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| | | Nursing assistants work under the supervision of a nurse and help patients with daily living tasks including bathing, feeding and grooming. In addition, some take temperatures and blood pressure. Home health aides work in patients' homes, the remaining work in hospitals or nursing homes. Training varies by state, but mostly includes about 80 hours of class and 40 hours in a clinical setting. While not all states require a license for home care, all assistants working in nursing homes are required to be licensed by the federal government. While on the job training is available, employers tend to prefer students who have completed a training and passed a certification exam. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Hospitals often offer on-the-job training for nursing assistants at no cost. Check local area hospitals for training programs.
- A 6-12 week nursing/home health aide program through a community college costs around $200 -$350. A high school diploma or GED certificate is usually required for admittance. Santa Rosa Junior College in California offers a 10-week course including 289 hours of lecture, a skills lab and clinical practice at a skilled nursing facility for about $200.
- Nursing Assistant programs are also available at vocational schools and online. The American Red Cross offers the course for $825, while St. Augustine Nursing Assistant School charges around $1,200.
What should be included: | - Preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam.
Additional costs: | - Exam fees vary by state and run $50 -$270. Practice tests designed to help students prepare for the test may be found online.
- Books and supplies cost $50 -$100, depending on the school and whether books are purchased new or used.
- A current First Aid and CPR course is required and costs about $50. The American Heart Association maintains a list of courses by state.
- Approved uniforms average $30 -$45.
- Fingerprint services when completely separately from exam fees run about $35.
- A tuberculosis test and physical exam are required and may be completed for no cost at a public health clinic or around $150 at a doctor's office, depending on insurance benefits available.
Shopping for nursing assistant school: | |
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Article updated January 2009 |
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