How to Choose a CNA School near Prentice Wisconsin
So you have decided to become a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant classes near Prentice WI. After you have obtained your certification, you will begin a gratifying career in one of the fastest growing occupations in healthcare within the Country. Though it might seem like an overwhelming undertaking, it’s imperative that you pick the best CNA course to obtain the appropriate training and education. A number of prospective students start with the two most basic qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You may additionally be contemplating whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them from home. More regarding that option later. But doing your due diligence before choosing a CNA training course entails far more than comparing the cost or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be taken into account. We will be covering those topics as well as various other questions that you should 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 type of instruction and credentials that are available.
The Job of a Nursing Assistant in Prentice WI
Certified Nursing Assistants carry out many duties in the Prentice WI hospitals, clinics and other medical organizations where they are employed. As indicated by their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but instead are certified. Given that they are not licensed, they work under the guidance and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. Plus as nursing assistants, their main job function is to aid the licensed nurses that they work under. Their duties are many and varied, and in a hospital environment can include:
- Administering 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
- Moving patients to other rooms
CNAs might also work in Prentice WI nursing homes or long term care centers. In those settings, nursing assistants are more involved in assisting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that the majority of people perform daily without aid, such as eating, dressing, or using the washroom. Nursing assistants usually build more of a bond with these patients since they typically remain in the facilities for extensive 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 relationships with their charges. As a result, the CNA’s expertise can be a significant resource for planning the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Certificates
Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Prentice WI do not need to obtain 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 just one to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to receive 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 instruction directed and every state has its own prerequisites. So it’s crucial to make certain that the program you enroll in not only satisfies 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 certified. As well as 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 Schools
Attending CNA schools online is becoming a more favored way to get instruction and attain a nursing credential. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs require a specified number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local Prentice WI healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training may be accessed online, this method may be a more practical approach to finding the free time to attend classes for many students. Concerning tuition, some online programs are less expensive than other on campus choices. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials can be minimized, helping to make education more easily affordable. And numerous online programs are accredited. So if your job and family responsibilities have left you with little time to pursue your academic goals, maybe an online CNA training program will make it more convenient to fit an education into your busy schedule.
Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Training Programs
Now that you have decided on which nursing program to enroll in, and whether to attend your classes on campus or online, you can utilize the following guidelines to begin narrowing down your options. As you undoubtedly 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 to ensure that you will have a manageable list. As we already pointed out, the location of the school relative to Prentice WI and the price of tuition are probably going to be the first two factors that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your ultimate decision, use the following questions to see how your pick measures up to the field.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice WI?
Prentice, Wisconsin
Prentice began as a lumber town, when Alexander Prentice of Portage formed the Jump River Lumber Company in 1882. The mill there sawed as much as 100,000 board feet of lumber a day until timber in the surrounding country dwindled in the 1890s.[6]
After the sawmill closed, the U.S. Leather Company's tannery ran until 1915, using local hemlock bark for its tanning process. And more and more farmers settled on the surrounding cut-over lands left by logging. Around 1903 a creamery in town began buying milk from them and selling butter.[6]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.02 square miles (5.23 km2), of which, 1.99 square miles (5.15 km2) of it is land and 0.03 square miles (0.08 km2) is water.[1]
Choose the Right CNA Course near Prentice WI
Choosing the right certified nursing assistant training program is perhaps the most critical first step to launching a new career in the healthcare industry. There are many aspects that you should take into account when choosing a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career objectives, obligations, and financial status. As we have stressed in this post, it is essential that you pick a CNA school and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a shortlist 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 Prentice WI.
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