Education and Programs in CNA Training
Working as a nurse aide/ assistant can be a rewarding career in itself or a launch to a better paid career. A degree is not required for this job opportunity, which only calls for 30 hours of class training and 75 to 150 hours of on the job training skills (depending on your state you live in), as well as a State sanctioned competency test will be required of you. If you intend on becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or an RN (Registered Nurse), this is a great place for you to start your career in the health care field and be working in as short as 4 to 6 weeks in a nursing home facility.
1.) Learn about the local regulations and requirements by your State.
Depending on the State you plan to work in, requirements for becoming a CNA vary. Regardless of the State you're living in, you can expect some form of training and a certification exam. Some States are very strict about what programs they except and others do not really care.
Check with the local requirements first before signing on to any programs, although some States will accept "Online training programs" many will not and have their own list directory that you must choose from for training. The best place to get the answers for these regulations and rules would be on your State's Home Website under Certifications or Certified Nurse Aide.
Make sure your program offers hands-on training, many States require you have so many clinical training hours, besides class time. Your State should also have the required time expected to receive in order to sign up and take your State Exam.
If you are going through a Workforce One Program for CNA, check with your program director to ensure they will pay for the program or sometimes they have a list for the local county Nursing homes that they will provide training.
Make sure before signing onto a program of your choice that your State will accept it first. If you choice a program on their listing, there is no reason to confirm.
2.) Enroll into and Complete a Training Program
Once you have identified a training program with your State will accept, enroll in to classes that suit your needs.
Typically, most programs can last from 4 to 6 weeks. Make sure your schedule is clear, make arrangements for a babysitter if you have children, as missing classes is usually not tolerated by any means because it is such a short program. Make sure if you have to miss a day, what is allowed before you are terminated from the class (you will lose your money paid for the program, most are not refundable).
Expect to do your training Monday thru Friday at least from 8 am to 4 pm everyday during this time. Some programs have their own training facilities for training, and others do their training with a nursing care unit on contract.
Pay-to-Learn programs are offered by local nursing facilities certain times of the year. These are a good way option if you are on a tight budget. They can generally last 2 to 6 weeks depending on the site for training and are usually full time. In exchange for free classes and education, the facility will ask you to sign a agreement contract requiring you to work for them a number of hours or weeks.
Organizations, such as the Red Cross or local community colleges also offer a 6 to 9 month training courses that cost 600 to 1200 dollars. The benefits of these programs is you are paying to learn a more extensive training. Many feel more comfortable doing this type of training.
3.) Prepare for your Certification Exam
Once you have complete your training, there is a State Certification Exam you need to pass to become a CNA.
Most CNA Exams are divided into two sections: the written section and a clinical skills test. You must pass both with at least 75%. If you do fail one or both, a fee will be required to be paid to retake again. There are practice test available online for the written exam, however, the clinical skills exam is more what you learned during training, return to your exam book or you can purchase one on amazon.com to study skills done during procedures with patients.
4.) Take the State Exam
Most programs usually set up the State exam and is part of the fees you pay upfront during classes. However, if you take a free program through the facility they may or may not set up your exam schedule for you. If not, visit your local State Website to find the location for the exam and how much must be paid and when to pay it.
Many State's exams cost are over a $100 dollars, and some more. The average cost is $75.00 for both exams, however, if you fail one of the exams, the cost could be as much as $65.00 to retake. If this fee was part of your training package, you won't have to worry about these fees unless you fail.
When taking the exam you will need two forms of ID, also keep in mind some examiner's may not allow cell phones or purses during the written exam. Check with your State requirements prior to attending the exam. Some State's may require you bring a friend or someone to play your patient during the clinical skills exam.
Allow at least 2 hours to complete your written exam, which is usually 90 to 100 multiple questions. The clinical skills test could last 35 to 45 minutes, and could be anywhere from 3 to 5 clinical skills performed on your patient or pretend patient.
(Resources and Research was conducted online and experience work knowledge @2017 Social Super Nurse)
