How to Choose a CNA Program near Winfield Tennessee
So you have decided to work as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Winfield TN. As soon as you have obtained your certification, you will be starting a gratifying career in one of the fastest growing occupations in medical care within the USA. Although it may well seem like a difficult task, it’s imperative that you choose the ideal CNA program to receive the proper training and education. A number of prospective students begin with the two most fundamental qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You might additionally be pondering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online program and attend them from home. More about that alternative later. But completing your due diligence before deciding on a CNA program entails far more than comparing the price or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be considered. We will be covering those subjects along with various other questions that you should 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 offered.
The Job of a CNA in Winfield TN
Certified Nursing Assistants carry out many tasks in the Winfield TN hospitals, practices and other health care facilities where they work. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Since they are not licensed, they perform under the guidance and oversight of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their prime job duty is to aid the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital environment may include:
- Furnishing basic services to patients
- Taking patient’s vital signs
- Keeping a record of patient’s health status
- Cleaning and dressing patients
- Serving and helping patients with meals
- Conveying patients to other areas
CNAs may also practice in Winfield TN nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those environments, nursing assistants are more involved in aiding patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are identified as routine activities that the majority of people perform daily without aid, including eating, dressing, or using the restroom. Nursing assistants typically develop more of a bond with these types of patients since they usually stay in the facilities for extended time periods. In many cases, they can end up being the pipeline between the patient and the rest of the medical staff due to their familiarity with their charges. Consequently, the CNA’s expertise can be an useful resource for planning the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Programs
Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Winfield TN do not have to attain a college degree. CNA instruction can be obtained at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training program can take anywhere from one to three 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 have to be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimal amount of instruction directed and each state has its specific requirements. So it’s crucial to make certain that the 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 certain that the training is state approved. As well as the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements as well.
CNA Online Degrees
Attending CNA classes online is emerging as a more popular way to get instruction and attain a nursing credential. Some schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and almost all programs require a certain number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local Winfield TN healthcare center. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more practical answer to finding the time to attend college for many students. Regarding tuition, some online programs are less costly than other on campus alternatives. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be reduced, helping to make education more easily affordable. And a large number of online programs are accredited. So if your work and family responsibilities have left you with very little time to work toward your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your active schedule.
Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Training Programs
Now that you have determined which nursing program to enroll in, along with if to attend your classes on campus or online, you can use the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt are aware, there are a large number of CNA schools and colleges throughout Tennessee and the United States. So it is necessary to decrease the number of schools to choose from so that you will have a workable list. As we earlier discussed, the location of the school relative to Winfield TN as well as the expense of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the initial two things that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your final selection, use the following questions to see how your pick measures up to the field.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Winfield TN 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 Winfield TN, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Tennessee 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 Winfield TN 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. Tennessee 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 Winfield TN 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 Winfield TN 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 Winfield TN 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 Winfield TN 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 Winfield TN, 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 Winfield TN?
Winfield, Tennessee
Winfield is a town in Scott County, Tennessee, United States. Originally named Chitwood in the late 18th century for Revolutionary War hero Captain James Chitwood after his family settled the area extensively, the name was changed following the Civil War due to the family's mixed allegiances. The population was 911 at the 2000 census and 967 at the 2010 census.
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 911 people, 356 households, and 259 families residing in the town. The population density was 143.2 people per square mile (55.3/km²). There were 380 housing units at an average density of 59.7 per square mile (23.1/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.13% White, 0.99% Native American, 0.11% Asian, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.33% of the population.
There were 356 households out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.97.
Choose the Right CNA Training Program near Winfield TN
Selecting the best certified nursing assistant degree program is potentially the most crucial step to launching a new career in the health care field. There are numerous variables that you must take into account when selecting a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career objectives, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have stressed in this content, it is important that you choose a CNA school and program that are each accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a shortlist of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right training, combined with your hard work and desire to succeed, you can become a certified nursing assistant in Winfield TN.
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