While the Red Cross CNA classes remain popular, they simply don’t have enough locations or classes to accommodate all those looking to become nurse assistants. This has led to increasing enrollment in online certification programs. Fortunately, there are excellent online alternatives to the Red Cross CNA training, including free CNA training online.

A nursing assistant’s tasks may include bathing and dressing up their patients, helping patients turn in bed to avoid bedsores, conducting a patient’s exerce routine, feeding a patient, changing sheets and cleaning patients rooms. With the CNA’s heavy responsibilities on the job, is taking up an Online Certified Nursing Assistant Program enough to prepare students for the tough job ahead, or is on-campus learning still a better choice?

Advantages

Taking up your classes online gives a lot of benefits for busy students like you. For one, online certified nursing assistant program schedules are extra flexible; they can be taken anytime since the learning process is asynchronous (a student doesn’t have to be online in the same time with a professor’s web cast) and you can take things at your own pace. What’s more beneficial is that a student can actually cut or extend his total training hours depending on how he handles activities, which is good for students aiming to graduate as soon as possible. This feature is only unique to these certain types of programs. Another advantage would be that being online provides an infinite source of information for students on all that medical research their curriculum would require from them.

Disadvantages

Although the benefits of being online seem too great for students, there are also great disadvantages to being a student of an online certified nursing assistant program. For one, direct interaction between the professor and student rarely take place, since online learning follows asynchronous processes. This means that any clarification for lectures might take some time to be resolved. Although online CNA programs promote the use of forums for inquiries, people do not always contribute the right information. Another major flaw in the program is that seventy percent of the students that graduate from it perform less well on the field than students coming from Universities that follow the traditional On-Campus training. Federal nurse aide training regulations require students to have a total of fifty hours of lessons and theories, and a total of a hundred hours on the field training.

In light on all of this, it really just depends on the student on which he thinks he can perform well. Hardworking busybodies should take up online programs like these for the extra flexible schedule, while students who are already used to campus training should stick to it. After all, nothing beats the experiences you get out of being a university student.

As you consider your options for CNA training, be sure to keep in mind the pro’s and con’s. That said, however you get your certificate, you will have achieved a major accomplishment and will be well on your way to one of the most rewarding careers anyone can have!

Many of the organizations and businesses that offer free CNA classes are nursing homes or long term care facilities. There are some hospitals that may offer this type of training but it is rare. A person that is interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant through a free program would have to contact the nursing homes and long term care facilities in the area to find out which ones offer this type of program. Not all facilities offer free CNA training so you have to do a little research in order to locate the places that do. You may be able to contact the State Board of Nursing to get a list of approved CNA training programs. This will help you narrow down the list of places to contact regarding free nursing assistant training.

The nursing homes and long term care facilities that offer free training classes do so with the intention of creating a strong, well trained employee. If you accept the chance to complete a free nursing assistant program then you must realize that the company that provides the training will expect you to accept employment at their facility after certification. They will require that you stay employed at their facility for a specific amount of time. In some cases you may have to sign a contract agreeing to remain employed for a certain length of time.

The free nursing assistant training provided will include both written and practical sections just as any other program. In order for most nursing programs to be state approved they must offer a minimum number of learning hours for both the classroom and the clinical portions of the program. Programs offered through a long term care facility or a nursing home are no different. Participants in the free program will have to participate in classroom learning to gain knowledge of the nursing assistant profession. Likewise, the clinical portion of the program may be performed within the nursing home or long term care facility amongst patients. This is a great way to obtain the needed skills to become a certified nursing assistant.

After completing the program some facilities will allow you to work in their organizations while you are waiting to take the test to become a certified nursing assistant. Some facilities will even pay for you to take the certification test. Upon successfully passing the CNA certification test you will work at the facility that provided the free training. You will be able to work a variety of shifts which will include 8 or 12 hours shifts that will more than likely include weekends. You have the choice of working mornings, evenings or overnight shifts. Committing to work in a nursing home in exchange for nursing assistant training can prove to be very profitable for your future.

With the availability of free CNA training classes, anyone with the desire can enter this exciting and rewarding field, and launch themselves into one of the most worthwhile professions there are. If you’ve wanted to enter the health care field but were concerned about the cost of education, you no longer have that barrier.

If you have a desire to get into health care and do not have a college degree getting Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA training online is the way to start. All you need is a GED or high school diploma and access to a computer with internet on a regular basis for four to eight weeks. Finding a school that offers training online is really pretty simple. Type in CNA training online and you will find over one million results. Once you have looked at the various programs available you will want to make sure that the institution you choose is accredited so that if you want to continue on to become a nurse your course credits will transfer and count towards your graduation requirements. You will also need to find a course that also has some clinical aspect to it because the majority of certification programs involve having a certain number of clinical hours to get certified in addition to passing the exam for that state.

You will need to check with your particular State Department of Health to determine exactly what the requirements are for CNA certification. CNA training class will go through the basics of patient care including bathing, feeding, dressing and monitoring (blood pressure, pulse, etc.). Some online courses include a streaming video section going over just what is required and others recommend you spend time at an affiliated medical facility before taking your certification exam.

There is a site called CNA Training Course Online and St. Augustine Nursing Assistant School offers a six to eight week course designed by doctors and nurses. Other places to get CNA training are your local community colleges, technical schools and local medical centers. Most of these courses want a total commitment of seventy five hours of training (combination of class and clinical) before gaining your certification. Online courses want you to take your certification at a monitored facility.

Some of the coursework you can expect to take includes classes in physiology, nutrition, anatomy, basic nursing skills and infection control. As the population ages and more people enter assisted living facilities and nursing homes certified nursing assistants are going to be more in demand than ever. The average salary for a certified nursing assistant begins at a bit under $20,000 and tops out at around $40,000 depending on the facility and how many years of service you may have. If you decide you want additional training many times the facility you work for has tuition reimbursement and you can work towards becoming a registered nurse ($50,000+) with your boss’s money.

CNA training is something you can do in very little time. The rewards are endless: job security; exciting and varying workplace environments; the opportunity to work in either a high-energy, fast-paced environment or slower, easier setting; excellent pay and benefit opportunities, and the knowledge that you’re truly making a difference in the world!

The money to provide free training classes comes from penalties collected from nursing homes that were fined by OSDH for delivering substandard care. It is possible that Certified Nursing Assistants from these very same nursing homes will be turn out to be beneficiaries of the scholarship, which has aims of improving overall patient care in long-term care facilities. The core of the free CNA program is to upgrade the skills and knowledge of nursing assistants to a level CNA 2. Tulsa Community College also offers more advanced training for those nursing assistants who wish to advance to the CNA 3 level, but this level is not currently funded.

To fund the program, the OSDH is using civil monetary penalties collected by the agency from nursing homes that were fined for delivering substandard care. CNAs who work with long-term care patients in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are eligible to apply for the OSDH-funded training. The aim of the program is to serve as a career ladder for working CNAs – appropriately named the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Ladder Program. The new course blends online learning with traditional classroom and lab work geared towards passing a CNA skills test. All students must have already completed online coursework and have reliable computer access in order to participate in this program.

All applicants to the program must be already accepted to Tulsa Community College. However, admission to the college does not guarantee admission into the free CNA training program, nor a guarantee of funding. Early application is encouraged, as funding and space is limited. In order to be eligible for funding consideration, all applicants must take and pass the College Placement Test (Reading and Sentence Skills only). The minimum score that an applicant must achieve is 80. Additionally, all applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, all applicants must have worked in a health care facility for a minimum of six months. All applications must include a letter of recommendation from their administrator.

The free CNA training classes consist of 30 hours, comprising of 11 modules, each three hours long. The five full days of training will focus on safety, teamwork, aging and illness, communication, nutrition, quality of life, dementia care, the importance of family, culture change and restorative care, spirituality, and dying. Students will then need to take and pass the state exam to receive their CNA certification.

Within the state of Oklahoma, there are approximately 66,000 individuals on the CNA Registry certified or entitled to renew their licenses as long-term care aides. Most of the 66,000 are considered potentially eligible to apply to this free CNA program. Therefore, the competition is potentially very high, since only 900-1,000 students will be funded in 2010. If accepted, students will be notified by mail, which will also include information and instructions about immunization requirements, a criminal background check, and a drug screening test.

In addition to Oklahoma’s program, there are other free CNA training classes, some of which are available online. Be certain to check whether the training programs are specifically designed as preparation to take the CNA exam, or for general informational purposes.  Note that the Red Cross CNA classes are no longer free.

“Free CNA Training Classes” written by Brenne Meirowitz, B.A., M.S., M.A.

As of  September 08, 2009, the American Red Cross will have CNA training available in 36 cities across the U.S. If you are considering a career in health care, this program is a great way to begin. For many, beginning as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) is a steppingstone towards becoming a RN (registered nurse).

All training programs offered at the American Red Cross meet Federal CNA training standards, while each chapter designs its program to meet specific State licensing requirements, including the number of course hours and clinical training standards of practices and procedures. For example, the San Bernardino, California chapter program consists of a 164 hour course, while The ARC of Central Maryland course consists of 114 hours.

Training programs also differ in cost;  for instance, the San Bernardino chapter charges $1,750, while The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter course costs $1,400.

The following is a list of American Red Cross chapters offering Certified Nurse Assistant training:

• Madison/Marshall County, Huntsville, AL
• American Red Cross of Central Alabama, Montgomery, AL
• American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
• Inland Empire, San Bernardino, CA
• American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties, Santa Rosa, CA
• South Central Connecticut, New Haven, CT
• Northeast Florida, Jacksonville, FL
• Central Panhandle, Panama City, FL
• Space Coast, Rockledge, FL
• Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL
• Southwest Georgia, Albany, GA
• Northeast Georgia, Gainesville, GA
• Coosa Valley, Rome, GA
• Hawaii State, Honolulu, HI
• Louisville Area, Louisville, KY
• American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, Cambridge, MA
• Berkshire County, Pittsfield, MA
• Pioneer Valley, Springfield, MA
• American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
• Central Maryland, Baltimore, MD
• Southeastern Michigan, Detroit, MI
• American Red Cross of the Twin Cities Area, Minneapolis, MN
• Elizabeth H. Dole Chapter, Salisbury, NC
• Concord Area, Concord, NH
• New Hampshire, West Keene, NH
• Great Bay, Portsmouth, NH
• Greater Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
• Keystone, Johnstown, PA
• Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• Allegheny Region, Reno, PA
• Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
• Hiwassee, Cleveland, TN
• Greater Richmond, Richmond, VA
• Green Mountain, Bennington, VT
• Chippewa Valley, Altoona, WI
• Lakeland, Green Bay, WI

You may get all local contact information and up-to-date program offerings of these CNA training classes and other American Red Cross locations by visiting the ARC main site at http://www.redcross.org/.

One of these includes training for Certified Nursing Assistants, who by law must meet the Federal requirement that all home health aides pass a competency test. Usually, a home health aide will receive free training before taking the competency test. Additionally, the National Association for Home Care and Hospice offers voluntary certification, particularly in states that require aides to be licensed.

Free training to prepare individuals for the CNA certification test are also offered by some high schools. While most home health aides and Nurse Assistants are generally not required to hold a high school diploma, most do.
The American Red Cross both trains and tests Certified Nursing Assistants. While it is relatively inexpensive compared to other paid programs, the Red Cross CNA class isn’t free. Another alternative is free CNA classes online, however many of these offer courses covering particular topics and skills, and may not cover everything necessary to pass the exam.

Some states, such as Florida, require that CNA’s complete a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training per year. However, certain exemptions may apply if the applicant can document that he or she was on active duty in the Armed Forces for a period of 6 months or more during the calendar year. Additionally, he or she must have been in good standing with the Board of Nursing and Certified Nursing Assistant Council at the time active duty began. Alternatively, if they are married to a member of the Armed Forces whose duty required the member leave the state of Florida prior to completing the minimum 12 hours of in-service training, he or she must submit proof of their spouse’s military status as well as appropriate documentation proving that the family was forced to leave the state due to active military service.

Basic topics addressed in CNA training classes include anatomy, body mechanics, physiology, infection control, nutrition, and communication skills. Students are also instructed in patient personal care and hygiene, such as bathing patients and teaching patients to bathe themselves, feeding patients and teaching patients to feed themselves, and grooming patients and instructing patients on how to groom themselves. Additional training is obtained while on the job, usually under the supervision of experienced aides, registered nurses (RN), or licensed practical nurses (LPN).

By Federal law, aides who work in nursing care facilities are required complete a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training as well as pass a competency evaluation. CNA certification is awarded to the aide upon completion of the Medicare funded free CNA training course. Once certification is obtained, the CNA is then listed in the State registry of nurse aides.

The projected job growth rate for nursing assistants and nurses aides, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projection, is expected to grow a combined 28 percent, far outpacing the expected 14 percent growth of LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurse) between the years 2006 and 2016.

While the job growth rate for CNAs is tremendous, sometimes opportunities for advancement maybe somewhat limited in comparison to LPNs. It is advised therefore, that after gaining valuable experience in the nursing field that CNAs continue their education to obtain LPN, medical assistant, or RN (registered nurse) certification. For those who’s work might interfere with attending a campus program, online LPN nursing classes are a good alternative.

After completing the free CNA training courses, taking and passing the state exam, and receiving their certification, most CNAs work under the supervision of LPNs – obtaining invaluable on the job training experience. With certification in hand, the extraordinary benefits of lifelong job security and good pay, plus the personal and job satisfaction that come with careers in health care, are the well-earned rewards!

Bedsores can occur for a variety of reasons. For patients that have little or no mobility bedsores occur from prolonged pressure on a particular area. Because of the pressure the affected area is deprived of oxygen and the tissue and muscle of that area begin to deteriorate.

Other factors that cause bedsores are repeated friction on a particular body part and incontinence and improper cleaning of the area. There are particular people who are more at risk for developing bedsores. People who are diabetic and have circulatory problems are at an increased risk since their circulation is already compromised.

People who are paralyzed and cannot feel pain in particular are at a higher risk for bedsores because they cannot feel the discomfort that is usually associated with this condition. It is the responsibility of certified nursing assistants to prevent and treat bedsores promptly.

Preventing bedsores should be the goal of a certified nursing assistant. Bedsores are very painful and can be difficult to treat depending on the patient’s condition so prevention is the key. Nursing assistants are trained to prevent bedsores by providing around the clock attention to their patients. One of the first methods to preventing a bedsore is to rotate the patient on a regular basis. For patients that are immobile this is particularly important and this should be a team effort by all CNAs assigned to take care of a patient on all shifts.

Rotation ensures that all areas of the body are receiving proper circulation and that pressure doesn’t build on one area of the body for too long. Placing a sheet beneath the patient that can be grasped on both ends can assist in the rotation. Another method for preventing bedsores is to reduce moisture on the skin. Patients should not be allowed to lie in their waste. This is unacceptable and inhumane and certified nursing assistants should be diligent in changing their patients on a regular schedule. Improper cleanliness can result in the breakdown of a patient’s skin. Use of ointments such as petroleum jelly or A&D ointment can aide in preventing bedsores.  When drying a patient after changing blot the area with a dry cloth instead of rubbing as this may cause irritation. Other methods of preventing bedsores include using medical pads to reduce friction from movement and providing the patient with adequate nutrients is helpful.

Given that bedsores are preventable, it is disturbing when so many patients suffer the results of improper maintenance and care. It is the job of the certified nursing assistant to monitor a patient’s skin care each day and make sure that any changes are noted to a nurse so that proper treatment can be initiated.

Checking vital signs is important as it provides information on whether of not a person’s body is functioning properly. The rate of a person’s vital signs is compared to a standard number for his or her age and sex. Learning to administer the vital sign test accurately and efficiently will ensure that you have an up to date assessment of your patient’s condition.

Taking a person’s pulse is important for obtaining a superficial idea of how the heart is functioning. If the pulse is too fast or too slow or skips a beat these are indicators that there may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. There are a variety of places a pulse can be taken. Most people are familiar with placing the index, middle and ring fingers over the artery located in the wrist. You can also obtain a pulse from the arteries located in the neck, arms, on the chest by your heart, in the abdomen, thighs and the back of the knees. With a variety of pulse points available you are always able to get a superficial view of the heart’s functioning.

Temperature checks will supply you with information on whether or not the body is over or under heated. The baseline for a human temperature is 98 degrees. A little over or under this number is fine but extremes should be noted. Over heating of the body is known as a fever and can be an indicator of many different ailments from a minor cold to more serious diseases. Temperatures can be taken in a variety of ways. Most people are familiar with the use of a thermometer orally, anally or under the arm pit to obtain the body’s temperature. Thermometers also vary. There are the basic glass thermometers and now the digital variety. Thermometers are a great tool in accessing a patient’s internal condition.

Blood pressure checks provide information on how much force or pressure the blood is applying to the arteries or blood vessels. Monitoring blood pressure can provide information on whether or not a person’s pressure is too high or low and what treatments are needed to alleviate the condition. Measurement of blood pressure is done for both systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure is the force of pressure while the heart’s ventricles are contracting and diastolic pressure is the force of pressure while ventricles are engulfed with blood. A normal blood pressure for an adult is 120/80 with the top number representing systolic pressure and the bottom number diastolic pressures. Blood pressure for a patient can be obtained by using a manual sphygmomanometer which includes a cuff and a pump or there are a variety of electronic devices that now help to measure blood pressure.

Finally, checking the lungs for breathing or respiratory rate is important for determining lung health. Using a stethoscope, a nurse’s aide will ask a patient to breathe in and out while listening to the depth and number of times a person breathes. A person’s respiratory rate is an indicator of proper lung function, illness and other conditions so it is an important vital sign to monitor.

One of the best places to look for affordable nursing assistant training is the American Red Cross. Contact your local chapter to get information on the scheduling for their Red Cross CNA class. The nursing assistant program through the American Red Cross is a fast paced program that can usually be completed in four to five weeks so it requires a significant amount of time availability and dedication. All programs are taught by registered nurses. The program is state approved and graduates become eligible to sit for certification after successfully completing both the classroom and clinical portions of the course. Contact your local American Red Cross for the start dates and current tuition rates.

Another resource for low cost nursing assistant programs is your local community college. Most community colleges have short term nursing aide programs. Check to make sure that any nurse’s aide program that you register for via a community college is state approved so that you may be able to sit for state certification. Usually you will register for the program just as you would any other college course however payment is usually due upon registration. Most community colleges offer their vocational programs such as the nursing program quite frequently so you should be able to register for a class at any interval.

There is a no-cost option for obtaining nursing assistant training. Some nursing homes and long term care centers offer nursing assistant programs for people looking to enter into the medical field. This is done to supply their organization with qualified medical professions. There are stipulations to this “free” nursing training. The individual must agree to work for the company for a specified amount of time, usually a year, after obtaining certification as a nursing assistant in their state. The training both classroom and clinical is performed within the facility. Students can gain a significant amount of experience while working in a nursing home even while training as a nursing assistant. Daily contact with patients can be valuable for learning about the daily needs of patients. You can contact a number of the nursing homes in your local area and speak to human resources or the hiring manager to see if such a program is available.

With the rising shortage of qualified medical professionals there are a number of low cost or free CNA training options, such as Red Cross CNA classes, for beginning your medical career as a nursing assistant. If you have the desire and willingness, and are looking for one of the most rewarding careers in health care, you no longer have to let finances stop you from achieving your dreams and goals!

Certified Nursing Assistants deliver direct patient care. It can be a demanding job in some ways but many people find it very rewarding. It is a great job if you are a “people person.” What does it mean to be certified? A Certified Nursing Assistant has a certificate from the state indicating that the person has a designated level of training.

Each of the individual states sets the regulations for the training required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The Federal government sets guidelines for the qualifications for CNAs who work in Medicare funded facilities. To meet those guidelines, a CNA must have 91 hours of training, including 16 hours hours in a supervised clinical setting.

Needless to say, where you get your training is key. There are a lot of options. How do you choose a training facility? You should ask questions before making any kind of a commitment to a school. It is recommended that you make an appointment to go talk to an admissions rep and take a tour of the training facility. See if they will let you sit in on a class so that you can get an idea of what the instruction is like.

It might also be helpful to talk to some current students or recent graduates and see what they have to say about the quality of the school. As with anything else, there are better and worse places to choose to get your training and you want to be careful.

There are also free CNA training options, such as free CNA classes online, or training sponsored by a facility that will expect you to work there after you pass your exam and become certified.

Beware of places that give you a high pressure sales pitch or seem reluctant to answer questions and provide solid information. If you feel like you are being leaned on to commit, remember you can always say, “Thank you,” and go on your way. You will be investing time, effort and resources in your CAN training and you want to make an informed decision. Remember there is a reason disreputable places are called “fly-by-night.” Reputable training sources will include both administrative and clinical training. Good luck to you in your new career!