CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Omaha, Nebraska (NE)

Omaha is known for many things, including being the headquarters for a wide range of Fortune 500 companies. However, it’s also home to a growing medical industry. That means those hoping to become a CNA have plenty of options in terms of employment and education. Of course, not all jobs are the same, even for CNAs, and not all training providers measure up. You’ll need a bit more information before signing up for CNA classes in Omaha.

Finding Information about CNA Jobs in Omaha

Anyone interested in becoming a CNA in the city can benefit from learning more about the industry. This often means doing research on jobs available. Through job listings, you can gain insight into a range of factors that will affect your career, including the number of job openings, the average pay from specific employers and the type of requirements employers have other than licensing and CNA training.

You can get a great deal of information by looking over the job listings on the Omaha Indeed.com page. You’ll find job postings from all types of employers, from major medical centers to nursing homes, as well as a variety of different positions available for those with CNA licensing. Additionally, you can also find information about employment as well as assistance gaining a position in the city through one of several medical staffing agencies. As a note, it’s often easier to find a position through a staffing agency than by going it alone. Here are some of the agencies you should know:

• Aureus Medical Group
• Elite Medical Staffing
• Triage Staff

Licensing and Education Requirements in Nebraska

Nebraska is one of those states that require little above the federally mandated training for CNAs. Approved CNA programs in the state must have at least 75 hours of accredited work split between both coursework in a classroom setting and clinical work in a real world setting. After completing your CNA classes in Omaha, you will have to take the state’s certification test.

The test is shorter than what’s given in many other states, with only 50 multiple-choice questions (you must answer 70% correctly to pass this portion). However, where many states require a skills assessment of 5 core skills; Nebraska requires that 6 skills be assessed.

For students unable to pass the exam on the first try, you can retake it up to three times before having to reenroll in CNA classes. As a note, some felony crimes will bar you from entering this field, particularly violent crimes and those involving neglect or abuse. A full criminal background check is required, as are fingerprint cards.

CNA Training in Omaha

Training centers are not in short supply in Omaha. In fact, the city has one of the highest concentrations of quality training providers in the country. Of course, not all providers are worth your time or money, so make sure that the one you choose is approved by the state. You’ll find that the following Omaha CNA training centers can offer you a good start to your career:

• Clarkson College
• Metropolitan Community College
• Creighton University

Key Employers for CNAs

Finding employment  as a certified nursing assistant in the city of Omaha can be relatively simple, thanks in large part to the number of quality hospitals and medical centers in the area. The following employers can be great choices for any CNA:

• The Nebraska Medical Center
• Alegant Health
• Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
• Creighton University Medical Center
• Methodist Health System of Omaha
• University of Nebraska Medical Center

Salary Information

Knowing a bit more about what you can expect in terms of salary will help ensure that you’re making the right choice for your future. CNAs in Omaha actually earn slightly less than the national average, though the lower cost of living certainly plays into this. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Omaha, NE is $30,510, as of August 6, 2020, with a range usually between $25,352-$36,5850 (Salary.com).

Key Skills Learned in Training

Becoming a CNA will give you access to a variety of necessary skills. It will be your responsibility to provide essential care for a variety of patients in a range of different situations and conditions. Some of the skills you will learn in your CNA classes include:

• Performing Basic Procedures – You can be called upon to perform catheterization, skin care treatments, applying restraints, assisting with bedpans and taking vital signs, as well as a host of other procedures.
• Physical Assistance – CNAs are often responsible for assisting patients with mobility and ambulatory concerns, including transferring beds, moving about the room and more.