How To Become A CNA – 7 Important Questions A Beginner May Ask
If you are contemplating beginning a new career in a medical role, then a good way to get your foot on the nursing ladder is by learning how to become a CNA. You will no doubt have many questions in your mind about this new job that you are considering.
As you may have already found out this is a great occupation to consider as there is a large shortage of qualified CNAs across the land, and naturally you have a few questions about it.
From all the questions that are frequently asked about learning how to become a CNA, we have listed the 7 most important questions and concerns that a new starter may have to begin with.
1 – How do you become a CNA ?
In order to start a new career as a certified nursing assistant you will need to undertake a CNA training program. Every State Board of Nursing will require a varying amount of training hours to be taken.
The training classes will be split between theory work in the classroom, as well as on the job clinical experience. When you have finished your CNA training, it is a requirement to take and pass your state CNA certification exam, with a pass mark of 80 % being the benchmark to achieve certification. You will find that some of the larger schools and universities that offer training will provide CNA classes online for part, or all of the non clinical work.
2 – What will the CNA job role involve on a daily basis ?
A CNA is basically on the frontline when it comes to patient care. You will be more involved with each patient daily than say a doctor or nurse will be. Duties will include : Taking patient vital signs, changing beds, helping patients in and out of bed, providing meals, monitoring any changes in patient health, and any other tasks deemed necessary by the nurse in charge on the day. The CNA role is a physically demanding one as you will be on your feet most of the day, and involves long hours and heavy lifting at times, so it is important to remain reasonably physically fit to stay up to this challenging role.
3 – How long does it take to become a CNA ?
Each state differs with their own requirements for the total hours that need to be completed on your CNA training. The average is around the 75 hour mark and can take from around 6 weeks, up to 6 months to complete. You can take what is known as fast track CNA courses that take less than a month. You can find more information on this method of training on this post here : Become a CNA in a month
4 – I heard background checks are usually made before I can become a CNA – What information are they looking for ?
Before you can learn how to become a CNA, a background check would be needed and involves two things. Firstly, a criminal record check is obtained, as most states will not allow a CNA to work in that state if they have a criminal record. There are exceptions to this rule for things like minor traffic violations, and other small misdemeanors. Secondly, a medical record check is obtained, whereby you may be asked to take a physical examination with a doctor. This is to make sure that you do not have any communicable diseases that could be passed to colleagues, or patients in your charge.
5 – What will my salary be when I pass the CNA test ?
Various factors will apply on the starting level CNA salary you will receive to begin with. Such as : state by state variation, what facility you are working in, specialized working environment amongst many other factors. The lowest starting hourly rate would be around the $8 -$9 range, going up to $17 and above for more senior CNA workers. You can find more information on CNA salary expectations on the following page : Nursing Assistant Salary
6 – Where will I work as a CNA ?
A large proportion of CNAs work in hospitals and nursing care facilities. They can also work in a rehabilitation center, doctor’s office, large schools and universities, plus many work as home health aides, usually in a patients own home.
7 – Can I get free CNA classes ?
There are a number of options in obtaining free CNA classes online, and in a classroom. The American Red Cross offer some free CNA training classes, and the best place to find them in your area is by searching on the Red Cross website here: http://www.redcross.org
You will also find that numerous nursing homes will consider paying for all CNA training and certification costs, in return you would be contracted to work for them for a minimum period after you become certified. Another option is to obtain free CNA training with the Job Corps as they provide free training mainly for 16 – 24 year olds in most states.
These are the most common questions asked by someone who wishes to learn how to become a CNA. It is worthwhile pursuing training in this field as the demand for qualified nursing assistants continues to rise, and your job prospects are assured for the foreseeable future.