Get Certified Nursing Assistant Training from the Red Cross
Once you’ve made the decision to go to school, it’s time to select a suitable program. While community colleges and local trade schools are always the most common pathway to getting certified, there is another option available for some students. If you happen to live near a chapter of the American Red Cross, you might be able to enroll in their CNA training program. Students can complete a Red Cross certification course in just a few weeks at a cost of between $650 and $1400 (fees for testing and school supplies may also apply). When you are ready to get started with your education, this is an option worth looking into.
Where These Programs Are Offered
There are currently 44 different chapter locations in 21 states that offer a certified nursing assistant program. States offering these programs include Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The Red Cross training provides students with the key skills and conceptual knowledge necessary to pass the state certification exam and start a career as a certified nursing assistant. Since each state has a slightly different set of standards, the curriculum will vary based on location. With nearly 25 years of experience providing a quality education for nursing professionals, employers across the country respect and accept an education from the Red Cross. Upon completion, they provide job placement assistance to make sure that students have the best possible opportunity to succeed. Those who have an interest in learning more about this certification path should contact their nearest local chapter for details, enrollment deadlines and schedules.
Other Available Options
Fortunately, those who want to become a CNA but do not live in an area where this is available still have plenty of other options. There are training classes available in almost every major city in the country. If your community has a hospital or regional clinic, it almost certainly has a school that will provide certification courses. Several major regional colleges and online schools including Brookline, Brown Mackie, Kaplan, and Everest also offer training classes.
Before you decide on where you will enroll, it is a good idea to get information from several programs so you can compare schools and see which one will give you the best education. As you go through the selection process, be sure to consider things like tuition costs, the cost of books, class size, proximity of the campus to where you live, and access to one-on-one assistance. In addition, researching the faculty to ensure that they have adequate teaching and real-world experience can also be worthwhile.
Remember that it is your responsibility to make sure to pick the right program and the success of your career will ride on the decisions you make during this important time. Avoid rushing into anything you do not feel comfortable with and be sure to speak up and ask any questions you may have before making any commitments. New Red Cross CNA program classes begin at various times throughout the year so you may even be able to get started right away!