A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) can also be called as a STNA (State Tested Nurse Aid), a PCA (Patient Care Assistant) or a NA (Nursing Assistant). CNA is a healthcare professional who works under a LPN (licensed practical nurse) or RN (registered nurse). He helps the patients in performing day to day activities and he performs tasks like, ambulating, bathing, toileting, taking vital signs, comforting, feeding, listening to the concerns of the patient, dressing, etc. A CNA can work in several different settings including hospitals, assisted living facilities, adult day care facilities, nursing homes, home care, personal homes, long-term care and hospice, rehabilitation centers, etc.

What are CNA Classes?

Prospective students who aim to become a certified nursing assistant can fulfill their dreams by getting enrolled in a CNA class. CNA classes are offered by different community colleges, technical schools and online CNA schools. These classes prepare you for the CNA competition examination, cracking of which is very necessary if you aim to attain a CNA certification and licensure, to practice as a CNA. However, the requirements of the examination vary with the state, in which you are applying.

Types of CNA Classes:

Both on-campus and online CNA classes are available. A student may choose any program, according to his convenience. The CNA course structure of both traditional classroom setup classes and online classes are almost same. However, learning online gives you an additional benefit of studying according to your own convenience. Also, in most of the cases, an online CNA class costs you less than an on-campus CNA class, taken in a traditional setting like, vocational school, community college or a hospital. Before enrolling in an online class, the student should make sure that the program being offered has been accredited by an authorized organization.
Depending on the type of CNA class you are getting enrolled in, you can require several weeks or several months to complete it. For instance, if the class focuses on preparing the candidates for certification examination, it may last for two months; but if it prepares you for licensure, then you will require 12 to 18 months to complete the course. A few free CNA training classes are also available for students who can't afford to pay the fee of on-campus training.

General Requirements for Enrolment in CNA Classes:

The requirements for admission in a CNA class vary with the state and sometimes even with the city you are applying in. However, some of the prerequisites are generic. They are listed below:

• The candidate should not have a criminal record neither should have been charged of any felony.
• He must be at least eighteen years old.
• Some classes require an individual to have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• An aspirant should be able to write and read English (at a sixth grade level).
• He should not have any form of communicable disease.
• He should have the legal permission to work in the United States.
• The candidate must have a compassionate attitude towards patients.

What will you Study in a CNA Class?

Basically, a CNA class comprises of both classroom study and clinical coursework. Most of the classes require a student to complete seventy five hours of classroom study and around sixteen hours of in-hand training. The training is to be taken under the supervision of a physician, RN (registered nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse). In general, you will get to study subjects like, infection control, body mechanics, personal care skills, nutrition, resident rights, communication skills, anatomy and physiology.

Scope after Completion of CNA Classes:

After a student completes the course offered by a CNA class, he is required to appear in the CNA certification examination. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a certified nursing assistant was 24,010 per year. On a more generalized basis, a CNA can earn a salary between $21,000 and $34,000 per year. However the wages earned by him depend on several factors like, experience level, type of setting and area of work.

CNA classes can be considered as a stepping stone towards a better level, in the healthcare industry. Many individuals who aim at becoming a registered nurse or go into similar fields start with a career as a certified nursing assistant.