CNA Classes Online
Reach Your Career Goals with the Right CNA Classes Online
When you’ve decided a career as a nurse’s aide may be right for you, the next step is choosing the right program for your CNA certification. There are so many options available that knowing where to begin can seem overwhelming. However, the most important thing at this stage is choosing an accredited program that covers the vital information required to help you get certified.
CNA Certification Training has comprehensive information about finding a certified nursing assistant program conveniently located all in one place. It also offers the most up-to-date details on the programs available online or closest to you.
Not all services provide the same depth of information as some of them may be showing what is available from their partners. Make sure you carefully research the options available to you before making the crucial decision of choosing a program for your CNA certification.
Although enrolling in classes with an instructor and a physical classroom follows the traditional methods of learning, advancements in technology have made online learning just as effective. If you are looking for the quickest way to start your career in health care, you may want to register for CNA classes online.
The Advantage of an Accredited CNA Program Combined With the Convenience of Online Learning
Why should you take CNA classes online? Over the past few years, online education programs have become increasingly popular with over 6.7 million students enrolled in at least one online course. As the popularity has grown, the myths surrounding online education have been disappearing. There has been a vast improvement in the excellence of training for programs such as CNA classes online. Let’s look at a few of the top advantages offered by online classes.
Flexibility
Flexibility
Unlike traditional classroom schedules, you can choose your study hours to fit your lifestyle. This is perfect for busy people who may be parents or have a full-time job. You can now advance your career without compromising your other commitments.
Convenience
Convenience
With CNA classes online, you can study anywhere. Whether you stay home and learn in your office, head off to a coffee shop, step out by the pool, or stay in bed – the choice is yours. Wherever you’re most comfortable in your classroom.
Balance
Balance
Having a balance between work and life is so important to your health and success. You may have important responsibilities that are impossible to juggle while attending a traditional CNA program. This becomes less of a concern with online classes.
Learning At Your Own Pace
Learning At Your Own Pace
Not everyone learns at the same pace. The primary advantage of online classes is you can learn slower or faster than you would with the rest of a class. You can repeat sections if you have trouble or breeze through parts you find easy. You control the pace and may be able to finish much faster or slower depending on your needs. With a traditional institution, you don’t have that choice.
Portable
Portable
With CNA classes online, you can study from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Even if you have to travel temporarily or relocate permanently, you can take your studies with you.
Affordable
Affordable
When you enroll in online courses, you effectively cut out the overhead costs from traditional classroom learning. Think about how much you’ll save without having to pay for classroom space, transportation, parking, food, and other expenses. The savings from online learning are significant, and you’ll be keeping more of that money in your pocket.
CNA Online Classes FAQs
Below, you will find some common questions about online CNA classes. In this section, we cover topics including what to look for in your online program, admission requirements, where to take online classes, how to find quality classes, what you can expect to learn during the program, where to find work after you obtain your CNA certificate, salary, and more.
What to Look For in CNA Online Classes and Programs
Traditional schooling makes the location a concern. Luckily, you can remove that consideration with online programs, but there are other factors to consider. Here’s a closer look at what those are.
Where Can I Take CNA Classes Online?
For those who are interested in becoming a CNA but are not able to attend classes on a physical campus, taking CNA classes online could be a good fit for you. CNA training online is often more flexible and affordable than an in-person program. New programs are making it possible to balance working and pursue continuing education. This is particularly helpful for those with children.
However, there is a small catch. While other courses offered plentifully online, schools that offer CNA classes online are a little harder to come by. This is due in part to the clinical section of the training. Make sure you are aware that not all online programs offer the clinical section required to obtain your license. Do your due diligence to ensure that you meet your state’s requirements to become a certified nurse aide (CNA).
How to Find Quality CNA Training Courses Online
One of the challenging things about continuing education online is trying to find quality programs. So how do you find quality CNA training courses online? As a general rule of thumb, you can find good classes with your local community college. You can trust that these accreditation programs will meet the standards of a state’s healthcare standards. Due to the nature of a CNA’s work, you will also need to get hands-on clinical training in a setting like a clinic, hospital, or assisted living facility. This is required to become a licensed CNA in any state.
CNA Program Admission Requirements
Many online CNA programs have flexible admission requirements. Your local community college or technical school may only require that you complete the application for admission. This often entails submitting your high school transcripts, GED certificate, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). It is rare that an online program will ask prospective students for a letter of recommendation. While it is not necessary to have a high school diploma or GED for all programs, most employers will require a diploma.
What Can You Expect to Learn When You Sign Up for CNA Classes Online?
Most accredited CNA classes online last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. So, if you Googled ‘2 week CNA classes online,’ know that the program will take you quite a bit longer. As you move through the coursework, you will find one major difference from CNA studies as opposed to other fields.
How do Online CNA Classes Work?
Since this career is one in the healthcare industry, your degree or successful completion is often measured by how many clock hours you have logged as opposed to how many credits you have taken. Besides the need to obtain clinical hours of hands-on experience, there isn’t much of a difference in taking online CNA classes compared to on-campus ones. Topics covered include the following:
- Taking vital signs
- Managing infection control
- Transferring a patient from their bed to a chair
- Assisting patients with some of their daily living activities (eating, drinking, using the restroom, bathing, brushing their teeth, etc.)
- Looking after resident safety
- Safety in the workplace
- Understanding a patient’s cultural and spiritual needs
Once you have completed the training portion of your online CNA courses, you are ready to move on. You will need to pass the CNA exam in order to become a certified nurse aide. Don’t worry too much. Your online coursework and training (clinical experience) will prepare you well for the exam. In addition, there are countless amounts of free CNA study resources available to you on the web.
How Much are CNA Classes Online?
As we mentioned earlier, taking online CNA classes is often more cost-effective than taking on-campus ones. The cost of obtaining your CNA license through an online program ranges from $500 to $2,500 on average. How much the program costs depends on which school you choose to enroll in. Taking advantage of in-state tuition rates will not only save you money, but you will ensure that the program you are in meets the state’s requirements for CNA licensure. Keep an eye open for classes that are fairly priced and accredited. One of the best strategies is to choose a program that allows you to pay for classes individually as you move towards successful completion.
Free CNA Classes
Do you know that there are free CNA classes available to you? While most of the material online relates to test preparation, you can find free CNA classes near you. Your local Red Cross is a great place to look. More often than not, they offer training programs and helpful resources to accelerate your degree progress. Free CNA classes are worth looking into. You will be listed in the nurse aide registry before you know it.
CNA Exam Preparation
If you take your classes online, how do you prepare for the CNA exam? We have some information that will ease your mind. Regardless of what state you reside in, the CNA exam is straightforward. You can expect a written or oral exam of sixty to ninety questions and a clinical exam in which you must perform basic CNA skills while you are in a clinical environment.
Obtain a CNA Study Guide
To prepare well for the state exam, you will need to do much more than take online CNA practice tests. Make sure you obtain a detailed (and up to date) CNA study guide. These study guides are available online. Look up your state’s study guide on their certification and licensure webpage. You can also find this information on a third-party test preparation website like Pearson.
These guides will provide you with valuable information regarding test formats. If you find standardized tests challenging, studying this guide will walk you through the most challenging parts of the CNA certification exam. In addition, you will also find sample tests with questions pulled from previous tests. This will give you an idea of what kind of content to expect.
Make Yourself a Studying Schedule
We recognize that organization is not everyone’s strong suit. However, when it comes to preparing for the CNA certification exam, creating a schedule is one of the best ways to study. Set aside plenty of time to read and take the practice tests. If you can, schedule at least an hour and a half each day. Start by focusing on just one area of the exam, so you do not get overwhelmed.
Get Hands-On Training Experience
CNA programs vary by state. Depending on your place of residence, there may be a clinical portion on the state exam. Make sure you attend at least one in-person training seminar that will cover this part of the test. Continue to practice the training portion of your coursework until you are comfortable with each of the procedures. Watching CNA test skills videos is another good way to familiarize yourself with hands-on CNA training.
Accreditation
The most important consideration for an online program is whether or not it is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or your state’s board of nursing. The accreditation is extremely important if you ever consider going back to school for advancement to another nursing position.
Top 5 Online Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Programs
Are you interested in obtaining your CNA certification from one of the top online schools? Check out these top five programs:
- Hutchinson Community College: Hutchinson Community College offers one of the best online CNA certification programs in the country. Students can expect the same syllabus for their online courses as are offered to on-campus students. In addition, they offer ‘anytime, anywhere’ classes. This means that you can work at your own pace, coordinating your coursework with your prior commitments. This gives professionals the opportunity to manage their money and time well. Earn your degree at your own pace.
- American Red Cross: Did you know that the American Red Cross offers an online CNA training program? Not only are their classes in full compliance with state accreditation rankings but their courses offer rich and challenging work. Typical classes consist of lab work, theory, and clinical rotations. After successfully completing the American Red Cross CNA program, students are prepared to take the state exam.
- Century College: This is one of the most affordable online CNA programs for certification. Century College’s program is accredited under the Higher Learning Commission.
- Tulsa Community College: Are you a prospective CNA seeking to complete the theory portion of your CNA certification? If so, check out Tulsa Community College’s program. Here, you will find video tutorials on how to properly administer your clinical skills.
- Miles Community College: For those seeking a blended online program, Miles Community College offers just the thing. Take your coursework on the web and fulfill the clinical portion of your certified nurse aide training in person.
Possible Career Paths with a CNA Certification
After earning your online CNA certificate, there are plenty of career possibilities open to you. As we mentioned earlier, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) may work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, in-home care, and more. Possible career positions available to you include the following:
- Nursing Assistant:
- Nurse Aide:
- Home Health Aide:
- State-Tested Nurse Aide:
Where Can You Find Work After You Get Your CNA License Online?
The main reason why people want to obtain their CNA license is for job security. This career is a great stepping stone for moving up in the healthcare industry. When you think of CNA work, you may picture working in a clinic, hospital, or in an assisted living facility. However, there are plenty of other opportunities available to you after obtaining your license. Some of these include working as a CNA specialist or continuing your education to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
While taking online CNA courses may seem like a simple step towards obtaining your dream career, it can lead to higher pay, fine-tuned skills, and greater opportunities in the healthcare field. Make sure you spend a good amount of time conducting research and comparing online programs to find the best fit for you. In the meantime, take some free CNA practice tests online to see what you already know about the role.
Salary and a Diverse Work Environment
Instead of a yearly salary, a certified nurse aide will receive an hourly rate. Your weekly and monthly payments will differ depending on the number of hours you work. The average hourly rate for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is $15 per hour. However, the rate can fall anywhere between $14 to $17 per hour and varies by state. A CNA can choose from various work settings. One of the greatest benefits of being a CNA is the diverse environment in which you will work. Many CNAs choose to work in hospitals, some work in clinics, and others work in home care settings.
Reviews By Students
Look into reviews from other students who have taken and completed the program you are considering. What were their experiences like? Did they encounter any unexpected surprises? Carefully consider this feedback before choosing an online program to enroll with.
Reputation Of Program
Excellent CNA training programs gain a good reputation, and for good reasons. Things to look for include certification exam success rates and success rates of employment after graduation. Choosing a program with high success rates makes it more likely you will enjoy those benefits too.
Clinical Practical Placement Opportunities
The main difference between traditional institutional programs and online classes for a CNA certification is the clinical or lab portion of the program. This part of the class must be done in a real clinical setting with hands-on learning before taking the certification exam.
With traditional programs, these externships are included in the training. In the past, online CNA students arranged their own externships with local hospitals, nursing homes, or caregiving agencies. But many reputable online programs today offer assistance with externships so you can complete your clinical training easily. Check with the admissions office to find out if the online CNA program you are considering offers such assistance.
Comprehensive List Of Courses
The subjects taught in CNA classes online are no different than those taught in traditional classrooms. You will learn how to perform the duties of a certified nursing assistant including:
- Basics of Nursing Skills
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Communication
- Patient care
- and more
When I first started looking into programs to become a nurse aide, there were so many choices. I didn’t know how to narrow it down so I kept putting it off. CNA Certification Training has everything broken down by courses and stats in your state so it made sifting through all that info easy. I finally committed to a program and found my first job already!
How Do I Find CNA Training Programs Near Me?
CNA Certification Training provides a tool for the most up-to-date listings of the best CNA classes online from all around the country. While there are not a lot of prerequisites to enroll in a certified nursing assistant program, there are a few requirements you should be aware of:
- Proof of age (at least 18 years old)
- High school diploma or equivalent (some employers require this)
- Criminal background check
- Immunization records
- Admissions or placement records if required by the program
Right now, there is great demand for certified nursing assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this demand to increase 20% by the year 2020. Not only does this career path offer high job security, but the median wage is also competitive and higher than other non-degree positions. There’s never been a better time to become a CNA. Are you interested in exploring more CNA programs?