CNA Training in Kansas

Despite a nationwide recession and struggling economy one field that continues to need workers is healthcare. As the population ages and many of the baby boomer generation retire, there will continue to be a high need for qualified nurses and CNAs. In the state of Kansas becoming a CNA is quick and affordable. People who receive CNA certification to work as a nurse will not only find that there are job opportunities in a variety of long-term care facilities, but will also find that working as a CNA provides experience that can lead to future advancement in the medical field.

To become a CNA in the state of Kansas individuals must complete a state-approved training program that consists of a minimum of 90 hours of training. The Kansas Department of Health and the Environment sets the curriculum for the state’s approved training programs. The 90 hours of training required in a program must be split between classroom learning and clinical instruction. The curriculum for the training programs in the state focus on patient care, how to work in a safe and effective manner while administering care, on healthcare ethics, and on other topics relevant to working as a nursing assistant.

After completing a program individuals then are eligible to take the state competency exam. The exam is offered at many different locations throughout the state. The exam contains a written section, which is made up of about 60 or 70 multiple choice questions, and a skills portion. In the skills portion individuals must demonstrate randomly selected skills for an examiner. Once an individual has passed the exam, their name will be added to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. Being on the registry proves that an individual has met all of the state and federal standards required to work in long-term health care facilities in the state. Employers will check to see that job applicants for CNA positions are on the registry before hiring.

Some of the state-approved CNA programs that are available in Kansas are listed below:

Cloud County Community College offers a CNA course at the Parkvilla Nursing Home in Clyde, Kansas. The course is 90 hours in length and is worth five credits. The training prepares students to take the state exam and work as registered CNAs. There is a limit of ten participants in the course at one time, meaning that students will receive personalized help and training from instructors.

Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas offers a CNA certification training course. The course contains 90 direct contact hours and focuses on providing care to patients in a variety of long-term healthcare settings. In order to take the course, students must first pass a basic reading assessment.

The Kansas College of Nursing in Lenexa, Kansas offers a CNA certification training program. The course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of geriatric aides in nursing homes. Clinical hours will be completed in local nursing homes under the direction and supervision of a registered nursing instructor. To enroll in the course individuals must have either a GED or a high school diplmoa.

Allen Community College offers a CNA program through their Allied Health Department. The course is worth five credits and after completing the course individuals may take the state examination on-site at the college. The first part of the course is made up of 20 hours of classroom lecture and 20 hours of clinical and lab work. The final part of the course is advance instruction for working as a CNA and it contains 25 hours of classroom lecture and 25 hours of supervised clinical instruction in a long-term care environment.