CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OK)

For anyone living in Oklahoma City and considering a career in the medical industry, the choice to become a CNA can be quite rewarding. You’ll find that while this is technically an entry-level position for the industry, you can easily move up to higher positions upon completion of CNA classes in Oklahoma City. Of course, some professionals choose to specialize in a specific Certified Nursing Assistant area and earn a better salary.

Finding Information about Jobs in Oklahoma City

An important part of determining if this is the right career move for you will be to get a good look at the state of the industry in Oklahoma City. This can be done in a number of different ways, and you’ll find that the information you glean not only helps ensure that you know what you’re getting into, but also that it helps you understand just what is possible in the field.

Simply Hired – Simply Hired is an invaluable resource for those researching jobs as a CNA. The classified ads here can be used to help find employment, certainly, but they’re actually more valuable as research material. You can learn about pay, about job duties, about employer expectations, experience requirements and more.

There are many other places to locate job information though. One excellent source of both information and employment opportunities is the range of medical staffing agencies operating within OKC. These include:

• On-Call Medical Staffing (300 North Meridian Ave)
• Total Medical Personnel Staffing
• Foundation Medical Staffing

Licensing and CNA Classes

Oklahoma sets its own requirements in terms of CNA training for aspiring individual. You’ll find that while these are higher than what the federal government requires, they’re a bit less stringent than some states. Students in Oklahoma must undergo a full 96 hours of CNA training. This is divided into 72 hours of CNA classes and 24 hours of clinical training. It’s important that any training programs you choose adheres to this, or you risk not being qualified to take the state’s licensing exam.

The exam is conducted in two parts – a written portion with multiple choice questions and a skills demonstration. Once you pass the test, you will gain your license and then must register with the state as a Certified Nursing Assistant. If you fail the test, it can be retaken. To get your license, you will also need a negative TB test, as well as your immunization records and a full criminal background check.

Key CNA Training Programs in Oklahoma City

The choice you make in CNA training programs is more than important – it’s essential. The right classes will help you on your way to success, while the wrong one can cause serious headaches. It’s vital that you consider only providers that are approved by the state of Oklahoma, or you might find that you’re unqualified to take the exam. The following CNA classes in Oklahoma City are some of the top in the city and can help you on your way to become a CNA:

• Oklahoma State University
• Oklahoma Health Care Authority (this provider offers free certified nurse aide training as part of a joint program with OKSU)
• Metro Technology Center

Key Employers to Know After Passing Your CNA Programs

Now that you have an idea of where you can get the programs that you need, it’s time to talk employers. While the list of staffing agencies previously mentioned is always a good place to start, there are quite a few top employers in the city that you need to be aware of. These include the following:

• Integris Health
• St Anthony
• Oklahoma University Medicine
• Oklahoma Heart Hospital
• Mercy Health Center

Salary Information for Prospective Workers

The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Oklahoma City, OK is $30,610, as of August 6, 2020, with a range usually between $25,414-$36,685 (Salary.com)

Key Skills Learned in Classes

The core skills learned during your training period will be vital to your performance and overall job satisfaction no matter where you might decide to work. While each training program will have small variances in some non-core skills, most will be the same. These can include:

• Patient Care – CNAs are often responsible for helping patients bathe, dress, shave and clean themselves, as well as a range of other patient care responsibilities.
• Movement – CNAs are often responsible for transferring patients from one surface to another, as well as for helping them in and out of wheelchairs and more.