How to become a CNA instructor

 

The demand of CNAs in USA is increasing day by day and therefore the demand of CNA instructors is increasing as well. A CNA instructor is a professional, who teaches the prospective certified nurse aides through a training program. They provide the students with the skills necessary to work successfully in the clinical settings. If you want to become a CNA instructor, read this article and get to know about the skills requirements and educational requirements for this position. This article also explains the procedure of becoming a CNA instructor and duties and responsibilities performed by these professionals.

Skills required

 To become a CNA instructor, following skills are required:

• Compassion
• Knowledge, patience and leadership skills.
• Good communications skills.
• Ability of motivating the students and encouraging a learning environment.
• Computer literacy

Educational requirements

To become a CNA instructor, you have to qualify instructor training course accredited by the state in which you want to teach in future. The duration of instructor training course varies according to the state. In most of the states, the duration of the instructor training course is 15-20 hours. Several nursing facilities, community and technical schools offer this course.

Procedure to become a CNA instructor

If you want to become a CNA instructor, follow the below given steps:

Step 1- Enroll in a nursing school

To begin your career as a CNA instructor, you first have to acquire an RN license. You can get an RN license by earning ADN i.e. associate’s degree in nursing or BSN i.e. B Sc. degree in nursing from a recognized university. An associate’s degree in nursing is a two-year course, while Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is a four-year course. The topics covered in these programs are: clinical nutrition, family and individual wellness, ethics in nursing, patient assessment, etc.

Step 2- Obtain an RN (Registered Nurse) license

After obtaining an associate’s degree in nursing or Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, you have to qualify the NCLEX – RN i.e. National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse certification examination conducted by the “National Council of State Boards of Nursing”. You will receive an RN license after passing the NCLEX – RN exam.

Step 3- Acquire the job experience

Two years of working experience as a registered nurse is a mandatory requirement for becoming a CNA instructor. Work experience can be gained in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, health care facilities or clinics.

Step 4- Obtain Train-the-Trainer certification

You must have Train-the-Trainer certification for working in some of the states of U.S.A. The duration of this training program is 15-25 hours. This course focuses on adult learning principles.

Step 5- Educate potential CNAs

After acquiring some experience and getting train-the-trainer certificate, you become eligible to work as a nursing aide instructor. The prominent employers are: vocational schools, community centers, high schools, nursing schools and municipal health centers.

Duties and responsibilities of a CNA instructor

A CNA instructor has to perform the following duties:

• Planning, executing and analyzing the CNA training programs.
• Lesson planning and developing the teaching materials.
• Supervising the students during clinical sessions.
• Evaluating the students by observing and conducting tests from time to time.
• Maintaining the attendance records of the students.

Preparing and submitting grade reports of the students on time.