By
Lanee’ Blunt
Free
CNA training programs can be found in your area and there are many places that
you may contact to request more information. Certified nursing assistants jobs
are in demand and the employment opportunity is expected to grow in the coming
future because of the growing population of the elderly. Nursing shortages in
long-term care facilities are critical, and with many seniors wanting the
independence of staying in their own homes, home-care nursing assistant positions
are also needed.
What You’ll Need
- High school diploma or GED
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Pass a police background check
- Negative PPD TB skin test
- Lifting requirement of a minimum of 50 pounds
Nursing Homes
A
great place to start is in a nursing home. There are many that are having a
nursing assistant shortage and looking to offer paid courses. They do have a
requirement if they offer you the course you will be required to work for that
nursing home for a year after completing the state examination. The process is
the same as applying for any type of job you must submit an application, go
through the interview, and then you will be trained from the facility. It is a
five to seven week course that includes classroom work, facility orientation,
and hands on clinical instruction. Some
long-term facilities offer the convenience of applying online.
Hospitals
There
are hospitals that offer paid courses and they also pay for your licensing
examination. It is contingent upon the trainee working for the hospital when
they finish and certification is completed. Large hospitals have an agreement
with local community colleges to offer funds to the community college. Contact
the hospital’s human resources department and request if they have a course for
people that want to take a course as a certified nurse assistant.
State Employment Programs
Many
courses that are offered at state employment department are free. They are
provided for people that are laid off or unemployed. They help unemployed people
gain employment. The courses offered are paid or some are partially funded
depending upon your income. Low income residents may be qualified through their
state Employment Department. Call your state’s employment department and ask if
they can refer you to a certified nursing assistant class in your area.
Scholarships
CNA/HHA
scholarship or the Direct Care Worker Training Scholarship is a state funded.
It provides training for people who want to enter the senior care workforce.
These scholarships are in community colleges. The scholarship is given to
people that qualify and meet the eligibility requirement. Contact the financial
aid office of the school you want to attend and ask them if they have the HHA
scholarship. If they have it you should apply and if you meet the eligibility
requirement you will receive the scholarship.
Reference:
Bureau
of Labor Statistics: Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
[Image
of a CNA].(n.d.).Retrieved from
http://www.baycollege.edu/Around-Campus/M-TEC/Upcoming-Courses/CNA-Iron-County-Medical-Care-Facility.aspx
