HIGHER EDUCATION
How to Choose a CNA Training Program
-
EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: 03/04/2023
Do you want to become a certified nursing assistant? CNA training is a crucial first step toward being a CNA. When choosing a CNA training program, you should take the time to properly investigate your options. Several factors should be considered when selecting CNA training, including the program pass rate, reputation of the program, course length, flexibility of course offerings, cost, and quality of clinical opportunities.
Program Pass Rate
Pass rates can indicate the quality of teaching that is being delivered. A high pass rate shows that students are adequately prepared for certification exams and have gained the necessary skills to excel in their nursing careers. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) must complete a state-approved examination to become certified, and schools report on how many students passed this exam on their first attempt. Generally, if a school has a 95% or higher pass rate, it can be assumed that they provide comprehensive training programs with excellent results.
The Reputation of the Program
The pass rate is an important factor when considering a CNA training program, but it’s not the only way to gauge the quality of a school. The reputation of its graduates and how well they fare in the actual workforce should also be taken into account. Networking with current CNAs, nursing staff, or even administrators who employ graduates of your prospective school can provide valuable insight into how effective their training is.
Speak With Program Graduates
Speaking with professionals about the program you’re interested in attending is a great way to get intel on the program you are considering. Talk to program graduates and ask about their experience while enrolled – as well as after graduation. What kind of job opportunities did they have? Are employers satisfied with their work performance? Did they receive any recognition for their achievements? Were any problems related to instructor qualifications or course material? This type of direct feedback will give you a clearer understanding of whether or not this program can help you reach your goals.
Additionally, inquire about a school’s curriculum and instruction methods – are employers familiar with it? Do they value its graduates highly enough that they offer them positions over those who attended different schools? This type of information can tell you a lot about how much respect and trust potential employers have for this institution’s programs and faculty members alike.
Read Reviews
Finally, look up reviews online from both former students and industry experts. Sometimes just reading through comments left by people who have gone through similar experiences can be extremely helpful when making such an important decision as choosing where to pursue further education in nursing.
Length and Flexibility of the Program
When it comes to choosing a CNA training program, length and flexibility are important considerations. If you’re looking for a quick start in the nursing profession, there are programs as short as four weeks that provide full days of classes and weekly clinical experience. This type of intensive program can get you ready to enter the workforce in no time.
Alternatively, those with limited time may opt for longer programs that offer more flexible timetables such as part-time or evening classes that can be spread out over an extended period. These may include part-time or evening courses spread out over several months. This allows students to fit their studies around their current commitments such as work or family life.
Cost
When it comes to CNA training programs, cost is a major factor. It’s essential to take into account the entire expense of the program prior to signing up. Different programs can have vastly different prices depending on their location, length, and other factors.
Location is typically the most influential factor that determines how much a CNA program will cost. Programs situated in more remote areas may be cheaper than those in bigger cities or urban communities because of lower overhead expenses related to operating the school. Additionally, some states offer subsidies for CNA training programs which can reduce overall costs significantly.
Program length also plays a role in how much you’ll pay for your CNA certification program. A semester-long course is likely to cost significantly more than enrolling in a multi-week intensive program due to the number of instructor hours, cost of other educational materials, lab fees, and other related costs.
Location
The importance of program location will often vary based on personal circumstances but there are some universal considerations that most everyone should take into account. When evaluating the location of the program you attend, consider the job market and potential for employment close to where you will graduate. Schools located in close proximity to teaching hospitals, medical facilities, and a large number of healthcare resources will make it more likely that you will find employers with open positions to fill.
Notably, most CNA certification programs have partnerships with local healthcare providers, allowing students to complete their clinical hours in a real-world setting. This provides students with an opportunity to learn about the culture and operations of the facility and gain experience with a potential employer.
Clinical Opportunities
Clinical hours spent in skilled nursing facilities or long-term care facilities under the supervision of a registered nurse is a state requirement for CNA certification and is critical to your success on the certified nurse competency exam. Students are asked to perform basic bedside care, interact with patients, and observe their preceptor (an experienced licensed clinician) as they translate classroom theory to clinical practice.
This is an opportunity to ask a lot of questions and confirm, to some extent, whether a role in healthcare is the right fit for you. Therefore, choosing a program with quality clinical opportunities should be a high priority as it will serve as your introduction to patient care.
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