By
Lanee’ Blunt
Certified
nursing assistants are in demand because of a shortage of nurses in the health
care industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment is
expected to grow by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020 due to an increase in the
elderly population. The position requires that a CNA assist patients with their
daily needs and bedside care, such as bathing, eating and grooming. A nursing
assistant will also have other duties such as taking vital signs, blood
pressure and temperature.
Which is Easier Online Classes or on Campus
An
online class offers students the flexibility of being able to work a full time
job and go to class from your home. You can study while the kids are at home
and don’t have to worry about the commute to class.
On
the other hand taking class on campus is better for some students due to
isolation, and not having students to converse with. It is better when there
are some concepts that can be better learned in class. You can stop and ask
your teacher if you have any questions.
Classes Needed
Online
classes require that students are computer literate and have access to a
computer. Most community colleges and accredited colleges offer online classes.
Enrolling in an online CNA class is simple. The admission requirements are a
high school diploma, proof of vaccinations, and math and reading competency.
The course work prepares students to take the certification exam and covers a
range of healthcare subjects such as: patient care, record keeping, anatomy,
medical terminology, and communications.
Admission Requirement
Online
classes also have requirements for entry. You must have your high school
diploma or GED. You will have a criminal background check and proof of
immunization. Some programs require that you take a placement test but not all
will require this test. You must be at least 18 years old or older.
How does it Work
Online
training is similar to offline training. Computer work each week is designated
to the student and you must complete each assignment by the deadline. The
online part of the course is generally the lecture and theory section. You will
work independently, be given tests and assignments online. There will also be a
clinical portion to be studied on-campus that gives you “hands on training”,
and it is coupled with your online courses. In some community colleges,
lectures and video demonstration are online which allows you to learn the
procedures and techniques to become CNA.
Online
CNA courses offer flexible payment options, and the convenience associated with
taking the coursework in your home. You can discuss coursework within forums
and chat rooms. Many online classes provide mock test sessions to prepare for
the exam. After completion you'll be prepared to take the actual certification
exam.
Online requirement
You
must have some computer skills for example, basic keyboard knowledge and
understand some software programs such as Microsoft Word, and the knowledge of
how to save a text file or pdf. You will have to have internet access and an
email address. You should have some knowledge of how to send and receive
emails, and download large files.
Clinical Requirements
It
is mandatory that clinical training is part of the CNA certification. This part
of the training will not take place online and you will have to take this
training at a nursing home, or practiced in a clinical setting. If you are
taking online classes from a community college you will be informed where you
must report for clinical training. You will have a dress code of scrubs, closed
toe nonskid nursing shoes, a watch with a second hand, and notebook and pen or
pencil.
Reference:See also
- What Kind of Job Can You Get with CNA
- Nursing Homes that Provide CNA Training
- How to Become CNA for Free
- Average Salary
Reference:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
