How to Pick a CNA Training near Alamo Georgia
So you have decided to become a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Alamo GA. After you have achieved your certification, you will be starting a fulfilling career in one of the fastest expanding occupations in health care within the Country. Although it may seem like a challenging task, it’s important that you choose the ideal CNA course to receive the proper training and education. Many future students begin with the two most fundamental qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You may additionally be contemplating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them at home. More about that alternative later. But completing your due diligence before picking a CNA school involves far more than comparing the price or location. Such qualifiers as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be taken into consideration. We will be addressing those issues along with various other questions that you need to be asking before you register in a CNA school. But to start with, let’s discuss a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the type of training and credentials that are available.
The Job of a Nursing Assistant in Alamo GA
Certified Nursing Assistants complete many tasks in the Alamo GA hospitals, clinics and other medical organizations where they are employed. As indicated by their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but instead are certified. Given that they are not licensed, they perform under the guidance and supervision of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their main job function is to assist the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital setting can include:
- Furnishing basic services to patients
- Reading patient’s vital signs
- Keeping a record of patient’s health status
- Cleaning and dressing patients
- Serving and aiding patients with meals
- Transferring patients to other areas
CNAs can also work in Alamo GA nursing homes or long term care centers. In those environments, nursing assistants are more involved in assisting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined 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 remain in the facilities for prolonged time frames. Frequently, they can end up being the pipeline between the patient and the rest of the medical staff due to their relationships with their charges. Consequently, the CNA’s knowledge can be a valued resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Programs
In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Alamo GA do not need to earn a college degree. CNA training can be obtained at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training can take anywhere from just one to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to obtain at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum period of instruction mandated and every state has its specific prerequisites. So it’s essential to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only meets the federal requirements, but also those for the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training course is state approved. In addition to 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.
CNA Online Degrees
Attending CNA classes online is emerging as a more preferred way to receive instruction and earn a nursing credential. Certain schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs call for a certain amount of clinical rotation hours performed in a local Alamo GA healthcare facility. But since the rest of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more practical answer to finding the time to attend college for some students. Pertaining to tuition, a number of online programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited. And so if your job and family obligations have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA program will make it easier to fit an education into your active schedule.
What to Ask CNA Nursing Training Programs
Now that you have chosen which nursing program to enroll in, as well as if to attend your classes on campus or on the internet, you can use the following pointers to begin narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are numerous CNA schools and colleges throughout Georgia and the United States. So it is essential to decrease the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a manageable list. As we already mentioned, the location of the school relative to Alamo GA as well as the price of tuition are probably going to be the initial two factors that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your final selection, use the following questions to see how your pick compares to the other schools.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Alamo GA 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 Alamo GA, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Georgia 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 Alamo GA 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. Georgia 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 Alamo GA 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 Alamo GA 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 Alamo GA 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 Alamo GA 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 Alamo GA, 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 Alamo GA?
Alamo, Georgia
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 1,943 people, 363 households, and 255 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,014.5 people per square mile (390.7/km²). There were 414 housing units at an average density of 216.2 per square mile (83.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 46.37% White, 52.60% African American, 0.57% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.93% of the population.
There were 363 households out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 21.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.14.
In the city, the population was spread out with 14.3% under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 44.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 7.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 257.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 323.9 males.
Select the Right CNA Course near Alamo GA
Choosing the ideal certified nursing assistant program is perhaps the most critical phase to beginning a new career in the medical care industry. There are numerous factors that you must consider when choosing a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career objectives, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have pointed out within this article, it is important that you choose a CNA college and program that are each accredited and have outstanding reputations within the healthcare community. By utilizing 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 proper training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Alamo GA.
Other Cool Cities in Georgia
Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
2 Reviews 