CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)

The city of Albuquerque offers a lot of perks to residents and potential residents. One of those is a robust healthcare system. For anyone aspiring to become a CNA and get started in a rewarding career, this is one of the best cities in the nation for your needs. You’ll find a host of employment options and some outstanding training providers as well when looking into CNA classes in Albuquerque.

Finding Information about CNA Jobs in Albuquerque

Before you sign up with any education and training provider in Albuquerque, it’s important to get a better idea of what the industry can offer in terms of pay, positions, employers and more. You’ll find a range of online resources that can help you determine what’s available for a certified nursing assistant in the area.

One of the better places to begin looking for information about local CNA positions is on the Albuquerque Craigslist page – you’ll find classified job ads, which means this is a good place to start for those already licensed, but there’s more to be gained. You can get considerable insight into the industry just by perusing the ads here.

Beyond online classifieds, you can get job information and even assistance with placement as a CNA in Albuquerque by working with one of the better area medical staffing agencies. Medical staffing companies have become a permanent fixture in the industry, and offer a way for medical providers to get the staff they need without having to go through the process of hiring internally.

CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements in Albuquerque

Training is an important consideration for aspiring CNAs – without enrolling and passing one of the quality CNA programs in Albuquerque, you cannot receive your certification from the state (New Mexico offers certification, rather than a license). Thankfully, the state has relatively lenient requirements in terms of training duration. They stick to the federal minimum requirements – 75 accredited study hours.

After completing one of these CNA programs in Albuquerque, you’ll need to take and pass the state’s certification exam. New Mexico has fewer questions to answer than many other states (55 multiple-choice questions as compared to 77 on average elsewhere). Like other states, New Mexico’s test is broken up into a written portion and a physical skills assessment portion.

Once you have received certification from the state, you’ll need to register with the state, and you will also need to renew your certification every two years. As long as you worked for eight hours under a licensed/registered nurse during that two-year period, you do not have to retake the your CNA classes.

Key CNA Training Programs in Albuquerque

As you might imagine, choosing the right CNA training is vital to enjoying a rewarding career as a CNA. Thankfully, there are quite a few high quality training programs located in the city of Albuquerque. Some of your better options for CNA classes in Albuquerque include:

• The Red Cross of Albuquerque
• Central New Mexico Community College
• Pima Medical Institute
• University of New Mexico

Key CNA Employers to Know in Albuquerque

In addition to getting the right CNA training, you also need to know where to look for employment after certification. While the staffing centers mentioned earlier can offer vital help, you might find that applying directly with one of the city’s key employers is also a good idea. Here are a few of the major employers for certified nursing assistants in Albuquerque:

• University of New Mexico Hospitals
• Kindred Hospital of Albuquerque

Salary Information

Part of making the right decision for your future is understanding just what your earning potential will be as a CNA in the city of Albuquerque. The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Albuquerque, NM is $30,350, as of August 10, 2020, with a range usually between $25,211-$36,387 (Salary.com).

Key Skills Learned in CNA Training Programs

Key skills learned during your CNA training will provide you with the means to provide excellent quality care, work as part of a team and ensure that you have the knowledge necessary to become a successful CNA. Some of the key skills you’ll learn in your CNA classes include:

• Proper lifting and moving techniques
• Proper health condition documentation techniques
• Communication between staff and patients
• Proper cleaning and care techniques
• How to treat patients with special needs

Of course, the quality of the school or training course you attend will have a lot to do with exactly what skills you learn. Make sure that the school you choose is approved by the state of New Mexico, and that it has a high pass percentage for graduating students taking the state’s certification test as well.