The #VSFNA Difference

When we think about our future, how do we pick which direction to go? Maybe you've decided to become a CNA because you know that a level entry position can earn a few dollars more per hour by taking a five week class. How do you pick which school to go to? There is after all a bunch of different options when it comes to CNA schools.

How do you pick from all of these different options? Here's a few things you probably want to look out for when picking a CNA school. 

Registration with the Board of Nursing

The school that you ultimately decide to enroll in has to be registered and accredited with the Virginia Board of Nursing. Why? Because that is the standard that hospitals and other medical facilities will require to be eligible. Most schools will be accredited but watch out for the ones that aren't. Check their website and ask around for information. Better yet, call the Virginia Board of Nursing to verify that school you're going to is registered and accredited. 

Established Relationships with Hospitals and Assisted Living Facilities

CNA's can find employment in many places but the two main places they will find jobs is Hospitals and Assisted Living Facilities. Sometimes these places will have built relationships with schools and will proactively check with the schools to see if they have any graduating candidates fit for a job they may have available. Even though schools can't guarantee employment, they can certainly put in a good word for students if they have excelled in their program. Having these relationships will ensure that students have a good chance of being hired. 

Small Classes

Pick a school that specializes in CNA training and nothing else. The reason being, big schools can mean high staff turn over. When there is high staff turn over it makes it difficult for students to have one point of contact to which they can get answers from.  It will be in your best interest to have a school that has smaller classes so you get individualized attention from the teachers. In some cases, it's worth paying a premium just for this kind of attention. Make sure that you're being taken care of right away when you have questions and concerns, this is usually an indicator if the school is going to be the right match for you. 

Avoid Schools That Let Anyone In

Schools that are very inexpensive or that require little to no paper work could be a waste of your time and money. Schools that hold their students to higher standards not only will they prepare you well for your new career but it could also mean additional pay for you because of your training. There are schools that pass all of their students but when it is time for them to take the State Board Exam, they don't perform as well as they should have because they have not been properly trained. It's better if it is tougher during class and easy during real life than the other way around.

Financial Aid
Don't let finances come in the way between you and your future. Schools that actually want to help you will offer different payment options. Make sure that your school offers payment options - schools that offer payment options are usually well established unlike newer schools that don't have any experience doing the job.

Ultimately it is your future that is at hand and it is important that you make decisions carefully.

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