Choosing to get your CNA Certification online has some pros and cons. A CNA is a certified nursing assistant, very similar to the nurse’s aides of years ago. These helpers performed tasks that were halfway between medical and housekeeping chores, and worked with a few nurses each shift to perform duties that nurses had no time or interest in performing.
No real training was involved other than some on the job training, and not much was really needed. You worked as part of a team and never on your own. Each shift you were given a list of the nurses you’d be working with and a list of patients. After a few weeks it was easy to figure out what a typical day would be like, and without too many surprises, the days pretty much all were the same.
As time went on, medical laws changed and privacy issues were brought to the forefront. Nurse’s aides were upgraded to what is now a CNA, and formal training and educational programs were started at high schools and colleges and even private instructional centers. Courses lasted anywhere from a month to nine months depending on where you went and how much practical experience you were given.
There are two vital parts of this type of curriculum. One is classroom study where you learn theory, and the other is literally on the job training where you get hands on practical experience working in a medical setting, usually a hospital or nursing home.
And this is the major problem with any of the online CNA training programs. You don’t get the hands on experience you need to really know your job. Some of the large educational facilities have managed to provide a type of web based learning where students would be required to attend scheduled classes and events using various online programs and web cams
Although the practical part of these studies can be practiced on your own, and they should be, it’s difficult to figure out your mistakes right away if you don’t have the option of being with your instructor or class as you are learning. A CNA might be responsible for changing post op dressings in large hospitals, so you’ll obviously need to perfect this particular task before being asked to do at work.
Learning anything online is becoming very popular because you have the option of learning at your own speed, on your own schedule. This certainly has a lot of benefits, but it also puts you in a position where you aren’t forced to study for the usual finals, etc., and you lose momentum. Some courses allow you to take courses at your own pace – within reason. You will be given a syllabus that must be completed within a certain period of time, and take finals right after that. You can do it all in a week, or wait till the last minute. It’s up to you.
If you want to work in a big hospital, find out what schools they are affiliated with. Graduates of these programs are sought after in the industry and if you do well, you’ll have your pick after graduation.
Be certain to check out Kevin’s excellent articles on CNA Certification and Red Cross CNA Certification.
