CNA Classes in Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Wilkesboro CNA Training - North Carolina

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 Wilkesboro, NC

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wilkesboro, NC, you’re on the right path to entering a rewarding and in-demand healthcare field. CNAs, also referred to as nurse aides or nursing assistants, play a critical role in patient care, working closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a CNA in Wilkesboro, including local CNA training programs, employment opportunities, and certification requirements in North Carolina.

About Wilkesboro

Wilkesboro is a charming town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. Known for its scenic beauty and rich history, Wilkesboro offers a welcoming environment for those pursuing a healthcare career. The town is home to a variety of local attractions, including the Wilkes Heritage Museum and the nearby W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, where residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. For more information about the town, visit the official Wilkesboro website.

CNA Training Programs in Wilkesboro, NC

To become a CNA in Wilkesboro, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program. Fortunately, there are several options in and around Wilkesboro that offer high-quality CNA courses. Below are a few local schools that provide nursing assistant programs:

1. Wilkes Community College
   • Location: Wilkesboro, NC
   • Program Overview: Wilkes Community College offers a Nursing Assistant I program that prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings. The program covers essential topics such as patient care, safety, and communication skills. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Competency Exam.
   • Website: Wilkes Community College Nursing Assistant Program
2. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
   • Location: Hudson, NC (approximately 30 minutes from Wilkesboro)
   • Program Overview: Caldwell Community College offers a Nurse Aide I program designed to provide students with the skills needed to care for patients in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
   • Website: Caldwell Community College Nurse Aide Program
3. Surry Community College
   • Location: Dobson, NC (about 45 minutes from Wilkesboro)
   • Program Overview: Surry Community College offers a Nurse Aide I program that prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare. The course includes 160 hours of training, and students are eligible to take the state certification exam upon completion.
   • Website: Surry Community College Nurse Aide Program

CNA Employment Opportunities in Wilkesboro

After completing your CNA training and passing the certification exam, you’ll be ready to begin your career. Wilkesboro and the surrounding area offer several employment opportunities in healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Below are some of the top employers for CNAs in the area:

1. Wilkes Health and Rehabilitation
   • Location: Wilkesboro, NC
   • Overview: Wilkes Health and Rehabilitation is a skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services. The facility regularly hires CNAs to assist with patient care and daily living activities.
   • Website: Wilkes Health and Rehabilitation Employment
2. Wake Forest Baptist Health – Wilkes Medical Center
   • Location: North Wilkesboro, NC (just minutes from Wilkesboro)
   • Overview: Wilkes Medical Center is a full-service hospital that provides a wide range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation. CNAs are often employed in various departments to assist with patient care.
   • Website: Wilkes Medical Center Careers
3. Avante at Wilkesboro
   • Location: Wilkesboro, NC
   • Overview: Avante at Wilkesboro is a long-term care and rehabilitation facility that focuses on providing quality care for its residents. The facility frequently hires CNAs to assist with daily care activities and patient support.
   • Website: Avante at Wilkesboro Careers

CNA Certification Requirements in North Carolina

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

1. Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program: You must complete a Nurse Aide I training program approved by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

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

3. Register with the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry: Once you pass the exam, you will be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, which allows you to work as a CNA in the state.

For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wilkesboro, NC, is a fantastic way to start a fulfilling career in healthcare. With local CNA programs and numerous employment opportunities in the area, there’s never been a better time to pursue your nursing assistant certification. Take the first step today by contacting one of the schools listed above, and start your journey toward a rewarding career as a CNA!

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 North Carolina 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 Wilkesboro?

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 Wilkesboro 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 Wilkesboro 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 Wilkesboro?

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