CNA Classes Online in Kansas: Exploring Today's Best Schools

In-Depth Review of Online CNA Classes in Kansas

Although there are plenty of CNA classes in Kansas that offer hybrid learning, none of them are offered 100% virtually since nursing training require hands-on experiences provided through in-person clinicals and labs. You need to be at least 16 years old to earn your CNA license, and quite a few courses offer reduced tuition for high school students. Look for flexibility, affordability, and a high-quality educational experience when choosing a CNA program. The best online CNA classes often feature benefits like financial aid and scholarships. Three Kansas CNA programs with online elements are featured below to give you an idea of how these programs work.

Addressing Frequently Asked Questions from CNA Students

Most people considering a CNA program in Kansas have many of the same questions. You’ll discover answers to some of the most common questions below, including those related to the process of becoming a CNA, the certification exam, keeping your certification up to date, and daily job duties.

What are the steps to becoming a CNA in Kansas online?

Understanding the steps to certification is important to make sure you finish as quickly as possible after you find the online CNA program in Kansas that is right for you. First, make sure you meet basic background requirements related to age, background, and immunizations. You must then graduate from an approved CNA program, which usually includes the necessary lab and clinical hours, and pass the Kansas State CNA exam. You can then apply for your license. After receiving it, you can work as a CNA in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, doctor’s offices, home health centers, and more.

What is the CNA certification test like?

The test has two parts, a written portion and a skills assessment. The written portion contains 100 questions you must complete in two hours. Content covers topics like basic nursing skills, infection control, cognitive impairment, residents’ rights, communication skills, and safety and emergency procedures. You then get 30 minutes to demonstrate competency in five basic nursing skills that cover hygiene, patient transfer, taking and recording vital signs, ambulation, and providing personal care. You have 12 months and three attempts to score the 75% minimum needed on the test, but a good CNA training program that meets state requirements ensures you’re ready to pass it on your first try.

How do I renew my CNA license in Kansas?

Certification is given by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and needs to be renewed every two years. To renew your license, you must work at least one paid, documented, eight-hour day within the past two years. If you haven’t worked as a CNA for two years, you must take a 21-hour refresher course. These courses usually include skill practice, feedback, and updated safety information. Many of the same places providing CNA training in Kansas also offer a refresher course, but make sure KDADS approves the course before taking it. Licenses can be renewed through the Kansas State Nursing Board portal.

What can a CNA in Kansas do and not do?

A CNA assists patients with activities of daily living. This includes dressing, bathing, walking, and eating as well as grooming care and transportation. CNAs also take vital signs, communicate with the healthcare team and family members, and take blood sugar readings. After specialized training, CNAs can also administer medication. Certified nurse aides provide basic nursing-related services to residents in adult care homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. CNAs cannot, however, perform invasive medical procedures or open wound care, insert catheters, or give injections, among other tasks. They also do not typically perform routine housekeeping, laundry, or dietary duties.

How long does it take to become a CNA in Kansas, and what are my career prospects?

A CNA program can take four to 12 weeks, but there are accelerated courses that can be completed in less time. This is one of the shortest paths into the healthcare field, and it provides a great starting point for other healthcare careers. CNA’s work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals under the supervision of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). CNAs in Kansas make $36,020 on average per year, and dentist offices are one of the top paying industries. A CNA is an entry-level position, and there are CNA programs that bridge to LPN programs to make progress toward higher-level nursing positions more accessible.

Earnings & Career Outlook for CNAs in Kansas

With a strong job market and competitive salaries, Kansas presents attractive opportunities for CNAs. The demand for CNAs in Kansas is on the rise, with a job growth rate that outpaces the national average. This indicates a strong demand for skilled nursing professionals and suggests a positive outlook for the future of the CNA profession in the state.

While salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specific employer, Kansas offers salaries that are on par with national data. The median salary for CNAs across the state is $35,450, with some of the top earners receiving as much as $42,970. However, it’s important to remember that salaries vary throughout the state, and some areas are more lucrative than others. Additionally, Kansas has a lower cost of living, which means your salary may stretch further compared to other states. To get a better idea of what you could make as a CNA in Kansas, speak to your employer.