Are you looking for a new career that’s full of caring and compassion for others? An exciting career in the healthcare field that you could pursue is that of a CNA (also referred to as Certified Nurse Aide). CNAs can also be referred to as Certified Nursing Assistants, in addition to Certified Nurse Aides. CNAs provide direct patient care. Pursuing a CNA education could allow you to assist nurses and doctors with essential healthcare functions. If you want to be at the forefront of healthcare, becoming a CNA could provide you with the career fulfillment you’re seeking. Not sure how to get started? Don’t worry! Here’s our beginner’s guide to starting your CNA education.
Learn why Training Direct’s nurse aide program is a good fit for you today!
The steps you need to take in order to become a certified nursing assistant
In order to become a certified nursing assistant you will need to pass an exam that will give you certification. It’s kind of like obtaining licensure, but nurse aides aren’t ‘licensed.’ Then after successfully passing the exam you will be placed on a state registry as long as you’ve met all the requirements set forth by the state. Most often the path to becoming a CNA is as follows:
- Enroll in a state approved program
- Complete a CNA program and clinical experience
- Pass your state approved nursing assistant exam
The steps you need to take in order to become a certified nursing assistant can vary state to state though there can be benefits to graduating from a training program and gaining a state issued certification. One of those benefits being that you will be able to practice your newly learned skills in the clinical portion of your training program which may give you more confidence as you step into your new career.
Your CNA Education
Your CNA education should include in-class instruction as well as clinical training. Classroom instruction could include developing knowledge of the human body, effective patient care, and safety, medical terminology, along with documentation and ethics. The clinical portion of your training could include a variety of clinical settings that are designed to prepare you for real-world environments and scenarios.
A key element in your CNA education is finding a school that allows you a full breadth of clinical experience. Be sure to find a school with nurse aide training courses that allow you to learn from experienced instructors and professionals. When searching for the best option to start your CNA education, you’ll want to consider many factors including:
- Program flexibility – Are day and evening classes offered?
- Does this program emphasize hands-on training?
- Does the program include exposure to important CNA skills?
- Does the program meet the standards of your state when it comes to CNA education?
Nursing assistant school timeline
Some training programs can be as little as four weeks however depending on classes and whether you attend full or part time can play a factor in the time it takes you to complete the program. This will vary depending on the specific program as well.
Setting yourself up for success!
In order to get the most out of your time enrolled in nursing assistant school you should take advantage of the resources at your disposal. Devoting the time to study and ask questions can make a huge difference in the quality of your CNA education. Make the most of your time while attending classes and participating in clinical training, talk to your instructors and fellow students and take the time to really dive into the material. This can give your CNA education more value and you’ll be able to hit the ground running when you start your career as a CNA after certification.
Start your Nurse Aide Journey at Training Direct
If you reside in Connecticut and are looking for nurse aide training courses then consider Training Direct! The Nurse Aide program at Training Direct is currently offered at our Bridgeport, CT, and Danbury, CT locations. Our CNA education training program is designed with the goal that students learn from both on-site instruction and have the opportunity to receive clinical experience that could be considered training “must-haves” as they pursue a successful CNA career.
The nurse aide training courses at Training Direct also meet the Connecticut Department of Health Services guidelines for eligibility to take the CNA Exam. If you’re wishing to obtain gainful employment as a CNA, certification is required by the State of Connecticut. Our nurse aide training program can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks. Training Direct also offers career service assistance to those completing their Nurse Aide education.
Training Direct has determined that its Nurse Aide program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for certification in the State of Connecticut only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to certification requirements.
