According to cna.plus, the average cost of a CNA program is around $1,300.00. It’s difficult to put an exact figure on these courses – CNA certification courses can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. But here’s the good news: Generally speaking – and especially compared to other types of healthcare training – the cost of a CNA certification program is usually very reasonable.
As you might imagine, costs vary widely based on several factors, including the program itself, the institution providing it, your location, the depth of the curriculum, how long the program takes, and more. How Much Do CNA Certification Programs Cost?Īnother consideration to make when it comes to CNA certification programs is the cost. Typically, you’ll have about two hours or so to complete the multiple-choice section, and between a half-hour and an hour to demonstrate the clinical skills.
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The written portion of the exam and the manual skills test are usually taken on the same day, one after the other. This involves a Registered Nurse watching you perform a few skills or tasks “on the job,” demonstrating your skills on an actual patient or someone who is acting as a patient. You’ll probably see a multiple-choice portion on the exam, and you’ll also be evaluated through a manual skills test scenario, also called a practical exam. The test itself will look different depending on what state you’re earning your certification in, but they generally follow the same format. The CNA certification exam itself is usually administered by a third-party institution at a test center in your state. The exact CNA certification requirements vary by state, but they are generally similar and include things like a passing score on the competency exam, at least 75 hours of training in a state-accredited CNA program (that number may be higher depending on your state), and completed documentation of your personal information, including background checks and physical and mental status. Once you have completed your classroom training and your clinical hours, you’ll need to take – and pass – a competency exam to become a certified CNA in your state.
It’s important to do your research to find the program that suits you best.ĬNA Certification Process and Requirements Your courses will cover a wide range of topics, including:ĬNA training programs are offered at a variety of institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals and healthcare facilities themselves. On top of the classroom portion of the training, you’ll learn in a hands-on fashion by completing clinical hours in an actual healthcare facility, usually for a few weeks after your coursework has wrapped up. Bear in mind that some programs will require you to pass a background check, an entrance exam, or both.Īs stated above, most CNA training programs last anywhere from four weeks to about 12 weeks, although some may last longer.
As long as you have a high-school diploma or a GED, you should be able to sign up for a CNA program and get started on your journey. You will, however, need to undergo training through a state-accredited training program. That’s one thing that makes it attractive to many aspiring nurses. You do not need a college degree to become a CNA. Let’s dive deeper into what it takes to become a CNA so that you can make the most educated decision for your nursing career path. Some might take longer, though, even up to six months or more. While the answer isn’t exactly cut and dry, most CNA certification programs take between four and 12 weeks to complete. Many aspiring nurses have one big question about becoming a CNA: How long does it take to get a CNA certification? The experience you gain from working as a CNA will be invaluable in these career paths, and many advanced programs take your previous CNA work experience and training into account, sometimes even allowing you to graduate sooner than your peers. CNAs can go on to become licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses (LPNs or LVNs), or obtain a more advanced degree to become a registered nurse (RN). It’s one of the best ways to break into the healthcare world, and it’s a tried-and-true method for many nurses to get real-world experience in the field and start making an income in a relatively short time frame.Ī career as a CNA is a rewarding and valuable path in and of itself, but it also serves as a great stepping stone if you’re interested in other areas of nursing. For many people interested in the field of nursing, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the first major step in the journey.