Anthony asked if I could publish one of his articles on my Smart Weight Gain blog.  I like guest bloggers, so I said yes.  But after reading his article, I changed my mind – it really had no relevant to my Smart Weight Gain blog.

Still, looking at it again…

It seemed to me that this would be a good article for Landing On Your Feet.

Though not strictly job hunting or resume related; Anthony does a nice job here talking about options to getting into the nursing field.

And that’s key – the damn ticket, if you will (to coin that great American – Dusty Rhodes, The American Dream – gotta love pro wrestling) .  Because in this article, Anthony gives you options and when you’re looking to land on your feet, it’s all about having options – and information.

Useable information – like here…

So, if you have any vague notion of entering the Nursing field; then by all means, read on…

The Schools and Institutions That Offer Programs and Courses for CNA Training

Getting into the nursing profession can be a challenge, but those who were unsuccessful can try to pursue a CNA training instead and perform work just like a registered nurse. Increase in demand of nursing professionals has lead many students to take up nursing courses in college. Graduates of nursing courses who were not lucky enough to pass the nursing licensure examinations or students who have no enough resources to take nursing courses and undergo nurse training programs can choose to undergo Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) training instead by taking up CNA training programs.

The Certified Nursing Aide Profession

If you are a certified nursing aide, you usually work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. Your work includes helping nurses set up medical equipment to be used in the clinic or hospital.  You will also assist in taking care of the patient from check up, admission, and determining the patient’s vital signs. It is also your responsibility to answer patient calls for assistance and added services. All of these tasks are studied and practiced in CNA training courses in schools that offer CNA training and education.

Choosing Schools That Offer Certified Nursing Aide Courses

To be able to perform your nursing aide responsibilities well, you need to know the basics in patient care and nursing skills, human anatomy, control of infections, nutrition, and other related subjects. There are several schools and institutions where you can enroll in for CNA training and education. Here are few pieces of advice in choosing an appropriate school.

1. First, you have to make sure that it is certified and recognized so you will not encounter any problems later.
2. It is also helpful to check out the track record of your shortlisted schools in terms of number of certified nursing aide graduates to ensure the quality of education that the institution is offering.
3. You can check this matter with the Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Nursing Aide Registry of your home state.

Venues Where CNA Courses Are Offered

Aside from technical schools and colleges that offer the subjects and courses you need to be a certified nursing aide, you can also get education from the American Red Cross. Obtaining your education and getting certified by Red Cross is a big advantage because it is an established organization and known to be the leader in medical training. Plus, training and course fees are definitely lower here than in other venues.

Another venue where you can take up CNA training is through online schools. Just like in a traditional school, online CNA training also offers all the necessary subjects for you to qualify for certification exams. One big advantage you get when you decide to enroll in online courses is you can take it on your own pace and on your own time. Online courses are preferred by working or self-supporting students that wishes to be a certified nursing aide.

Venues That Offer CNA Training

Nursing homes and other similar facilities are examples of venues where you can acquire training to be a nursing aide. Some of these facilities are offering a training program for nursing aides that is accredited by the state or federal agency. You can also get training from the technical school or community college where you got your nursing aide education.

Getting Certified as a Nursing Aide

Before you can practice as a full time nursing aide, you must first take part in a certification exam. Aside from the required basic knowledge, a 75-hour CNA training called Clinical Externship is also needed to qualify for examination.

Anthony is the founder of a website specialized in medical careers training with which he hopes he’ll provide everyone interested in medical careers training a good overview of the best programs and resources available today.