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.
If you’re struggling to choose between in-person and online CNA classes, then you are not alone. Taking CNA classes online offers some flexibility: it allows you to juggle a packed schedule which may include juggling work or attending to your family. But the conveniences come at the expense of hands-on learning.
This article takes a closer look at each option so you can decide which one suits your needs and learning style.
One of the biggest pros of taking CNA classes remotely is it saves time. The ability to take classes by simply firing up your laptop offers much appeal to people with a full-time job, a kid, or other commitments.
Those who go the online classes route can access their coursework at their convenience while in their pyjamas without stepping out the door.
Students can go through a course that offers information on patient rights, anatomy, medical terminology, and even some essential skills training.
The coursework comes with lecture videos, readings, quizzes, and discussion boards that make up the bulk of the curriculum.
CNA classes are also designed to have a structured component that keeps a student on track, such as weekly deadlines for assignments or interactive sessions with instructors. The course is self-paced but guided.
However, an online course does not give students the chance to get real-world experiences, considering that the medical field is best learned in practical settings.
Other programs are designed for an immersive learning experience with an actual clinical rotation in order to meet the state certification requirements. First-hand engagement is a crucial component of CNA training as there are no perfect alternatives to real-life practice.
Although students of in-person CNA classes have to invest more time and effort, they are typically rewarded with hands-on experience.
In a classroom setup, students learn through lectures and laboratory work. They are required to work with medical equipment and practice on mannequins on top of getting familiar with the hospital environment.
Another advantage of in-person CNA classes is the real-time and personalized feedback from instructors. Working with experienced professionals eliminates any bad habits while instilling best practices that accelerate learning.
In-person programs also make it easy for students to transition into clinical rotations Students will no longer have to familiarize themselves with the environment and the medical gear if they’ve been working with them from the get-go.
If you’re someone who quickly learns from face-to-face interactions, prefers immediate answers to questions, and works better in a tangible learning environment, then the in-person route might be the better choice.
Learning Style
Visual learners are people with the ability to retain information by looking at images and watching films. Visual cues are enough for them to grasp a concept.
Visual learners have the upper hand in taking online courses.
But those who learn best through experience in a classroom setting should consider taking classes in person.
Schedule Flexibility
Online courses are designed to cater to students who need to juggle a lot of responsibilities.
In-person classes are geared toward providing a structured environment with fewer distractions.
Skill Practice
While online courses often schedule clinical rotations to allow students to get hands-on practice, in-person programs provide continuous practice and exposure throughout the course.
At the end of the day, choosing between online versus in-person CNA classes comes down to your availability and learning style.
If you’re a more self-directed learner with a lot on your plate, online classes may suit your needs. You’ll get a combination of independent learning with arranged in-person clinical practice so you can qualify for state requirements.
But if you’re a person who learns better through immersion in a classroom or laboratory setting, then in-person classes may be the best for you.
Either way, both online and in-person classes are created to prepare you to become a reliable CNA.
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