CNA Classes Near Me in Merion Station PA 19066

How to Enroll In a CNA Program near Merion Station Pennsylvania

Merion Station PA cna holding baby So you have decided to become a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Merion Station PA. Once you have attained your certification, you will begin a gratifying career in one of the most rapidly growing positions in healthcare within the Country. Even though it might seem like a difficult task, it’s essential that you choose the ideal CNA program to obtain the necessary training and education. A number of potential students start with the two most essential qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You may also be debating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them from home. More about that option later. But completing your due diligence prior to deciding on a CNA training course involves much more than comparing the price or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must also be considered. We will be addressing those topics together with several 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 kind of training and credentials that are available.

The Function of a Nursing Assistant in Merion Station PA

cna with patient in Merion Station PA nursing home Certified Nursing Assistants perform many tasks in the Merion Station 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. Because they are not licensed, they perform under the direction and oversight of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their prime job function is to help the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are many and varied, and in a hospital environment might include:

Furnishing basic care to patients
Taking patient’s vital signs
Maintaining a record of patient’s health status
Bathing and dressing patients
Serving and helping patients with meals
Conveying patients to other areas

CNAs may also practice in Merion Station PA nursing homes or long term care centers. In those settings, nursing assistants are more engaged in supporting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that the majority of people carry out daily without assistance, for example eating, dressing, or using the restroom. Nursing assistants commonly build more of a bond with these types of patients since they usually remain in the facilities for extended time periods. Often, they may end up being the conduit between the patient and the balance of the medical staff due to their relationships with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s knowledge can be an useful resource for planning the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Courses

In contrast to some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Merion Station PA do not need to attain a college degree. CNA education can be obtained at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the instruction can take anywhere from just one to three months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum period of training required and that every state has its specific requirements. So it’s crucial to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only satisfies 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 certain that the education is state certified. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional requirements as well.

Online CNA Programs

attending online cna classes in Merion Station PA Attending CNA schools online is becoming a more favored way to get instruction and acquire a nursing credential. Certain schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs require a specified amount of clinical rotation hours completed in a local Merion Station PA healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this alternative may be a more convenient answer to finding the time to attend college for some students. Pertaining to tuition, some online programs are cheaper than other on campus alternatives. Even supplemental expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited. And so if your job and family responsibilities have left you with limited time to work toward your academic goals, it could be that an online CNA school will make it easier to fit an education into your busy schedule.

Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Training Classes

Now that you have selected which nursing program to enroll in, along with whether to attend your classes on campus or online, you can use the following checklist to start narrowing down your options. As you no doubt realize, there are a large number of CNA schools and colleges within Pennsylvania and the United States. So it is necessary to lower the number of schools to select from to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier pointed out, the location of the school relative to Merion Station PA and the expense of tuition are most likely going to be the first two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your ultimate choice, use the following questions to see how your selection compares to the other programs.

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

Merion Station, Pennsylvania

Merion Station (also known as Merion) is west of Philadelphia, which it borders. It is one of the towns that make up the storied Philadelphia Main Line, and is part of the municipality of Lower Merion township. Merion Station is known for its grand mansions and for the wealth of its residents.

One of the towns that make up the storied Philadelphia Main Line, it is contiguous to the Overbrook and Overbrook Park neighborhoods of City of Philadelphia and is also bordered by Lower Merion Township's unincorporated communities of Wynnewood and Bala Cynwyd, and the borough of Narberth.

The community was named after Merionethshire, Wales, the native home of a large share of the first settlers.[2] Merion is often referred to as "Merion Station," as this is the place name that the United States Postal Service recommends using in order to distinguish Merion from other areas in Pennsylvania with similar names.[3] However, the historical name of the town, used by historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, is Merion.[4]

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Pick the Right CNA Training Program near Merion Station PA

Selecting the right certified nursing assistant school is arguably the most critical first step to launching a new career in the health care industry. There are many aspects that you should think about when deciding on a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have emphasized within this post, it is essential 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 short list of schools to pick from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right training, combined with your dedication and ambition to succeed, you can become a CNA in Merion Station PA.