3 Free CNA Classes in Houston TX

See where you can obtain free CNA training in Houston TX

Written by Nurses Link on April 15th, 2013

A CNA (certified Nursing Assistant) is a physically demanding career. The CNA is trained to work in a medical facility such as a nursing home, hospital, adult day care center or assisted living facilities. The CNA helps patients with healthcare tasks on a daily basis and works with supervision of a Doctor or an RN (registered nurse) and in some facilities, an LPN (licensed practical nurse). Actual tasks will vary depending on the facility. CNA help patients with daily routines such as bathing and dressing, apply dressings and bandages, assist the RN’s in the administration of treatment, eating and sometimes exercise.

The CNA must first attend a training program that meets the requirements of the State of Texas and upon successful completion of the program; the CNA graduate must pass the State of Texas licensing exam. The cost of a CNA training program varies, but there are programs that are available at no cost.

Job Corp Houston, Texas

Job Corp is a no cost vocational and educational training program administered by the United States Department of labor. The purpose of the program is to assist young people ages 16 through 24 to prepare for a meaningful career and improve the quality of their life with long term employment. One of the programs offered by Job Corp is Nursing Assistant training. The program trains students for a career in the health care field as well as prepare the student to take the State licensing exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The Job Corp program covers the cost of the class as well as exam fees and job placement.

Before being admitted to the program, students will have to demonstrate competency in math and reading and will be subject to a fitness test. The program includes 100 hours of classroom instruction in basic nursing skills, personal care, restorative care, infection control and nutrition. The program also includes clinical training under the supervision of a registered nurse. Students will be required to attend all classes and pass all tests and quizzes.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will submit their application to the state licensing board to take the Certification exam. Nursing assistants must be certified in order to work as a CNA in the State of Texas.

Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers provides in home care for seniors and other adults who need assistance. Care is provided by RN’s and LPN’s, assisted by CNA’s. They help their clients with basic daily care including bathing, dressing, and medication and feeding. To keep a well staffed CNA program, Care Keepers provides training to CNA candidates in exchange for employment.

Care Keepers provides the necessary training, classroom and clinical training, as well as the associated materials and supplies. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED. Candidates must also submit to a fingerprint analysis and background check and both must be clean in order to be admitted to the program. The training program will prepare the student to take the state mandated certification exam.

Department of Aging and Disability

The Department of Aging and Disability was created to offer long term services and support for people who are aging or have physical or intellectual challenges. One of the services provided by DADS is funding for Certified Nursing Assistants programs at schools that accept DADS assistance. The Houston Community College is one such school that is associated with the DADS programs.

To qualify for DADS help, the candidate must fill out and submit an application to DADS. The application is reviewed and if approved, the CNA training program funding will be provided.

The candidate must also apply to and meet the requirements of HCC. To be accepted at HCC, students must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate or hold a GED. The program is 125 hours of classroom and clinical training that includes classes such as infection control, basic nursing skills and restorative care, safety and emergency procedures and nutrition. The program takes approximately 8 weeks to complete. The program will prepare the student to take the State mandated licensing certification exam. DADS funding does not include the cost to take the exam.