Nursing assistants[1] work under the supervision of a nurse and help patients with daily living tasks including bathing, feeding and grooming. In addition, some take temperatures and blood pressure. Home health aides work in patients' homes, the remaining work in hospitals or nursing homes. Training varies by state, but mostly includes about 80 hours of class and 40 hours in a clinical setting. While not all states require a license for home care, all assistants working in nursing homes are required to be licensed by the federal government. While on the job training is available, employers tend to prefer students who have completed a training and passed a certification exam.
Typical costs:
Hospitals often offer on-the-job training for nursing assistants at no cost. Check local area hospitals for training programs.
A 6-12 week nursing/home health aide program through a community college costs around $200-$350. A high school diploma or GED certificate is usually required for admittance. Santa Rosa Junior College [2] in California offers a 10-week course including 289 hours of lecture, a skills lab and clinical practice at a skilled nursing facility for about $200.
Nursing Assistant programs are also available at vocational schools and online. The American Red Cross offers the course for $825, while St. Augustine Nursing Assistant School[3] charges around $1,200.
Preparation for the Certified Nursing Assistant exam.
Additional costs:
Exam fees vary by state and run $50-$270. Practice tests[4] designed to help students prepare for the test may be found online.
Books and supplies cost $50-$100, depending on the school and whether books are purchased new or used.
A current First Aid and CPR course is required and costs about $50. The American Heart Association maintains a list of courses by state[5] .
Approved uniforms average $30-$45.
Fingerprint services when completely separately from exam fees run about $35.
A tuberculosis test and physical exam are required and may be completed for no cost at a public health clinic or around $150 at a doctor's office, depending on insurance benefits available.
Shopping for nursing assistant school:
Check the local community college[6] for program information.
All Allied Health Schools maintains a list of programs by state[7] .
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
I have not gone yet. I am 16. I want to go to CNA schooling at gateway. If anyone knows anything about it pelase email me. [email protected] :) thank you!
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]