What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Nursing Assistant, is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and support to patients in acute care settings, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care homes. 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 Texas, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, covering topics such as patient care, infection control, and communication skills. The training program must be at least 75 hours in length, and upon completion, you'll need to pass the state competency exam to become certified.

Becoming an ACNA in Dallas/Fort Worth

The fastest way to become an ACNA in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is to enroll in a training program that offers an accelerated or intensive course. These programs can often be completed in as little as 2–4 weeks, depending on the schedule and the number of hours per day.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Classes in Dallas/Fort Worth

Here are a few examples of Acute Care Nursing Assistant classes available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area:

1. Tarrant County College (TCC): TCC offers a 5-week ACNA program at their Northeast and Northwest campuses. The program is 120 hours in length and costs approximately $800. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and a negative TB test.

2. North Central Texas College (NCTC): NCTC's ACNA program is 4 weeks long and 96 hours in total. The cost is around $650, and students must have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and provide a negative TB test.

3. Brookhaven College: Brookhaven College's ACNA program is 6 weeks long and 120 hours in total. The cost is approximately $800, and students must meet the same prerequisites as the other programs in the area.

4. Dallas College: Dallas College offers an ACNA program that can be completed in 4-6 weeks, depending on the schedule. The program is 120 hours in length and costs around $800. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, a background check, and a negative TB test.

In addition to these in-person options, there are also online ACNA training programs available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, such as those offered by Tarrant County College and Dallas College.

Exploring a Career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Dallas/Fort Worth

If you're aiming to pursue a career as an ACNA but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as an ACNA in places like Chicago, Dayton, New Orleans, Philadelphia, or San Francisco. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming an ACNA no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare ACNA classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.

Online and Free ACNA Training in Dallas/Fort Worth

While most ACNA training programs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area come with a cost, there are a few free options available as well. One such program is offered by Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, which provides free ACNA training to eligible individuals. The program is 120 hours in length and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

The Certification Process

After completing an approved ACNA training program, you'll need to pass the state competency exam to become certified. The exam consists of a written portion and a skills demonstration, and you'll need to score at least 70% on both sections to pass.

Once you've passed the exam, you'll be added to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as an ACNA in the state. The certification is valid for two years, and you'll need to renew it by completing a certain number of continuing education hours and submitting a renewal application.

The Job Environment for ACNAs in Dallas/Fort Worth

The job market for ACNAs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is quite promising. With a growing population and a high demand for healthcare services, there are numerous opportunities for ACNAs to find employment in a variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Home health agencies
• Rehabilitation centers
• Hospice care

Some of the largest employers of ACNAs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area include Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White Health, and HCA Healthcare.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in the Dallas/Fort Worth area can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. With a variety of training programs available, both in-person and online, as well as the potential for free training, there are plenty of options to help you get started. Once you've completed your training and passed the certification exam, you'll be well on your way to a career in the growing healthcare industry in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

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