CNA Classes Near Me in Menlo Park CA 94025

How to Pick a CNA School near Menlo Park California

Menlo Park CA cna holding babySo you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Menlo Park CA. After you have obtained your certification, you will launch a gratifying career in one of the fastest growing positions in health care within the United States. Although it may well seem like an overwhelming task, it’s important that you pick the right CNA course to obtain the appropriate 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 also be debating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online program and attend them from home. More concerning that option later. But completing your due diligence prior to deciding on a CNA training course requires far more than comparing the cost or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must also be considered. We will be covering those subjects along with a few 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 instruction and credentials that are available.

The Duties of a CNA in Menlo Park CA

cna with patient in Menlo Park CA nursing homeCertified Nursing Assistants complete many duties in the Menlo Park CA hospitals, practices and other health care organizations where they are employed. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Because they are not licensed, they work under the direction and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their prime job function is to aid the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are many and diverse, and in a hospital environment might include:

  • Administering basic care to patients
  • Reading patient’s vital signs
  • Maintaining a record of patient’s health status
  • Bathing and dressing patients
  • Serving and aiding patients with meals
  • Transporting patients to other areas

CNAs can also work in Menlo Park CA nursing homes or long term care centers. In those settings, nursing assistants are more involved in helping patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are characterized as routine activities that most people perform daily without help, for example eating, dressing, or using the washroom. Nursing assistants usually develop more of a bond with these patients since they commonly remain in the facilities for prolonged time frames. In many cases, they can become the conduit between the patient and the balance of the medical staff due to their relationships with their charges. Consequently, the CNA’s expertise can be a beneficial resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Diplomas

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Menlo Park CA do not have to attain a college degree. CNA instruction can be received at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training program 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 mandated to receive at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimal period of instruction directed and each state has its own requirements. So it’s necessary to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but likewise those for the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training is state certified. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be other requirements as well.

Online CNA Programs

attending online cna classes in Menlo Park CAEnrolling in CNA programs online is becoming a more in demand way to obtain training and attain a nursing credential. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and almost all programs require a specified amount of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local Menlo Park CA healthcare facility. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this alternative may be a more practical answer to finding the free time to attend college for some students. Pertaining to tuition, many online programs are less costly than other on campus choices. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited. So if your job and family commitments have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online CNA training program will make it easier to fit an education into your hectic schedule.

Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Training Programs

Now that you have selected which nursing program to enroll in, and if to attend your classes on campus or on the web, you can use the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your options. As you probably realize, there are a large number of CNA schools and colleges throughout California and the United States. So it is important to lower the number of schools to select from so that you will have a manageable list. As we previously discussed, the location of the school relative to Menlo Park CA along with the price of tuition are probably going to be the primary 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 selection measures up to the other programs.

Is the CNA program accredited?  It’s important that the Menlo Park CA 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 Menlo Park CA, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for California 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 Menlo Park CA 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.  California 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 Menlo Park CA 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 Menlo Park CA 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 Menlo Park CA 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 Menlo Park CA 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 Menlo Park CA, 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 Menlo Park CA?

Menlo Park, California

Menlo Park is a city at the eastern edge of San Mateo County, in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, in the United States. It is bordered by San Francisco Bay on the north and east; East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Stanford to the south; Atherton, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City to the west. Menlo Park is one of the most educated cities in the state of California and the United States; nearly 70% of residents over the age of 25 has earned a bachelor's degree or higher.[7] Menlo Park had 32,026 inhabitants according to the 2010 United States Census, which had grown to an estimated 33,888 inhabitants by 2016.[8][9] Menlo Park is the site of Facebook's main campus.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.4 square miles (45 km2), of which 9.8 square miles (25 km2) is land and 7.6 square miles (20 km2) is water. The total area is 43.79% water. Menlo Park is long and narrow on a northeast to southwest axis. The northeast portion borders the San Francisco Bay and includes the Dumbarton Bridge that connects Menlo Park to Fremont on the east side of the bay. The city shoreline includes the city's largest park, Bedwell Bayfront Park 160 acres (65 ha) and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.[10]San Francisquito Creek marks much of the southeast border of the city. West Menlo Park (not part of the city despite its name) along Alameda de las Pulgas nearly separates the southwestern part of the city (known as Sharon Heights) from the rest. The extreme southwest is clipped by Interstate 280.

The Bayshore Freeway (part of U.S. Route 101) traverses Menlo Park northwest to southeast near the shoreline and somewhat parallel to it to the southwest is El Camino Real. The intersection of El Camino Real and Santa Cruz Avenue is considered the heart of the city. Nearby, the Menlo Park Civic center is bounded by Ravenswood Avenue, Alma Street, Laurel Street and Burgess Drive. It contains the council offices, library, police station and Burgess Park which has various recreational facilities. Other major roads include Sand Hill Road in the Sharon Heights area.

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Select the Right CNA Program near Menlo Park CA

Selecting the ideal certified nursing assistant training program is potentially the most crucial first step to beginning a new career in the medical care field. There are many variables that you need to consider when picking a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, lifestyle, and economic situation. As we have pointed out within this post, it is important that you select a CNA college and program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right training, combined with your hard work and desire to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Menlo Park CA.

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