For those interested in pursuing a career as a certified nurse aide, they should know how long it takes to become one. There are several factors that determine this. Before getting into that, let’s discuss how to get a CNA certification.
How To Get A CNA Certification
What one has to do in order to get a certification depends on where they reside, but they will typically need to take a course that has been approved by the state they reside in or wish to work as a CNA in. These courses are usually offered at facilities and organizations that have been given official approval, such as the Red Cross, community colleges, universities and so forth. In general, a fee will need to be paid in order to become certified, regardless of where the course is taken or who is giving the course.
How Long Does It Take To Become A CNA
There are three main factors that will determine how long it takes to become a CNA. These factors include:
1. Where You Take The Course
Where the course is being taken plays a role. Different courses offered at different places may vary in lengths of time it takes for the course to be completed. Some fast-track courses allow students to wrap everything up within a few weeks, while other courses take nearly a month and a half or a bit longer to complete.
2. Who Provides The Course
The provider of the course is a factor, too. There are universities that are extremely thorough in a very short course. Then there are community colleges (not all of them) that offer lengthier courses that take longer to get through. However, this does not mean the course is any less thorough.
3. Passing The Exam
If a student fails the exam, they’ll have to retake it. Depending on where the course is offered, a student might have to wait a certain length of time before retaking the test. Nonetheless, failing the exam can delay the process of becoming a CNA.
The Time Frame
There is no set time frame for how long it takes to become a certified nursing aide because different states have their own set of requirements. However, it can take as little as three weeks to become one. This includes the time it takes to go through an accredited/approved course and taking the exam. Remember, students must pass the exam if they want to become a CNA, otherwise, they need to wait to retake it.
It can take as long as 6-8 weeks to become one. Some courses are very thorough and are only taken a few days per week. This is why it can sometimes take longer to become a CNA.
The bottom line is it takes around 3-6 weeks to become one. As you can see from the above, there are a number of factors that come into play, but that is the average time it takes. Remember, research a few courses before enrolling in one because not all courses are created equal and some are far more extensive than others.
Looking for a good CNA School? Contact CNA Training Institute today.