Certified Nurse Aide (2024)

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Certified Nurse Aide (1)

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Ideal for

individuals looking for a rewarding career in health care.Certified nurse aides are valuable members of the health care team who work in a variety of settings, including: hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care, and many others. CNAs are qualified to perform many important functions for people in need, such as providing personal care and measuring vital signs under the supervision of registered nurses. Employment as a Certified Nurse Aide can be a great way to earn money and work with people.

Program Overview

NVCC is proud to offer one of Connecticut's largest, oldest and most respected CNA programs. All of our instructors are experienced registered nurses. Weexceed the minimum standards set by the State for the number of course hours; so you will get more hours of practice in our health lab and more supervised time working with residents in the clinical setting.

Our program includes one opportunity to sit for the Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Exam, offered on site, and included in the cost of the course. NVCC's annual first-time pass rate for this state exam exceeds 98%.

Students will attend classes in a college setting and have free access to college support resources, including the Max R. Traurig Library and Center for Job Placement and College Opportunities.

Certified Nurse Aide Brochure

Fall 2022

  • 3481- Certified Nurse Aide Course Calendar - Starts September 20 - Waterbury
  • 3999- Certified Nurse Aide Course Calendar - Starts October 17 - Danbury
  • Fall 2022 Payment Plan
  • NVCCHealth Form CNA/PCT(Required)

Fax:(203)-575-8243

Email:NC@NV.EDU

U.S.Mail:Naugatuck Valley Community CollegeNon-credit Registration-F323 750 Chase Parkway Waterbury, CT 06708

Call: 203-575-8029

    Conveniently offered at our Waterbury and Danbury Campuses.

    • Non-Credit/Workforce
    • Degree and Certificate Credit Programs

    Courses

    Certified Nurse Aide

    You will participate in classroom discussions and lectures, have a chance to try out new skills in a safe and comfortable environment in our simulated labs and then go on to gain experience in a clinical setting. Experienced registered nurse instructors will facilitate your learning in all areas. After successful completion of our 120hour course, you will be prepared to take the State of Connecticut Nurse Aide Competency Exam; given on site and included in the cost of the course. You will learn about human anatomy, how to feed and bathe residents, safety when assisting someone to walk or use a wheelchair and how to care for patients of all ages and so much more. (120 hours)

    Cost:$1,500

    Learn aboutPayment OptionsandHow to registeron this page.

    Fall 2022 Course Schedule and Pricing

    Stay Tuned for Spring 2023 Course Schedule and Pricing

    Summer 22 Course Schedule and Pricing

    Related Degree and Certificate Programs that may interest you.

    General Studies A.S.

    Human Services/ Pre-Social Work A.S.

    Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A.

    Nursing A.S.

    Physical Therapy Assistant A.S.

    Radiologic Technology A.S.

    Respiratory Care A.S.

    Emergency Medical Technician

    Gerontology Certificate

    Important information

    Important Information

    Please note the following general information and check out our Frequently Asked Questions:

    Prerequisites

    • A high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent is not required but is highly recommended. Many area employers require this for employment.
    • Ahealth screeningand up-to-date immunizations are required by the second week of class and prior to participating in clinical training. Documentation must be in the form of a completedNVCC CNA Health Form. Since an appointment for a health screening can sometimes take several weeks, please plan ahead and book early. If your health screening is not submitted and complete prior to the first clinical date your clinical slot will be forfeit at your own expense.
    • Students with criminal convictions may have difficulty finding employment, especially in health care and may be denied clinical placement. Acriminal background checkis required of all students entering the program. Felony or misdemeanor offenses may preclude you from participating in clinical and mandate withdrawal from the program. No course refunds are available. Please consult the program coordinator prior to registration if you have any concerns.
    • You must beat least 16 years of ageto enroll in any of our Non-Credit health care programs. If you are under 18 years of age at the time of registration, you will be required to provide a parent/guardian waiver form.

    Textbook and Educational Materials

    • No need to make a trip to the bookstore, all required textbooks, and materials will be provided in class and are included in the cost of the course.
    • Uniforms, a dark blue v-neck scrub top and pants, along with white shoes/sneakers, are required to be worn for all classes, labs, and clinical. Uniform must be washable.A watch with a second hand orsmartwatchwith "seconds" capabilitywill also be required.

    Homework and Attendance

    • Students should expect reading and assignments from each class. Plan on spending as much time on homework as you do in the classroom.
    • Federal and State mandatedattendancerequirements must be met for successful completion.

    Certification

    • To be employed as a Certified Nurse Aide in Connecticut, you must be placed on and remain in good standing on the Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry.
    • After successful completion of your course you will be eligible to sit for the State Competency Exam. The exam will validate your knowledge and skills. The exam is given on-site at the conclusion of your program.
    • The cost of the State Competency Testing is included in your course tuition.

    Refund Policy, Changes and Cancellations

    • Withdrawal and refund requests must be received three business days (72 hours) prior to the beginning of class unless stated otherwise in the course description. Refunds are not granted after this deadline. Telephone: 203-575-8029 Fax: 203-575-8243 Email: nc@nv.edu Mail: Non-Credit Refunds, Room F323, Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Pkwy., Waterbury, CT 06708 If there is a course cancellation due to insufficient enrollment, students will be notified by phone, mail and/or email. Please make sure when registering that your contact information is up-to-date. We would like to offer you the opportunity to transfer to another section, if available, or to another class of your choosing. If we have not heard from you within 7 business days, a refund will automatically be processed. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing. The person registered in our records system is the person who will receive the refund. The College reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other reasonable causes. Full refund is made if the College cancels the course.

    College Closing

    • College closings due to inclement weather are announced over local AM/ FM radio/TV stations, on the college website (nv.edu), on the college’s main phone line (203-575-8000) and a text message is sent to everyone who is registered through the myCommNetAlert System. Likewise, in the event of an early closing, the same communication will occur. If the college has a delayed opening, all classes that begin before the delayed opening time will not be held that day and will be rescheduled at another time. Danbury and off-site cancellations: If NVCC cancels or delays classes, this applies to Waterbury and Danbury Campuses as well as all off-site locations.

    Students with Special Needs - ADA

    • Students with Special Needs-ADA: Students who may require academic adjustments on the basis of a disability are encouraged to contact theCounselor for Students with Disabilities(Terry Latella K519C) at the Waterbury and Danbury Campuses. After providing documentation and completing the disability disclosure process, students are then encouraged to meet with their instructor(s) to discuss the adjustments approved by the appropriate disabilities contact and to complete the Adjustments Agreement form. Students are therefore encouraged to meet with the Disabilities Counselor and their instructor(s) at the beginning of each semester. Adjustments are not retroactive.Instructors, in conjunction with appropriate college personnel, will provide assistance and/or adjustments only to those students who have completed the disability disclosure and academic adjustments process.

    Course Registration and Payment Plans

    No formal application to the College is required for non-credit/workforce training courses.

    Registrations are accepted on an ongoing basis for upcoming classes.

    Registration Steps

    Getting registered is easy.

    1. Choose the course calendar that best meets your needs.
    2. Complete the registration form belowand submit with your payment.
    3. Make arrangement with your health care provider for a health screening and immunization documentation.

    Additional Forms for Downloading

    • NVCC Health Form CNA/PCT (required)

    • Pregnancy Health form(as needed)

    Ways to Register:

    Call us: 203-575-8029 for information (Motorcycle registrations cannot be taken by phone)

    Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

    New Secure Fillable FormatWorkforce Development and Continuing Education Registration Form

    Fax: 203-575-8243 (secure line)

    Email: NC@NV.EDU

    Mail and send with payment (checks or money order made out to NVCC only)to:

    Office of Non-Credit Lifelong Learning Registration
    Founders Hall, Room F323
    750 Chase Parkway
    Waterbury, CT 06708

    Or stop by, we're happy to assist you!

    Accepted Forms of Payment:

    Certified Nurse Aide (3)

    Money Orders or Checks

    Mail-in registrations credit cards orchecks only, Please do not mail cash!

    Career Spotlight

    Career Spotlight

    The Connecticut Department of Labor(CTDOL) reports the average annual income for Nursing Assistants, Orderlies,and Attendants is $33,013. Employment in this occupation is expected to growabout as fast as average, and the number of annual openings will offer excellentjob opportunities. Part-time and full time work is available. Certified NurseAides must be prepared to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends andholidays. It is mandated that for employment, all nurse aides must be listed onthe Connecticut Nurse Aide Registry. Successful completion of the ConnecticutNurse Aide Competency Exam is required for registry. The exam is given on-siteand included in the cost of the course. NVCC's annual Connecticut StateCompetency Exam pass rate exceeds 98%. Assistance with writing a resume, coverletter, interviewing skills, or just simply how to look for a job can beobtained free by visiting our Job Placement Center at NVCC.

    Related Programs

    Related Healthcare Programs

    • Home Care CNA
    • Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
    • Patient Care Technician
    • Phlebotomy

    Other Non-Credit Programs

    Certified Nurse Aide (2024)

    FAQs

    How do I ace a CNA interview? ›

    Recruiters could ask tell me about yourself where do you see yourself in five years what do you

    Do you have any questions CNA interview? ›

    Give me an example of a time you had to deal with a difficult patient. Tell me about a challenge you faced at work and how you overcame it. Give me an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with other medical staff members. How would you handle a situation with an aggressive patient?

    What are some weaknesses as a CNA? ›

    Examples of common nursing weaknesses our experts say they hear include:
    • Paying too much attention to detail.
    • Wanting to do everything at once.
    • Spending too long on paperwork.
    • Having a lack of clinical experience (for new grads)

    What is your weakness best answer? ›

    Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

    Why should we hire you answer CNA? ›

    A good answer might be “I'm so excited to start my career as a CNA! I know I'll need several years of experience to really gain confidence and improve my skills.” If you're planning on returning to school, it's okay to say so: “At some point, I may want to become an LPN, but for now, I'm focusing on being a great CNA.”

    Can you tell me about yourself sample answer? ›

    I've worked hard in my education and now I'm ready to apply my knowledge into practice. While I don't have any real-life work experience, I've had a lot of exposure to the business environment. A lot of my courses involved working with real companies to solve real problems.

    What are your weaknesses CNA interview? ›

    What are your weaknesses? My strengths are focus and drive. Though my patient load can get heavy sometimes I still get all my work done with all my patients well cared for and happy. My weakness is that I get quite attached to my patients and find it difficult to deal with when they pass away.

    Why should we hire you sample answer? ›

    For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed.

    What qualities make a good CNA? ›

    7 Qualities of the Most Successful Nursing Assistants
    • Strong Attention to Detail. Certified nursing assistants must have good attention to detail. ...
    • Excellent Communication Skills. Clear and direct communication is key for a CNA career. ...
    • Knowledge of Medical Terminology. ...
    • Patience. ...
    • Empathy and Compassion. ...
    • Flexibility. ...
    • Optimism.

    Why are you the best person for this job? ›

    Do say: "My years of experience in this field have given me on-the-job knowledge, as well as a sense of where the industry has been and where it's going in the future. I have the kind of technical skills that only come from doing the job for several years.

    How should I dress for a CNA interview? ›

    Choose conservative wear, but most important, make sure your clothing fits right and is neat and clean. You don't need to wear a full suit for a CAN interview; a pair of dark colored slacks paired with a structured blouse would be appropriate.

    What is your strength best answer? ›

    Common strengths include teamwork, communication and time management. Common weaknesses include a lack of confidence, impatience, and hacing trouble saying no. So what should you say when a recruiter asks about your greatest strengths in an interview? Here are some examples of strengths you could mention.

    What are 3 examples of weaknesses? ›

    Examples of Weaknesses.
    • Self-criticism.
    • Shyness.
    • Lack of knowledge of particular software.
    • Public speaking.
    • Taking criticism.
    • Lack of experience.
    • Inability to delegate.
    • Lack of confidence.

    What are the 10 most common nursing interview questions and answers? ›

    Common nursing interview questions
    • Do you work well with other nurses, doctors and staff? ...
    • How would you handle a difficult patient? ...
    • How do you handle workplace stress? ...
    • What do you do if your replacement does not arrive? ...
    • How would you handle a disagreement with a doctor? ...
    • Describe how you manage a busy workload.

    How do you handle stress and pressure? ›

    Taking steps to manage stress
    1. Track your stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. ...
    2. Develop healthy responses. ...
    3. Establish boundaries. ...
    4. Take time to recharge. ...
    5. Learn how to relax. ...
    6. Talk to your supervisor. ...
    7. Get some support.
    1 Jul 2014

    How will u handle work pressure? ›

    You will handle pressure with more focus and grace if you cultivate healthy responses to stress, and make sure to take care of yourself. If you are under pressure because people are delegating too much work to you or are asking too much of you personally, it is time to draw some boundaries.

    What motivates you to be a CNA? ›

    Emotionally Rewarding

    One of the main reasons a person chooses to become a CNA stems from the emotionally rewarding aspects of the work they do for their patients. You have the chance to impact the lives of people based on the care you provide.

    How do you answer tell me about yourself in interview? ›

    8 more tips for answering “Tell me about yourself”
    1. Remember this is often your first impression, and it matters. ...
    2. Tailor your answer to the role and company. ...
    3. Know your audience. ...
    4. Keep it professional. ...
    5. But speak with passion. ...
    6. Don't ramble. ...
    7. Practice, practice, practice—but stop short of memorizing. ...
    8. Keep it positive.
    20 Jul 2022

    What questions do they ask during interview? ›

    10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
    • Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? ...
    • How did you hear about this position? ...
    • What type of work environment do you prefer? ...
    • How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? ...
    • Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
    11 Nov 2021

    What are your skills Sample answer? ›

    Sample Answer: “I have very good organizational and time management skills, but my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines.” Sample Answer: “My strength is my flexibility to handle change.

    How do you answer tell me about yourself CNA? ›

    Paint a positive picture of yourself by detailing your relevant accomplishments, showing your passion for the role, and focusing on how you've helped others in the past. Share something unique about yourself to ensure the interviewer remembers you, and end on an upbeat note that connects your response to this job.

    Why you left your last job? ›

    “Unfortunately, I was let go from my previous position. I think, ultimately, the job wasn't a good fit, and I wasn't able to learn the right skills to do the job to the best of my ability. My boss and I agreed that it was time to move on. I'm looking forward to using my best skills in my next role.”

    Can a CNA refuse an assignment? ›

    According to the American Nurses Association, Nurses have the "professional right to accept, reject or object in writing to any patient assignment that puts patients or themselves at serious risk for harm.

    What qualities make you a good candidate? ›

    Desired Candidate Attributes
    • Leadership. Even in entry-level positions, most employers look for evidence of leadership qualities. ...
    • Teamwork. ...
    • Communication and Interpersonal Skills. ...
    • Analytical Skills. ...
    • Dependability and a Strong Work Ethic. ...
    • Maturity and a Professional Attitude. ...
    • Adaptability and Flexibility. ...
    • Good Personality.

    What are your weaknesses CNA interview? ›

    What are your weaknesses? My strengths are focus and drive. Though my patient load can get heavy sometimes I still get all my work done with all my patients well cared for and happy. My weakness is that I get quite attached to my patients and find it difficult to deal with when they pass away.

    What motivates you to be a CNA? ›

    Emotionally Rewarding

    One of the main reasons a person chooses to become a CNA stems from the emotionally rewarding aspects of the work they do for their patients. You have the chance to impact the lives of people based on the care you provide.

    What qualities make a good CNA? ›

    7 Qualities of the Most Successful Nursing Assistants
    • Strong Attention to Detail. Certified nursing assistants must have good attention to detail. ...
    • Excellent Communication Skills. Clear and direct communication is key for a CNA career. ...
    • Knowledge of Medical Terminology. ...
    • Patience. ...
    • Empathy and Compassion. ...
    • Flexibility. ...
    • Optimism.

    Why should we hire you example? ›

    For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed.

    How do you handle stress pressure? ›

    Common stress management strategies include:
    1. Staying positive.
    2. Using stress as a motivator.
    3. Accepting what you can't control.
    4. Practicing relaxation methods, like yoga or meditation.
    5. Choosing healthy habits.
    6. Learning how to manage time better.
    7. Making time for your personal life.
    29 Jun 2021

    Can you tell me about yourself sample answer? ›

    I've worked hard in my education and now I'm ready to apply my knowledge into practice. While I don't have any real-life work experience, I've had a lot of exposure to the business environment. A lot of my courses involved working with real companies to solve real problems.

    How do you answer tell me about yourself in interview? ›

    8 more tips for answering “Tell me about yourself”
    1. Remember this is often your first impression, and it matters. ...
    2. Tailor your answer to the role and company. ...
    3. Know your audience. ...
    4. Keep it professional. ...
    5. But speak with passion. ...
    6. Don't ramble. ...
    7. Practice, practice, practice—but stop short of memorizing. ...
    8. Keep it positive.
    20 Jul 2022

    How do you answer tell me about yourself CNA? ›

    Paint a positive picture of yourself by detailing your relevant accomplishments, showing your passion for the role, and focusing on how you've helped others in the past. Share something unique about yourself to ensure the interviewer remembers you, and end on an upbeat note that connects your response to this job.

    Is it hard being a CNA? ›

    While the job can be very rewarding, it isn't always easy. Whether it's cleaning up after patients or working with distressed patients and family members, this jobs can include difficult tasks. However, you may find that helping people is worth the tough experiences.

    Is working as a CNA worth it? ›

    Well, a career as a CNA offers excellent benefits, and there are always opportunities for advancement and growth in the healthcare field. However, it can be challenging to find time outside of work hours for personal life commitments when working at least 40 hours per week or more and the pay is not that great.

    What is the 5 skills for CNA? ›

    There are 5 traits / skills a person needs to possess in order to be a successful certified nursing assistant.
    • Knowledge. It is important for you to take your classes seriously when in CNA school. ...
    • Flexibility. ...
    • Observation. ...
    • Emotional Stability. ...
    • Empathy.
    24 Mar 2018

    What is a nurse assistant's most important task? ›

    What is a nurse assistant's most important tasks? Collecting and reporting information through observing the patient's condition. What is the most important difference between patient-focused care and team nursing? Patient-focused care uses multi-skilled workers.

    How much do Cnas make near me? ›

    The average salary for a nursing assistant is $21.92 per hour in Los Angeles, CA and $5,607 overtime per year. 1k salaries reported, updated at September 13, 2022.

    Why do you want this job? ›

    Focus on the job at hand

    'I want this job because I have clear skills that will help me achieve...' 'This role will give me the opportunity to combine both my skills in [skill 1] and [skill 2] to achieve...' 'I love [job role specific task] and my last job took me away from that.

    Why are you fit for this job? ›

    Do say: "My years of experience in this field have given me on-the-job knowledge, as well as a sense of where the industry has been and where it's going in the future. I have the kind of technical skills that only come from doing the job for several years.

    Why did you apply for this position? ›

    'I see the role as a way of developing my career in a forward-thinking/well-established company/industry as…' 'I feel I will succeed in the role because I have experience in/softs skills that demonstrate/ I've taken this course…' 'I believe my skills are well-suited to this job because…”

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