Yes, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) schools in the United States are considered trade schools and for a good number of viable reasons.
Trade schools are institutions known to primarily provide vocational training for a good number of vital careers or trades, including healthcare, automotive, technology, culinary arts, and more.
Note that CAN schools fall under this category since they focus on training persons who are interested in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge required to become certified nursing assistants.
Keep in mind that this vocational training ensures that these individuals are eligible and impacted with the practical expertise required for entry-level positions within the healthcare field.
Key Aspects That Make CNA Schools a Trade School
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Specialized Vocational Training
CNA schools focus on comprehensively providing focused vocational training that is meant to prepare students looking to kick start their careers in the nursing field. These institutions offer training that features a vast array of skills and knowledge considered essential in healthcare settings.
In CNA schools, you learn about patient care techniques, the proper ways to lift and transfer patients, as well as the various ways to maintain patient comfort and safety.
Aside from that, you also obtain good training and instruction on the varying ways of taking vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, as well as respiration rate.
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Short-Term Programs
CNA programs are known to be quite short when compared to traditional four-year college degrees. Howbeit, it is important to note that these programs work to ensure you obtain valuable and essential training in the shortest time possible, most often within a few weeks to a few months.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that the shorter timeframe tends to attract or rather appeal to potential students. This can be attributed to the fact that a good number of folks would prefer to venture into the healthcare field quickly and begin their careers without having to invest enormous time commitments.
Aside from that, participants who understand the short-term frame will be more eager to acquire a focused and streamlined learning experience, paying good attention to the practical skills and knowledge explicitly needed for the role of a CNA.
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Industry Certification
Trade schools are well renowned for the numerous specialized degrees and certifications they offer in varying programs. Keep in mind that you can obtain a certificate upon completing a CNA program, which in turn makes you qualified to sit for your state competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Note that both certifications are duly recognized by healthcare employers in the United States since they are proof that the individual has fulfilled or met all competency standards stipulated by state regulatory bodies.
This certification process involves sitting for a written exam as well as taking part in a skills evaluation process. Note that all of these exams and evaluations are to ascertain that candidates have become proficient in these essential skills needed for CNA tasks.
Numerous benefits come with this CNA certification, and for one, it ensures you can source and conveniently obtain employment in various healthcare settings.
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Employment Focus
The primary objective of CNA schools is to ensure that students are adequately trained and knowledgeable enough for immediate employment in the healthcare industry.
The curriculum in these institutions is structured to deeply elucidate on the job duties and responsibilities of CNAs, working to guarantee that graduates are fully fitted with the skills and insights they need to enter the workforce.
In the United States, you will find that a good number of CNA programs also feature clinical rotations or hands-on practicum experiences to ensure that students can gain valuable experience from working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.
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Career Advancement Opportunities
Even though CNA schools tend to focus mainly on training students for entry-level CNA positions, note that they as well function as the springboard for career advancement into the vast field of nursing and healthcare.
A good number of CNA graduates decide to continue their education by going for other or additional certifications or degrees, like becoming Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).
Being the hallmark of trade schools, this proves that the basic or rather foundational knowledge and skills acquired via CNA training serve as a concrete platform for further specialization and career growth within the healthcare field.
Aside from that, a good number of employers in the United States make available tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to aid CNAs in advancing their education and qualifications.