Certified Nursing Assistant Training: How to Become a CNA
CNA training programs are attractive to individuals due to their minimal educational requirements and short time commitment, enabling a swift entry into the healthcare field.
Individuals with a high school diploma or GED can begin CNA training online. For those interested in how to become a CNA, there are various types of CNA training available.
High school students can find information on preparing for a CNA career on this page.
Students in CNA training gain clinical experience and foundational nursing skills under the guidance of practicing nurses. These programs are offered by community colleges, organizations like the American Red Cross, and hospitals. Most students complete their training in approximately 4 to 12 weeks.
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Overview of CNA Training
CNA students practice in realistic settings equipped with hospital beds, gaining hands-on experience in tasks such as dressing, bathing, and monitoring patients’ vital signs. CNA training also covers CPR, First Aid, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). State-approved programs prepare students to take the CNA exam, which includes both oral and written components. The specific guidelines for the CNA exam vary by state, and programs often include resume workshops and job fairs to assist in transitioning to the workforce.
Online vs. Traditional CNA Programs
Benefits of Online CNA Training
Online CNA programs provide flexible and expedited training options to address nursing shortages. Experienced healthcare practitioners, including registered nurses (RNs), teach CNA classes online. The curriculum typically includes video instruction, lectures, e-books, and in-person clinical experiences.
Online programs often combine synchronous and asynchronous online coursework with in-person clinical training and labs. This blended format provides valuable hands-on experience in different healthcare settings. Each state has specific requirements for CNA certification, which students must meet to ensure their eligibility.
Students can complete best online CNA training programs and graduate within six months. The duration of an online CNA program depends on the school, but most follow a hybrid format.
Hands-on Clinical Experience
Distance learners typically complete around 125-130 hours of classroom instruction and 15-40 hours of clinical training, although the exact training requirements are determined by state regulations. During clinical training, students work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, and assisted living facilities. The overall duration of CNA training varies between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific program.
Coursework to Become a CNA
Online CNA courses equip candidates with the necessary skills to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospices. Graduates of CNA programs receive a two-year certification in CPR, First Aid, and the use of AEDs.
CNA students learn to provide basic nursing care. They practice taking vital signs, assisting patients with movement, performing motion exercises, and inserting catheters. The coursework also includes preparation for employment, covering topics such as workplace safety and effective communication.
The number of lessons required for qualification to take the state exam varies based on the program and the state in which the CNA intends to work. These lessons encompass subjects like anatomy, physiology, patient care fundamentals, and clinical rotations.
Requirements for Your CNA License
Each state oversees CNA training and licensure. The specific requirements depend on the desired work location and the nursing career path chosen after program completion. Typically, aspiring CNAs must pass a background check and obtain health clearance before enrolling in a program. After completing a state-approved CNA training program, students may take the state certificate exam.
CNAs are required to renew their certification every two years. Some states mandate continuing education to maintain certification, which is an important part of the CNA certification renewal process.
CNA Salary and Job Outlook
Graduates of CNA programs qualify for entry-level positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistants earned a median annual salary of $29,660 in 2019. The top 10% of CNAs earned an annual salary of $40,620. Salaries vary across industries, with government agencies often offering the highest wages.
From 2019 to 2029, the demand for CNAs is projected to increase by 8%, with approximately 116,900 new nursing assistant positions being added during that time. The increasing healthcare needs of the baby boomer generation have led to a higher demand for nurses. To learn more about CNA careers and salaries, visit this page.
States with High Demand for CNAs
Employment opportunities and salaries for CNAs vary by state. California has the highest number of employed CNAs, with around 100,190 individuals in this profession. Florida, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania are also among the states with the highest CNA employment rates. However, cities and states with the highest concentration of CNAs do not necessarily offer the best salaries. Alaska, New York, Hawaii, California, and the District of Columbia are the top-paying locations for CNAs.
Career Advancement Options for CNAs
Becoming a CNA opens the door to more lucrative nursing careers. Many CNAs go on to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
LPNs and LVNs can earn a certificate or diploma through a community college. LPN and LVN programs typically take about a year to complete and prepare graduates to obtain licensure by passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
Under the guidance of RNs, LPNs and LVNs perform daily nursing tasks, including monitoring vital signs and assisting patients with hygiene maintenance. Becoming an RN requires completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, which can take 2 to 4 years.
This overview highlights the key aspects of CNA training programs, including CNA exam preparation, CNA skills, and the CNA job outlook. If you’re looking for more information on CNA training duration or states with high demand for CNAs, continue your research and explore available resources.
Under the guidance of RNs, LP
Ns and LVNs perform daily nursing tasks, including monitoring vital signs and assisting patients with hygiene maintenance.
Becoming an RN requires completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. RN programs take 2 to 4 years to complete. Prospective RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
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| TRADITIONAL BSN | ACCELERATED BSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete : | Four years | 11 to 18 months |
| Admission Requirements : | Varies based on school | Completed bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field |
| Number of Accredited Programs : | Approximately 996 | Approximately 282 |
| Time Off : | Summer and winter semester breaks | Year-round |