How to Enroll In a CNA Training near Royersford Pennsylvania

So you have decided to practice as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant classes near Royersford PA. After you have achieved your certification, you will be starting a gratifying career in one of the fastest growing occupations in healthcare within the United States. Although it might seem like a daunting task, it’s imperative that you pick the ideal CNA course to acquire the necessary training and education. A number of potential students begin with the two most basic qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You may also be considering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them from home. More on that option later. But doing your due diligence before deciding on a CNA program entails far more than comparing the tuition or location. Such qualifiers as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be considered. We will be covering those issues along with several 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 Certified Nursing Assistant in Royersford PA

Certified Nursing Assistants carry out many tasks in the Royersford PA hospitals, clinics and other healthcare 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 work under the direction and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their main job role is to assist the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital environment can include:

• Administering basic care to patients
• Taking patient’s vital signs
• Keeping a record of patient’s health status
• Cleaning and dressing patients
• Serving and assisting patients with meals
• Conveying patients to other rooms

CNAs might also work in Royersford PA nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those settings, nursing assistants are more involved in aiding patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are identified as routine activities that the majority of people perform daily without assistance, such as eating, dressing, or using the bathroom. Nursing assistants usually build more of a bond with these types of patients since they often stay in the facilities for extended time frames. Often, they can end up being the pipeline between the patient and the rest of the medical staff because of their familiarity with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s expertise can be a valued resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Programs

Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Royersford PA do not need to attain 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 program can take anywhere from one to 3 months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required 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 amount of training mandated and each state has its own prerequisites. So it’s essential to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only meets 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. Along with the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional requirements as well.

Online CNA Schools

Attending CNA classes online is becoming a more popular way to receive training and earn a nursing credential. Some schools will require attending 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 Royersford PA healthcare center. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more convenient answer to finding the time to attend classes for some students. Concerning tuition, a number of online programs are less costly than other on campus choices. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited. Therefore if your work and household responsibilities have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online CNA program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your busy schedule.

Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Training Programs

Once you have decided on which nursing program to pursue, along with whether to attend your classes on campus or online, you can utilize the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you probably are aware, there are numerous CNA schools and colleges throughout Pennsylvania and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to select from in order that you will have a manageable list. As we previously pointed out, the location of the school relative to Royersford PA as well as the price of tuition are most likely going to be the initial two points that you will look at. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your ultimate 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 Royersford PA 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 Royersford PA, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Pennsylvania 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 Royersford PA 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.  Pennsylvania 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 Royersford PA 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 Royersford PA 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 Royersford PA 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 Royersford PA 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 Royersford PA, 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 Royersford PA?

Choose the Right CNA Program near Royersford PA

Picking the right certified nursing assistant degree program is arguably the most crucial phase to launching a new career in the medical care field. There are various factors that you need to think about when selecting a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, obligations, and economic status. As we have highlighted in this post, it is important that you select a CNA college and program that are both accredited and have outstanding reputations within the healthcare community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to pick from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Royersford PA.

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