Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, are integral to a professional healthcare team. They mainly work under nurses to provide patients with the best care by helping them with daily activities, such as eating, bathing, transporting, and stocking medical supplies. To become a CNA, one must complete a certificate course and gain the necessary skills through practical training. With the digitization of education, numerous short-term CNA programs are now available online.

Formats
Online CNA programs are usually available in two formats: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous courses refer to the ones that are conducted online in real-time. Students need to be present for these courses as they are being conducted, as they might not be made available later.

Curriculum
While the curriculum of the CNA courses may vary depending on the institute and the duration, the topics covered are mostly the same. The curriculum for offline and online CNA courses also covers the same topics. So, one does not need to worry about the coverage of online programs. Here are some of the topics that are commonly covered in online CNA courses:

Roles and responsibilities of a nurse’s assistance
Infection control procedures
Taking vital signs of patients, like temperature, blood pressure, etc.

It is important to note that the curriculum may not be limited to these topics. One must contact the relevant institute to get a better idea of the CNA course.

Duration
Online CNA programs usually have a short duration. However, it may ultimately depend upon factors like the state, the institute, and the type of course. While a lot of these online programs have a duration of 4 to 6 months, one can also find courses that are shorter. For instance, several institutions are currently offering 4 and 6-week online CNA programs in 2024.

Cost
One of the biggest benefits of online CNA programs over in-person and offline programs is that they cost less. Currently, the cost of online CNA programs across most institutes ranges from $1000 to $3000. But, at some institutes, one may even find courses that cost under $1000. The final cost will, however, depend upon the institute, the duration, and the provisions they have for students. One can search for “costs of online CNA programs near me” to get an idea of the amount they will need to budget as course fees.

Factors to consider when choosing an online CNA program
When choosing an online CNA program, one must consider the following factors.

The accreditation of the institute and the program
CNA programs are offered by various types of institutes. These include community colleges, training schools, and nursing homes, among others. Regardless of the type of institute one chooses for their online CNA course, one must ensure that they are choosing a reputable, accredited institution. One must also ensure that the program is accredited and approved by the state.

Course value
Secondly, one must check the topics and curriculum the CNA program covers. They must ensure that the subject matter covers real-life applications that will be useful to them once they begin working as a certified nursing assistant.

Flexibility
Before choosing an online CNA program, it is important to consider the format – synchronous or asynchronous. Both these formats have their own pros and cons. For instance, asynchronous courses are more flexible for students as they allow them to take the classes any time they want. So, the asynchronous format could be beneficial for working individuals who are planning on pursuing this course. But, synchronous courses allow students to communicate with the lecturers while the class is being conducted. This gives them a chance to have a quick discussion about their queries and ask questions then and there.

Secondly, asynchronous courses do not require one to have an active internet connection. One can download their classes while using a public WiFi network if they do not have high-speed internet. However, for synchronous courses, the students would need to be connected to high-speed internet to attend their classes seamlessly.

Financial assistance for students
When applying for an online CNA program, one must also check if the institute offers any financial aid or assistance to students. Several institutions offer scholarships and other financial aid that can cover a major chunk of one’s tuition fees. So, if one requires financial assistance and is eligible for it, one must check if the institution offers it.

Requirements for becoming a CNA
Finally, one must also consider all the things that are required of a CNA before choosing the course. Meeting these requirements is crucial for landing a job as a CNA. The requirements include:

A high school diploma or its equivalent
Completion of a CNA course
A valid CNA license
A criminal background check
Immunization record with valid vaccinations (like flu shots)