Starting a fulfilling career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) opens doors to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients. CNAs play a crucial role in providing essential care and support within healthcare facilities. If you're interested in learning how to become a CNA, finding CNA certification classes near you is an excellent beginning. Dreambound offers comprehensive training that equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this noble field. Additionally, understanding the potential CNA salary can inspire you to pursue this path with enthusiasm.
On Dreambound, there are 2,767 programs, and the average class length for a certified nursing assistant is four weeks.
Get to know Dreambound through the words of Tara Erevia, who recommends: "Dreambound was very easy to use, and I was able to navigate through the website perfectly. I would definitely recommend it to my friends. The callback was very prompt as well; there was no waiting."
If you're ready to start your journey as a CNA, continue reading to begin creating opportunities for a rewarding career that makes a real difference.
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While prerequisites may vary slightly, the majority of states mandate that CNA candidates be at least 16 years old, with many employers preferring candidates over 18. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, although most institutions accept an 8th-grade transcript. Additionally, candidates must complete a state-approved CNA training program, pass the competency evaluation (which includes written and clinical exams), and apply for certification through their respective state's nursing board or regulatory agency.
A CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing and patient care services under the supervision of a licensed nurse, such as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNAs play a crucial role in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
The duration of CNA programs differs by state but typically lasts from 4 to 12 weeks. Training hours may vary from 75 to 180 hours. In many cases, a standard 120-hour CNA course might comprise four weeks of classroom instruction and two weeks of hands-on clinical training in accordance with state guidelines.
Working as a CNA can be financially rewarding. According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), CNAs earn a median hourly rate of $17.19 and a median annual wage of $35,760 as of May 2022. The lowest 10% earned around $28,030, while the highest 10% earned around $45,940.
CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home healthcare agencies, and sometimes in assisted living facilities. They provide essential patient care and support services under the supervision of licensed nurses in various healthcare settings.
To obtain CNA certification, follow these steps: research your state's requirements, complete an approved training program, pass the certification exam, apply to the state nursing board, undergo a background check, and, upon approval, receive your CNA certification. These steps ensure you're qualified to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
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If you've held a license before and are looking to renew it, the renewal procedure varies from your initial application for a CNA license. This article will outline straightforward steps to facilitate a smoother renewal process and promptly update your credentials.
In order to help you find a CNA class at Dreambound, we've gathered the most comprehensive list of CNA classes in the US. Below, you can find a list of CNA classes organized by city. If you don't see your city listed, you can always search by zipcode.
We know taking the first step to becoming a CNA can be scary. That's why we're trying to demystify the process by writing guides on how to become a CNA. Since State processes or requirements may vary, we've written separate guides for each state:
Considering other programs? Read our guides on CNA versus other similar programs in the field, providing a comprehensive overview to assist you in making the right choice for your career path.