HOME >> ALABAMA >> TROY >> CNA PROGRAMS NEAR ME
 

Get Free Information on CNA Classes In Your Area Troy AL 36079

How to Choose the Best Accredited Certified Nursing Assistant College Near Troy Alabama

Troy Alabama Nursing Assistant reviewing patient file with NurseNow that you have decided to enter the medical field as a certified nursing assistant, it's time to begin the process of finding CNA classes near Troy AL. As soon as you have attained your certification, you will be starting a rewarding career in one of the fastest expanding positions in healthcare within the USA. Although it may seem like a difficult undertaking, it's essential that you pick the best program to receive the appropriate training and education. Many future students begin with the two most essential qualifications, which are the location of the school and the price of tuition. You might also be considering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online CNA program and attend them from home. More regarding that alternative later. But doing your due diligence prior to selecting a training course entails much more than comparing the price or location. Such factors as accreditation and the reputation of the school must similarly be taken into consideration. We will be covering those subjects as well as a few other questions that you need to be asking before you enroll in a CNA school. But to begin with, let's talk a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the kind of training and credentials that are available.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your CNA Career

The Job of a Certified Nursing Assistant

Troy Alabama Nursing Assistant with senior woman in assisted living facility

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) work alongside licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and RNs (registered nurses) to provide care for patients in a wide range of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, medical clinics or nursing homes. CNAs work closely with patients, but they perform different functions than RNs or LPNs, typically helping with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing patients. LPNs and RNs require higher levels of education, while CNAs can can earn certification through comparatively short training courses at Troy AL area nursing or vocational schools, including online programs, or at regional junior colleges.

CNA Training

Unlike some other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to attain a college degree. CNA instruction can be received at community colleges or at Troy AL vocational or trade schools. The length of the training can take anywhere from 1 to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to obtain at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which need to be clinical or "hands-on" training hours. Bear in mind that this is the minimum amount of training directed and that every state has its own prerequisites. So it's important to make sure that the program you enroll in not only complies with the federal requirements, but additionally those for the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the training course is state certified. Along with the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be other requirements as well.

CNA Online Classes

Troy Alabama young female student enrolled in CNA courses onlineEnrolling in CNA schools online is growing into a more popular way to receive training and attain a certificate or diploma in Troy AL. Many schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs require a certain number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local healthcare facility. But since the remainder of the training can be accessed online, this method may be a more practical answer to finding the time to attend college for some students. Pertaining to tuition, a number of online CNA programs are less expensive than other on campus options. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more affordable. And many online programs are accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). So if your work and family responsibilities have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, perhaps an online CNA school will make it easier to fit earning a certificate into your hectic schedule.

Things to Ask CNA Programs

There are numerous CNA training schools within the greater Troy 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 Troy 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 Troy 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 Troy

Choose the Right Troy Nurse Assistant School

Choosing the right certified nursing assistant degree program is probably the most crucial phase to beginning a new career in the medical care field. There are many aspects that you should consider when picking a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career objectives, obligations, and financial situation. As we have stressed in this article, it is important that you pick a CNA college and a certificate program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By utilizing our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a short list of schools to choose from so that you can make your final selection. And with the appropriate degree and training, combined with your dedication and drive to succeed, you can become a CNA in Troy Alabama.


 

TROY CNA PROGRAMS | TROY CNA PROGRAMS ONLINE