CNA Classes Near Me in Lexington KY 40501

How to Find the Right CNA Program near Lexington Kentucky

Lexington KY cna holding baby So you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant classes near Lexington KY. Once you have earned your certification, you will begin a gratifying career in one of the fastest expanding positions in medical care within the United States. Even though it might seem like a daunting undertaking, it’s essential that you choose the right CNA course to receive the necessary training and education. A number of prospective students start with the two most basic qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You might also be debating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them from home. More about that option later. But completing your due diligence before selecting a CNA program requires far more than comparing the price or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must additionally be taken into account. We will be covering those subjects as well as a few other questions that you need to be asking before you register in a CNA school. But to start with, let’s talk a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the kind of training and credentials that are available.

The Role of a Certified Nursing Assistant in Lexington KY

cna with patient in Lexington KY nursing home Certified Nursing Assistants are responsible for many tasks in the Lexington KY hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities where they are employed. As indicated by their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Since they are not licensed, they work under the direction and supervision of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their main job function is to help the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are many and diverse, and in a hospital environment might include:

Administering basic care 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
Moving patients to other areas

CNAs can also practice in Lexington KY nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those environments, nursing assistants are more engaged in supporting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that the majority of people carry out daily without aid, for example eating, dressing, or using the washroom. Nursing assistants usually develop more of a bond with these types of patients since they often stay in the facilities for extensive periods of time. Frequently, they can become the pipeline between the patient and the rest of the medical staff thanks to their relationships with their charges. Consequently, the CNA’s expertise can be an useful resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Courses

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Lexington KY do not have 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 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimal amount of instruction required and that every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s important to make certain that the program you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but also those for the state where you will be practicing. One tip is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training is state certified. In addition to 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 Schools

attending online cna classes in Lexington KY Attending CNA programs online is growing into a more preferred way to obtain training and acquire a nursing credential. Many schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs require a specified number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local Lexington KY healthcare center. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more practical approach to finding the time to attend school for many 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 may be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And numerous online programs are accredited. And so if your job and household responsibilities have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA school will make it easier to fit an education into your active schedule.

What to Ask CNA Nursing Degree Programs

Now that you have chosen which nursing program to enroll in, and whether to attend your classes on campus or online, you can use the following pointers to start narrowing down your options. As you probably are aware, there are numerous CNA schools and colleges throughout Kentucky and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to select from to ensure that you will have a workable list. As we already pointed out, the location of the school relative to Lexington KY as well as the expense of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your final selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares to the field.

Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Lexington KY 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 Lexington KY, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Kentucky 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 Lexington KY 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. Kentucky 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 Lexington KY 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 Lexington KY 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 Lexington KY 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 Lexington KY 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 Lexington KY, 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 Lexington KY?

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, consolidated with Fayette County and often denoted as Lexington-Fayette, is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 60th-largest city in the United States. By land area, Lexington is the 28th largest city in the United States. Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," it is the heart of the state's Bluegrass region. With a mayor-alderman form of government, it is one of two cities in Kentucky designated by the state as first-class; the other is the state's largest city of Louisville.[a] In the 2016 U.S. Census Estimate, the city's population was 318,449, anchoring a metropolitan area of 606,751 people and a combined statistical area of 856,849 people.[4]

Lexington ranks 10th among US cities in college education rate, with 39.5% of residents having at least a bachelor's degree.[5] It is the location of the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile, and Keeneland race courses, Rupp Arena, the world's largest basketball-specific arena, Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky, and Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

This area of fertile soil and abundant wildlife was long occupied by varying tribes of Native Americans. European explorers began to trade with them, but settlers did not come in large numbers until the late 18th century.

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Choose the Right CNA Training Program near Lexington KY

Picking the ideal certified nursing assistant college is perhaps the most critical first step to beginning a new career in the health care industry. There are many variables that you should think about when selecting a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have pointed out within this article, it is important that you pick a CNA college and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By utilizing 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 Lexington KY.