How to Select a CNA Training near Dover Tennessee
So you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training classes near Dover TN. As soon as you have earned your certification, you will launch a fulfilling career in one of the most rapidly increasing occupations in health care within the Country. Though it may seem like a difficult endeavor, it’s essential that you pick the ideal CNA course to receive the necessary training and education. Many prospective students start with the two most essential qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You might also be debating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online program and attend them from home. More about that option later. But doing your due diligence prior to picking a CNA program consists of far more than comparing the price or location. Such qualifiers as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be considered. We will be covering those topics together with a few other questions that you need to be asking before you register in a CNA school. But first, let’s discuss a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the kind of instruction and credentials that are offered.
The Function of a Nursing Assistant in Dover TN
Certified Nursing Assistants carry out many tasks in the Dover TN hospitals, practices and other healthcare facilities where they are employed. As indicated by their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but instead are certified. Since they are not licensed, they function under the direction and oversight of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their prime job duty is to assist the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital setting can include:
- Providing basic services to patients
- Checking patient’s vital signs
- Keeping a record of patient’s health status
- Cleaning and dressing patients
- Serving and aiding patients with meals
- Transporting patients to other rooms
CNAs can also work in Dover TN nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those settings, nursing assistants are more involved in helping patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that the majority of people carry out daily without help, for example eating, dressing, or using the restroom. Nursing assistants usually build more of a bond with these patients since they commonly reside in the facilities for extended time frames. In many cases, they may become the conduit between the patient and the balance of the medical staff thanks to their relationships with their charges. As a result, the CNA’s knowledge can be a valued resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Courses
In contrast to many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Dover TN do not need to obtain a college degree. CNA education can be received at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training can take anywhere from one to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimal period of instruction mandated and every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s important to make certain that the program you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training is state certified. Along with the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional requirements as well.
Online CNA Programs
Attending CNA training online is becoming a more popular way to obtain training and attain a nursing credential. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs call for a specified number of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local Dover TN healthcare center. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this method may be a more practical approach to finding the time to attend classes for some students. Concerning tuition, some online programs are cheaper than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be reduced, helping to make education more easily affordable. And many online programs are accredited. And so if your job and household commitments have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online CNA school will make it easier to fit an education into your active schedule.
Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Degree Programs
Once you have selected which nursing program to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus or on the internet, you can use the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you undoubtedly are aware, there are numerous CNA schools and colleges throughout Tennessee and the United States. So it is important to lower the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a workable list. As we earlier mentioned, the location of the school relative to Dover TN and the price of tuition are most likely going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final choice, use the following questions to see how your selection compares to the other schools.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Dover TN 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 Dover TN, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Tennessee 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 Dover TN 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. Tennessee 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 Dover TN 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 Dover TN 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 Dover TN 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 Dover TN 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 Dover TN, 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 Dover TN?
Dover, Tennessee
Dover is a city in and the county seat of Stewart County, Tennessee,[4] 67 miles (108 km) west-northwest of Nashville on the Cumberland River. An old national cemetery is in Dover. The population was 1,442 at the 2000 census and the 2010 census showed a population of 1,417.
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 1,442 people, 608 households, and 373 families residing in the city. The population density was 379.9 people per square mile (146.5/km²). There were 656 housing units at an average density of 172.8 per square mile (66.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.73% White, 3.05% African American, 0.69% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.55% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.
There were 608 households out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.88.
Select the Right CNA Program near Dover TN
Picking the ideal certified nursing assistant program is probably the most crucial phase to beginning a new career in the health care industry. There are various variables that you must think about when choosing a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career objectives, obligations, and financial situation. As we have highlighted within this content, it is important that you select a CNA school and program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a shortlist of schools to choose from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Dover TN.
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