CNA Training Programs in Oregon
Becoming a new CNA – 1 and applying for initial CNA certification in Oregon requires completion of an Oregon State Board of Nursing approved CNA training as well as passing scores on the written and skills exam. The Oregon State Board of Nursing has approved many campus based CNA programs in Oregon as well as online CNA programs. The online CNA training must meet all the requirements that the approved campus based programs must meet. The Online CNA programs are most often offered through CNA schools already offering a campus based option. Please, be quite sure that any online program is compliant with the OSBN requirements prior to enrollment in an online CNA program. A list of approved CNA training schools in Oregon provided by the OSBN can be found below.
CNA programs are required to be at least 150 clock hours with 51 of those hours dedicated to classroom instruction, 24 hours to lab and 75 hours spent on supervised clinical instruction. These programs are offered through high schools, vocational schools, colleges, nursing homes and related facilities. An online CNA program must also meet these criteria to be accepted by the OSBN as an approved training. CNA program students will be taught basic nursing care and the skills necessary to function as a CNA in Oregon. CNA training is also what prepares the student for the nurse aide competency evaluation exam. Inquire with the CNA schools you are interested in to learn more about their program.
Free CNA training in Oregon is something to keep an eye out for. Actually, Federal law mandates that a CNA who has been offered employment prior to beginning a CNA training program by a nursing facility that accepts Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement can not be charged for their CNA training, testing and related course materials. A CNA who has completed their certification and is offered employment by a nursing facility that accepts Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement is entitled to reimbursement for any CNA training fees, testing fees and course related material expenses as long as it is within 12 months of completing the CNA program. This is a Federal law that more people need to be aware of.
Job growth and earnings are important considerations as well prior to committing to any career. The Oregon Labor Market Information System reports the average annual salary for a CNA in Oregon is $27,131 and the average hourly wage is $13.04. They also project job growth at 24.2% through 2016. This data will obviously vary by location, experience and a great deal of other factors, but it does provide a basis to help make a decision. It appears to be an opportune time to begin training for a CNA career, especially with free CNA training option.
Another popular health care career worthy of exploring that offers similar earnings and job growth projections, 25.8% job growth in Oregon, is Medical Assisting. Earnings are quite good for Medical Assistants. In Oregon the average annual salary for a Medical Assistant is $32,469 according to the Oregon Labor Market Information System. Training for a Medical Assistant usually takes 6 months to 18 months depending on the program. Learn more about the Medical Assistant programs in Oregon.
CNA Programs in Oregon
Approved CNA Training Programs in OR
Attending an approved CNA program is required for CNA certification in Oregon and placement on the Oregon Nurse Aide Registry.
Programs Offered: Nurse Aide, Nursing Assistant
List of approved schools offering CNA classes in Oregon provided by the Oregon State Board of Nursing: Click Here