CNA Certification, Classes, Schools and Jobs in New Jersey

CNA programs are one of the quickest ways to enter the medical field and work in a helping career. In New Jersey there are a variety of options for CNA training and there are training programs available across the state. Some of the places in New Jersey that offer training course are nursing homes, medical centers, community colleges, technical schools, and community centers. Becoming a CNA can allow individuals to find work, even in difficult economic times, because of the growing and rapidly aging population in the United States. Earning certification as a CNA in New Jersey will allow individuals to be qualified for work in long-term healthcare facilities across the state.

To work legally as a CNA in New Jersey individuals must first complete a state-approved training program. State-approved programs are required to be made up of a minimum of 90 hours of training. Of the total hour requirement, 50 of the hours must be spent in classroom based instruction or theory and the other 40 hours must be spent working in clinical rotations in long-term healthcare facilities. The Department of Health and Senior Services regulates the requirements that the state holds for CNAs in New Jersey.

After an individual has completed a state-approved CNA training program they are eligible to take the state certification exam. The exam is made up of a written portion and a skills portion. The written portion, which must be taken before the skills portion, is made up of multiple choice questions that cover a variety of topics that are taught in all CNA programs. In skills portion of the exam individuals must demonstrate randomly selected basic CNA skills in front of an examiner.

When an individual has passed the state certification exam they may then have their name added to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry. Employers of CNAs in New Jersey use this registry to verify the qualifications of any job applicants. Appearing on the registry officially qualifies individuals to work legally as CNAs in the state.

Some of the state-approved CNA training programs in the state of New Jersey are listed below:

• Warren Community College has a CNA training program that is made up of 90 hours of total instruction. The program takes place over the course of seven weeks and classes meet during three days per week. The program is offered through the college’s Allied Health Career Programs division.

• Hudson County Community College offers a CNA training program that is 90 hours of total instruction. The hours are spent in classroom training and in clinical experiences caring for elderly patients. The classes for the program take place in the evenings on weeknights. Before enrolling in the program, individuals must receive medical clearance and have a background check done.

• Bergen Community College offers a CNA training program that is 90 hours of total instruction. Class size is limited in the program in order to allow for personalized instruction and help from registered nurses. Of the total hours, 40 take place in classroom learning and 50 take place in clinical experiences. Tuition reimbursement is possible in some cases, and is given after an individual has been employed as a CNA.

• Raritan Valley Community College offers CNA training programs as part of their Corporate and Continuing Education Program. The course is offered over a period of about eight weeks and they begin various times throughout the year. Before enrolling in the program individuals must have a good grasp of both written and spoken English and must have received a high school diploma or an equivalent.