CNA Training – Online CNA Certification Guide

Red cross CNA classes are still some of the best opportunities for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. Though there are an increasing number of online CNA training programs, and many of them are very good, this is the type of profession requiring a lot of “hands-on” skills. This is the one caveat of online programs – you don’t get any actual lab experience.

When compared to campus courses, Red Cross CNA training ranks at the top of the list in terms of both low cost, and high-quality instruction. One benefit that campus courses still excel at is in the area of job placement. Most schools maintain a list of available employers and opportunities, and some have strong relationships with local hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Depending on where in the country you live, the Red Cross probably has classes somewhere within driving distance. Of course this isn’t the case absolutely everywhere, but chances are better than good that you will find one not terribly far away. If you do live in one of those areas of the country where nothing is very close, then it becomes a moot point.

Cost is increasingly a factor for many people. Wherever you choose to get your Certified Nursing Assistant training and certification, it’s important to take advantage of available student loans. There are also a number of other grants and loans available.

In many cases, if you choose to train at a health-care facility such as a hospital or nursing home, they often will pick up the cost of your training. Generally, the facility will want a commitment to work there in return for covering your costs. These commitments usually last for one to two years. For those people unable to afford the costs on their own however, this is a wonderful opportunity.

Becoming a CNA is still one of the most rewarding career choices a person can make. As a Nursing Assistant, you are doing something truly worthwhile with yourself, and legitimately making a difference in the lives of your patients, and their families. What makes this an even better career choice is that it is very lucrative, meaning you’ll have a well-paying job that you can feel good about. And just as importantly, CNA’s enjoy a “sellers market” as far as job prospects are concerned. There is an ongoing shortage of trained professionals, and in nearly every part of the country, you will have your choice of many, many job openings and work environments.

Red Cross CNA classes still top the list of training opportunities, however much more importantly than where you get your certification, is that you simply get it somewhere. This is a choice you will never regret, and an investment that will pay you both personal and financial benefits for the rest of your working life.

Completion of a Certified Nursing Assistant program is the beginning of career in the medical career that can lead to advancement. To be more marketable to employers it is essential that all graduates of a state approved program complete a state exam for CNA certification. This exam tests the nursing assistant knowledge of the applicants and ensures that the applicants are properly trained. Those interested in taking the test will have to pay a fee for the certification test. All applicants should arrive to the testing center prepared to take the written knowledge test and properly dressed to take the clinical portion of the test. Successful completion of both portion of the certification exam are required in order to receive a passing grade and have one’s name placed on the state registry.

Nearly all states require that people working as nursing assistants complete a certification test. This test is a combination of both written and technical comprehension. The written portion of the test is usually multiple choice, although this can vary by state, and tests the comprehension of a variety of nursing assistant skills. Applicants are usually given a certain amount of time to complete this portion of the test. After applicants finish the written portion of the test they will be required to take the technical portion of the test. The technical portion of the test allows applicants to show their mastery in performing certain skills that are required when working as a nursing assistant. It is necessary that applicants come to the testing center properly dressed so that they can complete the technical portion of the test.

Upon the completion of both portions of the test, applicants will be notified of the passing or failure of the examination usually through the Board of Nursing or via the testing center. If applicants successfully complete and pass the certification exam, their names will be placed on the state registry. Applicants are, in some cases, provided with a certified nursing assistant card. In some states there are different types of certifications for nursing assistants. These certifications provide the certified nursing assistant with additional skill sets that allow them to perform additional responsibilities. These additional certifications include the geriatric nursing assistant certification (GNA) that allows certified nursing assistants to work in long term care facilities. The home health aide (HHA) certification allows a certified nursing assistant to work in home health care agencies. The certified medicine aide certification (CMA) allows a certified nursing assistant to administer medicine in long term care facilities. The CMA certification requires the certified nursing assistant have at least a year of experience as a CNA, and the CNA must have taken a 60 hour approved medicine aide course.

Obtaining the CNA certification as a nursing assistant allows applicants to work in a variety of settings assisting individuals with daily care. In addition, having the certification also allows creates opportunities to expand your skill set by obtaining additional training and then taking those advanced certifications.

There are so many great reasons to become a Certified Nursing Assistant: plenty of CNA jobs available; choices in work environments; the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day; and the ability to earn a good living. The average annual salary for a CNA is almost $30,000.

CNA training can be completed in as little as two weeks through a hospital or nursing home, slightly longer through the Red Cross CNA training, or through a community college training program in just a few months. Once training and licensing is completed, a Certified Nursing Assistant can see an average starting salary between $11/hour and $14/hour.

Exactly how much a Certified Nursing Assistant earns will vary somewhat, depending on geographic location, workplace, experience, and other factors. A CNA working in a hospital in New York, for instance, will earn approximately 8% more than a similar position in Arizona. Generally speaking, salaries follow COA’s or “Cost Of Living” indexes. The more expensive area’s such as the Northeastern US generally pay higher wages than the mid-West.

The type of position will have a bearing on earnings as well. Hospitals are usually the highest salary, followed by nursing homes, then patient homes. Even within a hospital, pay will vary by department: a nurse assistant working in ICU – the Intensive Care Unit – will often receive a slightly higher wage than a nurse assistant in a lower-stress department.

A working CNA can also expect their pay scale to go up with experience. As a profession, nursing – and Certified Nursing Assistants in particular – have a fairly high ‘burn-out’ rate. As the job often carries with it a great deal of physical and emotional stress and exhaustion, some people find they don’t want to stay in the field. One result is that the numbers of CNA’s with experience diminishes. Another result is that there are plenty of jobs in the field available.

In addition to base pay, most nurse assistant and medical assistant positions offer benefits, such as health coverage and retirement savings plans. While some nursing positions are filled through agencies, and those typically do not have the same types of benefits, most medical facilities and institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics, and such do offer excellent benefits packages to their employees.

The medical and health care fields are virtually recession-proof. Even in the toughest economic times, a properly licensed Certified Nursing Assistant rarely has difficulty finding a good-paying job. There were estimated to be over 500,000 individuals employed as nursing assistants, medical assistants, etc. in 2008. As a profession, nursing assistants are ranked well above average in the field for job growth, job sustainability, and potential. It is expected to remain one of the market’s fastest-growing jobs for years to come.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projection, the projected growth rate for nurses aides and nursing assistants is expected to grow by a combined 28 percent. This is even faster than the medical health care field in general, far outpacing the expected 14 percent growth of LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurse) between the years 2006 and 2016.

By becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, you take the first steps towards a rewarding and fulfilling career, unlike any other. As a medical professional, you will earn respect, personal satisfaction, job security, and financial safety.

If you are interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant but are deterred because of the cost of tuition you should know that there are a number of low-cost or free CNA training programs available. Depending on your location and your willingness to research there are a variety of sources to receive nursing assistant training. Even if there isn’t a campus-based program nearby, there are low-cost and free CNA classes online.

One of the best places to look for affordable nursing assistant training is the American Red Cross. Contact your local chapter to get information on the scheduling for their Red Cross CNA class. The nursing assistant program through the American Red Cross is a fast paced program that can usually be completed in four to five weeks so it requires a significant amount of time availability and dedication. All programs are taught by registered nurses. The program is state approved and graduates become eligible to sit for certification after successfully completing both the classroom and clinical portions of the course. Contact your local American Red Cross for the start dates and current tuition rates.

Another resource for low cost nursing assistant programs is your local community college. Most community colleges have short term nursing aide programs. Check to make sure that any nurse’s aide program that you register for via a community college is state approved so that you may be able to sit for state certification. Usually you will register for the program just as you would any other college course however payment is usually due upon registration. Most community colleges offer their vocational programs such as the nursing program quite frequently so you should be able to register for a class at any interval.

There is a no-cost option for obtaining nursing assistant training. Some nursing homes and long term care centers offer nursing assistant programs for people looking to enter into the medical field. This is done to supply their organization with qualified medical professions. There are stipulations to this “free” nursing training. The individual must agree to work for the company for a specified amount of time, usually a year, after obtaining certification as a nursing assistant in their state. The training both classroom and clinical is performed within the facility. Students can gain a significant amount of experience while working in a nursing home even while training as a nursing assistant. Daily contact with patients can be valuable for learning about the daily needs of patients. You can contact a number of the nursing homes in your local area and speak to human resources or the hiring manager to see if such a program is available.

With the rising shortage of qualified medical professionals there are a number of low cost or free CNA training options, such as Red Cross CNA classes, for beginning your medical career as a nursing assistant. If you have the desire and willingness, and are looking for one of the most rewarding careers in health care, you no longer have to let finances stop you from achieving your dreams and goals!

Red Cross CNA class training provides CNA certification via the American Red Cross. It is available in many states, and follows a nationally-recognized Certified Nursing Assistant curriculum. Course hours will vary according to the state and as such clinical requirements may be longer or shorter in a particular state. The Red Cross CNA class uses the requirements of each state.

For the Nurse Assistant Training course participant, successful course completion requires full participation in classroom and skill sessions, as well as successful performance in skill and knowledge evaluations. Due to the nature of the skills in this program, participants may be participating in strenuous activities. If you have a medical condition or disability that may prevent you from taking part in a skill session, or if you have any questions about your ability to participate fully in this course, discuss them with your health-care provider and the appropriate person at the Red Cross chapter before you start your course.

The examination consists of two parts, the Skills Test and the Written Test. The entire exam can be completed in one day and takes approximately 5 1/2 hours. The participant must successfully pass the Skills Test before taking the Written Test. The applicant is notified of the test results on the same day, and upon passing will receive the State Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification shortly thereafter.

The following are minimum requirements for all Red Cross C.N.A. participants:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Cannot have any felony convictions within the last 7 years
Must be free of all communicable diseases
Cannot be pregnant
*Only in the event that your TB screening and/or background check does not clear, you will be able to receive a refund of your payment less the $35 screening fee. Once you have registered, the $35 screening fee is non-refundable
While enrolled in the program, all participants must:

Arrive on time.
Attend all classes, only 6 missed hours permitted, all missed hours must be made up.
Pass final test with score of 80% or higher.
Please note that you will be responsible for transportation to both the classroom and clinical site.
Wear comfortable clothing. (Some classes involve kneeling and lying on the floor.)

Returning C.N.A. testing only: Payment in full is due 1 week prior to the date of the state exam. We are sorry, but refunds are not available. Fee for testing only is $100.

The Red Cross CNA class is ideal because it helps encourage nursing assistants to become nurses and it helps provide more time for nurses to focus on their primary responsibilities.