What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in acute care settings, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. Their primary responsibilities include assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and reporting any changes in a patient's condition to the nursing staff.

Training Requirements

To become an ACNA in Ohio, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The training program typically lasts between 75 to 150 hours, depending on the specific requirements of the school or program.

Becoming an ACNA in Columbus

The fastest way to become an ACNA in Columbus is to enroll in a full-time training program. Several local colleges and vocational schools offer these programs, with classes starting throughout the year. The program duration can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the course schedule and the number of hours required. Some are also considering to become an ACNA in high school to start their healthcare career early.

Examples of ACNA Classes in Columbus

Columbus State Community College

• Program Length: 6 weeks
• Cost: $800
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, background check, and drug screening
• Overview: This program provides comprehensive training in patient care, including classroom instruction and clinical experience in a healthcare setting.

Columbus Career Institute

• Program Length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $1,200
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, background check, and drug screening
• Overview: This accelerated program offers a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training to prepare students for the STNA (State Tested Nursing Assistant) exam.

Hondros College of Nursing

• Program Length: 8 weeks
• Cost: $1,500
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, background check, and drug screening
• Overview: This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to work as an ACNA in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Exploring a Career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Columbus

If you've been reading this article and long to become an ACNA, but you live in a different state, don't lose hope – achieving your goal is still within reach. You might consider exploring opportunities to become an ACNA in Allentown, El Paso, New Orleans, Poughkeepsie, or Stockton. If none of these locations work for you, Dreambound makes it easier than ever to pursue your dreams regardless of your location by simplifying the process of finding and comparing ACNA classes through a convenient search by zip code. With determination and access to the right resources, you can confidently pursue a successful career in healthcare, no matter where you live.

Online and Free ACNA Classes in Columbus

In addition to the in-person training programs, there are also online options available for those who prefer a more flexible learning environment. However, it's important to note that these online programs typically still require some hands-on clinical experience, which may need to be completed at a local healthcare facility.

As for free Acute Care Nursing Assistant classes in Columbus, there are limited options available. Some local organizations, such as the Columbus Urban League, may offer free or low-cost training programs, but these are often limited in availability and may have specific eligibility requirements.

The Certification Process

After completing an approved ACNA training program, you'll need to pass the State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) exam to become certified in Ohio. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in patient care, and you'll need to pass both a written and a skills-based portion to receive your certification.

The Job Environment for ACNAs in Columbus

Columbus is a thriving healthcare hub, with several major hospitals and medical centers located in the city. As an ACNA, you'll have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including:

• OhioHealth Hospitals (Riverside Methodist Hospital, Grant Medical Center, Doctors Hospital)
• Mount Carmel Health System (Mount Carmel St. Ann's, Mount Carmel East)
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• Nationwide Children's Hospital
• Various nursing homes and assisted living facilities

The demand for ACNAs  in Columbus is expected to remain strong, as the city's population continues to grow and the healthcare industry expands to meet the needs of the community.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Columbus, there are plenty of opportunities available. With a variety of training programs, both in-person and online, you can get the skills and certification you need to start your career in the healthcare field. Whether you're looking to work in a hospital, nursing home, or other acute care setting, the job market for ACNAs in Columbus is promising, and the demand for these professionals is only expected to grow in the years to come.

If you're thinking of a new career path, Dreambound offers in-depth guides to understand various job choices:

• CPR-BLS Training in Columbus
• Applied Nutrition Training in Columbus
• Caregiver Training in Columbus
• CNA Training in Columbus
• Chiropractic Assistant Training in Columbus