What You Should Do to become a CNA in Reno, Nevada (NV)
“The Biggest Little City on Earth” is a great place to live, work, and play. You’ll find a great deal to enjoy in town, from some of the best casinos in the state to easy access to the mountains and more. If you’re looking for employment, there’s plenty on offer as well, though becoming a CNA might be the best way to get your foot in the door of the medical industry. From competitive pay to plenty of upward mobility, the medical industry is a great place to work for Reno residents. Of course, the first step is to enroll in CNA classes in Reno.
Requirements for CNA Classes and Training Programs in Reno
While the federal government sets minimum education and training standards for CNAs and other medical professionals, the state of Nevada is responsible for setting their own requirements so long as they meet those minimums. Unlike some states, Nevada has a more lenient stance to CNA classes and training programs.
If you’ve decided to become a CNA in Reno, you’ll need to go through one of the approved CNA programs in the area that offers at least 75 hours of training (both classroom and clinical work). Of course, there are programs that offer more hours than this, and they can be excellent options, but 75 is the minimum requirement for CNA classes. Once you’ve taken and passed the course, it will be time to sit for your licensing exam to become a certified nursing assistant.
Similar to other states, Nevada’s exam is a two-part test. You’ll first need to complete a written test by answering a series of multiple-choice questions. After this, you’ll need to demonstrate your skills and education during a skills assessment with an instructor. Passing this test gives you your license and allows you to apply for work in the city as a CNA.
CNA Employers in Reno
After gaining your education and your license, you’ll need to find work. There are plenty of places in and around Reno where CNAs can find employment, including working with a staffing agency. However, some of the better choices include:
Salary Information for Reno CNAs
The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Reno, NV is $32,400, as of August 17, 2020, with a range usually between $26,917-$38,857 (Salary.com)
A Look at Important Information for Aspiring CNAs
In order to really make an informed decision about your needs in terms of a career, you need to do some research. You’ll need to compare quite a bit of different information to make sure you’re getting into the right industry, and that becoming a CNA in Reno is a good choice for you.
The first place to look is actually the Reno Indeed page. While it might seem a bit odd to check out a want ad site to learn industry information, a quick glance will show you the immense value offered here. The listings on Craigslist offer quite a bit of in-depth information for would-be CNAs (and other medical professionals), including pay rate, hirer locations, the frequency of job openings, and more.
If you find that you need a helping hand with getting a job or learning more about the industry, then you can use a variety of other tools available to you. One excellent source of assistance you can tap is the number of medical staffing agencies in Reno. The city is home to several good agencies, but the following options should top your list:
Skills Learned in CNA Programs
During your CNA training programs, you’ll learn a variety of skills necessary to providing patients with the care they need. These skills include:
- Transporting patients correctly
- Bathing, cleaning and dressing patients
- Proper wound care techniques
- Working as part of a medical team with nurses, doctors and other professionals
Where to Find CNA Training Programs in Reno?
Given the importance of finding an approved training provider, you’ll need to know where to look to get the education necessary to become a CNA. Thankfully, there are several very good certified nursing assistant programs offering CNA classes in Reno, including:
You can also check out the full listing of all state-approved CNA training programs with the Nevada Nursing Board.
- CNA Training Centers
- Street Address
- Phone Number
| Sierra Nevada Job Corps | 14175 Mt. Charleston Street | 775- 972-5627 |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | 7000 Dandini Boulevard | 775- 676-7115 |