How Much Are CNA Classes in Houston?

In different healthcare facilities across the country, patients seeking medical treatment do not only rely on doctors but also on nurses and nursing aides who assist, care and treat them on a day-to-day basis. Although the education of a nursing aide is short compared to nurses and doctors, their role in the healthcare field is essential. They are often the primary care providers in hospitals, medical centers and doctor’s offices, making sure that the patient’s health and well-being are preserved. They also have direct contact with patients, which is why, they know what is going on.

Job Description of a Certified Nursing Assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant performs different patient care duties under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. They assist patients in bathing, feeding, dressing or undressing, and other activities of daily living. They also collect a non-invasive body fluid specimen for laboratory testing and perform vital signs monitoring to ensure the appropriate blood flow of a patient. Aside from this, Certified Nursing Assistants document patient interactions and collaborate with the physician and other nursing staff members. They have a big role to play in carrying out nursing care to patients. Thus, they are highly valued in any healthcare setting.

Where to take the CNA Training Program?

The state of Texas, particularly in Houston, has variety of providers for the CNA training program. This short medical course often ranges from 90 hours to 108 training hours of classroom instruction and clinical practice. Students should complete the program and the requirements of the state to be eligible for the state competency exam. Some CNA programs are provided by a medical school while others are given by a healthcare facility like a nursing home or hospital. It is important to take note that the admission requirements are different from one institution to the other. Some of them require a high school diploma and some accept a GED equivalent. Taking the Certified Nursing Assistant training program in Houston is the first step to becoming a licensed nursing aide, but it should be undergone from an accredited school or facility.

The Certified Nursing Assistant training program cost varies from one provider to another. Some are affordable while others are quite expensive. However, the typical program cost in Houston ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on the institution. Students should be aware of additional fees like uniforms, medical supplies, books, a criminal background check and the certification exam. They can take scholarship programs or installment payment options, but this is limited to a number of students per training. Free CNA classes can also be obtained from the Job Corps, American Red Cross, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. This free training program is not available for everyone, but it can be the perfect option to complete the course without expense. Applicants should ensure they qualify for the free CNA program and consider its availability.

The Process of Becoming a CNA

It is not difficult to be a Certified Nursing Assistant in Houston. The state of Texas requires students to be at least 17 or 18 years old and above, with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. High school students are welcome to apply as long as they meet the requirements of the state. However, they must undergo a criminal background check, fingerprinting, physical exams and admissions tests, like any other applicants. Each school has different requirements but most are not difficult to pass. Since most of the CNA training programs are short and there is a limited class size, applicants should enroll beforehand and ensure they are accepted for the course. They have to attend the class orientation to know the requirements for passing and graduating from the program.

Taking CNA Classes in Houston

The CNA classes typically have two parts. The first part consists of classroom lectures where students learn a variety of nursing concepts and principles. Topics such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, vital signs monitoring, dealing with a challenging behavior, charting, therapeutic communication and many others will be taught to ensure that the requisite knowledge is inculcated in students. There will be a skills demonstration to prepare students for their clinical rotations in a healthcare facility. Upon completing the classroom instruction, students should be ready for clinical practice in a hospital or nursing home. The second part of the training is quite challenging because students will handle actual patients with different healthcare needs. However, they will be supervised by a licensed medical professional, who is also their instructor. Completing the program is necessary to pass the state competency exam. It is important to be prepared for the challenges that come with the profession.