What to Look For In a CNA Course

Becoming a CNA means gaining proper certification through an accredited school. Whether you choose to attend a college, university, or independent program, selecting a course based on specific criteria is the best course of action. Since nurses of all kinds are in-demand, many schools offer CNA certification, though not all courses are equal.

Prior to signing up for any course, consider course type, length, and prerequisites. Completing any kind of course largely depends on selecting a program that meshes well with your current life.

Course Length

University CNA courses tend to last for more than three years. During this time, university CNA students will gain a large amount of medical knowledge. Most universities also require that students study elective subjects as well as medical subjects. A trade school program CNA usually be completed within one to two years. Private programs, such as the Red Cross CNA program, usually last for a matter of weeks or months.

If time is important to you, choose a program that takes only a few months or weeks to complete. However, keep in mind that employers tend to favor those who have gained a university degree. If you have the time, a university degree may be the way to go.

Prerequisites

Most CNA programs do not require appliCNAts to have any prerequisites. The notorious Red Cross program and most technical programs will admit all students who have a high school diploma or a GED. If you plan on attending a university, you may find that these programs are harder to get into.

Depending on the university that you choose, you may need to achieve a certain high school GPA (Grade Point Average) in order to gain admittance. You may also need to acquire letters of reference, write an essay, or fulfill other admission requirements.

Course Type

More often than not, prospective students (of any kind) do not place much importance on course type. Not only is this a mistake, but it’s also a bad idea. After conducting a bit of research, you will find that some colleges and universities are entirely book-based. This means that you will have to attend a lecture inside of a formal classroom two to three times per week.

On the other hand, some programs may offer distance learning. Distance learning combines bookwork with Internet seminars and projects. The only way to determine which type of course would suit you best is to consider your personal schedule. If you do not have enough time to attend courses three times per week, a distance course may be a better option. Numerous studies have shown that students learn best when a course type adequately matches an individual’s learning style.