subject: CNA Training Classes and Properly Preparing for the CNA Exam [print this page] CNA Training Classes and Properly Preparing for the CNA Exam
CNA training classes and properly preparing for the CNA exam in order to pass it and become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) will allow you to enter this thriving profession that is rarely affected by recessionary pressures since there is always a need for certified nursing assistants.
CNA training classes are available at many community colleges, various Red Cross chapters, medical facilities, high schools, etc. Becoming a certified nursing assistant will allow you to have a foot in the door and see what takes place in the medical field even though this is considered by many as an entry level position. Many use this profession as a stepping stone to enter other professions in the medical field later on in life.
CNA training classes usually last about three to four weeks although a few other classes may last up to twelve weeks which is still considered a short period of time to get certified, begin work and start making a positive contribution in your life as well as other people's lives without the need for a college degree.
You may decide to get a college degree later on especially if you would like to enter other professions in the medical or other fields but if you need to make a positive change in your life quickly, training to become a certified nursing assistant is one of the best ways to do this.
The length of CNA training classes is usually determined by each state, the curriculum, how many hours per week are spent on the training, etc. Taking and passing the CNA exam will allow you to become certified in a particular state and you shall be placed in that state's registry for certified nursing assistants.
The amount of hours required for CNA training classes also vary per state but the minimum federal requirements for CNA training is 75 hours in preparation for the CNA exam.
CNA training classes comprise learning from textbooks, practice sessions usually on mannequins and clinicals that are performed in a real world environment usually at a medical facility with real patients while being under the supervision of medical staff.
A lot of states as well as some employers (if you started working after completing the training but before taking and passing the exam) will usually require the nursing assistant to take the exam and obtain certification within 90 days after completing the CNA training course.
The CNA training classes and the material and practice sessions are geared to ensure that you will be able to take and pass the exam on your first try. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the concepts and practices by asking questions and getting assistance for any problem areas so that you become confident about taking and passing the CNA exam.
The exam comprises two parts written and clinical. While the exam may vary somewhat in content and structure from one state to another, the concepts tested remain the same. The written part of the CNA exam test your grasp of the basic procedures and concepts of the profession and the textbook work as well as other notes from the class will ensure that you are prepared for this section of the exam.
The clinical part of the CNA exam will test a few nursing skills that you should have acquired during the CNA training classes. You will be required to perform what you learned for a state examiner who will be watching everything that you do. Nursing assistant skills tested may include taking patient vitals, grooming, changing bed linens, hand washing, etc.
The practice sessions as well as the clinicals offered during CNA training classes should help you to excel during this part of the exam although you may be nervous when being tested. Just remain calm and be confident in yourself and the skills that you were taught.
The state examiner will be watching to see how you react under pressure since a test situation always comes with some level of nervousness and pressure and being able to calm yourself will help you both on the exam as well as in the profession when you have to deal with various people and duties.
To prepare for the exam, you may want to consider various study guides as well as mock exams that will help you build up your confidence. These may be available in your textbooks or other sources both offline and online. Creating a study group or joining one comprised of fellow students from CNA training classes will greatly help you. Preparation is always the best defense.
You may be able to retake the CNA exam multiple times if you do not pass however, each state has various guidelines such as how often you can retake the exam during a specific period of time, costs to retake the exam, length of time between each attempt, etc. Passing the exam is very important and most CNA training classes provide everything that you need to pass it after one or two attempts but it all depends upon your level of studiousness and self discipline.
