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In many areas of the country, the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is higher than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), predicts a 20% increase in employment opportunities for CNAs by 2020. This creates an enormous demand for skilled and educated staff in the health care industry, and specifically in home health care settings where certified nursing assistant training can provide students with the skills necessary to serve patients at home safely and effectively.
The BLS lists CNAs as among one of America’s fastest growing professions, projected to grow by about 33% through 2022. In 2015, there were 3.5 million nursing assistants working in the United States, and the BLS estimates that number will increase as much as to nearly 4.4 million by 2022.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs
The demand for trained CNAs is high – and it’s only going to go up – especially in light of the aging population in the U.S. But beyond a need for professionals, there is a need for skilled home-health aides well-versed in both patient care and disease prevention techniques, including knowing how to apply pressure bandages, change bed linens, administer medications and perform wound care among other things. The more skilled nursing assistants are willing to be, the more care they can provide.
The program is offered at over 50 colleges and universities across the United States, including (but not limited to) community colleges and four-year schools, as well as many Medicare certified schools. Some of the leading Medicare certified schools include San Diego State University (SDSU), McNeese State University, California State University-Fullerton, Columbia College of suction nursing & allied health programs, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Austin Community College (ACC). Students interested in commercial programs may also be interested in obtaining commercial certification with CNA Training International which is accredited by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The job outlook for this field is excellent. The BLS estimates that employment opportunities will increase by 34% between 2010 and 2020; this is much faster than the average for all occupations. The reasons for such a high projected growth rate include an increase in the number of older people, who typically need more health care, and the fact that many CNAs either retire or leave the occupation to pursue other careers.
Many professionals choose to pursue their CNA certification to improve their job prospects and pay. According to BLS statistics, CNAs who hold at least a certificate earn a median salary of $10 per hour – but those with a degree typically earn $12 per hour or better.
The Certified Nursing Assistant program is a nursing degree designed for those who want to work in the long term care field. It has been in existence since 1973 and is regulated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). CNAs are responsible for taking care of patients under the supervision of more senior members on staff. The job can be demanding, but it also offers an opportunity for rewarding employment with many benefits.
Certified Nursing Assistant programs typically include coursework that will help students build skills necessary for this challenging role. A typical course schedule may include courses on gerontology, nursing practices, medical terminology, critical thinking skills, and patient assessment skills. Courses are designed to prepare nursing assistants for an entry-level position in nursing home facilities.
A typical CNA class schedule will also include some clinical training, which will provide hands-on experience working with patients. Students will receive training on how to handle potentially difficult situations, including dealing with patients who may be experiencing pain or suffering from mental illnesses. This training can help students learn how to read patient reactions and recognize problems before they escalate into much larger issues. After completing the program and passing a state certification exam, students can become certified as a CNA, and begin working toward earning a degree in nursing.
Currently there are no CNA programs in Kingsland, but you can find closest programs here.