Typical Course Outline of a CNA Program

Are you considering becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and would like to know about the subjects you will need to study? While the exact classes and clinics you will need to attend vary depending on the educational facility you choose to train at, the following course outline is a good example of what you can expect.

Most CNA programs last four to 12 weeks depending on the school you attend. However, all programs are designed to prepare students for the state's CNA exam and the demands of a career as a CNA. Described below, you will find a typical CNA course outline:

Initial Training in a CNA Program

You will learn the basics of a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This usually involves computer training and an introduction to basic nursing assistant skills. In most schools, this includes two courses broken up into classroom lectures, laboratories, and clinics as follows:

• Introduction to Computers - This class will introduce you to such basic computer skills as fundamental functions and operations of computers. Through a variety of lectures and labs, you will learn about healthcare industry-related computer security issues, how to identify hardware components, use the industry software applications, and how to use computers to solve the industry problems.
• Certified Nursing Assistant I - The initial Certified Nursing Assistant part in a CNA program also consists of several lectures and labs that introduce you to the basic nursing assistant skills necessary to provide personal care to patients in healthcare settings. Some of the things you learn during this part of your program include nutrition, taking vital signs, patients' rights, safety, communications, rehabilitation, and emergencies. You also learn about all of the basic health issues that can affect clients in a home setting, including home safety, family dynamics, home healthcare equipment, and patient assessment.

Advanced Stage Training in a CNA Program

This stage of your CNA program provides you with more in-depth training in that you get to practice your learned skills in a supervised healthcare setting. Some programs make the clinical experience a part of their evaluation/exam i.e. you perform your learned skills in a healthcare setting to show how well you have learned them.

Conclusion

Are you a caring and compassionate person who loves to make a positive difference in the lives of others? If yes, a career as a CNA might be a great choice for you. Training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant can also give you a solid foundation for a career in the healthcare industry.