How long does it take to become a CNA?

In case you’re considering to how long it takes to become a CNA, then you are at the right place. You may really be surprised to know how short the entire procedure is. However, the reason behind why it’s short is because CNAs just require certification through other healthcare services occupations (LPNs and RNs) require formal education that can last anywhere from 2 to 4 years. Here, we’ll tell you that how long typical classes take to finish and the amount of time it takes before you can get your certification and begin as a CNA. So all things considered if you are still willing to know that at what extent does it take to complete the CNA course and become the certified CNA, just continue reading it.

How much time does it take to become a CNA?

We should keep this straightforward: The thing that is required to become CNA is that you first finish a state-approved training class and in addition, you have to pass a state certification exam afterward. The duration of time that it takes to complete and become a CNA can be anywhere from 6-12 weeks and up to 6 months. Typical CNA training courses last around 3-12 weeks for a standard 3 credit course, including all that you will have to know to perform well as a CNA.

The period of time that it takes to finish training is likewise entirely dependent on whether you think about part-time or full-time. Furthermore, as you can figure, the more extended period of programs that last up to 6 months give a more inside and out training, despite the fact that it doesn’t really give any additional advantages as compared with the 3-12 week programs.

It additionally doesn’t make a difference where you get training from, as most CNA classes are very same as each other. CNA classes can be found in different places, including community colleges, professional schools, specialized universities, nursing homes, health care centers, online cna classes, or different organizations that offer state approved CNA training.

Basically, it depends upon the state that you live in, these classes must offer anywhere from at least 75 hours up to 180 hours of training. You can usually expect that the CNA programs in your state will give the important amount of hours you require, in spite of the fact that you’ll need to ensure. These hours will be part up between knowledge/lecture and clinical/laboratory training, in spite of the fact that you can finish the knowledge/lecture section on the web.

After you’ve finished your CNA training, the following step is to finish a certification exam offered by the state. The certification exam will incorporate both a clinical section and also the knowledge section that will cover all that you’ve gained from training. Clearly, if you are confident and obsessed about nursing and focused in class, you’ll have no issue showing your skills as a CNA.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

What-is-a-Certified-Nursing-Assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is someone who helps patients with their healthcare needs under the guidance and supervision of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). They are entry level professionals who are also known as nurse’s assistants or aides. Their basic responsibilities include daily care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities. The training required for this and the demand is very high. This is why it is a very popular profession which is also a great way to start a lifelong successful career in nursing.

Main responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Help patients with their day to day activities

One of the most important responsibilities of a CNA is to help their patient perform those daily activities that cannot on their own. Depending on the patient, his can include several things such as

  • Helping the patient to and in the washroom.
  • Helping the patient keep themselves clean. This may include bathing them and helping them changing their clothes.
  • Brushing teeth, combing hair and clipping nails. Shaving for male patients
  • Transferring between the bed and the wheel chair and re-positioning them in bed.
  • Taking them out for a walk or some other activity.
  • Serving them meals and even helping them eat if they cannot do it on their own.

Take vital signs of the patient

Taking vital signs of the patients and recording it diligently is a very important job as it helps the RN supervisor keep a tab on the health of the patient. There are several routine tasks such as taking temperature, blood pressure, pulse, pain level etc. These need to be recorded every day and on time.

Paying attention to the patient’s behavior

Apart from keeping an eye on the patient the CNA also has to keep an ear open for any health concerns that the patient or even the close family members may have. It is the CNA’s job to keep the patient comfortable and healthy so if they saying something about their medical well-being, it need to be noted and the RN supervisor should be informed.

Providing medical assistance

There are several tasks that a CNA has to perform to help the RN superior with the care of the patient and medical assistance is one of those tasks. For example, there are some states that allow CNA’s to draw blood. They may also have to clean and dress wounds. The CNA will also store and set up any medical equipment that is required for a patient.

Support for the patient

CNA do have a lot of patients to look after but they need to pay proper attention to each patient. This may include moral support for the patient as well, depending on the situation. If a patient needs some cheering up or encouragement to not give up on their treatment, a CNA should be willing to talk to them and help them a little bit.

Career path of a CNA

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The career path of a CNA is not very complicated but it does require hard work and commitment, as any field of work does. One thing that you need to be a CNA is a willingness to help people. Taking care of patients is not easy. It requires patience and kindness. So pursue this path if you think you are willing and capable of helping. It can be a very rewarding experience for people.

In order to pursue the career path of becoming a CNA you have to follow several steps.

CNA Education Programs

Your training is the first the basic step. CNA training programs vary by state so before your enroll yourself in a program you should check the rules of your state. The CNA training also differs by the institution. For example American Red Cross has its own training program and regulations. Then there are the local health care providers, technical schools, community colleges and even online training programs such as Think CNA Online. As we mentioned, each institution has its own program which can last anywhere from four to sixteen weeks.

State CNA Certification Exams

CNA training does not qualify you to become a CNA; you will still have pass exams set by your state in order to become fully certified. Most CNA classes online should cover your local state’s requirements as part of the preparation for the CNA certification exam.

The exam will include theory, clinical ad practical components. While you are waiting to take your exam, you may be able to work for a few months but again that depends on the regulations of your state. Each state also has its own extra certification requirements so look those up as well to avoid any surprises later.

After you receive you certification, there are two things that you can do. Either you can go on and get a CNA job at a health care facility. Or you can go back to school for some more education in your field. The second option is mandatory in some states. They require you to complete a set number of credits each year in order to attain and maintain your certification.

Further CNA Career Options

Once your training is fully complete and you have some experience, you will be able to decide better what you want to do. You can go on to become a CNA for a long term. It offers great job security and you build lasting relations with your patients in health care facilities, especially in nursing homes.

If you don’t want the relaxed pace of a nursing home, you can apply to a hospital. You will not have much time with your patients there as they are discharged after a few days. But the environment of a hospital is faster paced so you can go for that as well.

Other than that, you get even higher education and go for the career path of a Registered Nurse (RN). With their experience, it is a logical choice for many CNA to pursue.