Category Archives: Massachusetts

CNA Classes Near Me in West Bridgewater MA 02379

How to Choose a CNA School near West Bridgewater Massachusetts

West Bridgewater MA cna holding babySo you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant classes near West Bridgewater MA. As soon as you have attained your certification, you will be starting a fulfilling career in one of the most rapidly increasing positions in healthcare within the United States. Even though it may seem like a difficult task, it’s important that you choose the ideal CNA course to receive the appropriate training and education. Many future students start with the two most essential qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You may additionally be considering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them at home. More concerning that alternative later. But performing your due diligence before deciding on a CNA program requires much more than comparing the price or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must additionally be taken into consideration. We will be addressing those topics as well as several other questions that you need to be asking before you enroll in a CNA school. But first, let’s discuss a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the kind of instruction and credentials that are available.

The Duties of a Nursing Assistant in West Bridgewater MA

cna with patient in West Bridgewater MA nursing homeCertified Nursing Assistants complete many duties in the West Bridgewater MA hospitals, clinics and other health care organizations where they are employed. As indicated by their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but instead are certified. Since they are not licensed, they work under the direction and oversight of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their primary job function is to aid the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are numerous and varied, and in a hospital environment may include:

  • Providing basic care to patients
  • Reading patient’s vital signs
  • Maintaining a record of patient’s health status
  • Cleaning and dressing patients
  • Serving and assisting patients with meals
  • Moving patients to other areas

CNAs may also work in West Bridgewater MA nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those environments, nursing assistants are more engaged in supporting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are characterized as routine activities that most people perform daily without assistance, for example eating, dressing, or using the washroom. Nursing assistants commonly develop more of a bond with these types of patients since they commonly remain in the facilities for extensive periods of time. Frequently, they may become the conduit between the patient and the rest of the medical staff due to their familiarity with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s knowledge can be an useful resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.

CNA Training

Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in West Bridgewater MA do not have to attain a college degree. CNA education can be acquired at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The length of the training can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of training directed and every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s essential to make sure that the course you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but additionally 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 training course is state approved. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be other requirements as well.

Online CNA Classes

attending online cna classes in West Bridgewater MAEnrolling in CNA classes online is becoming a more in demand way to receive training and earn a nursing credential. Some schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs call for a specified number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local West Bridgewater MA healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more accommodating answer to finding the free time to attend school for some students. Concerning tuition, some online programs are less costly than other on campus options. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be reduced, helping to make education more economical. 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 training program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your busy schedule.

Things to Ask CNA Nursing Schools

Now that you have determined which nursing program to enroll in, along with whether to attend your classes on campus or online, you can use the following checklist to begin narrowing down your options. As you probably are aware, there are many CNA schools and colleges within Massachusetts 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 previously pointed out, the site of the school relative to West Bridgewater MA along with the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the initial two factors that you will look at. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your ultimate choice, use the following questions to see how your selection compares to the other schools.

Is the CNA program accredited?  It’s important that the West Bridgewater MA 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 West Bridgewater MA, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Massachusetts 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 West Bridgewater MA 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.  Massachusetts 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 West Bridgewater MA 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 West Bridgewater MA 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 West Bridgewater MA 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 West Bridgewater MA 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 West Bridgewater MA, 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 West Bridgewater MA?

West Bridgewater, Massachusetts

West Bridgewater was first settled in 1651 as a part of Olde Bridgewater. The town separated from Bridgewater, Massachusetts and was officially incorporated in 1822, the second of the three communities to separate from Bridgewater (after North Bridgewater, now Brockton, and before East Bridgewater) over the span of three years. The town, like many in the area, had both agrarian and industrial roots; the Town River provided water power for milling and irrigation for farming. The town is home to the Keith House (1662), the oldest standing parsonage in the U.S. The town is also believed to be the site of the first industrial park in the U.S., now the site of the Town Park. The original Ames Shovel Works was located in the Town Park. Today, the town is mostly residential.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.7 square miles (40.6 km2), of which 15.3 square miles (39.7 km2) is land and 0.35 square miles (0.9 km2), or 2.25%, is water.[2] The town ranks 238th of 351 communities in the Commonwealth in terms of land area, and ranks nineteenth out of the twenty-seven towns in Plymouth County. West Bridgewater is bordered by Brockton to the north, East Bridgewater to the east, Bridgewater to the south, and Easton to the west, as well as a small section (less than a quarter of a mile long) of the southwestern corner that borders the town of Raynham. West Bridgewater's town center is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the center of Brockton, and is 25 miles (40 km) south of Boston.

West Bridgewater lies along the northeast edge of the Hockomock Swamp, with a large section of the southwestern corner of town being covered by the swamp and its wildlife management area. There are also several other protected areas throughout the town, as well as several parks and a large pond surrounded by a state forest. The Town River also passes through the southern portion of town, branching off into several brooks throughout the town, as does the Salisbury River in the northeast corner of town.

The location could not be found.

Enroll in the Right CNA Course near West Bridgewater MA

Picking the right certified nursing assistant program is probably the most critical phase to launching a new career in the healthcare field. There are a number of aspects that you need to take into account when deciding on a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently depending on your current career goals, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have emphasized within this post, it is critical that you choose a CNA school 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 produce a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the proper training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a CNA in West Bridgewater MA.

Other Cool Cities in Massachusetts

  • CNA Classes Near Me in Lexington MA 02173
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Monterey MA 01245
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Shirley MA 01464
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Seekonk MA 02771
  • CNA Classes Near Me in East Orleans MA 02643
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Bellingham MA 02019
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Groton MA 01450
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Wayland MA 01778
  • CNA Classes Near Me in Lunenburg MA 01462
  • CNA Classes Near Me in East Templeton MA 01438
  •  

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 665

    Emerald Isle Nursing Agency
    2 Reviews
    Home Health Care
    Phone:
    552 E Eighth St, Boston, MA 02127

    Life Care Center of West Bridgewater
    1 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    765 W Center St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379

    Colony House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
    1 Reviews
    Medical Centers
    Phone:
    277 Washington St, Abington, MA 02351

    Ideal Healthcare Solutions
    2 Reviews
    Diagnostic Services, Home Health Care, Naturopathic/Holistic
    Phone:
    50 Oliver St, Ste 211, North Easton, MA 02356

    National Physical Therapy
    3 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractors
    Phone:
    169 N Franklin St, Holbrook, MA 02343

    Norwell Visiting Nurse Assoc and Hospice
    2 Reviews
    Home Health Care, Hospice
    Phone:
    120 Longwater Dr, Norwell, MA 02061

    Brockton Pediatrics
    3 Reviews
    Pediatricians
    Phone:
    36 N Bedford St, East Bridgewater, MA 02333

    South Shore Women's Health
    5 Reviews
    Obstetricians & Gynecologists
    Phone:
    689 Bedford St, Whitman, MA 02382

    Signature Healthcare
    2 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    545 Bedford St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

    Good Samaritan Medical Center
    25 Reviews
    Urgent Care, Medical Centers
    Phone:
    235 N Pearl St, Brockton, MA 02301