CNA courses that should be taken include both clinical, hand's on practical as well as in class instruction. Choosing a course that best reflects the type of job you will be taking is important. If your goal is to work in a hospital, check and see if the school's CNA courses cover specific hospital care material and if they also offer placement in a hospital for your practical experience.

CNA courses can last anywhere from a few months to a year of training. It all depends on the school you attend and the amount of detail they go into in each area of study. The expense you will have for CNA courses will also depend on the length of the course. As well, the school's reputation will also be reflected in the fees you will incur. Some geographical locations offer free training for CNAs. This is often found through nursing homes where they will teach you as you earn. You will essentially have on-the-job training and your CNA courses are taught by another employee of the organization. This is a great way to get your foot in the door as a CNA. An added benefit is that you are earning a living at the same time. As well, you will know pretty quickly if this is the career for you. Your pay may not be the same as a fully trained CNA until you have completed your on-the-job training. It's possible that you will have to sign a contract to stay on with them for a certain length of time as well. This will help them ensure that their risk in providing you free training will pay off for them to have a fully functioning employee.

CNA school Instructors will go into detail in the following subject areas in your CNA Courses:

How to Care for a Patient

Various aspects of taking care of a patient will be taught:

• how to bathe a patient
• how to feed a patient
• how to turn a patient
• how to dress a patient
• how to care for wounds & infection control
• how to care and recognize special situations such as: depression, anxiety, mental illness, Alzheimers, dementia, etc.

Safety & Privacy Measures

You will be taught safety and privacy measures for working as a CNA. The CNA courses will include this area in your studies. It is important to pay close attention to these details as the certification exam often includes testing on this portion:

• locking the wheelchair to prevent a patient from rolling
• putting up the safety bed rail when leaving a patient
• using a gait belt with transfers
• closing the privacy curtain when caring for a patient
• covering patients with blankets as much as possible when caring for them
• washing hands
• wearing gloves
• checking identity bracelet of patient and correspond to chart
• knocking on door prior to entering

Vital Signs

CNA courses will teach you how to take vital signs. These will include the following:

• blood pressure
• pulse
• temperature

Sciences

Basic level information on the following sciences will be taught to give you a basic knowledge:

• anatomy
• biology
• chemistry

Clinical Practice

Clinical practice for CNA courses will be done in house so that you can gain a bit of knowledge and confidence in a comfortable environment. You will practice taking vital signs, for example. After a short training session on this area, you will be placed out of the classroom for your clinical practice. There is a certain length of time which you must complete this portion of your training. You may be placed in a nursing home, doctor's office or clinic, or in a hospital.