CNA Classes in Lucedale, Mississippi

Lucedale CNA Training - Mississippi

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 Lucedale, MS

If you’re considering a rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent choice. CNAs, also known as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a vital role in patient care and are in high demand across the country. In Lucedale, MS, there are several opportunities to begin your journey toward becoming a CNA. This guide will walk you through local CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in Mississippi.

About Lucedale, MS

Lucedale, MS, is a charming small town located in George County. Known for its friendly community and southern hospitality, Lucedale serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, with nearby destinations like the Pascagoula River and De Soto National Forest. The town’s official website, City of Lucedale, provides resources for residents and visitors alike. If you’re looking to start your career as a nursing assistant in a close-knit community, Lucedale is a great place to begin.

CNA Training Programs in Lucedale, MS

While Lucedale itself may have limited options for CNA training programs, there are excellent programs available in nearby areas. Below is a list of schools offering nursing assistant courses near Lucedale, MS:

1. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) – George County Center
   • Location: Lucedale, MS
   • Program Overview: MGCCC offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to prepare students for the Mississippi CNA certification exam. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
   • Website: MGCCC Nursing Assistant Program
2. Coastal Alabama Community College – Jackson Center
   • Location: Jackson, AL (approximately 30 miles from Lucedale)
   • Program Overview: Coastal Alabama Community College provides a comprehensive CNA program that covers essential nursing skills, patient care, and safety. The program includes both coursework and clinical practice.
   • Website: Coastal Alabama Community College
3. Pearl River Community College (PRCC) – Hattiesburg Campus
   • Location: Hattiesburg, MS (approximately 50 miles from Lucedale)
   • Program Overview: PRCC offers a CNA program that prepares students for employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The program combines classroom learning with clinical experience.
   • Website: PRCC Nursing Assistant Program

For those in Lucedale, these programs provide excellent options to start your CNA career with quality training and support.

CNA Employment Opportunities in Lucedale

Once you’ve completed your CNA training and earned your certification, there are several local healthcare facilities and nursing homes where you can seek employment in Lucedale, MS. Here are some key employers in the area:

1. George Regional Health System
   • Location: Lucedale, MS
   • Overview: George Regional Health System is a comprehensive healthcare provider offering hospital, nursing home, and clinic services. They frequently hire CNAs to assist with patient care in their long-term care and acute care facilities.
   • Website: George Regional Health System Careers
2. Glen Oaks Nursing Center
   • Location: Lucedale, MS
   • Overview: Glen Oaks Nursing Center is a skilled nursing facility providing long-term care and rehabilitation services. CNAs play a critical role in delivering compassionate care to residents.
   • Website: Glen Oaks Nursing Center
3. Stone County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
   • Location: Wiggins, MS (approximately 25 miles from Lucedale)
   • Overview: This facility offers nursing and rehabilitation services for residents in the surrounding area. CNAs are essential to their care team, providing daily assistance to patients.
   • Website: Stone County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

These organizations are excellent starting points for CNAs seeking employment in and around Lucedale.

CNA Certification Requirements in Mississippi

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Enroll in and complete a CNA program approved by the Mississippi Department of Health. These programs typically include at least 75 hours of training, including classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Mississippi Department of Health: Mississippi CNA Requirements
2. Pass the CNA Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the CNA certification exam, which includes both written and skills demonstration components.

3. Register with the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, your name will be added to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry, allowing you to work as a CNA in the state.

   • Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry: MS Nurse Aide Registry
4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required before you can be registered as a CNA in Mississippi.

By meeting these requirements, you’ll be fully certified to work as a CNA in Mississippi.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a fulfilling career choice that allows you to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning to a new career, CNA training programs in Lucedale, MS, and the surrounding areas can help you achieve your goals. Contact a school today to learn more about their nursing assistant courses and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare!

For more information about the job outlook for CNAs, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics CNA Job Outlook.

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 Mississippi 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 Lucedale?

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 Lucedale 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 Lucedale 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 Lucedale?

Many schools that offer CNA training have new sessions beginning every 6 to 8 weeks. In many areas in Mississippi, you can find CNA training starting in November 2024, December 2024, January 2025, or February 2025 available for registration now. Unlike nursing programs in Mississippi, 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 Lucedale is a great way to quickly gain experience in the medical field. Also check out Mississippi CNA Salary info.