How to Choose a CNA School near Hortonville Wisconsin
So you have decided to practice as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Hortonville WI. After you have achieved your certification, you will begin a rewarding career in one of the fastest expanding positions in health care within the United States. Even though it might seem like an overwhelming endeavor, it’s important that you pick the best CNA school to obtain the appropriate training and education. Many future students begin with the two most basic 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 from home. More on that option later. But performing your due diligence prior to picking a CNA training course 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 addressing those subjects together with a few other questions that you need to 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 kind of training and credentials that are offered.
The Duties of a CNA in Hortonville WI
Certified Nursing Assistants complete many functions in the Hortonville WI hospitals, practices and other medical facilities where they work. As indicated by their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Since they are not licensed, they function under the direction and supervision of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their prime job function is to assist the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital environment may include:
- Providing basic services to patients
- Measuring patient’s vital signs
- Keeping a record of patient’s health status
- Cleaning and dressing patients
- Serving and helping patients with meals
- Transporting patients to other rooms
CNAs might also work in Hortonville WI nursing homes or long term care centers. In those environments, nursing assistants are more engaged in supporting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are identified as routine activities that most individuals carry out daily without aid, for example eating, dressing, or using the bathroom. Nursing assistants typically build more of a bond with these types of patients since they often reside in the facilities for extended time frames. Often, they can end up being the pipeline between the patient and the balance of the medical staff due to their relationships with their charges. As a result, the CNA’s knowledge can be an useful resource for planning the proper care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Courses
In contrast to many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Hortonville WI do not need to attain a college degree. CNA instruction can be acquired at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training 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 required to have 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 minimum period of training mandated and each state has its own requirements. So it’s necessary to make sure that the course you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but likewise those for the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training course is state approved. Along with the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there might be additional prerequisites as well.
CNA Online Classes
Attending CNA training online is becoming a more preferred way to obtain instruction and acquire a nursing credential. Some schools will require attending on campus for part of the training, and almost all programs require a specified number of clinical rotation hours conducted in a local Hortonville WI healthcare facility. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this option may be a more practical answer to finding the time to attend school for some students. Concerning tuition, a number of online programs are less costly than other on campus options. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be lessened, helping to make education more easily affordable. And many online programs are accredited. And so if your job and household commitments have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online CNA training program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your active schedule.
Things to Ask CNA Nursing Schools
Now that you have determined which nursing program to pursue, along with if to attend your classes on campus or on the internet, you can use the following guidelines to start narrowing down your choices. As you probably realize, there are many CNA schools and colleges within Wisconsin and the United States. So it is important to decrease the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a workable list. As we earlier discussed, the location of the school relative to Hortonville WI and the expense of tuition are probably going to be the first two things that you will look at. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection measures up to the other programs.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Hortonville WI 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 Hortonville WI, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Wisconsin 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 Hortonville WI 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. Wisconsin 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 Hortonville WI 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 Hortonville WI 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 Hortonville WI 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 Hortonville WI 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 Hortonville WI, 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 Hortonville WI?
Hortonville, Wisconsin
The village was founded in 1848 by landowner Alonzo Horton. One of Horton's first priorities was to dam Black Otter Creek, creating the 75-acre (300,000 m2) Black Otter Lake. After laying out a plat for the community and encouraging development by giving much of the land away, Horton was swayed westward by the California Gold Rush. He later developed the city of San Diego, California.[6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.55 square miles (9.19 km2), of which, 3.47 square miles (8.99 km2) of it is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km2) is water.[10]
The community is located on the shores of the 75-acre (300,000 m2) Black Otter Lake. It is drained by Black Otter Creek, which flows into the Wolf River just north of the village. The total watershed for the lake is estimated to be 16 square miles (41 km2).[11]
Choose the Right CNA School near Hortonville WI
Choosing the right certified nursing assistant training program is arguably the most important phase to starting a new career in the healthcare field. There are various variables that you must take into account when deciding on a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently contingent on your current career goals, lifestyle, and economic status. As we have pointed out in this content, it is critical that you select a CNA college and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to produce a shortlist of schools to select from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the right training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a CNA in Hortonville WI.
Other Cool Cities in Wisconsin
Business Results 1 - 10 of 21