How to Choose a CNA Program near Seagraves Texas
So you have decided to practice as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Seagraves TX. Once you have attained your certification, you will begin a rewarding career in one of the most rapidly growing occupations in healthcare within the Country. Though it may seem like a challenging endeavor, it’s important that you pick the right CNA program to obtain the necessary training and education. Many potential students begin 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 program and attend them from home. More on that alternative later. But doing your due diligence prior to deciding on a CNA school requires much more than comparing the cost or location. Such qualifiers as accreditation and the reputation of the school must also 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 instruction and credentials that are offered.
The Job of a CNA in Seagraves TX
Certified Nursing Assistants perform many tasks in the Seagraves TX hospitals, practices and other health care organizations where they are employed. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Because they are not licensed, they function under the guidance and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their main job duty is to help the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital environment may include:
- Furnishing basic care to patients
- Measuring patient’s vital signs
- Keeping a record of patient’s health status
- Bathing and dressing patients
- Serving and helping patients with meals
- Conveying patients to other rooms
CNAs may also practice in Seagraves TX 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 defined as routine activities that most people perform daily without help, for example eating, dressing, or using the restroom. Nursing assistants usually develop more of a bond with these types of patients since they typically remain in the facilities for extensive time frames. In many cases, they can end up being the conduit between the patient and the balance of the medical staff because of their relationships with their charges. Consequently, the CNA’s expertise can be a valued resource for planning the proper care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Courses
In contrast to other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Seagraves TX do not need to earn a college degree. CNA education can be received at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training program can take anywhere from one to 3 months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to obtain 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 minimal period of training mandated and every state has its specific prerequisites. So it’s crucial to make certain that the training program you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but likewise those for the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training is state approved. Along with the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be additional prerequisites as well.
Online CNA Training
Enrolling in CNA schools online is growing into a more preferred way to get instruction and attain a nursing credential. Some schools will require attending on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs require a specific number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local Seagraves TX healthcare center. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more practical solution to finding the free time to attend classes for many students. Concerning tuition, a number of online programs are less costly than other on campus choices. Even supplementary 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 work and family obligations have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA school will make it more convenient to fit an education into your busy schedule.
What to Ask CNA Nursing Programs
Now that you have chosen which nursing program to pursue, and if to attend your classes on campus or on the internet, you can utilize the following checklist to begin narrowing down your options. As you undoubtedly realize, there are a large number of CNA schools and colleges throughout Texas and the United States. So it is essential to lower the number of schools to choose from to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we previously mentioned, the location of the school relative to Seagraves TX and the cost of tuition are most likely going to be the first two things that you will consider. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your ultimate choice, use the following questions to see how your pick measures up to the other schools.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Seagraves TX 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 Seagraves TX, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Texas 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 Seagraves TX 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. Texas 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 Seagraves TX 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 Seagraves TX 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 Seagraves TX 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 Seagraves TX 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 Seagraves TX, 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 Seagraves TX?
Seagraves, Texas
A post office at the home of S.J. Blythe occupied the area known as Blythe, Texas. In 1917 the Santa Fe railroad moved into the vicinity, but the rail company ran into a problem. Santa Fe already had one town by the name located in Blythe, California. The company decided to change the name of this new location after Charles L. Seagraves, an employee who worked as a traveling agent and was favored by local residents. The Spearman Land Company building was the first building to be erected and the Higginbotham Bartlett Lumber Company followed shortly there after. Seagraves grew rapidly as a town and in 1928 suffered a fire that burned a major portion of the business section. The only building left standing was the Seagraves Motor Company, which led to the rebuilding of modern brick buildings, many of which remain today.[3]
As of the census[1] of 2000, 2,334 people, 812 households, and 616 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,609.8 people per square mile (621.5/km²). The 977 housing units had an average density of 673.9/sq mi (260.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 66.80% White, 6.08% African American, 0.73% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 23.31% from other races, and 3.04% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 55.91% of the population.
Of 812 households, 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were not families. About 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.40.
Enroll in the Right CNA School near Seagraves TX
Deciding on the right certified nursing assistant training program is potentially the most important first step to starting a new career in the healthcare field. There are various aspects that you should think about when choosing a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently depending on your existing career objectives, lifestyle, and financial situation. As we have emphasized in this post, it is important that you select a CNA college and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the medical community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to select from so that you can make your final selection. And with the proper training, combined with your hard work and drive to succeed, you can become a CNA in Seagraves TX.
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