CNA Classes Near Me in Hattiesburg MS 39401

How to Pick a CNA Program near Hattiesburg Mississippi

Hattiesburg MS cna holding baby So you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training classes near Hattiesburg MS. As soon as you have obtained your certification, you will launch a gratifying career in one of the fastest growing occupations in health care within the United States. Even though it might seem like a daunting endeavor, it’s imperative that you choose the right CNA program to receive the necessary training and education. A number of prospective students begin with the two most basic qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You might also be contemplating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them at home. More regarding that alternative later. But performing your due diligence prior to picking a CNA training course involves much more than comparing the tuition or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must additionally be considered. We will be covering those issues together with several other questions that you should 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 type of training and credentials that are available.

The Job of a CNA in Hattiesburg MS

cna with patient in Hattiesburg MS nursing home Certified Nursing Assistants are responsible for many tasks in the Hattiesburg MS hospitals, practices and other healthcare facilities where they are employed. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but instead are certified. Given that they are not licensed, they work under the guidance and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their main job role is to help the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are numerous and varied, and in a hospital environment can include:

Providing basic services to patients
Reading patient’s vital signs
Maintaining a record of patient’s health status
Cleaning and dressing patients
Serving and helping patients with meals
Transporting patients to other rooms

CNAs may also work in Hattiesburg MS 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 identified as routine activities that most individuals perform daily without aid, for example eating, dressing, or using the washroom. Nursing assistants typically develop more of a bond with these patients since they commonly reside in the facilities for extensive time frames. Often, they may become the conduit between the patient and the balance of the medical staff thanks to their familiarity with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s expertise can be a valued resource for planning the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Diplomas

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Hattiesburg MS do not have to attain a college degree. CNA education can be acquired at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training 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 required to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimal period of training required and that each state has its own requirements. So it’s essential to make certain that the program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but likewise those for the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training course is state approved. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional prerequisites as well.

CNA Online Degrees

attending online cna classes in Hattiesburg MS Attending CNA schools online is becoming a more popular way to get training and earn a nursing credential. Certain schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs call for a certain number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local Hattiesburg MS healthcare center. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this alternative may be a more convenient solution to finding the time to attend college for many students. Regarding tuition, a number of online programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more easily affordable. And many online programs are accredited. So if your work and family commitments have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online CNA program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your busy schedule.

Things to Ask CNA Nursing Schools

Once you have determined which nursing program to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus or on the web, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you no doubt are aware, there are a large number of CNA schools and colleges within Mississippi and the United States. So it is important to decrease the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we already pointed out, the site of the school relative to Hattiesburg MS along with the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the first two things that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your final decision, use the following questions to see how your selection measures up to the field.

Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Hattiesburg MS 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 Hattiesburg MS, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg MS 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. Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg MS 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 Hattiesburg MS 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 Hattiesburg MS 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 Hattiesburg MS 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 Hattiesburg MS, 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 Hattiesburg MS?

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Hattiesburg is a city in the U.S. state of Mississippi, primarily in Forrest County (where it is the county seat)[2] and extending west into Lamar County. The city population was 45,989 at the 2010 census,[3] with an estimated population of 46,805 in 2015.[4] It is the principal city of the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.

Development of the interior of Mississippi by European Americans took place primarily after the American Civil War. Before that time, only properties along the major rivers were developed as plantations. Founded in 1882 by civil engineer William H. Hardy, Hattiesburg was named in honor of Hardy's wife Hattie. The town was incorporated two years later with a population of 400. Hattiesburg's population first expanded as a center of the lumber and railroad industries, from which was derived the nickname "The Hub City". It now attracts newcomers because of the diversity of its economy, strong neighborhoods, and the central location in South Mississippi.

Hattiesburg is home to The University of Southern Mississippi (founded as Mississippi Normal College, for the training of teachers) and William Carey University (formerly William Carey College). South of Hattiesburg is Camp Shelby, the largest US National Guard training base east of the Mississippi River.

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Choose the Right CNA Training near Hattiesburg MS

Selecting the ideal certified nursing assistant college is perhaps the most critical first step to starting a new career in the medical care field. There are various variables that you need to consider when deciding on a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently depending on your current career goals, obligations, and financial status. As we have highlighted within this content, it is important that you choose a CNA college and program that are each accredited and have excellent reputations within the healthcare 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 final selection. And with the appropriate training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Hattiesburg MS.