CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in Portland, Oregon (OR)

Like the rest of the country, Portland is in need of trained medical professionals. CNAs are certainly in high demand in the city, and those choosing to go this route with their career can expect competitive pay, challenging work and the reward of providing essential care to those in need. Of course, you will have to go about entering the industry correctly, and the information below will help you become a successful certified nursing assistant by enrolling in CNA classes in Portland.

Where to Find Information about CNA Jobs in Portland

Before jumping headfirst into the industry, it’s important to take a long , hard look at job information to make sure that you have a realistic idea of what to expect after attaining your CNA license from the state of Oregon. You can use a variety of different resources to find information about job openings, pay rates throughout the city and the various duties and responsibilities of CNAs with different medical facilities.

One place to start your search for job information is with Indeed.com. You’ll find that the city’s health classified ads contain a wealth of information about the industry in the city, as well as details about salary information and expected job duties. There are also quite a few medical staffing agencies and similar programs in the city that can help you find employment after passing your exam (as a note, some medical facilities only hire through staffing agencies, so be prepared for this). The following agencies can be worth your time:

• Dental and Medical Staffing
• Interim HealthCare
• BrightStar Staffing

CNA Classes and Licensing Requirements for Portland CNAs

Before you can embark on that rewarding career and start taking advantage of the many jobs out there, you have to take the right CNA classes and training. The state of Oregon requires different amounts of education for each of their two CNA designations (CNA1 and CNA2). The entry level (CNA1) requires that you undergo 150 total hours of training (75 hours in both CNA classes and clinical training) through one of the approved CNA programs in the state.

After completing your CNA training, you’ll have to pass the state’s licensing exam. This is a combination of written exam and skills assessment to demonstrate your clinical experience. There are 77 questions on the written portion and a passing grade of 65% correct is necessary to move forward. If you fail to pass the test on your first attempt, you can retake it three times before having to go through CNA training programs once more. You will also need to renew your license every two years to remain compliant with state requirements.

CNA Training Programs in Portland

Finding the right education and training programs in Portland is a vital consideration. It’s essential that you choose one of the CNA programs that are state-approved in order to ensure that you have the necessary education to pass the licensing exam. Thankfully, there are quite a few viable options for CNA classes in Portland, including the following:

• Portland Community College: The school offers classes for both CNA1 and CNA2 students, as well as a full 3-day hospital rotation for those students who qualify.

Key Employers in Portland

The city of Portland is home to quite a wide range of employers, running the gamut from regional hospitals to smaller medical centers and numerous other options. That offers you quite a selection of potential employers, including the following:

• Providence Health and Services
• Legacy Health
• Cedar Hills Hospital (mental health and chemical dependence)

Salary Information for CNAs

In terms of salary, CNAs can expect to earn a varying salary in the city of Portland. The amount earned per year will vary depending on several different factors, including the location of employment (nursing homes tend to pay less than hospitals, for instance) as well as the specialty in question (if any). The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Portland, OR is $33,730, as of August 10, 2020, with a range usually between $28,018-$40,455 (Salary.com).

Key Skills Learned in CNA Training

Your training and education programs will give you a variety of skills needed to provide vital care to your patients and ensure that you can work in a variety of medical facilities. While some skills will vary by training center, some core skills you will learn in your CNA classes include:

• How to lift and transfer patients correctly
• How to take and assess vital signs as well as how to report changing vitals
• Cleaning, bathing and caring for patients
• How to keep accurate documents and records of care provided to each patient

Regardless of the skillset taught, make sure that your CNA training center is state approved.