The growing senior population in need of extended is creating a nightmare for HR professionals who must constantly recruit new talent to fill demands. The healthcare industry heads the list of top employers in the United States. For more than a decade, the industry has surpassed the job growth projections of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Higher standards for care and the aging baby boomer generation are just a few factors that influence job growth in this industry. Despite the growth and competitive compensation packages, health care employers have been inundated with the task of supplying professionals to stay on top of demands. The shortage of health care professionals has been widely publicized with reports of hospitals and nursing homes closing units and overworked staff members flooding the headlines. Topping the list of workforce shortages are home health aides, lab technicians, and nursing assistants.
To become a certified nurse aide requires a high school diploma. In some facilities, removing this requirement will lower the barrier to entry and attract more persons to the profession. Candidates for certification must complete an approved CNA program and pass the state nurse aide exam. The training includes theory and practical modules to produce professionals capable of providing direct care to patients or residents in health care facilities. CNA training and experience may be a prerequisite for students who plan to enter a nursing or higher level health care educational program. Employment as a CNA is also a way to earn while attending school.
CNAs work in extended-care facilities, nursing homes, home health, clinics, and adult day care facilities. The median pay for CNAs was $13.72 per hour or $28,530 per annum in 2018.
Wings Health Care Training
The Nursing Assistant program at Wings Health Care Training is approved by the state so graduates will be eligible to sit for the Oklahoma Nurse Aide exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The curriculum requires completion of 91 hours of classroom theory, skills lab, and clinical rotation in a skilled nursing facility. Course topics will include medical terminology, basic nursing skills, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, infection control, communication and interpersonal relations, nutrition, personal care, and restorative skills. Students must attend all class sessions and clinical rotations. The Certificate of Completion will be administered to students who obtain a score of 80% or better on the quizzes and assessments. Classes fill up quickly. The program admits new students twice monthly. Students who are not accepted due to space unavailability will be placed on the waitlist. Day and evening schedules are available. The day class meets Monday through Friday from 7:30 pm to 5:15 pm for 10 days. The evening class meets from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm for 4.5 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or GED or sign the enrollment agreement with a parent or guardian. This requirement is for students under 18 years of age.
- Submit a completed application
- Take and pass an OSBI Background check. There must be no felony convictions for specified crimes
- Obtain TB clearance
- Must have good hearing and eyesight with corrective devices
- Must have physical capabilities of performing the duties of a nurse aide
Tuition costs $650 and includes a background check, equipment, and TB skin test.
- Website: https://wingshealthcaretraining.net/
- Address: 124 South Elm Place, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
- Phone: 918-251-3322
A New Direction Healthcare Training Centre, LLC
The nursing assistant program at A New Direction Healthcare Training qualifies students for entry-level employment in long-term care, acute care, or private duty. The state approved program includes 75 hours of classroom and clinical training. Students will attend 59 hours of lectures and lab practice on campus followed 16 hours of clinical experience in an approved long-term care facility. An experienced instructor will guide students through patient care activities as they work with a team to put their skills into practice in a real-world setting. Topics covered will include basic nursing skills, the role and responsibility of the nurse aide, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, hospice care, feeding and nutrition, safety and emergency procedures, personal care, communication, infection control, vital signs, and restoration techniques. Students must attend all 75 hours to receive a Certificate of Completion. Graduates will be eligible to take the Nurse Aide Exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Day and evening schedules are available. The night class meets Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm for 5 weeks. The day classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm for 2 weeks. A Saturday class is also available. The meeting time is 8:30 to 6:00 pm for 7 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older or have a parent or guardian co-sign the enrollment agreement
- Pass a criminal background check
- Obtain negative results on the 2-step TB test
- Have a high school diploma or GED
Tuition costs $650 and includes the class textbook, study guide, student liability insurance, name tag, and lab materials. Other expenses include a background check, TB test, and drug screen. Students must deposit $325 to start the class.
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/Anewdirectiontraining/
- Address: 130 N Greenwood Ave., Ste. 124A, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120
- Phone: 918-947-4399
HealthPRO CNA Academy
The nursing assistant class at HealthPRO CNA prepares adults for entry-level employment after completing the requirements for state certification. The curriculum covers 92 hours of instruction – 38 hours of lecture, 22 hours of skills lab, and 16 hours of practical experienced at a skilled nursing facility. Also included is a 16-hour HHA training. The classroom lectures will include 12 hours of Dementia and Alzheimer’s training. Areas of study will include basic nursing skills, the role and responsibility of the nurse aide, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, hospice care, feeding and nutrition, safety and emergency procedures, personal care, communication, infection control, vital signs, and restoration techniques. The school offers flexible schedules for busy adults, small class sizes to cater to the individual, and intensive preparation for the state exam. The duration of the program is 10 days. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 5:00 pm. Two classes are offered every month.
Admission criteria:
- Be 18 years or older or obtain consent from a parent or guardian
- Submit to an OSBI background check and have no felony convictions
- Obtain negative results on the 2-step TB test
- Have a high school diploma or GED
The course fee is $499. It includes the textbook, equipment, background check, scrubs, watch with a second hand, and photo ID badge.
- Website: https://www.healthproresourcenetwork.com/
- Address: 5049 South 79th East Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145
- Phone: (918) 745-1262
Tulsa Tech
Nursing assistant students at Tulsa Tech will develop the skills to care for patients in long-term care facilities and other health care settings. The curriculum will cover 256 hours of classroom and practical instruction. The Long-Term Nurse Aide course will cover 75 hours, Home Health Care Aide is 16 hours, Medical Terminology is 45 hours, and Capstone for the Nursing Assistant is 120 hours. Some areas of study include basic nursing skills, medical terminology, infection control, vital signs, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, patient safety, personal care, patient rights and independence, and range of motion exercises. Students must maintain a minimum grade C in the classroom to participate in the clinical rotation. The program is open to high school students and adults. College credit may be available for high school students and adults. High school seniors and adults will complete the program in one semester. Sessions are from 8:00 am to 10:50 am or 12:00 am to 2:50 pm. 8 A.M. – 10:50 A.M / 12 P.M. – 2:50 P.M.
Admission criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or GED or obtain parental consent
- Complete and submit the application
- Take and pass an OSBI Background check
- Obtain TB clearance
The estimated cost of tuition is $1,024. Additional costs for liability insurance, uniforms, textbooks, supplies, background check, TB test, watch with a second hand, and shoes will cost approximately $515.95. Tuition is free for high school students. Financial aid is available.
- Website: https://tulsatech.edu/
- Address: 3850 N Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK 74106-1619
- Phone: 918-828-2000
- FAX: 918-828-2009
Tulsa Job Corps Center
Students enrolled in the Nursing Assistant program at Tulsa Job Corps Center will have up to 18 months to complete the program. The state approved training will prepare students for certification and placement on the Nurse Aide Registry. Key areas of study include controlling infections, caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, safety and emergency procedures, basic nursing skills, positioning patients, and measuring and recording vital signs. Students must obtain passing scores on the quizzes and assessments to graduate from the program.
Admission criteria:
- Complete a criminal background check according to state requirements
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Demonstrate math and reading proficiency
Tuition is free for enrolled students. Job Corps will also cover the cost of materials, books, and state certification.
- Website: https://tulsa.jobcorps.gov/train
- Address: 1133 N Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK, 74110-4776
- Phone: (918) 585-9111
MedNoc Training College
The CNA program is at MedNoc Training College is 77 clock hours. The class and skills lab will cover 53 hours, skill check off will require 8 hours, and the clinical rotation is 16 hours. It prepares adults to become professional long-term care aides in Oklahoma. A licensed nurse instructor will instruct students in the essential skills and knowledge required to function as a competent nurse aide. Strict attendance is required to graduate from the program. Students who successfully complete the Oklahoma State Department of Health approved program will be eligible to sit for the Nurse Aide Exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application
- Provide a copy of social security card and state-issued photo ID
- Pass a criminal background check – available at the school for $25
- Obtain a negative TB skin screen test
- Have current BLS certification – required for the clinical rotation
- Provide an affidavit legal presence
- Complete a drug screen
- Submit up-to-date immunization records including a seasonal flu shot
The approximate cost of attendance is $755. It includes tuition, state exam, TB skin test, OSBI, and BLS certification. A payment plan is available for all students.
- Website: https://mednochealthcareertrainingcoursesok.com/training-programs/certified-nurse-aide-cna/
- Address: 2828 NW 57th Street, Suite 120, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
- Phone: (405) 225-7876
- Cell: (405) 589-2573
- Fax: (405) 421-9521
- Email: info@mednoc.com
Family Caregiver Assistance
The Certified Nursing Assistant class at Family Caregiver Assistance includes home health classes and are designed with families and healthcare professionals in mind. The goal of the program is to produce knowledgeable and competent caregivers who will collaborate with doctors and nurses to improve the quality of life of patients. The classes are taught in a traditional setting followed by supervised patient care experiences in a skilled nursing facility. Areas of study include safety, infection control, vital signs, responsibilities of the nurse aide and home health aide, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, and assisting with ADLs, The practical hands-on opportunities give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned and transition seamlessly to the world of work. Family Caregiver Assistance provides a family-centered atmosphere, convenient location, experienced nursing staff, and modern facilities. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
Admission criteria:
- Must be able to speak, read, and understand English
- A valid photo ID
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Obtain TB clearance
- Must be free from communicable diseases
- Pass a criminal background check
Tuition for the program is $499. The textbook and supplies are additional.
- Website: https://www.familycaregiverassistance.com/
- Address: 122 W Dallas St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
- Phone: 918-713-2323
- Email: info@familycaregiverassistance.com