CNA Classes Near Me in Stroudsburg PA 18360

How to Pick a CNA Classes near Stroudsburg Pennsylvania

Stroudsburg PA cna holding baby So you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training classes near Stroudsburg PA. Once you have obtained your certification, you will be starting a fulfilling career in one of the most rapidly increasing positions in healthcare within the Country. Though it may well seem like an overwhelming task, it’s imperative that you select the right CNA program to obtain the necessary training and education. Many potential students start with the two most essential qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You may also be debating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them at home. More about that option later. But completing your due diligence before selecting a CNA program consists of much more than comparing the cost or location. Such factors as accreditation and the reputation of the school must also be considered. We will be addressing those issues together with several other questions that you need to be asking before you register in a CNA school. But to begin with, let’s talk a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the type of training and credentials that are available.

The Duties of a CNA in Stroudsburg PA

cna with patient in Stroudsburg PA nursing home Certified Nursing Assistants perform many duties in the Stroudsburg PA hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities where they work. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Since they are not licensed, they perform under the direction and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their main job function is to aid the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are many and varied, and in a hospital environment may include:

Providing basic care to patients
Measuring 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 may also work in Stroudsburg PA nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those environments, nursing assistants are more engaged in assisting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that most individuals perform daily without assistance, such as eating, dressing, or using the restroom. Nursing assistants typically build more of a bond with these types of patients since they commonly stay in the facilities for extensive time periods. Often, they can become the pipeline between the patient and the rest of the medical staff thanks to their relationships with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s expertise can be a significant resource for planning the proper care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Certificates

Unlike other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Stroudsburg PA do not need to earn a college degree. CNA instruction can be obtained at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The length of the training can take anywhere from just one to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimum period of instruction mandated and that every state has its specific requirements. So it’s important to make sure that the program you enroll in not only satisfies 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. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional prerequisites as well.

CNA Online Classes

attending online cna classes in Stroudsburg PA Attending CNA training online is growing into a more preferred way to obtain instruction 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 specified number of clinical rotation hours carried out in a local Stroudsburg PA healthcare center. But since the balance of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more convenient solution to finding the free time to attend classes for some students. Pertaining to tuition, a number of online programs are less expensive than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited. And so if your work and household responsibilities 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 Courses

Once you have selected which nursing program to pursue, as well as if to attend your classes on campus or on the internet, you can use the following checklist to start narrowing down your choices. As you probably realize, there are a large number of CNA schools and colleges within Pennsylvania and the United States. So it is important to reduce the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a workable list. As we previously discussed, the location of the school relative to Stroudsburg PA and the expense of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the initial two things that you will take into consideration. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate decision, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares to the other schools.

Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg 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 Stroudsburg PA?

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Stroudsburg is a borough in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is in the state's Poconos region, approximately five miles (8 km) from the Delaware Water Gap, at the confluence of the Brodhead, McMichaels and Pocono Creeks. It is in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is also the county seat of Monroe County. Stroudsburg is part of the East Stroudsburg, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn is part of the New York combined statistical area.

Currently Stroudsburg has an estimated population of about 6,674 people, an estimate from 2010. In 1900, 3,450 people inhabited Stroudsburg; in 1910, 4,379; in 1940, 6,186; in 2000, 5,756; and in 2008, 6,294 people were living here. The immediate greater Stroudsburg area, including Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, Stroud Township, Hamilton Township, and Arlington Heights, has a population of about 50,000.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2).1.8 square miles (4.6 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2) of it (1.67%) is water.

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Enroll in the Right CNA School near Stroudsburg PA

Deciding on the best certified nursing assistant school is probably the most important first step to starting a new career in the health care industry. There are a number of variables that you must think about when choosing a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, lifestyle, and economic situation. As we have emphasized within this article, it is critical that you select a CNA school and program that are each accredited and have exceptional reputations within the medical community. By using our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a shortlist of schools to pick from so that you can make your final selection. And with the appropriate training, combined with your dedication and ambition to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Stroudsburg PA.