How to Enroll in a CNA class
Health care is one of the fastest growing job segments in the U.S. as an aging population demands more medical services. One way to get into the health care field quickly is by becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNAs assist registered nurses and other medical staff by helping patients with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and eating. They also may be called upon to check a patient's heart rate or blood pressure, transport patients and medical supplies and clean patient rooms. Classes provide training for potential CNAs and generally last for about a month.
Instructions
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Find a CNA class. A variety of public and private organizations offer courses for people interested in becoming a certified nurse aide. Check with local community colleges, technical and vocational schools, hospitals and other large medical facilities in your community to locate a training program that leads to certification.
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Apply for admission to the school. You must be admitted as a student before you can enroll in a CNA program. Generally this requires completing a paper or online application that provides your basic information such as address, phone number, emergency contact and previous education. Some schools have an application fee that must be paid when you complete the application. Others offer free, open admission that doesn't require any payment with the application. Most schools require that students have a high school diploma or equivalent.
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Submit transcripts showing previous education. A certified nursing assistance class is usually an entry-level class, which means that there are no prerequisite courses you must take first. However most schools require you to submit your transcripts from high school and/or college so they can have them on file.
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Pass a placement test if needed. While there is no prerequisite course some CNA programs require prospective students to take a placement test for reading to ensure they have the reading skills necessary to pass the class and be effective in their career.
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Show proof of immunizations and negative TB skin test. Due to the close contact and direct interaction CNAs have with patients, most schools require students to submit proof of current immunizations and a negative TB skin test before they can do clinicals in medical facilities. Be prepared to show proof of MMR vaccinations as well as a current tetanus shot.
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Register and pay for the class. Payment for CNA courses is often required at the time you enroll, and it can range anywhere from $300 to $1,000 depending upon your location, whether supplies are included with the enrollment cost and the format for the class (online or in-person). Most schools offer payment plans that allow you to make payments gradually rather than come up with all the money at one time.
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Tips & Warnings
You can get a tetanus shot, TB skin test or any other immunizations you need from your primary physician or local health department.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18 percent job growth for CNAs between 2008 and 2018. The BLS also reports that CNAs in the U.S. earn an average hourly wage of $11.54.
References
Resources
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