Becoming a certified nurse’s aide (CNA) is a good career choice for several reasons. Healthcare is a field that is likely never going to go away and CNA’s are needed to help care for our aging population. It’s also an entry-level career, meaning becoming a CNA is somewhat like a gateway into the medical field for those who may wish to explore other careers in the field down the road.
However, even becoming a CNA requires some research and training. In many states, including Connecticut, a CNA must be certified (after all, that’s the “C” in CNA). This means you must successfully challenge a certification exam before you can work as a CNA.
Because of the certification requirement, finding a training program that properly prepares you to challenge your certification exam is a must. Here are 3 factors to consider when choosing your CNA training classes:
1. Length and flexibility
Not all CNA training programs are the same.
For example, CNA training programs are typically designed to be completed in a matter of weeks, but the actual length of the program may vary from one school to the next. Also, different schools may offer different class schedules.
Making sure you pick a program that will work with your schedule and lifestyle is important. If classes don’t line up with your schedule, they may add stress to your life and in a worst case scenario, may lead to not being successful the program.
2. Clinical Training as well as Classroom Education
CNA training programs you look at should be designed to expose you to the knowledge and skills you’ll need in order to be successful as a nurse aide.
Look for CNA training programs and schools with a trusted reputation. You should also look for CNA programs that combine clinical training along with classroom education.
In the classroom, you should learn the foundational knowledge needed to become a CNA, such as human anatomy.
Clinical training should focus on how to deliver effective patient care. It should provide you with a clear insight into the daily practices of being a CNA. You will be working with real people in real situations, which can provide you with rich experience BEFORE you complete the program.
Clinical training may take place at the school, in a nursing home, a skilled nursing facility, or another environment. Regardless of the location, be sure you select CNA training classes that have a solid clinical training component.
3. Certification Exam – Does the program help you prepare?
As mentioned above, certification is mandatory to be a CNA. Only after you pass the certification exam can you be put on your state’s nurse aide registry and pursue employment as a CNA.
When contacting or visiting potential CNA training schools, be sure to ask about how they prepare students for certification. The more focus a program has on certification, the better. Without certification, your goal of becoming a CNA cannot be fully reached.
4. Career Services
As we previously mentioned, CNAs play an essential role in our healthcare system by helping care for our aging population. With that said, finding a job is not always instant. There are still resumes to write, interviews to be had, and job listings to go over.
The ideal CNA training program will have career services assistance available for its graduates. Career services can help give you leads on jobs. They can also help with the resume and interview process.
A school that really cares about the success of its graduates will have career services assistance available. Make sure to take advantage of the career services assistance your program offers.
The Nurse Aide program at Training Direct
If you are looking for CNA training classes in CT, the Nurse Aide program at Training Direct is the type of training you want. Why?
Diverse training:
The Nurse Aide program at Training Direct combines classroom instruction with clinical training to expose students to a variety of topics including…
- Introduction to the human body
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Infection control
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Patient care procedures
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Preserving privacy and confidentiality under HIPAA
- …And more!
Flexibility:
Training Direct offers day, evening and weekend classes so you can choose a schedule that fits your needs.
NOTE: Class schedules and availability will vary by location.
Certification Focused:
This program focuses on educating and preparing students to challenge their CNA certification exam. While no school can guarantee a graduate’s success on a certification exam, you want to choose a program that is focused on helping you prepare. As a reminder, you must successfully pass the CNA exam to work as a CNA in Connecticut.
By completing the Nurse Aide training program at Training Direct you will be eligible to take the State of Connecticut Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Competency Evaluation.
Career Services:
Training Direct offers career services assistance to its graduates. These services help graduates prepare for and pursue employment opportunities.
To learn more about the Nurse Aide program offered at Training Direct, click here.
NOTE: The Nurse Aide program is offered at Training Direct in Bridgeport and Danbury, CT.
Training Direct has determined that its Nurse Aide program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for certification in the State of Connecticut only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district, or US territory in regards to certification requirements.
