Sign Up For CNA Programs Online

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses are designed to prepare individuals for a career in healthcare, providing essential support to registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). These courses cover fundamental healthcare topics, practical skills, and clinical experience to ensure CNAs can effectively care for patients.

Skills Needed to Be a Successful CNA

Success as a CNA requires a blend of technical and soft skills:

1. Technical Skills:

   • Patient Care: Proficiency in assisting with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
   • Vital Signs Monitoring: Ability to measure and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
   • Basic Medical Procedures: Knowledge of basic medical procedures, including wound care, administering medications, and infection control.
   • CPR and First Aid: Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid techniques.
   • Clinical Documentation: Competence in maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.

2. Soft Skills:

   • Empathy and Compassion: Providing emotional support and understanding to patients and their families.
   • Communication: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
   • Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in patient care and documentation.
   • Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting patients and standing for long periods.
   • Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality patient care.

Popular Online Programs

Several reputable institutions offer online CNA programs that provide flexibility and quality education:

1. Red Cross:

   • Program: Nurse Assistant Training
   • Features: Comprehensive curriculum with both online and in-person components, including clinical practice.

2. CareerStep:

   • Program: Professional Medical Assistant with Clinical Externship
   • Features: Online coursework with a focus on hands-on clinical experience and job placement assistance.

3. Penn Foster:

   • Program: Nursing Assistant Training
   • Features: Self-paced online courses with interactive simulations and externship opportunities.

4. MedCerts:

   • Program: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program
   • Features: Online modules combined with local clinical experiences, designed to prepare students for certification exams.

5. StraighterLine:

   • Program: Intro to Healthcare and Nursing Training
   • Features: Affordable online courses that can transfer to partner colleges for CNA certification.

Average Costs of Programs

The cost of CNA programs varies based on factors such as program length, institution, and whether clinical practice is included:

1. Red Cross:

   • Cost: Approximately $1,250 - $1,500, including textbooks and clinical practice fees.

2. CareerStep:

   • Cost: Around $3,499, including all learning materials and externship placement.

3. Penn Foster:

   • Cost: Typically $999 - $1,299, with payment plans available to make the program more affordable.

4. MedCerts:

   • Cost: Approximately $1,000 - $1,500, which includes online modules and clinical training fees.

5. StraighterLine:

   • Cost: Individual courses range from $59 to $99 per month, with additional costs for clinical components.

Top Players/Brands/Suppliers in CNA Classes

Several top players in the CNA training industry provide high-quality education and training:

1. Red Cross: Renowned for its comprehensive CNA training programs and emphasis on hands-on experience.
2. CareerStep: Known for its professional medical assistant programs and strong support for job placement.
3. Penn Foster: Offers flexible, self-paced online courses that cater to working individuals.
4. MedCerts: Specializes in healthcare training with a blend of online and practical clinical experiences.
5. StraighterLine: Provides affordable and transferable courses that lead to CNA certification.

Current Promotions and Offers

Many online CNA programs offer promotions and discounts to make training more accessible:

• Red Cross: Often provides scholarships and financial aid options for eligible students.
• CareerStep: Frequently offers discounts and payment plans, along with career support services.
• Penn Foster: Features promotional pricing and installment payment options to reduce upfront costs.
• MedCerts: Provides financing options and occasional discounts on program fees.
• StraighterLine: Offers membership plans that lower the cost of individual courses and often runs seasonal promotions.

In conclusion, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant involves completing a structured training program that equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge. By exploring popular online programs, understanding their costs, and taking advantage of current promotions, you can find the right path to start your career in healthcare.