You may want to consider a medical career if you are great with people and like to help others. One of shortest medical training programs is that of a certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNA training classes usually last on average from 4 to 6 weeks and although this can vary from one state to another or training program, the amount of training time required will still be short before you can start working and helping others in addition to earning a much needed income.
CNAs are always in demand as they usually take care of the basic needs of patients in a hospital or hospital setting or residents in a nursing home such as feeding, bathing, lifting, grooming, taking vitals, etc. In addition to CNA training classes showing how to perform the tasks required in a hospital or nursing home, many obtain the certified nursing assistant designation in order to work with clients who need help but live at home. Becoming a home health aide is definitely a great way to be in control of your work schedule and clients.
While being a CNA is generally considered an entry level position with the pay ranging from the low to mid twenty thousands, it is a very necessary position in the healthcare position and you can always be assured of a job in any economic climate. This job will also allow you to gain experience in the medical field that you can use if you decide to use this as a stepping stone to other careers in the healthcare field, such as nursing, becoming a doctor or going into the administrative side of the healthcare industry.
If you decide that you do not like the healthcare field after completing CNA training classes, passing the CNA certification exam and working in the medical field, you would only have wasted a few weeks on the training as opposed to the years of training that would be required for other fields in the healthcare field. The cost associated with a CNA training class is also low compared to that associated with the training for other medical careers.
CNA Training Classes
As mentioned previously, CNA training classes are important because they will teach you how to perform various tasks properly and safely. CNA training classes comprise of textbook work and practice sessions as well as clinicals which involve practicing the skills learned in class in a real work setting such as a hospital or nursing home with real patients or residents while being supervised by someone on the medical staff such as a registered nurse.
The hours required to complete CNA training classes also varies from one state to another and from one program to another. On average and especially if you intend to work for an employer that receives Medicare/Medicaid benefits, at least 75 hours of training are required.
CNA training classes are offered at some nursing homes, community colleges, some high schools, technical training facilities, Red Cross chapters, etc. Students that went through a Red Cross CNA training class are probably the most coveted by employers so if you are considering training to become a CNA, you may want to determine whether the Red Cross chapter in your area offers these training programs.
CNA Certification Exam
After completing the CNA training classes, you should be adequately prepared to take the certified nursing assistant exam. If you begin employment before taking and passing this exam, your employer will usually require that you take and pass the exam within about 90 days from your employment start date.
There is a written portion of the exam as well as the clinical portion were you will be required to perform certain tasks on a dummy or an individual for a state examiner who will rate you on how you perform tasks being tested. Although you may experience exam stress or performance anxiety, if you select the right CNA training classes, you will be more than prepared for both parts of the exam.
Both sections of the exam require a minimum score that is set by the state. This means that you can not perform terribly on one portion of the exam, hoping that the second portion will help you make up the difference. Once you pass the exam, you will become certified in the state in which you took the exam and you will be placed on the state registry for nursing assistants. The test can be retaken if failed and you will need to become well versed in the state requirements for retaking the exam.
Financing CNA Training Classes
If you do not have the money to pay for the CNA training classes, you may be able to get scholarships or grants that you do not have to pay back. Many organizations offer various financial assistance programs so check at your local library for this information. Other community organizations such as Human Services may also be able to assist you with financing your training. Another alternative is to obtain a bank loan that must be paid back starting a few months after completing the training program.
In addition, if you are already working as a nursing assistant and want to become certified in order to have more opportunities, your employer may be able to offer financial assistance. Employers often look favorably and are willing to assist employees that wish to improve their skills through educational training programs.
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