CNA Classes Edison, NJ

Certified Nursing Assistants have a rewarding career caring for those who cannot care for themselves. Nurse aide training programs support the development of the critical competencies that enable adults to manage patients’ physical, psychological, spiritual, and recreational needs in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and patients homes.

CNAs have a vital role in the promotion and maintenance of patients’ quality of life through the management of their basic needs. Their duties depend on the setting, but all activities must be directed by a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. They measure and record vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, observe and monitor patients’ response to medication and treatment, bathe, dress, and feed patients, make beds and keep the rooms tidy, empty bedpans, answer call lights, move patients from the bed to a wheelchair and vice versa, and report concerns to doctors or nurses.

There is a high demand for nursing assistants in the United States. Over the next decade, employment for CNAs is expected to increase by 12 percent as demands for health care services expand. New positions will be available as existing CNAs leave health care or further their studies to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. In New Jersey, CNAs earn a median annual salary of $36,000.

Middlesex County College

The nursing assistant program at Middlesex County College prepares students for the state Nurse Aide Competency exam. The curriculum covers 90 instructional hours: 50 hours in the classroom and lab and 40 hours of clinical rotations at a host facility. Instruction covers anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient and staff safety, infection control, vital signs, basic nursing procedures, patient hygiene, laws and regulations governing practice, emergency procedures, and hospice care. The classes are offered during the day only. Morning classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm for 26 sessions. To complete the requirements for a nursing assistant certificate, students must complete all the coursework with an average of 70 percent and attend the entire 90 hours of training. Upon successful completion of the program, students will take the New Jersey certification exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Applicants must submit admission requests at least six weeks before the program start date to allow time for the physical exam and immunizations.

Admission criteria:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Proof of completing a medical exam and immunization
  • Complete fingerprinting and background check
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalency
  • Purchase blue scrubs and closed-toes shoes to attend classes and clinical rotations

The approximate cost of tuition, general fee, and lab fee is $1,820. Free nursing assistant training may be available to eligible students through a grant awarded by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Edison Job Corps Center

The nursing assistant program at the Edison Job Corps Center takes 8 to 12 months to complete. Students learn how to assist patients with bathing and dressing, basic nursing responsibilities, recording vital signs, turning and positioning patients, follow safety and emergency procedures, control infections, and care for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. At the conclusion of the program, students will qualify for entry-level employment where they will care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities.

Admission criteria:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Submit to a criminal background check according to the state’s requirements

Nursing assistant training at Job Corps is free. Students may receive a stipend and all uniform and books will be provided.

E&S Academy

E&S Academy’s Certified Nurse Assistant program integrates classroom sessions with practical learning experiences in a simulated lab and a health care facility. The curriculum will cover 90 hours of instruction: 50 hours in the classroom and skills lab and 40 hours in a long-term care facility. Areas of study include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic nursing skills, nutrition and feeding, communication, patient and staff safety, infection control, vital signs, patient hygiene, laws and regulations governing practice, emergency procedures, and Alzheimer’s care.

Admission criteria:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Complete a basic physical
  • Provide immunization records – must complete the required immunizations
  • Provide two forms of government ID and social security number
  • Complete fingerprinting for a background check

Tuition for the program is $1,300. A short-term payment plan is available for students who cannot pay the entire tuition. The payment plan is interest-free and allows for payment of the tuition in smaller amounts over an extended period.

Branford Institute

Upon completion of the NJDHSS-approved Nurse Aide in Long-Term Care Facilities program at Branford Institute, students will be prepared for success on the state licensing exam, which includes a written and skills evaluation. The emphasis of the training is the provision of respectful and optimal care for residents in a long-term care facility. Students learn how to provide nursing care meeting the physical, recreational, and spiritual needs of residents, assist patients with their daily needs including bathing, dressing, and grooming, make beds and empty bedpans, respect patients’ privacy and independence, promote resident safety, and adhere to infection control procedures. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic nursing skills, nutrition and feeding, patient transfers, communication, patient and staff safety, range of motion exercises, infection control, vital signs, patient hygiene, laws and regulations governing practice, emergency procedures, and Alzheimer’s care.

Admission criteria:

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • Complete a physical exam
  • Provide immunization records – must complete the required immunizations
  • Provide two forms of government ID and social security number
  • Complete fingerprinting for a background check
  • Submit a completed application and fee

Contact the school to find out about the tuition and schedule for the program.

Ace Healthcare Training Institute

Ace Healthcare Training Institute prepares nursing assistant students for the State Competency Exam in just four to six weeks. Students acquire the skills and competencies to manage the physical, social, and psychological needs of patients in long-term care facilities. The program covers 90 instructional hours, including 50 hours of lectures in the classroom and 40 clinical laboratory hours. Three evaluations will be administered throughout the program, and students must obtain a score of 75 percent or higher to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Students scoring below 75% will be advised to arrange for additional tutoring and independent study to prepare for success on the state evaluation.

Admission criteria:

  • Schedule a visit to the Institute
  • Learn the prerequisites and documentation requirements
  • Submit a completed application
  • Complete the entrance exam
  • Attend an interview and pay the registration fee of $200
  • Provide a valid ID – driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate
  • Provide a social security card
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

The program’s tuition will be divided into a flexible payment plan.

 

 

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.