If an individual is interested in working as a paraprofessional in the healthcare field, he or she might want to learn how to get a Certified Nursing Assistant certificate online. A CNA provides essential patient care in a variety of healthcare settings such as assisting patients with daily activities like walking, eating, and dressing. He or she generally provides assistance to another healthcare professional like a LPN and RN.
How To Get A Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate Online vs. On-Campus
Certified Nursing Assistant Programs provide students with basic nursing skills and require theoretical instruction and at least 75 hours of practical learning experiences. The campus CNA programs require students to complete all of their training at a scheduled time and location. They include classroom discussions and clinical study at a designated healthcare facility. On the other hand, distance CNA programs offer all the content courses online and then students complete the clinical components at a medical facility near their residence. Examples of undergraduate online Certified Nursing Assistant Programs include Johnson County Community College and Hutchinson Community College.
Benefits Of The Top Online Certified Nursing Assistant Programs
Certified Nursing Assistant Programs online offer time flexibility to students who are busy with prior obligations. They enable students to study on their own schedule at a pace that works for them. Students are able to participate in chats, discussion forms, and other platforms to promote success in the program. Many online programs provide access to mock tests to prepare students for certification examinations. Additionally, with online programs there is generally no location constraint and students have the convenience to complete the clinical training components close to them. Also, many Certified Nursing Assistant Programs online allow students to pay tuition in monthly or bi-monthly installments.
When an individual makes the decision to pursue a career as a CNA online, it is important to choose the best online certified nursing assistant program. A good place to start is talking to a career counselor who may be able to provide assistance on researching for the most ideal program. The ranking of the institution is another helpful factor when choosing where to get a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate Online and the U.S. World and News Report and other authoritative organizations rank a wide variety of colleges and universities. The top online CNA programs are accredited and generally post their accreditations on the homepage of their official website.
Financial Aid For Certified Nursing Assistant Programs Online
Many Certified Nursing Assistant Programs online participate in federal and state financial aid programs. Students interested in pursuing online Certified Nursing Assistant Programs are able to apply for the programs to help pay for the cost of tuition and other educational expenses like books and course materials. The first place to start is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine financial need. There are also scholarships available for those learning how to get a Certified Nursing Assistant Degree online, like the Hana Lima Scholarship and the Sacred Heart Health System’s Certified Nursing Assistant Scholarship Program.