CNA Classes Training

One excellent way to become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is to complete training through the American Red Cross. Remember, the Red Cross is not a government agency. It is a charitable organization which depends on donations and volunteers to carry out its lifesaving missions. The American Red Cross supplies almost half of the blood needs in the US, provides domestic and international humanitarian aid in the form of shelter, food, and support to victims of disasters and war, and supports our military men and women, as well as their families. In keeping with their mission to save and improve lives, many chapters of the Red Cross offer CNA training.

Because state requirements for CNA certification are not standardized, each Red Cross chapter has designed its training to meet the requirements of the state in which it is located. This is important, as it allows you to pass your state’s certification exam. In general, CNA training only requires a few weeks of time, and job opportunities abound in a variety of settings, especially in assisted care facilities and nursing homes, as the population ages. It is also an excellent starting point for those seeking to become RNs (Registered Nurses), as it provides practical experience in the medical field without committing to an extended course of study.
Contrary to popular belief, Red Cross CNA training is NOT free of charge. Costs vary widely from chapter to chapter, and you will need to contact yours to find out what the time and cost requirements are. For example, in Georgia, a three- or six-week program (day or evening classes) costs less than $700. In Philadelphia, a four-week program costs $1400. In San Bernadino, a one-month program costs under $1800.

But in all cases, when compared to many associate degrees or other training programs, CNA training with the Red Cross is not expensive. Plus, having Red Cross CNA training on your résumé is a huge selling point with most employers, who through experience have discovered that Red Cross applicants are both well-trained and eager to work. In addition, Red Cross CNA graduates consistently score higher and have a better pass rate on the state certification exams, with some success rates as high as 99% (as in the case of San Bernadino).

Courses are usually taught by RNs and Licensed Vocational or Licensed Practical Nurses, who have been vetted by both the State Board of Nursing and the Red Cross. For a complete listing of Red Cross chapters that offer CNA training, as well as contact information, visit the Red Cross’s homepage. At this time, CNA training is available in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Many states have chapters in more than one city that offer this training, giving a total of 36 locations in 20 states across the nation.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 10:55 am and is filed under CNA Classes, CNA Training, Red Cross CNA Classes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.