CNA Classes in Kentwood, Louisiana

Kentwood CNA Training - Louisiana

You can receive your CNA certification in as little as 3 to 8 weeks.

Admissions Advisor Tip: Don't limit your options. Contact multiple schools to to compare their different offers, like financial aid packages.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Kentwood, LA

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kentwood, Louisiana? This rewarding career path offers a great opportunity to enter the healthcare field quickly, and CNAs are in high demand across the state. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a change, becoming a CNA can provide job stability, personal fulfillment, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of patients.

In this article, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a CNA in Kentwood, LA, including local training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements.

About Kentwood, LA

Kentwood, located in the northern part of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, is a small, charming town known for its rich history and tight-knit community. The town is perhaps best known as the birthplace of pop icon Britney Spears, but it also offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle with proximity to larger cities like Hammond and Baton Rouge. For more information about life in Kentwood, visit the official town website.

CNA Training Programs in Kentwood, LA

While Kentwood is a smaller town, there are several CNA training programs available in nearby areas. These programs provide the education and hands-on experience needed to become a certified nursing assistant.

1. Northshore Technical Community College (Hammond Area Campus)
   • Location: Hammond, LA (Approx. 30 miles from Kentwood)
   • Program: Northshore Technical Community College offers a comprehensive CNA training program that prepares students for the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
   • Website: Northshore Technical Community College CNA Program
2. Southeastern Louisiana University – Workforce Development
   • Location: Hammond, LA (Approx. 30 miles from Kentwood)
   • Program: The Workforce Development division of Southeastern Louisiana University offers a CNA training course designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in healthcare. The course includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills training.
   • Website: Southeastern Louisiana University CNA Program
3. River Parishes Community College (St. James Campus)
   • Location: Reserve, LA (Approx. 55 miles from Kentwood)
   • Program: River Parishes Community College offers a CNA training program that focuses on patient care, safety, and communication skills. This program is ideal for students looking to enter the healthcare field quickly.
   • Website: River Parishes Community College CNA Program

These programs typically last between 4 to 12 weeks and include both classroom instruction and clinical practice. Be sure to contact the schools directly for the most up-to-date information on course availability and enrollment requirements.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Kentwood

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and obtained certification, you’ll find several employment opportunities in and around Kentwood. The following healthcare facilities and nursing homes are key employers of CNAs in the area:

1. Hood Memorial Hospital
   • Location: Amite, LA (Approx. 15 miles from Kentwood)
   • Description: Hood Memorial Hospital is a community hospital offering a variety of healthcare services, including long-term care and rehabilitation. CNAs are integral to patient care at this facility.
   • Website: Hood Memorial Hospital Careers
2. Kentwood Manor Nursing Home
   • Location: Kentwood, LA
   • Description: Kentwood Manor is a local nursing home providing long-term care for elderly residents. CNAs play a vital role in daily patient care, assisting with activities of daily living and ensuring residents’ comfort.
   • Website: Kentwood Manor Nursing Home
3. North Oaks Medical Center
   • Location: Hammond, LA (Approx. 30 miles from Kentwood)
   • Description: North Oaks Medical Center is a large healthcare facility offering a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. The hospital frequently hires CNAs to assist in patient care.
   • Website: North Oaks Medical Center Careers

These facilities are excellent places to begin your career as a CNA, offering opportunities for growth and specialization within the healthcare field.

CNA Certification Requirements in Louisiana

In Louisiana, CNAs must meet specific certification requirements before they can begin working. The Louisiana Department of Health oversees the certification process. Here are the key steps:

1. Complete an Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program, which typically includes at least 80 hours of classroom instruction and clinical practice.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which includes both a written test and a skills evaluation.

3. Get Listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, which is managed by the Louisiana Department of Health.

4. Renew Your Certification: CNA certification in Louisiana must be renewed every two years. To maintain your certification, you must complete a minimum of 8 hours of paid work as a CNA during each renewal period.

For more information on certification and renewal, visit the Louisiana Department of Health.

Get Started Today

Becoming a CNA in Kentwood, LA, is a fantastic way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With the right training program and certification, you can begin making a difference in the lives of patients in your community. Contact a local school today to learn more about their CNA programs and get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant!

PCT · CNA · CMA – What’s the Difference?

This depends on where you live. Some PCT courses include EKG and phlebotomy training. Some Patient Care Technician programs also include HHA (Home Health Aid) certification. However, in some work environments the titles CNA and PCT are used interchangably. Some hospitals in Louisiana may be hiring Nurse Care Techs (NCT), a position which you can apply for with your CNA license.

CMA can stand for Certified Medication Aide or Certified Medical Assistant, both which perform separate but overlapping duties in the workplace.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Kentwood?

Nursing assistant courses at vocational colleges and allied health schools usually range between $400 and $1200. When choosing a CNA school, learn about all the associated costs required at each institution. Some schools list their program cost as all expenses included. However other schools may also require you to purchase additional materials (such as books, scrubs and materials for your clinicals) which have separate fees from the tuition costs.

CNA Refresher Courses around Kentwood usually cost around $100-$200.

Need Tuition Assistance?

While not all schools offer financial aid for students enrolled in their CNA course, some training programs may offer assistance to help with the cost of the course or certification. Also, some CNA employers will even pay for your Nurse Assistant training or reimburse you after you successfully complete your CNA training.

Some employers in Kentwood will cover a percentage of your CNA tuition; others will pay tuition costs up to a specific dollar amount. Often, new CNAs are required to work a particular number of months at the employer that covered their school bills. Or you may just need to reimburse them for any of the tuition costs they paid on your behalf.

When Can I Start CNA Training in Kentwood?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Louisiana, you can find CNA training starting in December 2024, January 2025, February 2025, or March 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Louisiana, you can usually find a school starting a new session of their CNA course fairly quickly. However, some schools offer CNA classes in semester format. At these schools, you may need to wait up 3 or 4 months to start your course.

Becoming a Nurse Aide in Kentwood is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Louisiana CNA Salary info.