Education Certified Nursing Assistant Training - CNA Classes and Requirements

CNA Duties

A certified nursing assistant, commonly referred to as a CNA, always engages directly with patients. CNAs are also called called nurse aides, patient care technicians or home health aides, but they all do similar work. A CNA's duties usually involve basic tasks that patients may not be able to perform alone, including eating, mobility tasks, dressing and personal hygiene. The CNA is also responsible for finding out about patient concerns and monitoring vital signs and other health indicators. Once a CNA has collected this information, he or she gives it to a nurse in charge. Becoming a CNA requires specific training, as well as an active registration with the state in which the CNA intends to work. Specifics of CNA Registration Special CNA classes are required for anyone who wants to register as a nursing aide. But, basic academic coursework is just part of CNA training. Potential nursing assistants also need to receive hands-on CNA training in a medical setting. This experiential component of CNA training usually occurs in a nursing home or hospital, though individual state regulations vary. Finding CNA Programs Even though most states have many different training programs available, it can be hard for some people to attend CNA classes. Fortunately, direct training and partnerships with local schools allow people who already work for healthcare facilities to receive training. People not eligible for these CNA programs may choose to take online classes or classes in the evening after their regular job. If you don't have a local school available, you'll have to spend more time researching your online or long-distance CNA classes. This is due to the degree to which state accreditation and certification requirements vary. Make sure that the program you pick is compatible with your state requirements. All CNA programs offered in the United States must provide a minimum of 75 hours of academic and practical training. Job Options It's true that nursing assistants can't advance far in a CNA job. CNA salaries average between $21,000 and $29,000 per year, with some rare positions providing up to $40,000. Many CNAs advance their career by getting more education and becoming nurses or physician's assistants. The CNA field is growing rapidly as medical costs increase and hospitals use their RNs to perform more specialized tasks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CNA job market is predicted to expand by up to 20 percent before 2020, since home nursing care is in demand. This increase in demand means that CNA training is an important choice for anyone who is interested in a caregiving career. Reed is a multi-professionist who has enjoyed successful careers as a television writer, story editor, composer, new media designer, and now blogger. For more information on CNA training visit CNAClassesNews.com..