New Year…New Career?

It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of the holiday season already and a new year is right around the corner. Does knowing that another year is about to end make you feel happy and content with what you’ve been able to accomplish, or does it make you feel anxious and disappointed that you’re exactly in the same place in your career that you were last year at this time? If you’re feeling dissatisfied, the only way to make a real change is to take that first step. At Northern Colorado Training Institute, we want to discuss the opportunities that working in healthcare can offer, and how you can get your CNA certification in just a few months. Don’t let another year go by. Instead, keep reading to learn how to start a new, rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant.

Responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

If your current job is leaving you feeling unfulfilled and frustrated, you’re not alone. Many people go to their jobs day after day, never really enjoying their jobs or feeling like they are making a difference. When you work as a CNA, you have the opportunity to directly affect someone’s life and make it better. If you want a job that’s challenging, and you’re passionate about people, this job is for you.

As a nursing assistant, you’ll be responsible for providing basic patient care and helping with activities of daily living. This includes helping with tasks such as feeding, bathing, and dressing. You’ll also measure and track vital signs such as the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing. You’ll also have the responsibility of listening to the patient’s health concerns and report that information to the nurse.

Challenges of Being a CNA

People choose a career in healthcare for many reasons. If you decide to become a nursing assistant (also called a nurse aide), you have to be prepared for what lies ahead. Your job will be challenging, often requiring you to work long or unpredictable hours, but more than that, it will require emotional strength. You’ll be assisting all kinds of people in different stages of life and illness. You’ll be required to have compassion and respect so you can help people when they need you the most.

Why You Should Consider a Job as a CNA

Although your job will be trying at times, taking care of another human being when they need help is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. This job isn’t for everyone, but if you are passionate about people and want to know that you are making a difference, this career is something you should consider.

Getting your CNA certification is a relatively quick way to enter into the world of healthcare. Unlike becoming a registered nurse or a doctor, becoming a CNA doesn’t require you to attend a college or university for several years. Besides the time factor, keep in mind that you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars. When you enroll at Northern Colorado Training Institute, you’ll be able to complete your training in as little as a few months and at just a fraction of the cost.

If you’ve ever had a hard time finding a job or you worry about what you’ll do if you ever have to leave your current job, consider what getting your CNA certification can do for your job security. While the demand for certain jobs can go up and down over the years, there will always be a need for people to work in healthcare. And, with Colorado’s increasing population, the need for healthcare workers will only continue to rise in this state.

Requirements For Becoming a CNA

If you’re thinking of taking the next step toward becoming a CNA, keep in mind that you’ll need to meet the following basic requirements:

  • You must be at least 16 years old
  • Have the ability to read, write, and speak English
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Complete a urine drug screen
  • Provide proof of citizenship or legal residency
  • Receiving your flu shot for the current year
  • Get tested for Tuberculosis to confirm you are negative

In addition to these basic requirements, you’ll also need to complete a state-approved training program like the one offered by Northern Colorado Training Institute, and you must also pass the nurse aide exam.

Why Choose NCTI For Your CNA Certification?

At Northern Colorado Training Institute, we want to make it as simple as possible to get your CNA certification. Here are just some of the reasons why you should choose to enroll with us:

Three Different Programs

We know that not everyone learns the same way, and fitting classes into your already busy schedule can be difficult. That’s why we’ve created three different programs to meet the needs of every student. You can choose from our FlexCNA Program, Hybrid/Online Program, or for students who are getting their certificate to assist with the care of a child or loved one, we offer a Parent CNA Program. Click on the link for each program to learn more about each one.

Convenient Locations

We offer two Northern Colorado locations to make getting to class fast and easy. You don’t want to spend half of your time on the road when you already have a busy schedule. At NCTI, we have training centers located in Loveland and Northglenn for your convenience.

Everything is Included

When you sign up for your CNA certification class, your fee will include everything you need for your certificate. The cost includes tuition, textbooks, and uniform, as well as the cost for your background check and drug screening. The only thing you’ll be required to cover is the cost of your immunizations. For a full breakdown of what is included, visit any one of the three CNA Program pages.

Get Ready For Next Year!

Get out of your stale, stagnant job and make plans for a brighter future! Visit the Northern Colorado Training Institute website to learn more about our programs and to take the next step toward a new career. Do you have questions about becoming a CNA or about our CNA certification process? Contact NCTI today!