CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Waco, Texas (TX)

Just south of the wildly popular Dallas-Ft. Worth area is the small city of Waco, and it is a remarkably convenient, comfortable, and pleasant location in which to both live and work. With a population around 126k, it is a reasonably-sized city that has a great deal to offer, especially if you are interested in working as a CNA.Whether you hope to become a home health aide or do one on one work, or even to serve as a CNA in a large hospital, there are many opportunities for you in the area. For those requiring training, the first step is to enroll in CNA classes in Waco.

Education and Licensing Requirements in Waco, Texas

Before looking for work as a certified nursing assistant in Texas, you have to successfully complete one of the many CNA training programs approved by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, or the DADS. The approved CNA programs in Waco have to involve at least 75 hours of participation, with the training divided between 51 hours in specific CNA classes and another 24 hours of “hands on” or practical work in a nursing home, hospital, or clinic.

Before enrollment is granted, however, any student has to have a basic physical exam (including a TB test and a drug screening), has to submit to a full criminal background check, and needs valid evidence of high school graduation or a GED.

After these steps are completed, and the student finishes all CNA classes, they must then sit for the Nurse Aide Exam. When this has been passed, the CNA is listed on the state registry and can begin seeking employment in any capacity.

CNA Training Programs in Waco, TX

The DADS website gives a full database of all of the approved programs (divided by regions), but those offering CNA classes in Waco are listed below:

• McLennan Community College
• Temple College

Skills Acquired in CNA Training

When you enroll in CNA programs in Waco, you are going to be expected to learn a great deal in a short period of time. All that you learn in the classroom and practical settings are mandatory skills, but don’t forget that you have other things that you won’t learn in the classroom, such as patience, a great deal of compassion, and the ability to multi-task.

The issues that you will cover in your CNA classes include:

• Communication between yourself and peers or patients,
• Monitoring patient vitals, fluid intakes and mental state,
• Creating status reports for appropriate agencies and authorities,
• Using medical equipment,
• Infection control,
• Proficiency in the medical language,
• Recognizing abuse,
• Preparing patient meals and feeding when needed,
• Establishing and promoting independence among the residents,
• Doing transfers and/or patient lifts, and
• Providing personal care such as toileting and changing.

Additionally, all CNAS are obliged to get CPR certification too.

Salary Information

According to salary.com, the median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Waco, TX is $29,360, as of August 6, 2020, with a range usually between $24,393-$35,206.

Information about CNA Jobs in Waco, Texas

How do you choose a place to work? The best “first step” is to ask yourself precisely what sort of work you hope to do. For instance, you might be very comfortable with entry level work, or you may want to consider the options for more advanced work. This would mean that the Craigslist pages for the area would be a good resource. The listings would show the kinds of work and the salaries open to you.

On the other hand, you might want to work exclusively as a live in caregiver or in a rehab setting. That would mean that a nursing staffing service is a good choice for you. One reliable provider of such services is Priority Nursing.

Biggest Employers

If you are still feeling a bit lost in terms of the general work that you will do, and are hoping for some on the job training, you should turn to the large scale employers who are happy to accept new CNAs immediately. Such employers would include:

• Falls Community Hospital and Clinic

Using the resources provided above will help you get all of the training you need to start looking for a very rewarding job.