How to train to become a CNA

With more and more people looking for work or a change of career, the healthcare industry is becoming a vastly popular place to find a job. What if you don't really have a lot of experience, or you can't afford to go back to full time college for a two year degree, but still want to get your foot in the door in the medical world? Why not consider training to become a Certified Nurse's Aide, or CNA? Here are some steps to follow to achieve this career goal!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DHHS approved training program
• Time
• Possibly money
• Determination
• A real desire to work in healthcare

1. The first thing you want to do is check out your training options. If you have the money and the time, you may want to take a training course. Many technical colleges and larger colleges offer CNA training classes, which run from around six weeks or longer and can cost upwards of $500. You might qualify for financial aid for these classes, or not, depending on the school. Another way to find a training program is to look in the newspaper for independent training programs. These can be shorter, so you can get certified quicker, but that also means less time to practice your clinical skills!
   What if you just cannot afford to pay for training? Try contacting local hospitals and nursing homes and asking if they offer paid training. Often they will train you for free, then contract with you for a set period of time. This can be a great way to guarantee a job!

2. Once you have completed your actual training you will still have to pass a State Certification test in your state. Depending on where you live you will have to take a written test and a skills test to show that you know what you are doing! Most training programs will help you arrange to take this test, and some facilities will actually pay the certification fee for you if you are employed by them. Please see resources for a link to further information.

3. If you are not already employed once you complete your training, start calling those hospitals, nursing homes, and home health organizations! Some of these may hire you before you receive your actual State Certification, or you may want to wait for that before you start jobseeking. There are certainly many places hiring CNA's, and it's a great way to see if you have what it takes to work in healthcare. You might even consider going back to school later on to move up in the medical field! Best of luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to nurses or CNA's about where they trained...this can be a great way to see if a program is right for you!

Resources

• Pearson Vue has information regarding Certification for Nurse Aides.

[xrayness]

on 6/1/2009 Home run article!

[klnygaard]

on 5/17/2009 This is a very good article about becoming a CNA