what does the cna course consist of

by Haylie McGlynn 3 min read

The CNA classes are comprised of both practical and theoretical sessions that mostly lasts for 75 hours. It is important to attend both of these sessions to be able to attend the certification exams. These classes are conducted by various colleges and institutions.

Your CNA program will include coursework and hands-on clinical training. Courses generally cover how to work in a variety of settings, including patients' homes, hospitals, and nursing care facilities, and how to care for patients with common conditions, such as diabetes, respiratory issues and cognitive impairment.

Full Answer

What colleges offer CNA classes?

Dec 04, 2018 · The first component of a CNA training program is coursework that will take place in a classroom and/or laboratory. Classroom learning, in addition to home studying of textbooks or other required reading, will provide students with the basic knowledge all CNAs need in order to begin caring for patients. Aspiring CNAs will learn important information about human …

What is the career path for a CNA?

CNA classes are courses designed to prepare people for the responsibilities of being a nursing assistant. CNA class students learn introductory concepts of nursing care, including areas such as anatomy, nutritional care, medication care, and disease management. They are taught through lectures, group discussions, and work-based learning.

How hard is a CNA course?

Oct 20, 2021 · Although certified nursing assistant (CNA) exams differ in each state, they all consist of written and clinical skills sections. Each section verifies a candidate's knowledge of care giving techniques, patient communication skills and safety procedures. Successful examinees are qualified to provide basic patient care in their state of residence.

Should I take a CNA course?

The CNA classes are comprised of both practical and theoretical sessions that mostly lasts for 75 hours. It is important to attend both of these sessions to be able to attend the certification exams. These classes are conducted by various colleges and institutions.

What are the basics of a CNA?

What You'll Learn in a CNA ProgramBathing and dressing procedures.Taking vital signs.Properly transferring and moving patients.Controlling infections.Communicating effectively.Handling emergency situations.Maintaining a clean and safe environment.Understanding the basics of anatomy, physiology, and body mechanics.More items...

What can I expect as a CNA?

As a CNA, you'll be expected to take patients' vital signs. Standard vital signs skills including taking blood pressure, monitoring a pulse, checking temperatures, and counting respirations—the things we've all experienced at a doctor's appointment.

Do CNAs clean poop?

Nursing assistants help patients go poop, they clean up poop and they even help stop poop (as in the case of diarrhea). As a CNA you will assist patients who need to use the bathroom and other times, when patients aren't able to walk, you will help them use bedpans.Sep 2, 2018

What is a CNA salary?

CNA Average Salary in the United States Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that CNAs earned average annual wages of $32,050 in 2020, the equivalent of $15.41 per hour.

What do CNAs learn?

During CNA classes and training, nursing assistants learn the hard skills necessary to be successful at the job, including the fundamentals of patient care, communication, and how to supply the basic needs of patients in various types of health care facilities.

What do CNAs study?

In classes that teach patient safety and cleanliness, prospective CNAs study a wide variety of topics, including infection control, hand-washing, transfer belt placement, how to clear an obstructed airway, infectious disease control, what to do in an emergency situation, and how to handle at-risk patients.

How does a CNA work?

CNAs work in environments that often change rapidly and radically throughout the day. While the everyday activities in a nursing care facility may be routine-based, with many tasks performed on a regular basis, patient needs can change dramatically and without warning. A good CNA must be capable of recognizing developments in their patient needs and have the ability to adapt and react quickly to new and unusual situations. While the appropriate training helps a CNA develop confidence in altering situations, no amount of education can prepare a CNA for every scenario that he or she will encounter on the job. CNAs must have common sense, flexibility, and the ability to stay alert while on the job to adapt to new situations as they arise.

How does a CNA communicate effectively?

Communicating effectively in a hospital setting or nursing home setting differs from everyday conversation. CNAs must learn to speak slowly and clearly so residents can understand. Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication, so CNAs also must learn how their actions can be interpreted by patients.

Why is it important for a CNA to be flexible?

CNAs also need to be flexible to handle a variety of different requests from supervisors and other staff members in the medical facility. Healthcare is a rapidly evolving industry.

Why is elimination important for CNAs?

Elimination is an especially important topic for CNAs who work with the elderly and in nursing homes because elderly patients who struggle with incontinence often become socially isolated, which can negatively impact their quality of life.

How does a CNA assist patients?

During training, the CNA also learns how to use a mechanical lift, move a patient safely into bed, and prevent accidents during patient exercise and treatment.

CNA Certification Exam Information

Although certified nursing assistant (CNA) exams differ in each state, they all consist of written and clinical skills sections. Each section verifies a candidate's knowledge of care giving techniques, patient communication skills and safety procedures. Successful examinees are qualified to provide basic patient care in their state of residence.

Written Test

The written portion of a CNA exam generally consists of multiple-choice questions, although some states also include reading comprehension questions. These questions cover topics including:

Clinical Skills Test

The clinical skills section of a CNA exam is hands-on and requires candidates to demonstrate common CNA tasks. Some of the skills tested may include:

Theory Classes

The topics you will be covering in the theoretical classes are listed below-

Practical Classes

In the practical classes, you will be able to work in real hospital setups and learn everything about being a certified nursing assistant. You will get the opportunity to work beside doctors and registered nurses. In these classes, you will learn the following-

What do CNA classes consist of?

You can complete CNA certification classes in 2 ways: In-person Classes or Online Classes.

Where will you attend the course?

It is important to consider the location of the course. The length of time it takes to complete different courses offered in different places may vary. Some fast-track courses can be completed in as little as a few weeks, while others can take up to a month and a half to finish.

Who is in charge of the course?

The course’s provider is also a consideration. There are some universities that cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Then there are community colleges (not all of them) that offer longer, more time-consuming courses. This does not, however, imply that the course is any less comprehensive.

How much are CNA classes?

The cost of CNA classes differs for each state and institution. There are many factors that will influence the fees, so it is better to research the requirements of your state and the place where you will enroll. CNA classes cost typically between $700 and 1500 dollars.

How long is a CNA class?

This can be offered at a high school, community college, vocational school, or even at a hospital. These CNA classes are typically 4-8 weeks long and detail how to care for patients, basic medical skills, and important ethical and moral understanding.

What is the role of a CNA?

CNAs have many responsibilities that make them an integral part of the patient process in healthcare. While being a CNA is often considered an entry-level position, it is a great stepping stone to other healthcare professions. Being a CNA can help prepare you for nursing or healthcare management work in many ways, ...

Why are CNAs limited in their duties?

CNAs have fairly limited healthcare duties partly because the educational requirements to become a certified nursing assistant are not as rigorous as other medical professions.

What is the NNAAP exam?

The NNAAP or National Nurse Aide Assessment Program examination is required in many states for licensure as a CNA. This exam contains two parts, a written and oral exam, and must be passed to become licensed in many states. Your CNA program will help you find the NNAAP examination center in your area, help you find study resources, and more.

What is a certified nursing assistant?

A certified nursing assistant helps patients with direct health care needs, often under the supervision of a nurse. Certified nursing assistants may also be called a nursing assistant, a nurse’s aid, or a patient care assistant.

How much does a CNA make?

CNA salary. On average CNAs earn an hourly salary of around $13.50. This translates to an average annual salary of around $28,000 per year . This is an entry-level position and is often ideal for those just starting out working or those considering a future in nursing.

What are the duties of a nurse practitioner?

Some of their responsibilities include: 1 Turning or moving patients 2 Gathering medical supplies 3 Bathing patients 4 Grooming patients by brushing their hair, teeth, shaving them, etc. 5 Feeding patients and documenting their food and liquid intake 6 Checking vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate 7 Answering patient calls 8 Documenting information 9 Cleaning rooms and bed linens 10 Stocking supplies 11 Assisting with some medical procedures 12 Safety procedures 13 Transporting patients 14 Taking care of wounds

What does the CNA test consist of?

The CNA exam has two components: a written exam and a clinical skills exam. The written exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given 90 minutes to take the exam. During the clinical skills exam candidates are expected to perform five clinical skills from a list of twenty skills.

Is CNA exam hard?

Is the CNA skills test hard? Yes, and no. If you diligently study all of the 30 possible skills that could be on the CNA skills test and practice performing each, you should pass easily. The hard part is actually putting in the time to memorize the multiple steps required and practice physically doing each of them.

How is the CNA skills test graded?

Your evaluator will provide you a grade based on your performance during the selected list of skills. As you demonstrate each skill, the nurse aide evaluator will review the checklist for each skill and record any deficiencies you may have.

How much does CNA pay?

Certified nursing assistants in the United States make an average base salary of $15.35 per hour or $34,670 on an annual basis, although updated salary information for CNAs is frequently adjusted. CNAs also make an average of $4,500 in additional overtime compensation each year.

How can I pass CNA exam?

How to Pass Your Multiple-Choice CNA Test: 6 Important Tips to Get You Through the Exam

How much do cna make an hour?

How much does a CNA get paid hourly? The average pay for a CNA in 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics was $14.25 per hour.

Can I take my CNA test online?

You can apply to take your exam online or via US mail. The online applications allow for immediate credit card payment processing. Paper applications should be used when paying with certified check or money order.

How do I become a CNA?

To become a CNA, you have to first finish high school or get your GED. From here, you will enroll in a CNA program that your state nursing board approves of. Once you are in school, there will be a course curriculum that you will work through to learn all of the coursework and how to perform the nursing tasks that CNAs are responsible for in a healthcare setting.

Where can I get a CNA?

You can find CNA classes at trade schools, community colleges, the red cross, and at different hospitals and other medical facilities. Due to the demand for qualified CNAs, there are often dozens of options in major metropolitan areas. In small cities or rural areas, the local hospital may host this type of program or they can point you in the right direction.

How do I get a nursing assistant certification?

To apply for your nursing assistant certification, you will submit your application and your fingerprints so that a background check can be conducted . Pay the processing fees associated with the exam and get your testing date and location.

image