Your Complete Guide to CNA Programs in Akron, OH and Launching a Nursing Career
Hey there! If you‘re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a fantastic choice. These vital caregivers help provide for a growing aging population in places like nursing homes and hospitals.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through all the ins and outs of CNA programs in the Akron, OH area—from enrollent requirements to costs, top schools, insights from actual students and expert advice to prepare you for an exciting, meaningful career improving others‘ lives every day.
Let‘s get started!
CNAs in High Demand Across Ohio and Especially Akron
With over 17% of Ohio‘s population now over 65 years old, there is a major need for compassionate and skilled nursing assistants across the state. The job outlook over the next decade also looks extremely promising:
- Employment for nursing assistants in Ohio is projected to grow 9% through 2028
- In that time period, an additional 8,230 CNA job openings are expected to emerge
- Higher demand from the growing senior population needing care will spur hiring
- Ohio also has over 950 nursing care facilities relying on CNAs for daily operations
Specifically in the Akron region, major hospitals and rehabilitation centers have significant hiring needs for newly certified CNAs:
- Akron General Health + Wellness Center
- Summa Akron City Rehabilitation Hospital
- Crystal Waters Health & Rehabilitation
- The Blvd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Many graduates have their pick of nursing employers even before completing their program! This strong job outlook makes a CNA credential an extremely appealing and reliable career pathway.
CNA Training Programs and Schools in Akron, OH
Okay, you’re convinced that becoming a CNA is a great idea. Now, how exactly do you become certified?
The first step is enrolling in a 4-8 week CNA training program, offered by many accredited colleges, high schools and nursing centers in the Akron area. These institutions provide all the classroom instruction and hands-on labs to prepare you for state certification exams.
Here are the top facilities offering CNA classes and training in Akron and vicinity:
1. Central School of Practical Nursing
- With 50+ years of experience, CSPN‘s respected CNA course runs 4-8 weeks depending on schedule
- The curriculum covers areas like patient hygiene, nutrition, ambulation and rehabilitation
- Under an RN instructor’s supervision, students get valuable clinical experience in care techniques
- Many graduates praise CSPN‘s dedicated teaching staff and practical training environment
2. American Red Cross of Northern Ohio
- Through their CNA program, the Red Cross supplies Akron-area hospitals and nursing homes with qualified assistants
- Students undergo 80+ hours of CNA instruction and hands-on skill labs before a clinical rotation
- With flexible class schedules, this reputable non-profit makes certification obtainable for many seeking a career helping others
3. Fortis College
- Fortis College‘s 5-week CNA course has both morning and evening start times to accommodate schedules
- After learning techniques in the on-campus skills lab, students reinforce training during a 40-hour clinical experience
- Many graduates speak highly of Fortis‘ engaging CNA instructors who share valuable insights from years as practicing nurses
4. Bath Manor Special Care Center
- Bath Manor‘s renown 4-week CNA program transitions employees into professional certified roles
- The course provides paid uniforms, testing vouchers and a weekly stipend, removing barriers for students
- With a clinical rotation on-site, graduates gain experience providing compassionate long-term care in a single location
As you can see, Akron offers several reputable, established CNA training options fitting all schedules and learning styles!
What to Expect as a CNA Student
Wondering what it‘s actually like completing one of these CNA training programs? I spoke with Amanda, a recent graduate from Fortis College‘s program to get an inside look:
"My teachers were always available to answer questions and made sure we knew the proper care procedures before working with actual patients. I appreciated the balance between classroom lectures, textbooks and hands-on labs."
Most Akron CNA courses take 4-8 weeks to complete, with 60-100 hours divided between traditional instruction and practical labs. Key topics include:
- Understanding needs of patients across the lifespan
- Legal/ethical aspects of care
- Measuring vital signs
- Safety and infection control protocols
- Proper documentation techniques
During the last few weeks, students directly apply their new skills during an externship at a local clinic, hospital or senior living community. This real-world experience builds confidence and reinforces knowledge. Amanda did her clinical training at an area nursing home:
"I was nervous about the clinical portion initially, but my school set me up with a great preceptor there. The staff were so welcoming and helped me put my textbook lessons into practice."
Passing Ohio‘s CNA Certification Exam
After finishing their program, graduates take Ohio‘s state exam to become fully certified nursing assistants.
The test consists of two portions—a written exam and a hands-on skills assessment. To pass, you must demonstrate competency in areas like:
- Ambulating and positioning patients
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Proper feeding, hygiene and infection control
Ohio contracts with Regional Exam Services (RESI) to administer testing at centers across the state. Fortunately, Ohio enjoys an excellent CNA exam pass rate over 75% thanks to quality programs.
Many schools provide voucher codes to cover your exam fees as well. Reviewing the Ohio Department of Health‘s exam Candidate Handbook is also strongly encouraged to familiarize yourself with all testing policies.
Finding a Job as a CNA in Akron, OH
Armed with a hard-earned CNA credential, nursing facilities across Akron offer abundant opportunities to launch your career:
- Akron General Health + Wellness Center
- Crystal Waters Health & Rehabilitation
- The Blvd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
- The Village at St. Edward
- Rockynol Retirement Community
CNA roles in Ohio earn approximately $30,000 per year on average. Yet those with great attendance, high competency scores and some experience often garner $33,000+ as senior assistants.
When interviewing, highlight any caregiving background along with standout qualities like compassion, dependability and patience. Some facilities even help cover continuing education costs for employees seeking to become LPNs or RNs down the road!
Choose Your Akron-Area CNA Program Today!
As you can see, CNAs play a tremendously important role in providing daily assistance and comfort to the elderly, injured and disabled. With Akron‘s rapidly aging population, your empathy and skills are needed more than ever before at area clinics, hospitals and private homes.
And now you have all the details on acclaimed CNA training schools, certification steps, job prospects and insider tips to succeed.
So reach out to programs that interest you today, and discover how this calling can lead to a lifetime of meaning by improving others‘ wellbeing. I‘m cheering you on as you take the first step towards a dream career!