Nursing is a demanding profession that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and determination. If you’re considering nursing as your career path but are unsure where to start, then this blog post will be perfect for you! In this article, We’ll outline what steps to take in order to become a CNA and provide valuable information on CNA classes in Alaska so that you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
CNA classes are available to be taken in either an online or offline format. Whether you have school and work during the day, night, or weekends; there is a class for all schedules! Some of the approved training centers are as follows:
| Nursing Home | Address | Contact No. |
| Prestige Care & Rehabilitation Center of Anchorage | 9100 Centennial Circle, Anchorage, AK 99504 | (907) 333-8100 |
| Sitka Community Hospital | 209 Moller Avenue, Sitka, Alaska 99835 | (907) 747-3241 |
| Wildflower Court | 2000 Salmon Creek Lane, Juneau, Alaska 99801 | (907) 463-8700 |
| Cordova Community Medical Center | P.O. Box 160, Cordova, Alaska 99574 | (907) 424-8000 |
| PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center | 3100 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 | (907) 225-5171 |
| Petersburg Medical Center Ltc | P.O. Box 589, Petersburg, Alaska 99833 | (907) 772-4291 |
American Red Cross Program in Alaska
- Address – 235 East 8th Avenue, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
- Contact Number- 907-646-5400
- Website – https://www.redcross.org/local/alaska.html
How to Become a CNA in Alaska?
Becoming a CNA requires dedication and hard work. The first step is to go through the training program, meet prerequisites such as education level or physical requirements, and complete all of your coursework in order to be certified approved by the state’s health department nationwide. After this certification process has been completed you can then take an exam for national equivalency that will allow you not only access to better job opportunities but also recognition amongst employers who care about quality standards when hiring new candidates.
Here are the steps to become a CNA In Alaska:
- Select a training program
- Meet the prerequisites
- Complete the CNA training program
- Take and pass the state certification exam
Prerequisites for the CNA Courses in Alaska
- To be at least 17 years or older
- Have to pass a background check
- Having a negative two-step TB test
- Having a High school diploma or GED
- Clear a TABE test
- Pass from a drug test
- Having Current immunization records
- Have a picture ID issued by government
- Have fingerprint cards
- Basic skills like good at writing, math, reading etc… (for non diploma or GED holder)
How Much Does Alaska CNA Program Cost?
The CNA course in Alaska is an opportunity for a new career path. The costs might deter some, but the benefits outweigh any other negatives that may come up. What are you waiting for?
The overall cost of training to start your nursing assistant profession in Alaska ranges from $1500-$2000. This includes all study material and equipment necessary during classes as well as uniform fees – ensuring there will be no hidden charges once paying at sign-up!
Is Financial Aid Available for CNA Program in Alaska?
It depends on where you’re looking. There are different financial aid options for prospective CNA’s in Alaska, from the Department of Labor and community foundations to educational facilities and Native American organizations.
The first place to start is with your state’s Department of Labor because they’re often charged with administering a variety of educationally-driven grant programs for those interested in training as CNAs. These can include both tuition assistance grants, which help cover the cost of registering, tuition, textbooks or other associated costs; as well as apprenticeship grants that will provide monetary support while the trainee completes an approved apprenticeship program (usually one year). Many community foundations work similarly too.
Where can I get free CNA training in Alaska?
The first step is to explore grants and loans. Opportunities like federal or state grants, nursing homes or long-term residential facilities often provide a full-tuition scholarship in exchange for work within the facility after graduation. Federal laws require all facilities where CNA training is available to be at least 75% federally funded, so they have an incentive to help out with funding when possible.
Alternatively, there are vocational schools that offer certification programs, community colleges and technical schools in Alaska where you can receive training if you qualify. These options will typically cost something upfront but it might not be as expensive as signing up for a full training program.
What will you be Taught During the CNA Training?
CNA training is divided into two sessions which are classroom and clinical. The clinical session takes place in a hospital, nursing home or other medical facilities where students learn hands-on skills such as helping with bathing patients, changing wound dressings, inserting catheters etc.; whereas classroom session provides the theory of basic healthcare principles like how to take vital signs (blood pressure), what medication they can give without being on the clock about it; also teaches them ethics involved in their work environment related to patient confidentiality during interviews for example.
| Classroom Session |
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| Clinical Session |
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How Long Does It Take To Become a CNA In Alaska?
On most states in the US, many of their prerequisites are exactly the same. The only difference is that Alaska requires 140 hours for training while 80 out those hours go to practical training. Out of this comprehensive amount and if you sign up for a program here, because it’s more intensive than elsewhere (an average state would require at least 75 hrs), then your skills as an CNA will be better developed when compared with other places where they just have minimum requirements set on them.
| Classroom Session | 60 hours |
| Clinical Session | 80 hours |
| Total | 140 hours |
Prerequisites & Procedure for the State Exam
When you complete your CNA course, the next step is to take and pass Alaska State Nurse Assistant Competency Examination. This exam consists of a written test and clinical skills evaluation test that will determine whether or not each individual has what it takes to be an efficient nurse assistant in any given setting.
The written portion includes 70 multiple choice questions designed specifically with conceptual understanding of nursing knowledge in mind while the evaluations include both verbal communication skill assessment as well as hands-on demonstration for assessing how they would do on various tasks such as administering medication or changing bed linens . For those looking for further assistance, this website provides free demos so there’s no need to wait until after graduation!
| Exam Type | Question Type | Given Time |
| Written Test | 70 Multiple Choice | 120 Minutes |
| Practical Test | 5 Randomly Selected Skills | 25 Minutes |
Alaska CNA exam costs are as follows:
| Written & Practical Exam | $50 |
| Oral & Practical Exam | $55 |
| Initial Certification | $100 |
| Fingerprint | $60 |
| Application fee | $50 |
How Much Does a CNA Make In Alaska?
The average CNA payment in Alaska is USD 16 per hour, which means USD 32,500 per year. The entry-level candidates can expect to earn up to the maximum of US dollar 21,000 dollars a year and experienced candidates even more with an earning potential that reaches 42,000 dollars a year.
Below is the list of the average annual salary for nurse assistants working in different industries.
| Designation | Average Annual Pay |
| Psychiatric Aide | USD 42,000 |
| Pediatric Care | USD 36,000 |
| Hospital Nurse Aide | USD 23,000 |
What are the Advantages of Getting CNA training?
CNA training can be tough and challenging, but it is worth the effort. Majors who complete a CNA program will find better job prospects, higher salaries, and more respect for their profession than those who don’t complete the coursework.
CNA programs teach students to help other people in their community which is rewarding in a very personal way that you may not experience as day-to-day work. Being of service to your neighbors also provides strong reference letters and networking opportunities that can give graduates a leg up on getting into graduate school or securing jobs upon graduation (more money).
Conclusion
With all this information in mind, have you decided that nursing is the right profession for you? If so then I hope it will be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Remember to always keep learning new things and expanding your knowledge base of healthcare topics! You can find CNA programs through our sidebar or contact us if you’re interested in finding out more about these classes near Alaska. We’ll help guide you on your path to becoming a CNA with valuable tips from years of experience working as nurses ourselves!
