CNA training is made up of two portions, the classroom part of training and the practical one. Most colleges and universities or even medical facilities offering the training make the training in form of programs. The classes normally take up to 120 hours to conclude after which one is supposed to sit for the certification exam.
The training programs teaches one all kinds of patient handling skills, legal issues, responsibilities and rights. Care procedures for daily activities such as feeding, dressing and bathing and proper medical equipment handling are also taught in the programs. The programs may differ in terms of cost from one institution to another and also from one state to the other. Most training schools will offer financial aid depending on the financial situation of the applicant and also how eligible one is for the funding.
It is also very possible to get free training for CNA. Some medical employers will offer to train nursing assistants for free but they will have to agree to work with the institutions for an agreed period of time after the training. The exams come after the training whereby one's competence is tested and a certification awarded. The schools may give the exams as well as a state's health board.
Training to be a certified nursing assistant has been made easy by most retirement homes, nursing homes and even hospitals because of the increasing numbers of people who need special attention of caregivers either because of old age or ailments. The institutions offer free training and in return get to work with the assistants for a period of time. With the harsh economic times as well as high education costs that are proving hard to keep up with, more people are taking advantage of such offers.
Training is very important as you can be eligible to work in any state as long as you are certified. Nursing jobs are increasing by the day and a certification increases your chances of landing the better paying jobs out there regardless of the state. Other job fields' maybe shrinking but the nursing field is actually expanding needing more caregivers. Training as a certified nursing assistant secures your future and gives you stability.
Apart from helping the needy in terms of care, you will be expanding your opportunities once you train and get certified as a nursing assistant. You will be amazed by the many opportunities awaiting you out there after your training.