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My name is Katie, and I have been a nurse for 10 years. My healthcare journey began in 2013 when I started as a CNA, eventually progressing through school to achieve my BSN. I specialize in Emergency Medicine and have worked as a Travel ER RN since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing has been life-changing for me. I strive to be the good in difficult situations and provide the best care possible to my patients.
Are you looking to become a CNA but wondering about the time it takes to move from a student to a certified healthcare professional?
The timeline is not set in stone.
Several factors such as the type of program you pursue and your personal schedule can determine whether your journey will extend beyond the typical timeline to completing the course.
Wonder no more because this article explores the most relevant factors affecting the time it takes to become a professional CNA.
Aspiring CNAs typically complete the course within three weeks, but a dedicated student can go through a program in as little as one month.
Completion of the process will require you to attend classroom discussions as well as experience hands-on clinical practice.
All in all, students are expected to complete at least 75 hours of training. Those hours would be dedicated to aiding you in learning theories, safety protocols, patient care skills and soft skills while being exposed to situations that tend to happen on the job.
But keep in mind that the number of hours that you have to spend may vary by state. Some states require students to put in more training hours. Others will require you to complete course prerequisites before you attend a program.
Look into your state’s requirements to accurately know how long it would take for you to go through a course.
The type of program you enroll in largely determines the timeframe of your journey.
Traditional programs that require students to attend classes in person typically offer the fastest route toward becoming a CNA. Community colleges and vocational schools adopt a fixed schedule, meaning you will complete the program at the time defined by your educational institution.
By contrast, online CNA courses will likely take more time, depending on the student’s schedule. These programs are known for the flexibility offered but that flexibility extends the time it takes to complete a course.
The same is true for hybrid programs which combine in-person and online classes.
At the end of the day, your lifestyle and learning inclinations will determine the timeline of your course completion.
After completing a CNA course, the next step for you is to take a certification exam.
The certification process typically involves a written test that evaluates your patient care knowledge and a clinical skills assessment that scrutinizes your practical abilities.
But to pass the test, students usually take some time to hone their knowledge and skills. Depending on your level of expertise, it might take you a few days to a few weeks to prepare for the exam.
You can expedite the process by availing of programs that prepare students to take on the challenges typically witnessed during exam day.
After earning your nursing assistant certification, you can choose to upskill and advance your professional journey through additional education.
A road typically taken is the transition from a CNA to a registered nurse (RN). The process can take years as it involves completing a comprehensive nursing course that comes with additional certifications.
If you prefer to stay in your lane, you will be required to take on continuing education units (CEUs) to stay updated on the latest best practices in patient care. States have their own requirements for renewing certification so it’s best to stay up to date and be informed to keep your credentials solid.
The road to becoming a CNA is not complicated. You can choose the shorter one by enrolling and completing a course based on a traditional classroom setting.
But life is not the same for everyone so others might take more time by enrolling in online or hybrid programs.
Additionally, you must take into account the time it will likely take for you to prepare for the certification exam.
All in all, the path is clear. It just depends on how you get there.
Ready to kickstart your healthcare journey?
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