CNA Classes McCalla, AL

Certified Nursing Assistants have an important role as part of the nursing care team. Short-term CNA classes provide one the fastest means of preparing for employment in healthcare.  Nursing assistant students acquire basic nursing skills and learn the concepts of patient care in a few short weeks – less time that it takes to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. Nurse aide graduates must demonstrate their proficiency to provide safe and quality care in long-term care facility by passing the State Competency Evaluation. The evaluation includes an assessment of written and skills competency and those who pass the exam will be added to the Alabama Nurse Aide Registry.

Nurse aides work closely with residents or patients daily to assist with personal care, mobility, and restoration of health. Personal care activities include bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, making beds, and movement from the bed to wheelchair and back again. They also perform basic nursing activities under the supervision of a licensed nurse. These might include measuring and recording vital signs, assisting with rehabilitative treatments, collecting samples, setting up medical equipment, and observing patients to report any adverse reactions to a nurse or physician.

Lawson State Community College

Lawson State Community College offers two tracks for prospective nursing assistants. The first track includes preparation for Home Health Aide practice and is offered once per semester. The certificate program delivers 10-semester hours and includes theory and lab experiences to support the development of essential skills that will enable students to practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide in long term care. Areas of emphasis include personal and restorative care, patient safety, infection control, mobility and body mechanics, communication and interpersonal relationships, observation and reporting, vital signs, medical terminology, and care across life span. The second track – offered on the Bessemer Campus – is available twice per semester prepares students for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Services (NACES) exam. Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm for five weeks.

Admission criteria:

  • Be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate
  • Complete the Health Form
  • Complete the required immunizations – influenza, hepatitis B, measles

The cost for the first track is $1,500 and includes fees and supplies. Financial aid is available through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The cost for the NACES preparation is $665. Additional expenses include textbook and workbook, scrubs, TB skin test, scrubs, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and gait belt. Dates and cost are subject to change.

Website: http://www.lawsonstate.edu/programs_of_study/lscc_programs/health_professions_programs/nursing_assistanthome_health_aide.aspx

Address: 3060 Wilson Road, SW, Birmingham, AL 35221

Phone: 205-925-2515

Fax: 205-925-3716

Jefferson State Community College

Jefferson State Community College prepares adults to play an important role in the health care industry. The program’s 110-hour curriculum includes 90 hours of lecture and lab and 20 hours of clinical rotation in a skilled nursing facility. The clinical rotation may be scheduled on a weekday, night or weekend and will include supervised patient care experiences. Course content will include nutrition, care of the cognitively impaired, infection control, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, physiology, vital signs, basic nursing skills, the role and responsibility of the nursing assistant, range of motion, and personal care. Other areas of study include the language of health care, observation, documentation and reporting, the long-term care facility, patients’ rights, caring for the dying resident, seeking employment, and restorative/rehabilitative care of residents. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of completion and will be eligible to sit for the NNAAP exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alabama.

Admission criteria:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Have malpractice insurance
  • Complete the Health Form indicating good health
  • Obtain criminal background clearance
  • Must be able to speak, read, and write English fluently
  • Provide documentation of positive health and vaccination requirements – flu vaccine, hepatitis B titer, and TB skin test

Tuition for the program is $899. Additional costs will include textbook, malpractice insurance, First Aid/CPR certification, and state exam fee. Scholarships via Workforce Investment Act (WIA) may be available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/

Address: 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35215

Phone: (205) 853-1200

Toll-free: (800) 239-5900

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.