Understanding the Breakdown of CNA Training Programs
When you’re learning about the various requirements for CNA certification, you probably see the same things over and over – theory, laboratory, and clinical components. If you’re considering enrolling in a CNA training program, becoming more informed about the various aspects of the program can be beneficial so that you know at least a little about what to expect. At Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, our program will ensure all students are prepared to take their exam to become certified nursing assistants.
How Long Are CNA /GNA Certification Programs?
The CNA/GNA certification program is 135 hours in length. The program is divided into three separate components—the aforementioned theory, laboratory, and clinical components. The theory component is 60 hours, the laboratory component is 35 hours, and the clinical component is 40 hours. After the completion of the program, you will be prepared to take the certification exam.
What Does the Theory Component Teach?
During the theory component of the certification program, you’ll learn the necessary knowledge for performing basic patient care services for patients and residents alike. This care must be provided under the supervision of a licensed nurse. In the theory portion of the course, students are taught principles of hygiene and grooming, as well as measuring of vital signs, communication techniques, medical terminology, and more.
Other areas of study include:
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Nutrition
- Principles of toileting
- Principles of infection control
Teaching methods during this portion of the training program include demonstration, gaming, group discussions, and more.
What to Expect from the Laboratory Portion of CNA Training
Alongside theory training in lectures, students in CNA training programs at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute will learn everything they need for CNA certification requirements—including practical, hands-on skills including things like bed-making, feeding, hand washing, measuring vital signs and weight, transferring, moving, and positioning patients, and more. To ensure students are prepared for their careers, TKCHI has increased the minimum required hours for laboratory work from 16 to 35 hours, which has helped our students’ confidence levels, and has empowered them to become the best CNA/GNAs they can.
Clinical Training in Our Program
Finally, our students will receive clinical training. This is completed in the form of a 40-hour externship. With our program, student externships take place in a long-term care facility in the Baltimore area that is affiliated with the school. Before the externship, students are given an orientation to the facility as well as its policies and procedures.
Preparing for the GNA/CNA Exam with Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute
The goal of any CNA certification program is to prepare graduates for working in any healthcare setting. The program at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute will ensure that students are prepared not only for the CNA exam, but also the GNA (geriatric nursing assistant) exam, which is not required to become a CNA , but is required if you want to work in a long-term care setting or on rehabilitation floors in some hospitals.
To learn more about the CNA/GNA program at Top Knowledge Healthcare Institute, contact us today.
