Best CNA Classes in Louisville, KY

There are almost endless job opportunities and excellent salaries available for those who choose to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Louisville, KY. In addition, being a CNA is more than just money and job stability. It is also about wanting to make a true difference in the lives of people. Once certified, you are able to work in a variety of settings. Most CNAs in Kentucky work in elderly care, but the field is changing significantly, opening up different areas of work. It is very important to meet the minimum standards to become licensed in the state, however. Luckily, in Kentucky, the regulations are quite simple to understand.

Firstly, you need to find an approved CNA training program. Most of these programs will have some requirements, which include doing a background and health check on you. Additionally, schools often want their students to be at least 18 years old, although some now accept 16 year old’s. You also need to make sure that the school you choose offers at least 16 hours of practicum training, as well as 59 hours of classroom learning. If the course doesn’t offer this, then you will probably not be able to take the exam for certification as a nursing assistant even after you have completed the course. This exam has two parts, the first being a written exam and the second is a practicum test. Pass both and you can get to work as a nurse aide.

Once certified, you can start searching for work. Most certified nursing assistants earn between $22,000 and $25,000 per year. However, it is believed that growth in both salary and demand between now and 2020 is 23%. This means opportunities are out there and they are likely to get better. It is recommended, however, that CNAs continue to be committed to their continuous professional education so that they can advance their career. Most go on to become LPNs (licensed practical nurses) afterwards.

In terms of employment, there are a number of organizations in Kentucky that are known to be the best employers. There are many medical centers, clinics and other facilities that require CNAs. Some of the most popular employers and the ones that offer the best benefits include Norton Healthcare, Baptist Hospital East, the University of Louisville (which includes James Graham Brown Cancer Center and UofL Hospital), and The Brook.

If you are hoping to become a CNA, you should research your training opportunities first. There are many schools in the state of Kentucky that offer certified nursing assistant programs, but choices are slightly more limited if you are searching specifically for training programs in Louisville. At present, there are just four options available. Students are recommended to research these and others they are able to find before deciding where to enroll.