Tag Archives: CNA Certification Classes in Sheffield AL 35660

CNA Classes Near Me in Sheffield AL 35660

How to Choose a CNA Program near Sheffield Alabama

Sheffield AL cna holding babySo you have decided to become a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Sheffield AL. Once you have earned your certification, you will be starting a gratifying career in one of the fastest increasing positions in healthcare within the USA. Though it may well seem like a daunting undertaking, it’s important that you choose the best CNA course to acquire the proper training and education. A number of prospective students begin with the two most essential qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You may additionally be considering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online program and attend them from home. More regarding that option later. But performing your due diligence before deciding on a CNA training course consists of far more than comparing the price or location. Such qualifiers as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be taken into consideration. We will be covering those topics together with several other questions that you need to be asking before you register in a CNA school. But to start with, let’s discuss a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the kind of training and credentials that are offered.

The Function of a Nursing Assistant in Sheffield AL

cna with patient in Sheffield AL nursing homeCertified Nursing Assistants perform many duties in the Sheffield AL hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities where they are employed. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Because they are not licensed, they function under the guidance and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their prime job function is to help the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are numerous and varied, and in a hospital setting might include:

  • Providing basic services to patients
  • Taking patient’s vital signs
  • Keeping a record of patient’s health status
  • Bathing and dressing patients
  • Serving and assisting patients with meals
  • Transporting patients to other rooms

CNAs can also work in Sheffield AL nursing homes or long term care centers. In those settings, nursing assistants are more engaged in assisting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that most people perform daily without help, for example eating, dressing, or using the bathroom. Nursing assistants commonly build more of a bond with these patients since they often reside in the facilities for prolonged time periods. Frequently, they may end up being the pipeline between the patient and the balance of the medical staff because of their relationships with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s knowledge can be an useful resource for preparing the proper care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Diplomas

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Sheffield AL do not need to attain a college degree. CNA instruction can be acquired at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The length of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to have at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimal period of training mandated and each state has its specific requirements. So it’s essential to make sure that the course you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but also those for the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training is state certified. Along with the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be other prerequisites as well.

Online CNA Degrees

attending online cna classes in Sheffield ALEnrolling in CNA training online is growing into a more preferred way to get instruction and acquire a nursing credential. Many schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs require a certain number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local Sheffield AL healthcare facility. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more practical answer to finding the free time to attend school for many students. Pertaining to tuition, some online programs are less expensive than other on campus alternatives. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be reduced, helping to make education more affordable. And numerous online programs are accredited. So if your job and household commitments have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your hectic schedule.

What to Ask CNA Nursing Degree Programs

Once you have decided on which nursing program to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus or on the internet, you can use the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you undoubtedly are aware, there are many CNA schools and colleges throughout Alabama and the United States. So it is important to decrease the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a manageable list. As we already pointed out, the location of the school relative to Sheffield AL as well as the expense of tuition are probably going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your pick measures up to the field.

Is the CNA program accredited?  It’s important that the Sheffield AL school and program that you enroll in is accredited.  One of the more highly regarded accrediting authorities is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).  CNA schools and programs that have been accredited by the NLNAC are guaranteed to not only provide a quality education but to be state approved as well.  Earning a certificate or diploma from an accredited school is also more likely to be credited towards a more advanced nursing degree at another accredited school.  And finally, accreditation makes your training more valuable in the job market.

Is the CNA course state approved?  Before enrolling in a training course near Sheffield AL, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Alabama or the state where you will be practicing.  It should not only satisfy the minimum federal requirement of 75 hours, 16 of which must be clinical training, but any additional state requirements as well.  As previously mentioned, if the CNA course is accredited by NLNAC it will be guaranteed to be state approved.

What is the Pass Rate for the State Exam?  It’s preferable to enroll in a nursing assistant school near Sheffield AL with a pass rate for the state licensing exam of at least 75% for its graduates.  If fewer than 75% are passing, it may be an indication that the curriculum and/or the instructors are not effectively training the students.  Alabama posts a list of state CNA schools with their state licensing exam pass rates.

Is there an Internship Program?  Find out if the schools you are considering sponsor internships with Sheffield AL healthcare facilities.  They are a great way to get hands-on clinical experience not available in a classroom or lab setting.  As an additional benefit, they can help students establish relationships within the local medical community.  They also look good on resumes.  Also check to see if tutoring is available as needed.  Other options may include an internet school forum or chat room where students can ask questions and share knowledge.

Is there a Job Placement Program?  A job placement program can be of great assistance to a graduating student in finding that first nursing position.  Find out how many students are being placed in jobs with the assistance of the school.  If a school has a high job placement rate, it’s a confirmation that its reputation within the Sheffield AL medical community is exemplary.  It also confirms that the school has a broad network of contacts to assist students gain internships or employment after graduation.

Where is the school located?  The campus will need to be within driving distance of your Sheffield AL residence unless you are able to relocate.  If you enroll in an online program, find out where the clinical portion of your training is available.  If a school has an internship program, most likely the placements will be within its local area.  Also keep in mind that if you enroll in an out-of-state school, or even out of area for many community colleges, the tuition costs as a non-resident may be higher.

How large are the classes?  Ask the schools you are considering on average how large their classes are.  Smaller classes usually provide more access to teachers when students have questions or need extra help.  In contrast, larger classes tend to be more impersonal and limit one-on-one instruction.  If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of the classes before enrolling so that you can experience the level of interaction between students and instructors.

What is the Program’s total cost?  CNA training and tuition can vary not only among schools, but from state to state depending on certification requirements.  In addition to tuition, there are other costs such as commuting expenses, textbooks and other materials.  When comparing schools remember to include all costs required for your education.  If you do decide to attend an online school, some of the expenses may be reduced.  Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available in the Sheffield AL area.

Can the Program accommodate your Schedule?  Finally, you will need to make sure that the program you select offers classes at a time that you can attend.  If you are still working and need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Sheffield AL, make sure they are available.  If you can only attend part-time, make sure that is an option as well.  Even if you have decided to attend classes online, you will still need to confirm when clinical training hours are offered.  Also, find out what the policy is for making up classes should you miss any due to work, illness or other obligations.

Considering CNA Classes near Sheffield AL?

Sheffield, Alabama

Sheffield is a city in Colbert County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Shoals metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 9,039.[3] Sheffield is the birthplace of "country-soul pioneer" and songwriter Arthur Alexander, French horn player Willie Ruff, notable attorney, actor, former senator and presidential contender Fred Thompson, Watergate committee U.S. Senator Howell Heflin and U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, whose father was working in nearby Athens when he was born. It sometimes is referred to as "the City of Senators" due to the births of Heflin, McConnell and Thompson within its borders. Col. Harland Sanders worked in the Sheffield depot for Southern Railway in the 1900s. It is also home to the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where many popular 20th century musicians recorded their work, including Alexander and Ruff. It is the site of historic Helen Keller Hospital, formerly known as Colbert County Hospital and originally constructed in 1921. It was changed to Helen Keller Hospital in 1979, and Keller's birthplace Ivy Green is located less than one mile southwest of the hospital in adjacent Tuscumbia.

Sheffield is located in eastern Colbert County at 34°45′35″N 87°41′41″W / 34.75972°N 87.69472°W / 34.75972; -87.69472 (34.759721, -87.694592),[4] on the south bank of the Tennessee River. Sheffield is bordered to the south by the city of Tuscumbia, to the southeast by Muscle Shoals, and to the north, across the river, by Florence.

Sheffield was one of the Colbert County sites of embarkation by riverboat and barge on the Tennessee River during the forced relocation of Eastern and Southern United States Indian tribes, known as the Trail of Tears. The embarkation site was at what is now the Spring Creek boat launch and park area.

The location could not be found.

Choose the Right CNA Training Program near Sheffield AL

Deciding on the right certified nursing assistant degree program is potentially the most crucial phase to beginning a new career in the healthcare industry. There are many factors that you should consider when deciding on a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career goals, obligations, and economic status. As we have pointed out within this article, it is critical that you choose a CNA school and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a shortlist of schools to choose from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Sheffield AL.

Other Cool Cities in Alabama

  • CNA Classes Near Me in Loachapoka AL 36865
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Saginaw AL 35137
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Fairfield AL 35064
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Hatchechubbee AL 36858
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Chapman AL 36015
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Wadley AL 36276
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Livingston AL 35470
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Toney AL 35773
  • CNA Classes Near Me in New Market AL 35761
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Gordo AL 35466
  •  

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 14

    Northwest Alabama Cancer Center
    1 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    101 Dr W H Blake Jr Dr, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

    Med Plus
    2 Reviews
    Internal Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Testing
    Phone:
    108 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

    Shoals Hospital
    2 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Hospitals
    Phone:
    201 Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

    Infants' And Children's Clinic, PC
    1 Reviews
    Pediatricians
    Phone:
    421 W College St, Florence, AL 35630

    Colbert OB-GYN, PC
    1 Reviews
    Obstetricians & Gynecologists
    Phone:
    1120 S Jackson Hwy, Ste 104, Sheffield, AL 35660

    Shoals Kidney And Hypertension
    1 Reviews
    Nephrologists
    Phone:
    422 E Dr Hicks Blvd, Florence, AL 35630

    Wilkes Jason M MD
    1 Reviews
    Doctors
    Phone:
    416 N Seminary St, Ste 3100, Florence, AL 35630

    North Alabama Bone & Joint Clinic PC
    3 Reviews
    Sports Medicine, Orthopedists
    Phone:
    2129 Helton Dr, Florence, AL 35630

    Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital
    3 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    2111 Cloyd Blvd, Florence, AL 35630

    Helen Keller Hospital
    1 Reviews
    Phone:
    Sheffield, AL 35660