Red Cross CNA Program

The CNA program conducted by the American Red Cross is believed to be one of the best training programs for CNA. This Red Cross CNA program is offered in 36 major cities in several different states and hence individuals aspiring to become CNAs can access the program easily in the United States. The course is worth doing as it helps you to get great jobs. Most of the CNAs who complete the Red Cross CNA program are far better than their competitors.

 As a CNA, you will be responsible to help the patients do their daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding and moving the patients. You will need to measure and record the patients' vitals such as blood pressure, sugar levels and heart rate. You need to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at all times. You would be working under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). All CNA programs teach you the necessary skills; however, the Red Cross CNA program is comparatively much better as you get trained by the best professionals in the medical industry.

Subjects covered in the Red Cross CNA Program 

The Red Cross CNA Program equips you with all the theoretical as well as practical knowledge required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. There is a range of subjects covered in this program, such as: 

• Medical Ethics and Terminologies 
• Diet and Nutrition 
• Basic Anatomy and Physiology 
• Prevention and Control of various diseases 
• Health and Environmental Studies 

The CNAs also get trained on certain soft skills such as communication techniques. The CNAs need to be good in communication as they serve as an important link between the patients and the family members as well as between the patients and the Registered Nurses (RNs) and doctors.

The Red Cross trains the CNA candidates in an excellent manner for developing their communication skills. It is observed that CNAs who complete their training from the Red Cross are extremely good in their communication as compared to CNAs who complete the training from other schools and universities. Once you complete the Red Cross CNA Program, you can appear for the certification examination and get set to start your first job.

Length of the Red Cross CNA Program 

The length of the Red Cross CNA Program varies according to the place or the state from where you are pursuing the course. The training hours and the minimum time required for training also varies according to the state. You can always consult the State Nursing Board to get all the details about the training and other norms.

Usually, 75 to 110 hours are required for the successful completion of the Red Cross CNA Program. The program may last for a period of 4 to 6 weeks or may extend to 8 weeks depending upon the training hours and structure of the program.

Advantage of the Red Cross Training 

The American Red Cross Society is into the medical and healthcare services since a very long time, and the program is designed based on the valuable experience that this society possesses. There is a huge demand for CNAs passing out from the Red Cross and these CNAs are also hired by some of the best hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities at higher salary ranges compared to other candidates.

Statistical records prove that CNAs passing out from the Red Cross have greater chances of being successful in the medical industry as compared to other candidates. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) pointed out that the success rate of candidates of the Red Cross is higher than others, and hence they are in a position to draw higher salaries.

Another big advantage of the Red Cross CNA Program is that the students get maximum exposure in terms of the clinical or practical aspects of the CNA training. This helps them to be well prepared to tackle their duties and responsibilities once they actually start their practice as a CNA.

How to join a Red Cross CNA Program

It is important to note that all states in the U.S. do not have Red Cross CNA training centers. So, if there is no Red Cross CNA training center in your state, you don't need to worry, because these programs are also offered online. You can browse the Internet to find out about the best Red Cross CNA online programs, if you are pressed for time or there are location constraints.

Even if you enroll for the online Red Cross CNA Program, you need not worry about the quality issues. Most of these online programs help you with the clinical training at hospitals or clinics near you. The training for clinical skills is not compromised in the online programs, and the number of hours for this training remains the same as that for the traditional programs.

Red Cross CNA Program Fees 

The fee structure for the Red Cross CNA Program depends on several parameters. One of the parameters is the number of trainings that a student opts for. More number of training hours means greater amount of fees. Certain Red Cross programs also provide students with the necessary medical instruments and equipment for their practical sessions and this cost is included in the program fees.

There is financial aid also available for the Red Cross training, for students who cannot afford to pay the program fees. The Red Cross training programs are also very cost effective, and the training is one of the best in the industry and hence the course is worth the cost.