CNA Training in Alabama

In many of the southern U.S. states there is a large shortage of workers in the nursing industry, which means a CNA Certification will be very marketable for any individual looking for a job. In Alabama, getting a CNA certification is a straight forward process that is available all across the state. There are many low-cost program options, as well as some health care facilities that offer free CNA training. Some programs only take four weeks to complete and many CNA courses will allow individuals to be paid for their work during clinical practice and training.

There are many different choices for CNA programs in Alabama. The state offers training programs through local hospitals, technical schools, nursing homes, retirement communities, community colleges, private colleges and state universities. An individual must complete their training through a program that is approved by the Alabama State Health Department to qualify to work as a CNA in Alabama. Before enrolling in a state-certified program, an applicant must have a clean criminal record and must successfully complete a physical examination, which must show that candidates are free of contagious diseases.

Approved Alabama CNA training programs are required to provide 120 hours of training before students are allowed to take the state licensing exam. Forty of the total 120 hours are required to be completed in a clinical setting, where practical skills and procedures are observed and practiced. During these placements many trainees will be paid by the hospital or health care facility that they work in. The remainder of the hours in state-approved programs will be spent in classes that cover material dealing with day-to-day patient care, medical definitions and terminology, CPR training, First Aid basics, and other general medical knowledge.

After completing the work and hours required in an Alabama CNA program individuals are qualified to take the certification exam. The exam includes a written portion and a skills portion. Students must take both parts of the exam no later than one year after completing the CNA training course and may take it as soon after finishing as they like. When registering for the exam, students will receive specific instructions notifying them what they must bring to testing, such as identification, writing utensils, and a volunteer client, as well as what is not allowed in the testing facility. After an individual passes the exam they will then be placed on the Alabama Nurse Aid Registry. Being listed on this registry allows individuals to work in any institution that provides medical services, such as local clinics, hospitals and rehab centers.

The following are CNA schools in Alabama that offer good CNA program options:

J.F. Drake State Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama offers intensive ten day CNA training programs. The school offers programs beginning every month.

Lawson State Community College in Bessemer, Alabama offers a program that requires nine semester hours. The program focuses on the fundamentals of long-term care and preparing individuals to work in a variety of settings.

Reid State Technical College in Evergreen, Alabama offers a one semester program. Students will receive clinical training in a long-term care facility as well as for in-home care. All clinical facilities students work at in the program are within 50 miles of the school.

Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama offers a 24 credit hour program. This program is offered each semester. The school also offers options for certification to work specifically as an in-home health care aide.