CNA Training Programs
CNA training programs are all a little different. Some will be offered at community colleges or adult education centers, while others may be held in private learning centers or vocational facilities. While each one will have it’s own perks (such as job placement, free pre-testing before certification, or even extra online videos and study aids) there are two solid things that you should look for in a CNA training program. Without these two, the other perks don’t make any difference. Let’s take a look.
CNA Training Program “Must Haves”
Accredited or Approved?
One of the myths of CNA training classes is that the school or the program needs to be accredited. This is, in fact, false. As a CNA training graduate, you’ll be taking a state board exam in order to receive your certification. Your training is what prepares you for the certification exam. Half of the state board exam (or in some states, more than half) is a written exam, while the other portion involves actually performing medical procedures correctly. Because this demonstrative portion of your state exam is so crucial to receiving a passing grade, it’s important to select the right school.
Does it have to be accredited? No. But your school and the program you are taking must be approved by the state board. If you’ve visited a school and checked out a particular CNA training course, be sure to complete your due diligence by calling the state board of nursing and checking on the school. Just because it’s an approved technical center or an adult education center that’s been in your area for decades doesn’t mean the CNA training course is necessarily approved. A quick call is all it takes to give you peace of mind.
CNA Training Class – Hands on Experience
There are numerous CNA training classes available online. You’ll need to be careful of these. Hands on experience is vital in order to correctly complete the demonstration portion of your exam. Just like a person who watches another person drive a car is not prepared to take a road test, you won’t be prepared for your exam unless you have performed the procedures yourself.
Some states actually have a certain amount of clock hours that are required for the clinical or hands on portion of the training. You can check on this through your state board of nursing as well.
Those are the vital two for any CNA training class. Other perks that you should seriously consider include:
- Job placement – Guaranteeing that you’ll be employed right after you pass your exam is huge. You may not think so now, but just wait. As soon as you’re out pounding the pavement with the other 50 CNA training class graduates, you’ll see that it’s no easy thing to find employment, fresh out of class and with zero experience.
- Pre-exam – Everyone is nervous before their CNA training exam. You’ll be taking it with the state and it can be somewhat intimidating. A pre-test or trial test given by your school is a nice bonus, and will ease your nerves as well.
- Payment plan – If you can’t come up with the funds to pay for your CNA training classes, a payment plan can be a lifesaver. Check on the interest rate though. If it’s too high, this little perk can defeat the purpose.
There you have it, things to look for in a credible CNA training program. We hope this has been helpful as you make your way through the CNA training process and embark on your new career.
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