CNA Classes and CNA Training Programs in McAllen, Texas (TX)

Along the famous Gulf Coast area of Texas there is the small city of McAllen. With a population of roughly 132k, it is a comfortably sized city that has a lot to offer. This is especially true where jobs for those with CNA training and licensing is concerned. The entire field is expected to grow exponentially (on a national level) over the course of the next decade, and Texas is a state actively seeking new workers right now. Thus, it’s an ideal time to consider CNA classes in McAllen.

CNA Programs and Licensing for McAllen, TX

Before you can seek one of these readily available jobs, you need to meet the state’s CNA Training programs and certification standards. In Texas, this process has to begin with enrollment in programs approved by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. After completing the coursework a student may take the mandatory state Nurse Aide Exam, and if passed, they are placed on the statewide Certified Nursing Assistant registry.

Before enrollment is permitted, however, students are obliged to meet a set of requirements. They must undergo a physical exam (which includes drug screening and a TB test), a criminal background check, and they must be able to prove that they have a GED or high school diploma. The actual training requires 75 hours; divided up into 24 hours of “hands on” training and 51 hours of standard classes in traditional classroom format.

Best CNA Classes in McAllen

Though there are hundreds of programs available in Texas (and the DADS website has a useful search engine for every region), the following list includes three locations offering CNA classes in McAllen.

• New Start School Nurse Aide Training Program
• South Texas College

Key Skills Acquired in CNA Training

Workers are asked to perform a very wide range of tasks during each work day. And because of this their training is a mix of technical, practical, and even administrative skills. The most fundamental list includes:

• Using different medical equipment,
• Proficiency in the medical language,
• Communication between yourself and co-workers or patients,
• Creating status reports for appropriate agencies and authorities,
• Establishing and promoting independence among the residents,
• Infection control,
• Preparing patient meals and feeding when needed,
• Recognizing abuse,
• Doing transfers and/or patient lifts,
• Monitoring patient vitals, fluid intake and mental status, and
• Providing personal care such as toileting and changing.

Additionally, all workers should make a point of having CPR certification too.

Earnings Information For Individuals Who Complete CNA Classes

What can someone earn as a Certified Nursing Assistant in McAllen? The median annual Certified Nursing Assistant salary in Mcallen, TX is $27,760, as of August 6, 2020, with a range usually between $23,060-$33,281 (Salary.com).

Information about CNA Jobs in McAllen, TX

When ready to do a job search, the following three methods work best. First, the most direct approach is a search of the iHireNursing. This shows the jobs available, the salaries paid for the work, and the types of CNA work most frequently needed.

Second, you can contact nursing staffing services when you know the precise type of work you want to do. BrightStar Staffing is a good choice for those looking in the region.

Third, you can always start in a place that enhances your learning – such as the large scale employers listed below.

Top Employers

The final method for finding work as a CNA is to explore openings with the large scale employers – the hospitals, medical centers, and clinics. Recommended sites include:

• McAllen Medical Center
• Rio Grande Regional Hospital

Use these resources and approaches to ensure that you get the appropriate training and the top job opportunities. There is a growing need for people with training in McAllen, and this means that when you become a CNA, there should be a lot of work. The “trick” is to choose the type of tasks you want most to do, and then seek employment doing just them.