How to Select a CNA School near Enola Pennsylvania

So you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Enola PA. As soon as you have earned your certification, you will launch a rewarding 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 essential that you pick the ideal CNA school to receive the proper training and education. A number of prospective students start with the two most fundamental qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You may additionally be considering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online program and attend them at home. More regarding that option later. But performing your due diligence before selecting a CNA school requires much more than comparing the price or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be taken into account. We will be covering those subjects along with a few other questions that you should be asking before you register in a CNA school. But to start with, let’s talk a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the type of training and credentials that are offered.

The Function of a Certified Nursing Assistant in Enola PA

Certified Nursing Assistants complete many tasks in the Enola PA hospitals, practices and other healthcare facilities where they work. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Given that they are not licensed, they function under the guidance and oversight of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their main job role is to help the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are many and varied, and in a hospital setting might include:

• Administering basic care to patients
• Measuring patient’s vital signs
• Maintaining a record of patient’s health status
• Cleaning and dressing patients
• Serving and helping patients with meals
• Transporting patients to other areas

CNAs might also work in Enola PA nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those settings, nursing assistants are more engaged in aiding patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that most individuals carry out daily without assistance, including eating, dressing, or using the washroom. Nursing assistants typically build more of a bond with these patients since they typically remain in the facilities for extensive time frames. Frequently, they can end up being the conduit between the patient and the rest of the medical staff because of their relationships with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s knowledge can be a significant resource for planning the proper care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Certificates

Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Enola PA do not have to attain a college degree. CNA training can be obtained at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the instruction can take anywhere from 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 amount of training required and that every state has its own requirements. So it’s crucial to make sure that the course you enroll in not only fulfills 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. Along with the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be other requirements as well.

CNA Online Classes

Enrolling in CNA schools online is becoming a more preferred way to receive training and attain a nursing credential. Many schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs call for a specific amount of clinical rotation hours performed in a local Enola PA healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more accommodating approach to finding the time to attend school for many students. Regarding tuition, some online programs are less costly than other on campus options. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And many online programs are accredited. So if your job and household responsibilities have left you with very little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA training program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your hectic schedule.

Things to Ask CNA Nursing Schools

Once you have determined which nursing program to pursue, along with whether to attend your classes on campus or online, you can utilize the following guidelines to start narrowing down your options. As you probably are aware, there are many CNA schools and colleges within Pennsylvania and the United States. So it is necessary to lower the number of schools to choose from so that you will have a manageable list. As we already mentioned, the location of the school relative to Enola PA and the cost of tuition are probably going to be the first two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your final choice, use the following questions to see how your pick compares to the other schools.

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

Enroll in the Right CNA School near Enola PA

Enrolling in the right certified nursing assistant college is potentially the most crucial phase to launching a new career in the healthcare field. There are a number of factors that you should think about when selecting a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, obligations, and financial status. As we have emphasized in this content, it is important that you select a CNA college and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By using our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to choose from so that you can make your final selection. And with the proper training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Enola PA.

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