CNA course , CNA courses

CNA Courses

A certified nursing assistant, commonly referred to as a CNA can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career. Many agencies employ CNA's, such as hospitals and long term care facilities. Becoming certified as a nursing assistant will however, require that the individual take a state approved course and successfully pass a written and performance exam in his or her state. The requirements of the CNA course will often vary by the individual state but all programs prepare the student in some common areas.

The length of a cna course is dependent upon several factors. Many can be as little as four to six weeks. However, some institutions may offer advanced nursing assistant courses and these tend to last longer, usually a single semester. In some states, this allows the successful graduate of the class to administer limited injections, give certain medications, and to practice some phlebotomy. Once again, this will depend on the area in which the CNA is practicing and the courses completed.
The goal of the program is to teach the student to perform basic nursing care. This usually includes taking vital signs, making beds, assisting the resident or patient with activities of daily living, and education about pathogens. Learning proper hand washing techniques and preventing the spread of disease and illness is incorporated throughout the program from day one. This is one of the most important aspects of the CNA course. Most training is hands on and clinical hours are required. Transportation to and from the facility and uniforms are generally not included in the cost of the CNA courses.

In addition to hands on training, there is typically other types of instruction implemented. This usually comes from a workbook or other state approved text. Professionalism, scope of practice, and many other aspects of nursing assistant work is covered. This part of the students education is equally important as the hands on component. This will cover what the CNA can and can not legally do, rights and responsibilities of both the employee and the patient/resident, and how to appropriately handle situations that can and do arise within the health care setting.

After successful completion of the CNA training, the individual is eligible to take the state exam. Only after passing this exam can the person be listed on the state registry and/or become state certified. The nursing assistant competency exam usually consists of both a written and performance component. Those who have completed an approved CNA course should expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $100 to take this exam. Once again, this cost is not included in the course. However, some employers will pay for or reimburse the student for the exam. Results are usually mailed anywhere from two to six weeks after the test has been taken and those who have passed are placed on that particular state registry.