Places to Take CNA Courses

Before enrolling in a CNA class, take your state policies, rules and requirements into consideration. The BLS notes that different states have differing educational requisites that lead to a "certified" status. Additionally, the specific title that you receive, after passing a competency exam, may differ by state. While most nursing assistants that have certification are known as CNAs, some may have a slightly different name or title. Check with your state's certification agency prior to paying for any class. Keep in mind that just because one class is necessary for certification in one state, CNAs in another state may not have to take the same course.

You don't have to wait until you graduate from high school to start a CNA program. Some technical or vocational schools offer state-approved nursing assistant programs that will qualify you to sit for a certification exam. For example, the state of Maryland approves high schools such as Bladesburg High School, Calvert Public Schools' Career and Tech Center and J.M. Tawes Technical High School as certified nursing assistant programs. Schools such as these give teens that chance to learn valuable health-care skills while finishing a high school degree.

Prior to starting work at a hospital, you can use the medical center's education department -- if it offers one -- to take CNA classes. Some, but not all, hospitals have their own nursing assistant classes that will lead to the opportunity to sit for the state certification exam. For example, Massachusetts's Winchester Hospital has a nurse assistant training course that teaches potential CNAs basics such as checking vital signs, caring for patients and infection control procedures.

If you have an interest in becoming a CNA, chances are that your local community or junior college offers classes that will permit you to take your state's certification exam. Like a course at a hospital or another type of school, community college-based CNA classes will also include information on caring for patients, checking vitals and regulations and safety in the health-care environment. For example, the Houston Community College in Texas has a CNA certificate program that includes a 96 hour course of study.