Top Night CNA Classes | Find Evening Training Near You

Need CNA certification but can’t attend daytime classes? Night CNA classes offer the flexibility to work or manage personal commitments while training in the evening. Learn about schedules, costs, and enrollment in this guide.

Key Takeaways

• Night CNA classes offer flexibility for students to balance education with daytime jobs and personal commitments, facilitating ‘earn while you learn’ opportunities.
• The typical duration for night CNA programs is 2-4 weeks, with consistent attendance and class participation being essential for successful completion.
• Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans help make CNA training more affordable, with various support options available through schools, government grants, and employer-sponsored programs.

Night CNA Classes Overview

Night CNA classes offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to balance their education with work and personal life. This arrangement enables CNAs to “earn while they learn,” maintaining daytime jobs and attending classes in the evening. This structure is particularly beneficial for those who have daytime commitments such as family responsibilities or other personal errands.

Evening classes offer several advantages for CNAs:

• Fewer distractions and less campus traffic, creating a more focused learning environment
• The evening is a more productive time for absorbing new information, maximizing learning potential
• Night classes allow CNAs to advance their careers without pausing their current employment, providing a seamless transition to more significant roles in the nursing field.

Institutes like Northeast Medical Institute offer night CNA classes in several locations, including:

• Stamford
• New Haven
• Hartford
• Waterbury

This geographic flexibility ensures that students can find a convenient location to pursue their certification.

Class Schedules and Attendance Requirements

Grasping the class schedules and attendance requirements is pivotal in mapping out your educational journey. Typical night CNA programs last about 2-4 weeks, with Northeast Medical Institute offering a 14-evening program. PM classes usually span three weeks, while AM classes are shorter, lasting two weeks or less.

Night CNA classes are typically scheduled from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM over three weeks, providing a structured yet flexible timeframe for students. This allows you to manage your daytime responsibilities while attending classes in the evening. Classes are available in various formats, including evening, weekend, and hybrid models, catering to different scheduling needs.

Consistent attendance is mandatory to successfully complete the night CNA programs. Most programs require attendance from Monday through Friday, with some flexibility to accommodate specific schedules. However, communication with instructors is essential to ensure that any necessary adjustments are made.

Consistent attendance and active class participation are key factors to achieve success. By adhering to the attendance requirements and fully engaging with the curriculum, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for both the state exam and your future career as a CNA.

Tuition Costs and Payment Plans

Affordability is a key concern for many aspiring CNAs. At Northeast Medical Institute, the tuition cost for night CNA classes is approximately $1,600, which includes a one-time payment option. This cost covers the comprehensive training required to become a certified nursing assistant.

To make this investment more manageable, there are various payment plan options available. These plans are designed to help students spread out the cost over time, making it easier to afford the tuition without financial strain. Exploring these options can ensure that you can focus on your studies without worrying about immediate financial burdens.

Required Materials and Uniforms

Preparing for night CNA classes involves acquiring specific materials and uniforms. Students are required to have:

• a laptop or iPad
• a watch with a second hand
• a stethoscope
• a gait belt
• blood pressure cuffs

These tools are necessary for effective learning in the classroom and during clinical practice.

In addition to these materials, students must adhere to a dress code for clinical sessions. This typically includes wearing royal blue scrubs and all-white shoes. Northeast Medical Institute provides students with two sets of scrubs, a blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope, and a gait belt as part of the class requirements. Being well-prepared with the necessary materials and uniforms ensures a professional appearance and readiness for all aspects of the CNA training.

Clinical Practicum Details

The clinical practicum, a significant part of night CNA classes, offers practical experience in authentic healthcare scenarios. Students must complete a minimum of 16 clinical hours, with evening sessions typically scheduled from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. This practical training is an integral part of the application of classroom-acquired skills to real-world situations.

These clinical hours are supervised by experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that students receive proper guidance and support during their training. Clinical rotations are conducted under the supervision of a registered nurse, ensuring that students receive the necessary guidance and support during their training. The supervision helps students develop confidence and competence in their basic nursing skills, preparing them for their roles as certified nursing assistants.

Clinical practicum sessions can be held at various external clinical sites, including:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers
• Assisted living facilities

Successful completion of the clinical practicum is necessary for graduation and eligibility to take the CNA certification exam. This hands-on experience is invaluable, providing a solid foundation for a career in healthcare.

Certification Process

Becoming a certified CNA involves several key steps, starting with completing a state-approved training course. This training covers all the essential knowledge and skills required for the role. After completing the training, students must pass both a written and hands-on competency skills exam to become certified.

Prior to the clinical prep and orientation date for night CNA classes, students need to have a Social Security card and another official ID with a signature, as well as complete a criminal background check. These documents are necessary for establishing identity and eligibility for the certification process.

The certification exams typically consist of a written test and a practical skills test. Passing these exams demonstrates the student’s proficiency in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Once the training is completed and the certification exam is passed, the student can be placed on the state’s nurse aide registry, officially recognizing them as a certified nursing assistant.

Being listed on the nurse aide registry is essential for employment as it attests to the individual’s qualifications and capability to carry out the CNA duties. This certification opens the door to various employment opportunities in the healthcare field.

Career Opportunities Post-Graduation

Graduating from a CNA program opens up a wide range of career opportunities. CNAs are highly sought after in diverse healthcare environments, such as:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Hospices
• Home care

They are in high demand due to their versatile skills and contributions to patient care as a person. This demand is driven by a growing aging population and an increased need for healthcare services.

Home health aides, for example, assist patients in their homes with daily activities and domestic tasks. This field is anticipated to witness significant growth in the near future, promising steady and gratifying employment opportunities. Similarly, certified medical assistants (CMAs) work in both administrative and clinical capacities in physicians’ offices, with a projected growth in employment.

CNAs can also work in specialized settings such as:

• Government facilities
• Veterans’ hospitals
• Prisons
• Mental health hospitals
• Schools
• Jails

These diverse opportunities allow CNAs to find roles that match their interests and career goals. Additionally, becoming a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or transitioning to roles such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic are viable options with additional training.

For those interested in travel, CNAs can contract with agencies to work in various hospitals on a short-term basis, often with generous compensation. This flexibility and variety in career paths make a CNA certification a valuable asset.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pursuing a CNA certification can be financially challenging, but there are several financial aid options available. The financial burden of CNA training can be substantially alleviated through scholarships, grants, and employer-sponsored programs. Community and technical colleges often offer CNA scholarships and other funding support to lower the cost of the certificate program.

Government grants are also available for CNA certificate programs at accredited colleges. The availability, eligibility requirements, and amounts of these grants can vary, so it’s important to research and apply for all possible financial assistance. Additionally, nonprofits, community organizations, and private foundations may offer scholarships and grants to aspiring learners with financial need.

Employers may also sponsor CNA training programs, providing financial assistance in exchange for a commitment to work for the organization for a specified period. This can be a great way to gain both financial support and guaranteed employment post-certification.

How to Apply

Applying for night CNA classes involves checking training eligibility requirements, such as minimum age or education, with the state regulatory agency. In addition to state regulations, individual training programs may also have their own additional requirements. These extra requirements should be carefully considered when choosing a program.

To get started with your CNA course at Northeast Medical Institute, you can register online. There are no application deadlines due to rolling admission throughout the year, making it convenient to apply whenever you’re ready to begin your training.

Summary

Night CNA classes offer a flexible and practical pathway to a rewarding career in healthcare. By balancing work, personal life, and education, aspiring CNAs can achieve their certification and open doors to numerous career opportunities. The structured schedules, manageable tuition costs, essential materials, and comprehensive clinical training equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking to start a new career or advance in the nursing field, night CNA classes provide the perfect blend of flexibility and quality education. Take the first step today and embark on a fulfilling journey to becoming a certified nursing assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do night CNA classes typically last?

Night CNA classes typically last for 2-4 weeks, such as Northeast Medical Institute’s 14-evening program.

What materials and uniforms are required for night CNA classes?

For night CNA classes, you will need a laptop or iPad, a watch with a second hand, stethoscope, gait belt, and blood pressure cuffs, as well as royal blue scrubs and all-white shoes for clinical sessions. Make sure to have these items ready before starting the classes.

What is the cost of tuition for night CNA classes at Northeast Medical Institute?

The cost of tuition for night CNA classes at Northeast Medical Institute is approximately $1,600, and there are various payment plan options available to help manage the expense.

What are the career opportunities for CNAs post-graduation?

After graduating as a CNA, you can explore career opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home care, and even transition to roles like Patient Care Technician or Emergency Medical Technician with further training. Consider the options based on your interests and skill set.

Are there financial aid options available for night CNA classes?

Yes, there are financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and employer-sponsored programs available to help reduce the cost of CNA training.