Does a career consisting of providing care to patients by assisting them with daily tasks sound like it could be the right one for you? If so, that’s great! A career as a certified nurse aide can be an extremely rewarding one, full of many opportunities for growth in the healthcare field.
A certified nursing assistant (or certified nurse aide) is a vital part of a healthcare team. They provide basic patient care and help patients perform tasks that are essential to the daily routine and well-being. If you are wondering how to become a CNA, the process is not as complicated as you might think. In fact some nurse aide school programs can be completed in as little as four weeks. Follow the steps to become a CNA outlined in this blog and you could be on your way to a new career in no time!
Take a step toward your new CNA career today!
Step 1 – Enroll in the right nurse aide training school
Generally, those who pursue a CNA career must have a high school diploma or equivalent and enroll in a training program. These programs can help prepare you to become a CNA by teaching you skills and preparing you for your certification exam. Before enrolling, you will want to make sure the program is state approved and provides in-class instruction and clinical training. Having both of these could help set you up for success in your new career.
Step 2 – Successfully complete a CNA program and clinical experience
Nursing Assistant programs can be completed in as little as four weeks, however that may vary from school to school. In your nursing assistant training program, you will be exposed to a variety of topics in a classroom setting. In addition, a portion of your education could be in the form of clinical training. Some subjects covered may include patient care procedures, infection control, taking a patient’s vital signs and more!
Step 3 – Take your state approved certification exam
Once you complete your training program you will be ready to take your exam. Once passed, and you’ve successfully met the necessary requirements, nursing assistants will be placed on a state registry. The requirements for nursing assistants vary from state to state. However, graduating from a program and gaining certification could make you stand out to employers as it shows you went through formal education to gain your skills. Additionally, being placed on the state registry allows you to work as a CNA in nursing homes as a career option.
Where can you find a school with a CNA program?
Some schools that may offer a CNA program include community colleges, vocational and technical schools, or even hospitals.1 To find a school near you that offers a CNA program you can search “CNA program near me.” If you live in Connecticut and are interested in taking the next step by exploring programs, Training Direct offers a CNA training program that can help you obtain the necessary skills to pursue a career as a CNA.
Take a step towards your career at Training Direct!
The Nurse Aide program at Training Direct is geared towards preparing students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain an entry-level position as a Nurse’s Aide in a healthcare facility. As a part of the training program, students will be exposed to a varied patient population, different types of medical equipment, and to professionals working in the healthcare field, which can provide a strong foundation for becoming a Nurse’s Aide. Training Direct’s Nurse Aide program is currently offered at our Bridgeport, CT school and our Danbury, CT school. Day, evening, and weekend classes are available, but schedule availability will vary by location.
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.
