Published Jan 27, 2011
kjlewis76
31 Posts
I am looking into CNA training in the KC Mo area. I am enrolled in NAU and have to obtain my CNA before I can apply to the core nursing classes.
Years ago, LTC facilities would certify. I have been on the phone with over 25 facilities and none of them do this. Things must have changed a lot! NAU told me about Medskc and they have an 8 week class but it's $775. I hate to spend that kind of money on this when I will not be working as a CNA.
Does anybody know any LTC facilities in the area that still do this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
chorkle
228 Posts
kjlewis--
From my recent CNA course, I think the phaseout of nursing homes providing OJT to become a CNA probably began in 1988--OBRA '87 (federal law governing nurse aide certification) requires 75 hours classroom & lab instruction, and 16 hours clinicals, as a minimum. It's my impression many states require 80 hours classroom & 40 hours clinicals. This is the case in IL. MO's requirements to sit for the CNA exam--I would guess--probably no longer allow OJT as the basis for preparation for the exam.
Tho you may not plan to work as a CNA, it may be a fall-back option, and can provide some income when needed, as well as some patient care experience. (Altho, in nursing homes, we are supposed to think 'resident,' not 'patient.'
$775 doesn't sound so bad (to me) for a CNA course. Mine, at a jr. college, was right at $1,000 (+); plus some required supplies, tho rarely used; plus uniforms for clinicals; plus other incidentals--totalling around $1,300 or so.
Thanks for your reply. I can use all the feedback I can get. I'm already a Medical Assistant, with 4 years experience, but from what I've been told, it won't take the place of the CNA licensure that is needed. Were you able to use financial aid for the community college course, by any chance?
parumph
70 Posts
KJ, Kansas College of Nursing in Olathe is about the same price after books and such and if you have the time you can knock out the CNA in a month, 4 days or nights a week. Just depends if the drive is worth it for you. I just finished the class and we had people driving in from Lees Summit and Grandview for it. Great teacher that over teaches. They will be moving to OP this summer sometime and will be offering LPN classes and I will absolutely skip applying to JCCC or anyone else and go there for the LPN.