Find Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in New Jersey
Are you considering a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New Jersey? With an ageing population and growing demand for healthcare professionals, CNAs are essential in various healthcare settings. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top certified nursing assistant programs in New Jersey, providing you with the vital information you need to make an informed decision about your future career path.
Exploring Top CNA Programs in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to several top-notch CNA programs that can set you on the path to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Raritan Valley Community College and County College of Morris are highly-regarded institutions offering state-approved CNA programs. These programs can be found in various settings such as community colleges, technical colleges, private schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, and nonprofit agencies.
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC)
The RVCC Nursing Program prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). It is a rigorous 65-credit academic program offering both non-nursing and nursing courses. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing and qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
Program Highlights:
- Focus on clinical nursing skills and patient care.
- Graduates have the opportunity to seamlessly continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Kean University.
- Offers comprehensive clinical and theoretical training in adult, pediatric, mental health, and maternal nursing.
County College of Morris
The County College of Morris, located in Randolph, Morris County, offers a CNA program that includes in-class lectures, laboratory skills instruction, and clinical experience to impart fundamental skills necessary for entry-level employment in the healthcare field.
- Degree Offered: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing, which qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam for Registered Nurse licensure.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- NCLEX-RN Success: The program consistently achieves over a 90% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN, higher than the national average.
CNA Certification Requirements in New Jersey
To become a certified nursing assistant in New Jersey, certain requirements must be met. This includes completing CNA training at a state-approved school and passing state certification exams. The certification evaluation includes two parts. Firstly, the written or oral knowledge test and secondly, the clinical skills test.
The first step to becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in New Jersey is to enrol in a state-approved Nurse Aide in the Long Term Care Facilities Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). This program will equip aspiring CNAs with the necessary skills and knowledge required for their career.
Course Duration and Employment Statistics
The duration of CNA training in New Jersey may vary depending on whether one chooses to pursue their studies on a full-time or part-time basis, with completion possible in as few as a few months. For example, the CNA training program at K&G Academy in Elizabeth, NJ, is a 4-to-5 week program.
The New Jersey State Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported the average salary range for a Certified Nurse Assistant to be between $31,000 and $50,000. This is a generous earning potential. This salary range reflects the importance of CNAs in the healthcare field and the growing demand for their services.
Clinical Training and Skill Development
Clinical training and skill development are essential components of CNA programs, as they ensure that graduates are prepared to handle the diverse responsibilities of their roles in healthcare settings. The Certified Nurse Assistant training program at K&G Academy, for instance, consists of fifty hours of theoretical and practical skills and forty hours of actual clinical studies in a Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF).
Comparing CNA Salaries and Job Prospects
The projected job outlook for Certified Nursing Assistants in New Jersey shows an 8% growth in employment between 2019 and 2029, with approximately 117,000 new positions being created across the country. The CNA salary in New Jersey is 3% higher than the nationwide average, and the mean annual salary of Certified Nursing Assistants in New Jersey is reported to be $33,030.
Since 2016, the average salary for CNAs in New Jersey has increased by 14%, amounting to an additional $4,050. These statistics reflect the growing demand for CNAs in the state and the rewarding career opportunities available to those who pursue this profession.
Summary
A career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey offers a rewarding and fulfilling path in the healthcare field. With top CNA programs available at institutions such as Raritan Valley Community College, Warren County Community College, and County College of Morris, aspiring CNAs have plenty of options to choose from.
Explore Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in Neighboring States
If you’re considering a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Mid-Atlantic region, exploring training programs in neighboring states can help you find the best opportunities to meet your goals. Approved CNA programs are available in:
These programs focus on essential healthcare skills such as patient care, infection control, and communication, ensuring you are well-prepared for certification exams and a rewarding career in the growing healthcare industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take the CNA exam in NJ?
To take the CNA exam in New Jersey, you must book an appointment at any of the 10 approved test site locations and complete both written and oral tests.
Reservations are required before taking the Skills exam.
Are there additional certifications CNAs can pursue in New Jersey?
While the standard CNA certification is sufficient for most roles, CNAs can pursue additional credentials, such as medication aide certification, which allows them to assist with administering medications in certain healthcare settings.
