Certified Nursing Assistants are the eyes and ears of their licensed nurse supervisors. They work in various health care settings including adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, patients’ homes, hospitals, and nursing homes functioning as vital liaisons between the medical staff and patients. CNA classes provide essential training to help adults meet the physical, mental, and social needs of patients of varying age, gender, ethnicity and economic backgrounds. Nursing assistants maintain daily constant contact with patients so they’re able to observe critical information and report concerns to nurses and physicians.
There must be a mental preparation for the job in addition to the physical since the workload can be intense and challenging. Common duties include measuring and recording vital signs, making beds and keeping rooms tidy, emptying bedpans, lifting and moving patients, answering call lights, assisting with personal care and grooming, measuring fluid intake and output, and administering basic nursing care. Maintaining a positive attitude is essential to success in a profession that is both physically and emotionally challenging. Some of the benefits of practicing as a CNA include the opportunity to assist others, job security (given the shortage of CNAs), insurance, paid leave, retirement, paid tuition for nursing school, and flexible schedules. Training and employment as a CNA is a great first step to a career as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for CNAs was $13.25 per hour or $27,510 per year in 2017. The projected employment change is 11 percent from 2016 to 2026 due to the increasing need for long-term care among the aging population.
NHC Somerville
NHC Somerville prepares potential nurse aide employees to provide compassionate, safe and quality care under the direction of a licensed nurse. The program includes theory and practical coursework and meets all the state and federal requirements for nursing assistant training. High school and college students may enroll in the program to satisfy their interest in the health care field. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the State Board to take the certification exam to be added to the Nurse Aide Registry.
Admissions criteria:
- Be able to speak, read, and write English proficiently
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Complete a physical exam and demonstrate good health
- Have a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Be able to perform simple math formula
- Have a positive outlook
NHC offers free training to all selected students. Candidates must purchase uniforms and nursing supplies.
Website: http://www.nhcsomerville.com/cnatraining.cfm
Address: 308 Lake Drive, Somerville, TN 38068
Phone: (901) 465-9861
Fax: (901) 465-9897
The Healthcare Institute LLC
The Nursing Assistant program at The Healthcare Institute includes the theory and skills practice that adults need to care for residents in long-term care, acute care, and intermediate care settings. Instruction will take place in the classroom, skills lab, and skilled nursing facility. Course topics include basic nursing care, personal care, anatomy and physiology, vital signs, infection control, psychological needs, patients rights and independence, range of motion, rehabilitation and restorative treatments, communication and interpersonal relations, nutrition and feeding, and Alzheimer’s care. Instructors will use various teaching methods to ensure students’ success. Methods will include the use of instructional videos, lectures, seminars, hands-on practice, and computer aided technology. Graduates will receive a certificate that will confirm their eligibility to take the Nurse Aide Evaluation for inclusion on the Nurse Aide Registry. The school offers two training options. The accelerated day class meets Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm for three weeks – clinical hours may vary. The evening program meets Monday through Friday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm for five weeks.
Admission criteria:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Be 16 years or older
- Provide a copy of a driver’s license or state ID and social security card
- Complete the immunization requirements
- Have a clear TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Provide documentation of valid CPR
- Complete a physical exam signed by a licensed practitioner
The course tuition is $1,050 and includes the student ID, candidate handbook, and liability insurance. Additional costs include state board exam, textbook, scrubs, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff. Job placement assistance may be available.
Website: https://www.thi-tn.com/
Address: 7235 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38125
Phone: 901-244-0844
Fax: 901-234-0044
Heart to Heart Vocational Training
Heart to Heart’s certified nursing assistant program supports the development of cognitive and practical skills that adults need to practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant in long-term, acute, and intermediate care environments. The curriculum will include theory and practical instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, basic nursing skills, infection control, observation and reporting, communication and interpersonal skills, rehabilitative and restorative procedures, patient mobility, and hospice care. The program’s emphasis will be based on long-term care. Instructors will use lectures, open discussions, videos, seminars, hands-on practice, and supervised patient care experiences to deliver the essential information necessary for students to pass the Nurse Aide Evaluation. A full-time day program can be completed in three weeks. The part-time evening program runs for five weeks.
Admission criteria:
- A high school diploma or GED – official sealed transcripts are required
- Be 16 years or older
- Provide a copy of a driver’s license or state ID and social security card
- Complete the immunization requirements – Hepatitis B and Flu vaccine
- Provide proof of negative TB skin test or chest x-ray – within 12 months of the program start date
- Have valid CPR certification
- Have a licensed physician complete the Health Evaluations Form
- Have a clear background check with no convictions related to the mistreatment of persons
- Proof of health insurance
Tuition costs $1,050 and includes liability insurance, CPR and AED First Aid, Candidate Handbook, and state ID. Additional costs include textbook, nursing supplies, State Board Exam, scrubs, and nursing supplies. Heart to Heart will provide opportunities for students to meet with area employers and learn of vacancies through Meet and Greet sessions.
Website: https://www.hearttoheartmemphis.com/become-a-cna
Address: 2502 Mt. Moriah, Suite A116, Memphis, Tennessee 38115
Phone: (901) 451-9194
Email: info@hearttoheartmemphis.com
Career Academy
The nursing assistant program at Career Academy includes didactic and practical instruction that will ensure students with care for patients according the state and federal guidelines. Students will learn how to make beds, provide personal care such as bathing patients, dressing patients, and grooming hair and nails, assist patients with meals, measure blood pressure, pulse, respiration and other vitals, take patients’ weight, observe and record fluid intake and output, collect samples for the lab, change soiled bedclothes, assist with range of motion exercises, and assist nurses and physicians with rehabilitative treatments. Students who successfully complete the requirements will be eligible to take the state test conveniently offered onsite at Care Academy. They may apply for entry-level positions in nursing homes, hospitals, patients’ homes, and assisted living facilities. Career Academy offers a day and evening program. The day program meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm for four weeks. The evening program meets Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm for six weeks. In addition to on-site testing, the school offers experienced nurse instructors, job placement opportunities, and flexible schedules.
Admission criteria:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Be 16 years or older
- Provide a copy of a driver’s license or state ID and social security card
- Complete the immunization requirements
- Provide proof of negative TB skin test or chest x-ray – within 12 months of the program start date
- Have valid CPR certification
- Documentation of good health
- Have a clear background check
- Valid health insurance
Tuition is $1,350 and includes textbook, CPR certification, registration fee, and state test. A pay-as-you-go plan is available for all students. This plan requires payment of 1/4 of the tuition upon registration. Financial assistance may be available through the WIN program for eligible students. Other funding options are available through the SNAP program and Veterans Benefits.
Website: https://www.careeracademymemphis.com/
Address: 2600 Poplar Avenue, Suite 415, Memphis, TN 38112
Phone: 901-761-4500