How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA?
Jul 07, 2023
The journey of a CNA is dependent on the state you choose to study or work in, and this includes preparing for potential nursing interview questions. As certified nursing assistant roles are considered the backbone of the healthcare industry, it's a career path that can be a stable and secure route for many.
What can you expect when it comes to the training and qualifications needed for such a role? How long does it take to become a CNA? This guide will delve into the duration, how you become certified, and any factors that might extend the timeline that's typically expected.
Duration of becoming CNA
The length of time it takes to become a CNA will vary from state to state and the CNA certification and training programs themselves. With that being said, the training programs can last anywhere between one to four months. The number of training hours however is determined by the state and must be completed in order to take the much-needed CNA certification exam.
Factors that may extend the timeframe
There are a number of factors that might influence your timeline of becoming a certified nursing assistant. Depending on your state, you may be expected to do more training hours than other states and that's something you can't avoid.
The cost of the courses themselves might delay the process, with some students perhaps breaking up the programs to make it more cost-effective.
If you're training to become a CNA alongside having another job, this may also slow down your progress into a nursing career.
How to get certified as a nursing assistant?
To become certified as a nursing assistant, your certification programs will be split into two - clinical practice and classroom training.
A typical CNA program will be in-person but there are online CNA certification programs for those who need flexibility around their current job. The FHCA is a reputable and well-used institute for nursing assistant programs, so it's worth doing your research to find the best course and institute for you.
The total cost of becoming a CNA will vary depending on the CNA certification cost offered by the school. On average, the program may cost $1,300 in addition to any fees charged for taking the certification exam.
However, the cost is worthwhile as the average CNA salary sits currently at $36,408.
When you're looking to get certified as a registered nurse, you want to make sure you've weighed up the CNA certification program's cost and what working environments previous students have gone into. Some programs will offer more prestige and value than others.
Education requirements
To become a CNA, individuals will need to have a high school diploma as the basic educational requirement. This is important to have in order to get into any of the vocational schools, hospitals, or online programs that offer nursing assistant training.
When comparing a home health aide vs cna, you won't need a high school diploma or GED to become a home health aide. Often enough, those who are home health aides may look at career progression as CNAs if they have a high school diploma.
It's important to ask yourself if this is the desired career path for you. You may have the educational requirements needed but there are a lot of personal qualities that you'll need. Compassion is something you'll need in abundance but a strong will is also required as you'll be providing patient care for many people.
At FHCA, we offer one of the longest 6-week programs in Orlando to meet the 120-hour requirement from the Board of Nursing. Providing a more comprehensive program than most, it's often the reason why we get chosen by students above other institutes.
Certification requirements
In order to gain the certifications needed to become certified, you'll need to take a CNA certification exam. When comparing a medical assistant vs cna, you'll find that both require a similar certification process.
Once you've passed the certification exam, you'll then need to register as a CNA. The type of CNA certification program you take will influence the experience level you achieve. Entry-level CNAs will only earn so much. However, if you're looking to maximize your salary potential, then it's worth looking at the training and extending the amount of time you spend in school.
In addition to the written exam, you will also need to pass a CNA clinical skills exam. The clinical skills exam tests your ability to perform the skills that are essential for a CNA.
By doing this, you're likely going to spend more on the total cost of the training program and how long it takes to complete it. However, having advancements in your nursing assistant training could put you in a good position when it comes to exploring further career paths. Whether that's becoming a licensed practical nurse or diving into another area of the healthcare industry.
It's worth making sure that you've done everything during your training to put yourself in a good position when you finally get around to applying for positions.
Duration of becoming a CNA FAQs
1. How long does a typical CNA training program last?
The length of CNA training programs can vary depending on where you study and in what state. On average, these courses last anywhere from one month to four months. However, the amount of training hours will also need to be factored in, in order to make the individual eligible to take the certification exam.
2. What topics are covered in a CNA training program?
What can you expect from an accredited training program? If you're looking at certified nursing assistants as a career path, here are some of the topics typically covered. Interpersonal skills Patient care procedures Safety and emergency processes Patient Privacy Infection control Learning about human autonomy and anatomy
3. How many clinical hours are required to become a CNA?
Depending on the state, the clinical hours required will vary. However, minimum class hours are federally mandated at 75 hours. This is the minimum though, so expect more in a typical state-approved CNA program. Some may require up to 180 hours in certain states.
4. What to expect during the CNA certification process with Prometric?
Any applicants, whether they're first-timers or they're re-certifying, will need to pass the Prometric CNA exam. This is an examination in two parts, consisting of performance skills and a written section. The written test itself takes around ninety minutes to complete and comes with sixty multiple-choice questions. The clinical performance side will take around 30-40 minutes depending on the skills that have been assigned.
