People who want to enter the health care field often choose to begin their journey through CNA training classes. While the work of a health care professional can be quite rewarding, the education that is required to become a doctor or registered nurse is often quite extensive. In order to make money while gaining experience at the same time, people can initially get their foot in the door by becoming a certified nursing assistant. In order to become a CNA, training classes are necessary to give you the tools and knowledge you need to get certified. These requirements usually vary from state to state, but the way to go about getting the training you need is generally the same across the country.
CNA Training Classes From The American Red Cross
American Red Cross chapters across the country offer the courses that are need to become a certified nursing assistant. For more than 20 years, training has been standardized. Before that time, there were several resources to find the classes that you need. Unfortunately, this methodology was often very sloppy, and training varied from class to class. In order to create a more unified method of training, the American Red Cross stepped in.
The Basics of CNA Training
Topics Covered in CNA Training
While in your CNA training program, you will experience both the theoretical and the practical side of the profession. While it is possible to learn the theoretical or classroom training through an online course, the practical or laboratory must be done in a clinical setting under the guidance of a trained professional.
The theoretical or classroom training will generally cover a number of topics including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Diet and Nutrition
- Safety and Infection Control
- Medical Ethics and Terminology
- Patient Documentation and Reporting
The practical or the laboratory training is your hands-on-experience to normal tasks and responsibilities. This includes:
- Communication Skills
- Assisting Patients with Daily Activities
- Techniques for Feeding Patients
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid
- Proper Hygiene
- Taking and Recording of Vital Signs
- Correct Procedures on Moving and Adjusting Patients
How Long Does It Last?
For the most part, CNA training is usually six to eight weeks long. In order to help get these potential future health care professionals moving in the right direction, several states offer even more aggressive, all-day courses that last for just a few weeks. Classes are taught on an up-close-and-personal level so that each person receives the proper amount of training. Basic first aid instruction, as well as a variety of scenarios are often presented to students to help them learn about real world situations as quickly as possible.
How Many Students Are In The Typical Class?
CNA training classes usually have no more than 14 students in a class to every one instructor, with a national average of 10 students per instructor. Though the classes can run for several thousands dollars for complete training, sponsorship is sometimes available from hospitals and nursing homes if they are interested enough in having you take these CNA classes. You can also check in to other scholarships and or financial aid.
Finding Training Near You
You can expect to get very comprehensive training for becoming a certified nursing assistant when you enroll in CNA classes. This is the first step in the right direction to achieving the goals that you are seeking to accomplish within the health care industry. Because there are a variety of CNA training classes available around the country, we invite you to check out our directory to find the program nearest you.