HOME >> ALABAMA >> BIRMINGHAM >> CNA PROGRAMS NEAR ME
 

Request Free Information on CNA Classes In Your Area Birmingham AL 35005

How to Choose the Best Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program Near Birmingham Alabama

Birmingham Alabama Nursing Assistant going over patient chart with RNOnce you have made a decision to practice in the medical field as a certified nursing assistant, it's time to start the process of finding CNA training programs near Birmingham AL. As soon as you have obtained your certification, you will begin a fulfilling career in one of the most rapidly increasing positions in medical care within the Country. Even though it might seem like an overwhelming task, it's imperative that you choose the right course to acquire the appropriate training and education. Many prospective students begin with the two most fundamental qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You may additionally be pondering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online CNA program and attend them from home. More regarding that option later. But performing your due diligence before deciding on a school requires much more than comparing the cost or location. Such factors as accreditation and the reputation of the school must also be taken into consideration. We will be covering those subjects together with a few 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 type of training and credentials that are offered.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your CNA Career

The Duties of a Nursing Assistant

Birmingham Alabama CNA with senior female patient in assisted living facility

CNAs (certified nursing assistants) work alongside LPNs (licensed practical nurses) and registered nurses (RNS) to provide care for patients in a wide range of healthcare environments, such as hospitals, medical clinics or nursing homes. CNAs work closely with patients, but they perform different tasks than LPNs or RNs, routinely helping with things such as dressing and bathing patients. RNs and LPNs require higher levels of education, while CNAs can become certified by enrolling in relatively short training programs at Birmingham AL area nursing or vocational schools, including online programs, or at local junior colleges.

CNA Programs

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to obtain a college degree. CNA education can be acquired at community colleges or at Birmingham AL vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to have 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 required and that each state has its own requirements. So it's crucial to make certain that the training program you enroll in not only fulfills the federal requirements, but additionally those for the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to get in touch with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the education is state approved. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be other prerequisites as well.

Online CNA Programs

Birmingham Alabama young female student enrolled in CNA training onlineAttending CNA schools online is growing into a more in demand way to get training and earn a certificate or diploma in Birmingham AL. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and virtually all programs call for a certain amount of clinical rotation hours completed in a local healthcare facility. But since the balance of the training can be accessed online, this method may be a more convenient approach to finding the free time to attend school for many students. Concerning tuition, a number of online CNA programs are less costly than other on campus choices. Even supplementary expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be reduced, helping to make education more easily affordable. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). So if your work and household responsibilities have left you with little time to work toward your academic goals, it could be that an online CNA school will make it easier to fit earning a certificate into your active schedule.

Questions to Ask CNA Programs

There are numerous CNA training schools within the greater Birmingham Alabama area, but choosing one that offers an effective, quality program can be quite challenging. As you are going to invest your valuable time, money and energy into this training, it’s important that you choose the right school to help ensure that you will become a qualified Certified Nursing Assistant. So always investigate properly before enrolling in any institution. One way to get a better idea about a prospective school and its quality is to interact with recent graduates or current students. You may be able do it online if the school has any discussion forums. And before making your final selection, you should also take some of the following additional factors into consideration. 

  • Location of CNA School Campus. First thing to note while selecting any CNA training school is its location and the distance you need to travel to reach the school.  If you prefer not to travel long distance, then you should select a school near your Birmingham AL residence. 
  • Accreditation. Select a CNA program which is accredited by one or more highly regarded organizations, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and Education (CCNE).  Accreditation ensures that the school adheres to all of the essential standards of education as set down by these specialized nursing institutions, thus guaranteeing you will be provided a quality education.
  • Class Sizes. You also need to examine the class and school size as some students opt for smaller schools and classes to get individual attention, while others may opt for bigger schools with more students.
  • Affiliations. The most important part of training as a Certified Nursing Assistant is the practical experience.  So when selecting a CNA training school always make sure that it is affiliated with Birmingham Alabama area nursing homes, hospitals or other health care facilities where you can intern and gain practical knowledge.
  • Facility. One of the key factors to consider when evaluating any CNA training school is the quality of the facilities available for practical training.  Before enrolling, visit the school and training facilities on campus. If possible, sit in on some classes. 
  • Tuition Fees and Scholarships. Tuition fees for CNA programs differ from school to school and are based on many factors, such as your status as a resident in Alabama or if you are an out-of-state student, and whether the school is public or private.  Many schools offer scholarships and financial aid, which can make education affordable or at least manageable for those with more limited finances.  Scholarship policies differ from school to school, so it’s important to inquire about available CNA scholarships before enrollment.

Learn How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Birmingham

Pick the Best Birmingham Nurse Assistant Training

Picking the right certified nursing assistant school is perhaps the most important first step to starting a new career in the health care field. There are various factors that you need to think about when picking a nursing school. These factors will be prioritized differently depending on your current career objectives, lifestyle, and economic situation. As we have highlighted in this content, it is critical that you select a CNA college and a certificate program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the health care community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a shortlist of schools to choose from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right degree and training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a CNA in Birmingham Alabama.


 

BIRMINGHAM CNA PROGRAMS | BIRMINGHAM CNA PROGRAMS ONLINE