If you are a naturally compassionate person with strong interpersonal communication skills and a desire to help people, you could find a rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). In Mississippi, there are several options for CNA programs, all of which can be completed in a matter of weeks. Below, you can find more information about becoming a CNA to help you decide if this is the career for you.
The role of a CNA
Under the supervision of registered nurses, certified nursing assistants help patients through their daily activities and provide for many of their most basic needs. Helping to dress, bathe, and feed patients are just a few of a CNA’s daily duties. Nursing assistants also provide psychological support for patients and their families, and help more senior nurses monitor any changes in a patient’s condition.
CNA programs only take a few weeks to complete, including a minimum of 75 hours of classroom learning and 16 hours of practical, hands-on experience in a medical setting. After completing the course, every student must pass a state certification exam. Upon passing the exam, students are eligible to enroll with the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry and begin working.
Career prospects
Certified nursing assistants can work in hospitals, extended care facilities, clinics, private homes, and a number of other caregiving facilities. The demand for CNAs is currently on the rise, so future job prospects are bright. There are currently more than 15,000 CNAs working in Mississippi, earning a median salary around $20,000 per year.
For those interested in pursuing careers as certified nursing assistants, the following list includes the best CNA programs in Mississippi.