CNA Classes in Kirkwood, MO

Kirkwood is a suburb of St. Louis situated just south of the city on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Today, the population of Kirkwood is approximately 27,700 people. The area is mainly residential, with only a few commercial businesses.

In the early 1900’s, Kirkwood was predominantly used for agriculture and had little to no industry. Since those days, however, manufacturing has taken hold in this suburb as technology has improved. Today, there are many acres of manufacturing and landfills in the area.

Healthcare is also a major sector in town, as Kirkwood is home to many hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. There are many career opportunities available in the healthcare field that include nursing assistants, pharmacy technicians, medical assistants and home care aides.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA?

Certified nursing assistants, often called CNAs, are members of a healthcare team that provide care and support to patients during their hospital stays. A CNA is an individual who has been trained to help provide care for people in hospitals or long-term care facilities. CNAs help prevent falls, maintain the comfort of the patient, administer medications and treatments, and help people overcome the effects of illness or injury.

What is a CNA Class?

A CNA Class is a training program that is offered for individuals who want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The classes are offered by vocational schools and community colleges. The classes focus on teaching students about hospital care and basic first aid, including how to be a strong team member in a healthcare environment. The classes are taught by CNA instructors and nurses with extensive experience in healthcare.

What are the Career Options for a CNA?

CNA classes are offered by vocational schools and community colleges. The classes are focused on preparing students to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies and other healthcare organizations. After graduation from one of these courses, the Certified Nursing Assistant will be trained to perform many tasks in the healthcare field, including:

  • Providing relief for discomfort or pain in the human body.
  • Diagnosing and treating common illnesses, such as colds and flu.
  • Monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and breathing rates.
  • Administering medications to patients in compliance with federal and state laws.
  • Communicating with the family members of patients to help communicate a patient’s needs and nursing care plans.
  • Educating the patient’s family about the patient’s medical condition, treatments and medications.
  • In addition to hospital care, students that graduate from CNA classes are prepared to become CNA in long-term care facilities, home health agencies and more.

What are the Basic Requirements to Become a CNA in Kirkwood, Missouri?

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Kirkwood, Missouri, students must meet federal and state requirements. Students must complete a CNA training course, which typically takes about six months to complete. The training course is focused on teaching knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for performing nursing tasks in hospitals and other healthcare organizations.

There are several basic requirements that you must meet before enrolling in a CNA Class in Kirkwood, Missouri:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Provide a drug screen test.
  • Provide proof of immunizations, such as TB test and hepatitis b test.
  • Provide proof of physical exam and health assessment.

After completing the CNA Class individuals must pass the state examination to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The exam tests the knowledge and skills of students, who are prepared to become CNA.

How to Find the Best CNA Classes in Kirkwood, Missouri?

The CNA Class is offered by vocational schools and community colleges for people that want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The classes are taught by CNA Instructors and nurses that have extensive healthcare experience.

In order to find the best one you need to consider the following factors:

  • Reputation of the school – Find a school that has a good reputation in the community. Reputable schools employ experienced instructors, offer quality education and assist students with finding employment after graduation.
  • Accreditation – A CNA Class should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This ensures that the program meets the standards for quality.
  • Curriculum – Carefully research the curriculum used by the schools. Determine if the course provides training in topics that will assist students in providing quality care to patients. Look for classes that offer practical classroom experiences and hands-on training.
  • Experienced Instructor – The instructors for the course should have at least five years of teaching experience in a healthcare environment. Instructors should be certified by the state to teach in their field.
  • Classroom size – Consider a CNA Class with small classroom sizes, so that you have more opportunities to ask questions and get one-on-one time with instructors. Small classroom size also allows students to ask questions in a private setting.
  • Career Services – Look for a school that offers support services to students after graduation. Consider a school that offer assistance with job placement and interview skills, so that you can find the best job possible.

List of all the state approved CNA classes in Missouri can be found here.