How to Become a CNA in 30 Days!
Are you a caring and kindhearted person with excellent communication skills? Your career in the health industry can begin in as few as thirty days by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). CNAs are on the front-line for health care. Nursing assistants provide medical care services such as checking vitals for patients in long-term care, hospitals, clinics, hospice, and other sectors. Personality traits and skills like time management, attention to detail, and clear communication through documentation are highly valued in a CNA. As a CNA, you will provide compassionate communication with family members and patients. CNA career opportunities are expected to grow by as much as 20% over the next five years. Now is the perfect time to get started as a CNA!
Before you apply for CNA classes
There are a few things to know before you begin your exciting career as a CNA. Requirements vary by state, but most are similar. We will focus on what you need to know if you are seeking certification to work in Washington and Oregon because Northwest NAC Training students are most likely to work in these states.
Age requirements vary from state to state. In Washington, you must be 18 to work as a CNA. If you know you want to pursue a career in the medical industry while you are in high school, taking classes like biology and anatomy will help prepare you for what is next. Oregon allows CNAs to begin working as early as age 16 if you have completed all of the steps to become certified and meet the other requirements.
Education requirements to become a CNA are a high school diploma or GED in Washington and most other states. In Oregon, it is recommended that you have a high school diploma or GED, however, it is not required. Except in unusual circumstances like military training, anyone pursuing a career as a CNA must successfully complete a state-approved training course and pass the certification exam to be eligible for licensure. Are you already certified as a Medical Assistant or Home Care Aid? You can apply for 24-hour Bridge class to become a CNA and advance your career path.
Language requirements for a working CNA include being able to speak, understand, and write proficiently in English. Communication skills are a key asset of every CNA. Speaking additional languages may give you an advantage while seeking employment in your work, however, you should expect all patient documentation and communication with other medical staff to be in English. Do not worry if you are not proficient in English. You will need to improve your language skills through additional classes, but it will not keep you from becoming a CNA once your written and verbal English skills are ready.
Additional requirements for becoming a CNA in most states include a state-approved background check, proof of a recent negative TB test, current vaccinations, drug screen, and the physical ability to lift at least 40 pounds and be on your feet for hours.
Are you ready to become a CNA?
The first step on your path to your new career as a CNA is to apply for state-approved CNA classes. The application for CNA certified training can be completed online in minutes. Once your application is approved, you can sign up for classes that fit your schedule. Most state-approved CNA teaching and testing facilities offer day or evening classes. Local CNA classes are available now through Northwest NAC Training if you are in Clark County, Washington or the Greater Portland, Oregon area. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you as you transition into your new career. Get in touch with NW NAC Training if you have questions, want to schedule a tour of the facilities, or to check class availability.
How to Become a CNA Fast
Complete the Certified Nursing Assistant Program in just 30 days with the accelerated program available through NW NAC Training. Our program consists of two sections that will prepare you for the CNA exam and your career as a nursing assistant. The first section of the program provides you with approximately 60 hours of classroom instruction and lab experience. During this two week portion of the program, our instructors will focus on theory and practical application through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on lab experience.
The second section of our accelerated CNA training program is the clinical portion. During these two weeks of clinical instruction, you will have the opportunity to learn in local facilities working with real patients. NW NAC Training is affiliated with six facilities for clinical instruction. You will have the opportunity to work 60 hours at two of these locations during clinicals. You may be working hands-on with patients at a skilled nursing, assisted living, or a memory care facility during this time. Our goal is to expose you to a variety of real-life caregiving experiences to prepare you for your CNA exam and career.
You will be amazed how much you learn during these four weeks of training. Exceeding the state minimums for training with 120 hours of instruction and clinical experience will ensure you are prepared for your CNA career. Our program also includes a 7 hour HIV/AIDS program, Nurse Delegation Core Training and Focus on Diabetes, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. When you successfully complete the program, it is time to take the CNA exam to get certified.
CNA Testing with Northwest NAC Training
Preparing for the CNA exam is an important step on your way to becoming a CNA in just 30 days. Practice exams and flexible lab practice hours at Northwest NAC Training facility will help you prepare for the certification exam.
Did you know that Northwest NAC Training is an official Washington State CNA exam site? You can take the CNA certification exam in our Vancouver, Washington facility. Be comfortable taking your CNA test in the same location where you were trained by our instructors.
The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) CNA certification exam is conducted in two sections. First, you must pass the written portion of the CNA test. There are many practice exams that you can use to prepare for testing, and the material is covered during the first two weeks of instruction in our program.
The second section of the exam is a CNA skills test. During this portion of the exam, you will perform five of the twenty-two skills learned during your four weeks of training. You will have thirty minutes to complete the five skills chosen by the exam proctor. When you have successfully completed both sections of the exam, you will receive your certificate from Northwest NAC Training and be ready to begin your career as a CNA in Washington and Oregon.
Apply today to begin a rewarding career as a CNA in 30 days!