Summer CNA Training Classes

The summer CNA training classes are special type of classes for CNAs. These type of summer classes are not very popular among CNA candidates as very few health-care facilities offer this kind of summer training. The summer CNA training classes are generally conducted in the months of July and August. These classes are held two to three times in a week. The candidates or working professionals who do not have enough time to attend the regular CNA classes or are unable to obtain enough number of leaves to attend the CNA program, usually opt for the CNA summer classes.

When you are choosing to attend CNA summer training classes, be prepared to search a lot as these kinds of training programs are offered by very limited number of health-care facilities. There are very less community colleges and vocational schools that offer summer CNA training classes, and finding them can be quite a challenge.

Summer CNA Training Classes – Duration 

The summer CNA training classes extend for a longer period of time as compared to the traditional or regular CNA classes. This is because of the simple fact that they need to cover a lot of subjects in a short span of time. Regular CNA classes can be attended all days in a week except Sunday; where as the summer CNA classes are conducted only 2-3 times in a given week. Therefore, in order to complete the theoretical as well as practical sessions, a longer time schedule is required.

The general duration of a regular CNA courses is for 75 hours. The summer CNA courses may take a little longer than 75 hours to be completed. The summer CNA training classes are extensive and the time period may vary according to the number of hours put in on a daily basis for the CNA training.

Brief Overview of the Summer CNA Training Classes 

• The summer CNA training classes are usually more comprehensive than the traditional programs because the training is extensive and the program is for a longer duration. 
• The quality of practical sessions is also not compromised on in the summer CNA training classes so that the CNA candidates get proper on-the-job exposure. 
• The curriculum as well as the exam pattern is the same for the summer CNA training classes as that of the traditional programs. It may just vary depending on the state. 
• The CNA examination consists of 2 sections ‒ a theory section and a clinical section. Both these sections have to be successfully cleared by the CNA candidates to obtain the CNA certification. 
• There's a set of about 55 multiple choice questions in the theory or the technical test. The candidates also need to perform a set of 5 clinical procedures in the clinical skills test. 
• Once you clear the theoretical as well as practical sections of the CNA exam, you become eligible to get the CNA certification and start your practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant in various hospitals, clinics and other health-care facilities. 

A range of subjects are covered in the summer CNA training classes such as basic anatomy and physiology, rights of the patients, infection and disease control, body mechanics as well as basic manners and ethics required in the nursing profession. These subjects take care of the theory sessions of the training.

After successful completion of the theoretical training, the candidates are put through the practical training sessions under the guidance of trained professionals and supervisors. In case of regular CNA classes, the practical or clinical training is conducted in the in-house laboratories. However, in case of summer CNA training classes, the practical training is conducted in hospitals or clinics to give the students the best hands-on experience.

Each and every procedure that the candidates perform are carefully watched and evaluated. Their clinical skills are put to test in the practical training sessions. The candidates also get the opportunity to work under the guidance of Registered Nurses (RNs) and learn from them. The candidates learn how to handle sophisticated medical instruments and equipment in the health-care facilities. The practical training sessions not only help the CNA candidates in developing their clinical skills, but also help them in getting familiar with the hospital environment.

Requirements for the Summer CNA Training Classes 

Following are the requirements for enrolling for the summer CNA classes: 

• The candidate needs to be of minimum 18 years of age 
• The candidate should hold a high school diploma or GED 
• Proof of background check is also mandatory 
• A medical report should be submitted after taking the fitness test 
• All the above requirements are mandatory and similar for all the summer CNA programs; certain states might have extra requirements, the details of which can be obtained from the state's health department website 

Advantages of Summer CNA Training Classes

• Longer duration and extensive training in case of the summer CNA training classes ensures that the candidates get the best training. 
• The practical training is always conducted in hospitals, which provides good hands-on experience to the candidates. 
• If the candidates do their practical training in the best possible manner and display their clinical skills to the concerned authorities in the hospitals, there are greater chances that they might get hired in the same hospital. 
• Salaries in hospitals are far better than other health-care or nursing facilities.
• Jobs in hospitals provide job security as well as help you earn a certain degree of respect. 

Disadvantages of Summer CNA Training Classes 

• The length of the summer CNA training classes is greater than the regular programs, and hence you need a lot of patience to complete these programs successfully. 
• The fee structure for the summer CNA training classes is also very high in comparison to the regular CNA classes. 

Hence, before opting for the summer CNA training classes, you should carefully consider all the pros and cons. If you are pressed for time and can afford the cost for these programs, then may be the summer CNA training classes are the right option for you.