CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Huntsville, Alabama (AL)

With a location that is convenient to a few major metropolitan areas, the small city of Huntsville, Alabama (population 180k) is an ideal place to live or work. This is especially true for those interested in working as CNAs. Like so many other locations around the country, the state of Alabama anticipates a strong need for licensed CNAs in the coming years, and there is plenty of work available now. Thus, the time is right to consider CNA classes in Huntsville.

Education Requirements and Licensing Essentials in Huntsville, AL

What is required for you to work as a CNA? The state of Alabama has a very standard and simple set of guidelines that all CNA candidates must follow: First you must enroll in a pre-approved program that has been reviewed by the Department of Health. Secondly you will take the official Nurse Aide exam that is also overseen by the state. After you complete and pass both of these requirements you get a license and can be put on the state registry.

Prior to enrolling in a program, however, you have to offer proof of a high school diploma (or GED), you must take a full physical exam (including drug screening), and then you will have to go through a criminal background check too.

The training takes 120 hours and involves 40 hours of hands on work with the balance spent in formal classroom study. Most students complete this in eight weeks or less.

Best Training Sites in Huntsville, AL

Consider the following locations offering quality CNA classes in Huntsville:

• Calhoun Community College
• Drake State Community & Technical College

Skills Acquired in CNA Training

What skills are acquired during the time spent in studying and clinical work? The following items are mandatory according to the state guidelines:

• Infection control,
• Communicating with co-workers and patients,
• Establishing and promoting independence among the residents,
• Using all appropriate medical equipment,
• Drafting status reports,
• Handling patient meals,
• Recognizing abuse,
• Proficiency in the medical language, and
• Monitoring patient vitals, fluid intakes and mental state.

Training may also cover the dispensing of medications and working directly under the supervision of nurses and doctors. The work can include some basic housekeeping in order to work as a “live in” caregiver for a patient or long term client.

Earnings Information

What sort of financial returns are available for those who commit to training and licensing?  According to Salary.com, the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Huntsville, AL is $30,530, as of August 18, 2020, with a range usually between $25,372-$36,605.

Essential Information about CNA Jobs in Huntsville, Alabama

Something to consider when you start to make your plans for CNA training is the type of work you want to do. As already said, you might be a home health aide, a live in caregiver, a nursing assistant, or a CNA in another setting. To understand what sort of opportunities exist in the city, you will want to start by looking at the job listings on a site such as Indeed.com. This gives a broad view of all that is available.

If you already have an idea of what you want to do with the training you can contact a staffing agency to discuss your options. One of the most familiar firms of this kind is Snelling Staffing Services.

Biggest Employers

You might also consider getting a lot of preliminary experience at a larger employer such as a medical center or a hospital. Such places can give you permanent long term employment or they can allow you the chance to get a taste of the various types of work your CNA training can provide, and then you can move on into a more targeted sort of work. The top facilities in the area include:

• Huntsville Hospital

The resources provided above will help you to get a strong start in your career as a CNA in Huntsville and you should be able to enjoy many different opportunities in this city.