However, as many people are in a hurry to complete the course and start working, they are looking for fast track courses to become a CNA. If you are looking for a fast track option, then the accelerated CNA program may be the right choice for you.
At times, the online accelerated programs are linked with healthcare institutions. Some of them are also free of cost; however, you need to volunteer to serve in any of the institutions after the course is completed. As the aging population is growing, the number of nursing homes is also growing and so are the job opportunities for CNAs. Accelerated CNA programs will help you fetch a job immediately after the CNA certification. The accelerated CNA program teaches you how to take care of patients and help them perform their daily duties such as bathing, feeding, dressing as well as changing their linen. The CNAs also get to learn other important duties such as measuring and recording the patients' vitals like blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. They also learn how to give medicines on time to the patients and track their daily progress.
Even if you are very busy with your daily routine, you can opt in for the accelerated CNA courses. The accelerated CNA course information is available for you to access 24 hours and all days of the week. Hence, you can study as per your convenience. All you need is a personal computer and an internet connection to start the accelerated CNA course. You have the option of choosing the time that best suits you for studying the course which is one of the advantages of the accelerated CNA course.
Difference between traditional and accelerated CNA program
The main difference between the traditional and accelerated CNA program is the amount of time required to complete the course. Traditional CNA programs take a minimum of 6 weeks to complete where as the accelerated CNA program spans over a period of just 2 weeks.
The course work is condensed in case of an accelerated CNA program, though the fundamental training courses and work remains the same as that of a traditional CNA program. In case of an accelerated CNA program, the classes tend to be more intense and detail-oriented as well as very comprehensive as the aim is to finish the complete course in a short span of just 14 days. Hence, you have to be a full time student and attend classes regularly as the accelerated CNA program cannot be done on a part time basis.
Coursework for accelerated CNA program
The coursework for both, traditional as well as accelerated, CNA programs is typically the same. CNAs are trained on the basic nursing terminology and procedures, measuring and recording the patients' vitals, take care of hygiene and nutrition, as well as understand the basic anatomy as well as physiology of the patients. You also have to complete a certain number of hours of duty in the medical facility that is affiliated to the accelerated CNA program. Your work is supervised and evaluated by the clinical instructor. Though all this takes place at a fast pace, the quality of education is not compromised.
Accelerated CNA Programs definitely are best suited for quick learners, individuals who can handle great pressure and those persons who are not currently employed, or for working professionals who can take an extended leave for course completion.
Admission requirements for accelerated CNA program
The admission requirements for accelerated CNA course are same as the traditional course. You must hold a high school degree or diploma or have a GED. However, certain institutes allow admissions for the accelerated course even if you simply pass the Adult Basic Education examination. You also need to be 18 years or above to enroll for the CNA program.
Also, as it is a fast paced course, you need to demonstrate your willingness and commitment to attend the condensed classes regularly, and complete all the essential coursework within the time limit provided to you.
Program costs for accelerated CNA
The cost of an accelerated CNA course ranges from $400 to $1000 depending on the institution you are enrolling in. Vocational schools, Red Cross as well as certain community colleges also offer the accelerated CNA programs at a cheaper rate.
So, if you are looking to start your career quickly as a Certified Nursing Assistant, then the accelerated CNA program will help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills at a faster rate compared to a traditional CNA course, and hence you should definitely opt for it.
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