With its convenient location bordering both Georgia and Alabama, the small city of Chattanooga, Tennessee (population 171k) has a great deal to offer. It is within easy driving distance of some of the best cities around, and it has a thriving job market. One area experiencing ongoing demand is that of the CNA. Whether as health aides, in home caregivers, or certified nursing assistants in a hospital or clinic, this is a job that has a lot options. Of course, the first step is to register for CNA classes in Chattanooga.
Information about CNA Jobs in Chattanooga, Tennessee
If you want to see the many ways you might find work as a CNA in this region you need only use an online resource like Craigslist. Here you would find the many ways that CNAs are working in Chattanooga, and you would get a very accurate idea of the earnings available too.
If you don’t need a general view but a more targeted one, such as looking only for “live in caregiver” positions, you may want to speak with a staffing agency in the city instead. They can provide information about all available jobs for certified nursing assistants in Chattanooga and help you obtain the one that fits your goals. Some good agencies to turn to include:
CNA Classes and Licensing in Chattanooga
Like most states, those in Tennessee will have to pass one of the state approved CNA programs before they can become a certified nursing assistant. CNA programs in Chattanooga require at least 75 hours of training that is divided into 16 hours of clinical or “hands on” work along with the balance of specific CNA classes.
Even before you can be admitted to one of these CNA training programs, you must meet a set of criteria that includes proof of high school completion, or a GED. You must also have a complete physical exam that includes drug screening and agree to undergo a criminal background check as well.
When the conditions are met and the CNA classes and training are completed the student must then sit for the state CNA Certification Exam to become licensed. When passed, the exam allows the student to receive their license and to begin seeking employment as a CNA in Chattanooga.
Approved CNA Training Programs in Chattanooga, TN
The Department of Health is the governing agency in the state and makes a full list of approved CNA programs available at its official website. However, the programs offering CNA classes in Chattanooga include:
- Chattanooga College, Medical, Dental & Technical
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Miller-Motte Technical College – Chattanooga
Best CNA Employers to Know in Chattanooga
Once you complete your CNA training you will want to get enough experience to know what to do with your career. Many new CNAs decide that hospital or medical center work is the best way to get a sample of the many ways they can use their training. There are even some award winning facilities for CNAs in the Chattanooga area, and they include:
Salary Information
The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Chattanooga, TN is $29,100, as of August 4, 2020, with a range usually between $$24,171-$34,889 (Salary.com)
Essential Skills Learned in CNA Training Programs
What will the day to day work as a certified nursing assistant involve? When you begin to study the list of skills and tasks most CNAs will need to master in their classes (as detailed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), you see a list of technical items and practical skills. You will also need the right temperament for the work, including patience and compassion as well as knowing the following:
- How to handle infection control,
- Effective communication tactics for peers and patients,
- How to write status reports,
- How to monitor and report patient vitals, fluid intakes and mental state,
- How to recognize abuse,
- How to use equipment in their medical field,
- How to prepare patient meals,
- How establish and promote independence among the residents, and
- Proficiency in the medical language.
Also, all CNAs should consider getting their CPR certification in addition to their formal CNA classes, training and licensing.
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