CNA Classes in Alabama (AL)

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, it’s never been a better time to enroll in CNA classes in Alabama. As the majority of the state’s counties continue to report increased job growth, the outlook for Nursing Assistant jobs looks bright. You can expect to earn an average annual salary of $22,400 to $27,000 for employment in Alabama’s metro areas.

CNA Training in Alabama

Before you can take the licensing exam to become a full-fledged CNA, you need to attend a state-approved program offered by either the community college or university you choose.
The length of the program depends on the school. For example, Easter Seals Central offers a 5 week CNA training program, while Lawson State Community College provides CNA/PCT certification within 10 weeks. For those looking to climb the career ladder, graduates can proceed to complete the Registered Nurse Associate degree, which takes an additional 2 years.
During training, a qualified Registered Nurse generally acts as the clinical instructor for demonstrations and on-the-job training. Other facilitators are also available for the various subjects and theories that make up the CNA program.
Some schools provide all the necessary materials that students will need, including textbooks, a stethoscope, a pair of hospital shoes, lab coats, and even uniforms. However, expect the matriculation fees to be much higher for these school programs compared to others. If you are ready to take the test after graduation, keep in mind that an exam fee and health checks are entailed, including for substance abuse and tuberculosis.
After students complete their course training, a lot of CNA schools aid graduates in finding jobs through their placement programs. These educational institutions also extend financial assistance through scholarships and loans. In fact, roughly 80 percent of CNAs in Alabama have received assistance from their college or university.
Some of the courses included in the program are long-term fundamentals, basic First Aid and CPR, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, palliative care, hygiene, and wound care. The students also have to log no less than 100 hours of clinical experience, half of which is dedicated to study. They are also exposed to different health care settings.

Free CNA Classes in Alabama

For those who cannot afford the paid CNA programs, there are free classes offered directly by certain colleges and universities, or indirectly by nursing homes and other health care facilities. The latter hire you as a health aide while sending you to a licensed CNA training school. It is usually expected that you render CNA service to the facility for a year or more, depending on the contract.
Some of the nursing homes that offer free CNA training include:

• Green County Nursing Home
• Brown Nursing Home
• Bibb Medical Center
• Birmingham Nursing and Rehabilitation

Community colleges that have free CNA classes/centers include:

• Caroll Place Nurse Aid
• Westminster Village
• Lawson State Community College
• Shelton State Community College

CNA Schools in Alabama

Easter Seals Central Alabama
2125 E. South Boulevard
Montgomery AL   36116
(334) 288-0240
Lawson State Community College-Bessemer
1100 Ninth Avenue NW
Bessemer AL    35022
(205) 925-2515
Southern Union State Community College
750 Roberts Street
Wadley AL    36276
(256) 395-2211