Many paraprofessionals in the health care industry received their CNA training in New Hampshire.
High Demand
As the U.S. population ages, more people require the type of care than a CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant offers. That means job prospects are good for this occupation.
Definition of CNA
CNAs may also be called Certified Nursing Assistants, home healthcare aides, Geriatric Aides or Patient Care Assistants. They have even been referred to as Patient Technicians and Auxiliary Nurses. All of these titles typically mean the same thing – and they are all open to someone with a CNA certification.
Fast, Inexpensive Training
Even better news: high school graduates can enter this profession after just one semester of CNA classes in New Hampshire. Many community colleges and technical schools offer the training to become a certified nursing assistant. Some accelerated programs allow students to complete their training in less than 3 months.
In fact, CNA training can even be free. Some nursing homes will pay tuition for a job applicant to attend a CNA program. However, in return the newly certified nursing assistant must agree to work for the nursing home for a specific period of time.
Paraprofessional
CNAs are considered paraprofessionals in the healthcare field. Professional healthcare workers include doctors, dentists and Registered Nurses often called RNs. Those occupations require years of university study and often a minimum of a 4 year degree. Many doctors have 2 to 8 years of additional study at universities, to be licensed professionals.
While no medical license is required to become a CNA, nursing assistants are required to pass a certification exam. The exams are slightly different in each state, but any good CNA program will cover everything needed to pass the exam. Once the nursing assistant is certified, job prospects are excellent.
Job Opportunities
CNAs work in a variety of settings, both in hospitals and other locations. Nursing homes employ many CNAs to care for residents who are elderly or disabled and may not be able to care for themselves. CNAs also work in rehabilitation centers, caring for bedridden patients and helping them perform therapy. In addition, many, many CNAs work in private homes, providing daily or weekly care for individuals.
Typical Job Duties for CNAs
CNAs work with patients who are physically or mentally impaired. These impairments may include problems with mobility, self-care, food preparation, walking, talking or other issues.
A CNA may be called upon to perform a variety of tasks depending upon the patient’s limitations and needs. Some examples of care provided by a CNA:
- Helping a young male patient who suffered two broken legs in a car accident do his range-of-motion exercise and relearn to walk, in a rehabilitation center.
- Aiding a young mother recovering from cancer surgery take a shower and clip her nails in a hospital.
- Helping an elderly great-grandmother plan menus and prepare nutritious food in the patient’s home.
- Assisting a 5-year-old girl with M.S., who is confined to a wheelchair, with daily activities including taking a bath and shampooing her hair.
Regardless of where he or she works, the job prospects are excellent for a graduate of CNA classes in New Hampshire.