CNA Training Houston: How To Start A Career In Nursing
Interested in a career in healthcare?
If so, there are many exciting opportunities for you to explore here in Houston. The demand for certified nursing assistants is huge, and starting a career can be done in a short period of time.
In this article, we will discuss the process of becoming a certified nursing assistant in Texas.
What Is A Certified Nursing Assistant?
A certified nursing assistant, also known as a CNA or a personal care attendant (PCA), is someone who provides basic non-medical assistance to an elderly person either in their home, a nursing facility or in a hospital setting.
The duties of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) often involve helping patients with ADLs or activities of daily living which we will discuss in the next section.
Certified Nursing Assistant Duties
The primary duty of CNAs is to provide basic non-medical help to those in need. These tasks are also known as ADLs or activities of daily living.
Examples of ADLs are:
- Preparing meals
- Doing laundry
- Grooming
- Help bathing
- Changing bed linens
- Providing medical transportation
- Picking up medications from the pharmacy
What Does It Take To Be A CNA?
If you have a gentle, loving nature and like to support others, becoming a CNA in Houston could be a great position for you.
As a certified nursing assistant, you must be patient and open to listening to patients. Working in someone’s home with the opportunity for long-term relationships can be fulfilling because of the benefits these relationships have on people’s lives.
Certified Nursing Assistant Salaries In Houston
The hourly pay for a Houston CNA is $13.41, monthly pay is $2,144, and the yearly salary is around $30, 287. These figures are according to Indeed.com.
The salary for nursing assistants depends on the employer’s location, the facility you are in as well as education and certification.
Education Needed To Become A Certified Nurse Assistant in Houston
Although you don’t need a college or a high school diploma to be a nurse’s aide, you would need to complete a Texas CNA Program
Many community colleges, vocational schools, and even Houston nonprofits offer CNA training programs.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Training For A Certified Nurse Assistant?
Most CNA training programs will take between 4 to 12 weeks to complete. The timeframe it takes to get your CNA certification will depend on the specific course you are taking.
What Is The Cost Of CNA Training
The cost to become a CNA in Houston ranges between $500 to $2,000.
There are some local nonprofits that offer free CNA training (when funding is available) like Houston Volunteers of America. This agency offers free training in a number of medical fields like CNAs, dental assistants, pharmacy techs, and more.
How To Become A CNA In Houston
To become a CNA in Houston you will need to:
- Complete the Certified Nurse Aide Training
- Pass a nurse aide training exam
- Register for the Texas Nurse Aide Registry
Below is more information about the process of becoming a CNA in Texas.
1. Complete Certified Nurse Aid Training
In order to work in approved nursing care facilities, hospitals, residential care homes, and home care agencies a nursing assistant must be accredited. A certified nursing assistant must complete a 100-hour training, with 40 hours being hands-on.
2. Pass The NNAAP Exam
Following that, you will take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program exam to earn your CNA certification.
Not only in Texas but throughout the country, there is a strong and increasing demand for qualified and licensed professional nursing assistants. If you’ve received your license, you should be able to receive certification in whatever state you travel to.
3. Register For the Texas Nurse Aide Registry
Once you have completed nurse aid training and passed the nurse aid assessment exam, you can register on the Nurse Aid Registry.
CNA Training Houston: Find Certified Nurse Aide Classes In Houston
Below is a list of CNA training programs that can help you to start a career in nursing.
Houston Community College: Certified Nurse Aide Program
HCC offers a 108-hour nursing assistant program in Houston. This program currently costs $900. For more information, you can contact HCC at 713.718.7633 or visit the HCC website.
Lone Star College: Nursing Assistant Training In Houston
Lone Star College also offers a 108-hour certificate course. These programs are offered at the Lone Star College campuses in Cy-Fair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball.
For more information on the Lone Star College Nursing Aide program in Houston call 832.813.6500 or visit their website.
Texas Health School: Nurse Aid Program
The Texas Health School has 3 different options for completing certified nursing assistant training in Houston.
- 4-week class (days)
- 6-week class (evenings)
- 12-week class (Saturdays)
To learn more you can contact Texas Health School at 713.932.9333 or see the details of the Nurse Aide Program on their website.
Consolidated Nurse Aide Training Institute
You can complete a 3, 4, or 6-week training class at this Sugar Land nurses aide training site.
You can register by calling Consolidated Nurse Aide Training at 346.812.0147 or visiting their website.
Houston Volunteers of America
Houston Volunteers of America offers grants to people interested in training for a career in healthcare. One of those trainings is a certified nursing assistant.
Other free healthcare trainings in Houston offered by Volunteers of America include:
- Community Health Worker
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Insurance Coding
- Respiratory Therapist
- Pharmacy Technician
- And more
These trainings are based on available funding, therefore you will have to call Houston Volunteers of America to see if these classes are still being offered. You can reach them at 346.251.0790 or by simply visiting their website.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in working in the healthcare sector, enrolling in a CNA training program is one of the fastest ways to land a job in a Houston hospital.
To become a certified nursing assistant you will need to complete nurses aid training, pass an exam, and then register as a nursing aid.
Starting this process begins with nurses aid training classes in Houston. If you are interested in starting a new career in healthcare, then contact any of the nursing assistant training schools mentioned in this article.
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