Choosing a CNA School
By Lucinda Reynolds, RN
For many individuals, the road to a healthcare career starts with becoming a certified nursing assistant. CNAs are a very important part of the healthcare team, since they are the ones that are in the closest contact with patients. CNAs are known as the eyes and ears of the healthcare team. A well trained observant certified nursing assistant may actually save a few lives. If you are considering a career as a certified nursing assistant then you need to begin by choosing a good CNA school.
There are several things to look for in a CNA school. The following list can help you determine if the school you are considering is a good choice.
1. Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which a school is evaluated. Accredited schools must meet specific guidelines and adhere to a higher standard of quality set forth by a governing body composed of peers. Accreditation is important because it is a good indicator of a quality education. You must attend an accredited school if you want to sit for the licensing exam.
2. An excellent curriculum.
It is important that you examine the curriculum before you sign on to a CNA school. You want to make sure the school provides for classroom work along with hands on training to give yourself a well rounded education. The classes should be taught by registered nurses who have experience working in the healthcare facility. These nurses will be able to lend their experiences to provide you with a realistic outlook on your duties as a nursing assistant.
3. Important specific training modules.
You should choose a school that provides classes in ethics, safety and legal issues. These are very important in the healthcare field. These classes will give you valuable knowledge on how to protect yourself and the privacy of your patients. CPR should also be included in the class curriculum. Almost all healthcare facilities require you to have CPR certification before you are able to work. It is critical that the program you choose provides for “hands on” experience before you take the certification exam.
These are all things you should look for when considering a CNA school. The best schools will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant. Well trained and well prepared nursing assistants are in high demand. You can choose to work in a hospital setting or a long term care facility. Some nursing assistants work in home health to help care for the patient in their home. Regardless of the type of setting you want to work in, you can never have too much knowledge when it comes to a career in healthcare.