What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or a Nursing Assistant in Acute Care (NAAC), is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care and support in acute care settings, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to assist patients with daily living activities, monitor vital signs, and help with various medical procedures.

Training Requirements

To become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Milwaukee, you'll need to complete a state-approved training program. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, covering topics such as patient care, infection control, and basic medical procedures. The training program must be at least 75 hours in length, and upon completion, you'll need to pass a competency exam to obtain your ACNA certification.

Becoming an ACNA in Milwaukee

The fastest way to become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Milwaukee is to enroll in an accelerated training program. These programs can be completed in as little as 4-6 weeks, allowing you to quickly gain the necessary skills and knowledge to start your healthcare career.

ACNA Classes in Milwaukee

Here are some examples of Acute Care Nursing Assistant classes available in Milwaukee:

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

• Length: 5 weeks
• Cost: $700
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and drug screening
• Overview: MATC's ACNA program provides comprehensive training in patient care, including hands-on clinical experience in a hospital setting. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the state competency exam.

Milwaukee Career College

• Length: 6 weeks
• Cost: $1,200
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and drug screening
• Overview: Milwaukee Career College's ACNA program focuses on developing essential skills in patient care, medical terminology, and basic nursing procedures. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical training.

Herzing University

• Length: 4 weeks
• Cost: $2,500
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED, criminal background check, and drug screening
• Overview: Herzing University's accelerated ACNA program offers a fast-paced curriculum that covers patient care, infection control, and medical equipment operation. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities.

Exploring a Career in Acute Care Nursing Assistant Outside Milwaukee

For anyone looking to become an ACNA but is in a different state, your opportunity to work as an ACNA might be found in Albany, Deltona, New Haven, San Bernardino/Riverside, or Urban Honolulu. Should these not be viable options, Dreambound eases the process of discovering and comparing ACNA classes with a zip code-based search. With the drive to succeed and the support of resources like Dreambound, anyone can forge a successful path in healthcare, no matter where they are.

Online and Free Options

In addition to the in-person ACNA classes, Milwaukee also offers online and free options for those interested in becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant.

Online ACNA Classes

• Several online education providers, such as ed2go and Udemy, offer self-paced ACNA training programs that can be completed remotely.
• These online programs typically include video lectures, interactive exercises, and the opportunity to earn a certificate upon completion.

Free ACNA Training

• Some healthcare organizations in Milwaukee, such as Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin, offer free ACNA training programs for individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
• These programs may have specific eligibility requirements and may be limited in availability, so it's essential to research and apply early.

Certification Process

After completing an approved ACNA training program in Milwaukee, you'll need to pass the state competency exam to obtain your Acute Care Nursing Assistant certification. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and medical procedures.

Once you've passed the exam, you'll be listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as an ACNA in healthcare facilities across the state.

Job Environment in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is home to a thriving healthcare industry, providing numerous employment opportunities for Acute Care Nursing Assistants. Some of the potential employers for ACNAs in the city include:

• Froedtert Hospital
• Aurora Health Care
• Ascension Wisconsin
• Children's Wisconsin
• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center

ACNAs in Milwaukee may work in various acute care settings, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and medical-surgical units, where they play a vital role in supporting the care of patients with complex medical needs.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Milwaukee can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. With the city's diverse range of ACNA classes, both in-person and online, as well as the potential for free training, there are plenty of opportunities to get started in this vital healthcare role. By completing the necessary training and certification, you'll be well on your way to joining the dedicated team of ACNAs who provide compassionate care to patients in Milwaukee's thriving healthcare system.

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