A certified nursing assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall well-being of patients by assisting them with their day-to-day activities and keeping them clean. This contribution makes them important members of any healthcare team.

CNAs are entry level positions, but they make great stepping stones to more attractive jobs in the medical field. When you work as a nursing assistant, you get first-hand experience of what it is like to be in the healthcare profession. If you enjoy it, you can acquire additional qualifications and become a licensed vocational nurse or a registered nurse and earn lucrative salaries.

The most commonly asked CNA questions are answered in this article.

Who should consider becoming a certified nursing assistant?

If you want to work in the healthcare sector and enjoy patient care, this is a job with a low entry barrier for you. This job does not require high level qualifications or a degree. You can start as soon as you finish high school. However, training is required. Once you complete the training, you will receive a post secondary, non-degree diploma or certificate. Make sure that you are enrolling in a training program approved by your state.

Anyone who has completed their high school diploma or GED can enroll in a nursing assistant training program. Community colleges, vocational schools, and medical facilities offer these training programs.

Candidates who have successfully completed the training program have to sit for the CNA certification exam. There are two parts – a written test and a practical test.

How to choose the best training program in Texas?

Nursing assistant jobs are ideal for people who want to start working as soon as possible. CNA training programs of various durations are available in Texas. While some can be completed in a few weeks, others may take a few months. Both full-time and part-time courses are available and they consist of a minimum of 100 hours of training. Of these 40 hours must be dedicated to hands-on training. Choose a program that suits your schedule.

How much does CNA training cost in Texas?

It varies depending on the program and the school chosen. While calculating the final cost, you should consider additional fees, if any, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, background checks, and exams. Knowing exactly how much it will cost beforehand will help you avoid a lot of headaches later.  Visit the training school and ask them your CNA questions.

Can I complete the training online?

Some training schools offer online courses. Theoretical lessons will usually be offered online and the candidate will have to complete clinical and lab training in person. For more information, you have to contact the school of your choice.

What do CNAs do?

Nursing assistants perform several duties. They work directly with patients under the supervision of nurses. They help patients with their day-to-day activities. They usually work with patients who are incapable of taking care of themselves due to a physical disability or mental impairment. They bathe and groom patients and get them dressed. They feed patients and give them their medicines on time. They also turn or move patients and help to transfer them from their beds to a wheelchair.

Other duties include checking the vital signs of patients, cleaning their rooms, and communicating with their family members. A nursing assistant needs good communication skills and higher levels of empathy. They have to be patient, listen carefully to what their patients say, and make them as comfortable as possible. People suffering from physical disabilities are often anxious and upset. A good nursing aide should be able to put their mind at ease.

Where do CNAs work?

This is one of the commonly asked CNA questions. Certified nursing assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings. These include:

• Senior care homes
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers

Occasionally, they may also work in clinical facilities.

What are the educational requirements for a CNA?

Nursing assistants perform entry-level jobs in a care home or hospital, so their educational requirements are not particularly high. Although the exact requirements can vary from state to state, aspiring CNAs usually have to complete a training program approved by their state. High schools, vocational schools, community colleges, and some hospitals as well offer these training programs. These courses can be completed in 4 to 8 weeks.

CNA certification

Certification requirements vary. However, usually, there is an oral or written examination. You may also have to demonstrate your ability to perform certain tasks. Getting certified is crucial because, without the certification, you cannot apply for jobs.

How much does a CNA earn?

CNAs earn about $13.50/hour on average, or $28,000/year. This is an entry-level job, so the salary is not particularly high. However, many people who start their careers as nursing aides eventually become registered nurses and earn much higher salaries.

What exactly is the career outlook for a CNA?

CNAs have excellent career prospects. As the population ages, there will naturally be an increase in the demand for caregivers. For many who start working as CNAs, it is merely a stepping stone to a career in nursing or another aspect of healthcare. Working as a nursing assistant is an opportunity for you to find out whether you enjoy caring for patients. If you do enjoy this job, there are online nursing programs that prepare you for your BSN degree and RN licensure.

You can complete these courses while you are still working as a CNA. A career in nursing is more rewarding, both emotionally and financially. Now, if you realize that you do not enjoy patient care after working as a nursing assistant for a while, you can switch to other professions like health services coordination and health information management.

Are there any minimum education requirements?

To work as a nursing assistant in a Texas nursing home, you have to successfully complete a nursing assistant training program and pass a competency evaluation examination. There are no minimum education requirements for nursing assistants.

What if I fail the exam?

If you fail the written/oral exam or the competency evaluation after completing the training program, you can retake the exam twice. If you fail in all three attempts, you have to complete the training program again before you can retake the test.

If you are already on the nursing assistant registry in another state, you will be considered qualified. Of course, you have to complete the HHSC documentation.

When will I receive my certificate?

You will receive the certificate in about 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. Your certificate does not have an expiration date. However, you have to contact the Nurse Aide Registry at least once every two years to verify that your employment status is active. If your status on the Nurse Aide Registry is not active, you are not employable.

How do I apply to take the CNA exam?

In most states, you can apply online. You can find the application link under the Candidate Resource section on the home page of your state’s website. Applying online is the easiest method.

Can I take the exam at home?

The Internet Based Testing System is available in some states. In this case, students can take the secured proctored test online at approved Prometric testing centers. You can find a list of approved test centers at www.prometric.com/nurseaide.

How long is the CNA certification exam?

The written examination is of 90 minutes and the clinical exam can take 31-40 minutes depending on the specific tasks assigned.

What ID proofs should I bring to the test center?

While appearing for your examination, you have to bring with you two valid identity cards. The names on both cards must be exactly the same as the name on your application form and admission letter. You must bring in original ID cards. Photocopies are not accepted.

One identity card must contain your latest photograph and signature. It could be your driver’s license, passport, alien registration card, or any other state-issued identity card. It could also be an identity card issued by your employer or your school provided that it has your photograph and signature on it.

The second ID card has to be a signature identification. It could be your social security card, credit card, gym card, or library card that has your signature on the back. The name on the second ID card must match the name on the first ID card.

Where can I find the study material for the exam?

Study material and practice tests are available at prometric.com website. Exams conducted by Prometric are made according to the NA curriculum approved by the state. For a small fee, candidates can access the practice tests for the clinical and written modules on their website.

The healthcare sector is booming partly due to the aging population and lifestyle changes. Consequently, the number of jobs available in this sector continues to increase. Getting a CNA certification is the first step to starting a stable career in caregiving. The best part is that you can start working immediately after high school by simply completing a short-term course in nursing assistant training.

Do you dream of helping other people? Do you imagine yourself working in a healthcare environment? Do you desire an in-demand job that makes a difference? Then 2023 may be the year to ditch your dead-end job and embrace a new, exciting, and more lucrative adventure in the healthcare field.

Before you start to worry about finances, years of study, and finding a job, consider these little-known facts about getting started in a medical career. It may just be faster, easier, and more affordable than you expect.

Choose an entry-level career with room for growth.

You don’t have to start as a nurse, physician’s assistant, doctor, or surgeon. In fact, the healthcare field is full of entry-level positions that allow you to apply your compassion and intelligence while positioning you to grow in your career.

For example, at Careers Unlimited, our clinical medical assistant course gives you broad spectrum training in everything from administrative work to drawing blood. Use it as a jumping point to pursue phlebotomy, nursing, or other careers, or simply enjoy the versatility this course provides to choose the healthcare setting in which you work.

Focus on an in-demand career.

Healthcare jobs in general are in high demand. About 14 percent of the American population already works within the medical field. By 2029, jobs in this field are expected to grow by 15 percent.

As a result, moving into the healthcare sector can be a smart choice, no matter which job you pursue. However, there are certain positions that are much more flexible, versatile, and needed than others. Before choosing a course to study, educate yourself about which are the most in-demand positions and then pursue training in one of those (e.g. in CNA courses in McAllen).

Doing so will equip you to pursue, and land, a position in a healthcare setting of your choice after graduation. And that can lead to a successful and rewarding career that you do not have to wait long to enjoy.

Here at Careers Unlimited, all of our courses offer training in some of the most needed positions in healthcare, from clinical medical assistant to phlebotomist to CNA. Plus, most of our positions are available across a wide variety of medical settings. That makes it easier for you to find the job you desire after you finish your course.

Find a program that you can complete this year.

Kickstarting your new career does NOT mean starting 8-12 years of medical studies. The BEST way to get started in the medical field is to choose an entry level position that you can easily prepare for in 2023.

At Careers Unlimited, our courses take anywhere from 5 weeks to 5 months to complete. That’s it! Once completed, you can easily pursue certification and start looking for a job. What if you could leave your current position and start earning MORE in the job of your dreams, all by the time Christmas rolls around again? If you choose a career like clinical medical assistant or phlebotomist, chances are you CAN!

Prioritize flexibility.

You work. You may have a family. Your life is already busy. If concerns about your schedule have kept you from kickstarting your new career in previous years, it may be time to rethink what is required to prepare for the medical field.

At Careers Unlimited, we offer high-quality training that allows you to study at your own pace. That means you can choose from evening or even Saturday classes, tap into career support services that make finding a job easier, and more! A great career does NOT have to mean years of study. Let us show you how!

Insist on quality.

Any healthcare career, even that of network support specialist, involves people’s health and wellbeing. If you are going to help people achieve their maximum health potential, you need to be highly-trained and thoroughly prepared for the demands of your new job. Here are a few ways Careers Unlimited ensures that you receive the training you deserve:

• Mentors with years of experience
• Comprehensive classes
• Hands-on experience
• Clinical practice
• In-depth job readiness training

Don’t just enter the medical field. Enter it prepared to succeed with the tools, knowledge, and experience you need to give patients the best possible care.

Make sure your course is affordable.

 

Your dream career shouldn’t not leave you buried under mountains of debt. If concerns about finances have prevented you from switching jobs, then you may not have been looking in the right places.

At Careers Unlimited, we believe that you should graduate without entering excessive debt. That is why we offer flexible financing options that include paying only $59 a month (for those who qualify). We also offer scholarships and personalized financial aid packages. We want to see you succeed, so we make sure our courses are within your financial reach.

Stop waiting to pursue your new career.

If time and money were no longer obstacles, would you still be going to your dead-end job every day? If the answer is no, then it might be time to start with Careers Unlimited. Now is the time to make 2023 the year you pursue a new career in an in-demand field. Apply today or learn more about the flexible, affordable courses we can offer you! From our patient care technician course to our hybrid phlebotomy course, we have the tools you need to thrive!

A career in nursing can be emotionally rewarding and financially lucrative. In the US and Europe, nurses are one of the most respected professionals.

Before you can embark on your career as a vocational nurse, you need to acquire the required qualification and pass a qualifying exam. The first step, of course, is to enroll in a nursing school.

Finding the right nursing school or LVN program can be challenging, especially since lots of options are available. Before you zero in on a particular school, there are some specific factors you should consider.

State approval

Make sure that the school and the program are approved by the state board of nursing. The school should have received its approval from the state board of nursing. This is by far the most important thing.

State approval is crucial because if the school has not received approvals, students graduating from there cannot take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam. To complete the program successfully, you have to take this exam in the state where you want to work. Without approval, you cannot take this test or earn your license.

Another advantage of choosing an approved nursing school is that its faculty will be qualified enough to ensure that each student graduating from their school has acquired all the skills required to practice as a licensed vocational nurse.

What’s more, they will prepare the students for NCLEX. Keep in mind that if you cannot take the NCLEX exam, all the months and years that you invested in acquiring a nursing education will go down the drain. Hence before enrolling, ask if the school has received state approval.

Accreditation

Accreditation is just as important as state approval. In some states, if you complete the program from a state-approved school and successfully pass the NCLEX, you can receive the license even if your degree is unaccredited. However, this is not the case in some other states.

Hence, to ensure that you will not run into problems in the future should you decide to move to another state, get your degree from an accredited nursing school. Employers prefer nurses with accredited degrees because they believe that an accredited program imparts more knowledge. What’s more, an accredited nursing degree enables you to opt for further education.

So, for example, if you aspire to be a nurse midwife, nurse educator, or nurse anesthetist in the future after working as a vocational nurse for a while, by all means, get a degree from an accredited nursing school.

NCLEX Passage Rates

Before enrolling in a school, take a quick look at the number of students who clear the NCLEX exam in each batch. While it is true that the results of individual students depend on the amount of time and effort they put in, it is also an indicator of how good the curriculum is and how dedicated the nursing faculty members are.

If the curriculum is good and faculty members are committed to helping the students pass the exam, the results will certainly be good. Schools that have high pass percentages will definitely display that information in their brochures and on their websites.

So, you don’t have to do much research to find out whether their students are passing the test or not.

If you cannot find the passage rates, be sure to ask the enrollment personnel for this number. The national average NCLEX passing percentage is currently 84% for individuals who graduate with an associate degree and around 90% for those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Curriculum

The curriculum should be prepared in accordance with the current academic standards. You should also ensure that the class requirements and curriculum are flexible enough to give you enough time to complete any papers or projects on time. This is important for people who are working or have a family to take care of.

Clinical opportunities

Aspiring nurses need to receive adequate numbers of clinical opportunities. Keep in mind that some nursing schools provide far more clinical hours than others. This hands-on experience makes you more confident in your skills.

It will even help you find that first job. You should also check whether you will have opportunities to practice in more than one hospital. Another important factor is the kind of opportunities you will have. Ideally, you should have the opportunity to practice in surgical, maternity, community, and psychiatric wards.

Location

How important is the location to you? Traditional nursing schools offer classes on campus. That means you have to visit the campus every day. Make sure that the campus is close to your home. If it is not, it is important to ensure that viable living options are available nearby.

If the commute takes long hours, it could affect your study time. Hybrid nursing schools may allow you to live away from the campus as they offer a combination of online and in-person classes. You should still have to attend some in-person classes.

The main advantage of choosing a hybrid school is the flexibility it offers. However, don’t forget that learning the concepts is easier in the traditional classroom as you have the opportunity to clear any doubts as they arise and connect better with your classmates.

However, hybrid classes are ideal for people who already have another job and cannot afford to attend class regularly in person. Check how frequently you will need to attend those classes. It is equally important to check whether the clinical opportunities will be available close to where you live.

For most students, a school in their neighborhood is the right option. However, some may want to relocate. Regardless of where you learn, make sure that the school you choose will prepare you adequately for the NCLEX.

Class size

If there are too many students in the class, the faculty members will not be able to give adequate attention to each student. This can affect their preparation. By contrast, in a smaller class, you have more opportunities to ask doubts and get them cleared.

Faculty

Make sure that the faculty members are approachable, knowledgeable, and patient. They should know what they are teaching. Each teacher should have some background in the subject they are teaching.

Also, they should be committed to helping their students pass NCLEX upon their graduation. See if you can have a meeting with the faculty members before you enroll.

Cost

Cost is an important factor, but it should not be the most important consideration when choosing a nursing school or LVN program. However, the cost can be the decisive factor for you if you already have a family to support and cannot afford to spend a lot of money on nursing education.

Or you may have just completed high school and lack any savings. A cheap school is not worth your time or money if it cannot prepare you for NCLEX.

Generally speaking, the cost of a nursing program depends on a variety of factors such as the length and type of the curriculum, the type of the school, the scholarship or work programs offered by the school, and the financial assistance you qualify for.

Now that you know what to look for in a nursing school, choosing the right one should be easy. Regardless of where you study, remember that your success largely depends on your commitment to your studies. Choosing a good school and an accredited program is still important because they make you better prepared for your exams and future career.

Whether you are looking at a nurse assistant career as a viable career option after high school, or looking to change your career path by switching to healthcare, finding a nursing school is the first step.

Entering into the exciting and rewarding field of nursing, and its related fields, requires the support and training of a school that makes quality vocational training easier, more affordable, and more flexible. Before you commit to a school, here is a look at some factors to consider to ensure that the school you choose is perfect for you.

Consider the school’s available courses

Do not assume that every nursing school will prepare you for the healthcare job you prefer. Instead, look for a school that offers high-quality training in the area of nursing and healthcare that you want to enter. Choosing a school that enables you to pursue your preferred career path will make your studies, and your new job, more enjoyable, and more attainable, than selecting a school that forces you into a career path that does not fit with your career dreams.

At Careers Unlimited, you have access to multiple courses intended to prepare you for a successful future taking care of others. Whether you want to pursue phlebotomy, become a certified nurse assistant, or enjoy the flexibility of a patient care technician, we can equip you with the affordable and high-quality instruction required to get started.

Look into your post-education job options

Nursing assistant is a career that is in high demand. Pursuing a nurse assistant career is likely to open up many job opportunities after you graduate from nursing school. However, the right school for you will give you multiple career options with comprehensive training, multiple course options, and training in career paths that are in particularly high demand. Look for a school that can equip you to work in settings across the country, including the following:

• Hospitals
• Doctor Offices
• Outpatient Clinics
• Community Clinics
• Labs
• Nursing Homes
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Transitional Care Facilities
• Home Health Care
• Hospice
• Public Health Agencies
• And More

In addition, the right school will support your job hunting journey. From helping you with your resume to providing guidance in finding a job, support both during and after your studies can make it easier to find the right job to support your future success.

Explore the time required to complete your studies

Advancing your career quickly may not be possible in every nursing school. The degree or certification you choose will often determine how rapidly you can complete your studies and begin looking for a job.

However, different schools may also offer programs of different lengths. Look for a school that equips you for the healthcare career you want, within the timeframe that works for your schedule.

Here is a look at how long it could take you to complete studies for some of the career options available at Careers Unlimited:

• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)—6 weeks
• Patient Care Technician—5 months
• Hybrid Phlebotomy Course—5 weeks
• Clinical Medical Assistant—7 months

If you could prepare for your future in just a few weeks, or months, how would that change your approach to pursuing the healthcare career you desire?

Seek out a school with quality instruction

The quality of education you receive from your nursing school will make a difference in how well-equipped you are to pursue your new career. Seek out a school that provides excellent instruction to prepare you for the next step. Here are some of the qualities the right school’s education will have:

• Hands-on clinical training
• In-depth preparation
• Experienced instructors
• Small class sizes

When you can receive an exceptional education, you can prepare for an excellent career in whichever field you pick.

Look into the nursing school’s student success stories

The best schools are those that prepare their students for success. Before selecting a nursing school to pursue your healthcare career, look for one whose students regularly complete their courses, obtain their certifications, and get jobs in their field.

Most schools will be happy to share information to back up their claims to a quality education. Ask a school for the following details to determine if they are the right fit for you:

• Course pass rates
• Employment rates
• Student testimonials and success stories
• References from former students

Ask about the program costs and financial aid

Preparing for your future should be affordable. Mountains of debt and years of education can make it difficult, or impossible, to pursue the healthcare career you desire. The right nursing school for you should offer tuition and financial assistance options that make your education more affordable. Here are some of the ways in which you may be able to fund your education without significant debt:

• Look for a school, like Careers Unlimited, that prioritizes course affordability.
• Explore specialized scholarships.
• Ask about financing options.
• Look for personalized aid packages.

A school that puts your education within financial reach can support a healthcare career that advances your wage, your opportunities, and your ability to serve in the ways that matter most to you.

If you are looking for a flexible, experienced, and affordable education to begin your healthcare career or medical assistant training, you are looking for Careers Unlimited. We make it easy to study at your own pace, afford your training, and enjoy high-quality, hands-on instruction in a number of growing healthcare fields. Contact us today to learn more!