CNA Program In Louisiana

The CNA classes in LA require every aspirant to meet following requirements for getting admittance in it.

• One must be of 18 years old to get enrolled in the CNA classes.
• GED and high school diploma are required.
• Clearance of Drug Test and Criminal Background check is mandatory.
• The candidate should undergo TB test and clear it to become qualified.
• Proof of immunization is required too.
• Involvement in any felony leads to disqualification.
• A valid photo ID or driver’s license of the state must be submitted.
• An aspirant must be mentally and physically fit.
• Two passport sized photographs and 2 fingerprints card need to be deposited at the time of application.

As per the norms of Louisiana Board of Nursing, a student aspiring to become a certified nurse is required to take minimum 80 hour program. From the total program hours, the first 40 hours should be spent in the theoretical classes and the remaining 40 hours for clinical practices.

The cost of CNA program ranges from $600 – $800 with an additional amount of $120 for the state examination and certification.

A legitimate curriculum for nurse aide program takes 80 hours to complete. The coursework consists of a number of components. A list of approved curriculum is mentioned below:

1. Basic Nursing Services
   • Assisting with Nutrition
   • Maintaining and improving Skin Integrity
   • Assisting with Elimination
   • Gathering Information
2. Safety and Emergency Procedures 
   • Learning to position and move correctly
   • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation program
   • Emergency care
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
   • Communication
   • Documentation principles and procedures
4. Personal Care  
   • Personal injury prevention and protection
   • Restorative activities
   • Pain management, sleep and comfort
5. Mental Health and Social Service Needs
   • Work environments and resident populations
   • End of life
6. Infection Control
   • Prevention and control of infection
   • The aging process and disease management
7. Resident’s Rights 
   • Your role in ensuring quality of life
   • Understanding people’s rights

Question 1: What happens if a student fails to clear the certification exam?

Answer: Those students will have to retake the whole course.

Question 2: Online classes are easier than Campus courses. Is that true?

Answer: Online courses are neither easier nor difficult than traditional campus courses. One needs to be self-motivated before joining this program. Besides, an aspirant is expected to work harder.

Question 3: What kind of language proficiency is needed?

Answer: If a student does not possess HED or GED, he should be proficient in English and mathematics.

There are many scholarships programs and grants available to the nursing students in the state of Louisiana which are sponsored by charities and local organization. Skilled candidates, having weak financial condition can apply for these funds to complete their nursing education.

• McNeese State University Nursing ScholarshipMcNeese State University, provide funds for your nursing education. It manages the state, federal and institutional programs that are accessible to students in the form of grants and student loans. The mission of college is to focus on the quality of health care system and to promote nursing profession.Contact Details:McNeese State University
  Address:  4205 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA
  Get Admissions Information

• Our Lady of Holy Cross CollegeOLHC College offers the innovative teaching method and dedicated services to educate the nursing students. It provides scholarship to candidates attending CNA program at this college. For further details contact the financial aid department of the institute.Contact Details:Our Lady of Holy Cross College
  Address: 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131
  Get Admissions Information

• Dorothy K. Page Memorial Nursing ScholarshipThe University of Louisiana at Monroe provides funds to the students applying for this scholarship.  To become eligible, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. S/he should be enrolled in a nursing program at the University of Louisiana. Besides, candidates must be able to demonstrate financial need. Application should be submitted before deadline i.e. 1 December.

• Helen Cannon Memorial Nursing ScholarshipThe scholarship is sponsored by the University of Louisiana at Monroe to the dedicated nursing students who are enrolled in nursing at ULM. Applicant must maintain a good GPA and demonstrate the financial need to receive the scholarship.

• Walter Lowre Mass Communication ScholarshipNicholls State University sponsors this scholarship. This award is available to the students who are enrolled for full-time course in NSU.Eligibility Criteria include:
  • The students must be enrolled in NSU.
  • S/he should maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
  • Student must be the resident of Terrebonne, Parish.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity GrantThe Grant is awarded to financially needy candidates. It is available to the undergraduate students. First preference will be given to those who receive Federal Pell Grant. The amount of scholarship may vary; it ranges from $100 to $4000.

• Federal Pell GrantFederal Pell grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned any professional or bachelor degree. One must show the financial need. The fund provided through this grant ranges from $400 to $5,350. You have to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine the eligibility.

• Louisiana Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) This grant is awarded by the State of Louisiana to the nursing students. The   eligibility criteria include the following points:
  • Applicant must be a nursing student.
  • S/he should maintain a GPA of 2.5.
  • Student must have a score of 20 on ACT.
  • Candidate should be enrolled in an approved college.
  • Completed the FAFSA.
  • Be the citizen of US.
  • S/he needs to complete the TOPS application.
• Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)LEAP is a federal program that offers grants to the academically skilled candidates. Eligibility criteria include the following.
  • Applicant must be a nursing student and be able to demonstrate financial need.
  • S/he should be a citizen of U.S. and resident of LA for a minimum period of 1 year before July 1 of the award year.
  • One must maintain a GPA of 2.0 and have a score of 20 on ACT.
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
  • High school diploma is required.
  • Not involved in any felony.
• Louisiana Association of Student Nurses Louisiana Association of Student Nurses offers the scholarship to qualified nursing students lacking financial support. Applicants can submit a complete application letter by the deadline date (19th September). Contact the financial department for further details.Contact Details:Louisiana Association of Student Nurses
  Address: Scholarship Committee PO Box 52655 New Orleans, La 70152-2655
  Official Website: http://www.lasn.org/breakthrough-to-nursing.html

• Dr. Lauranne Sams ScholarshipThe scholarship is sponsored by National Black Nurses Association, INC. The amount of $2000 is offered to the students pursuing nursing.Eligibility criteria:
  • A complete application must be submitted before the deadline (15th April).
  • Applicant should be African American.
  • Student should be able to demonstrate financial need.
  • S/he should be in good academic position.
  • Candidate should be enrolled in any nursing program.
  • One must be a member of NBNA.

• St. Martin Parish ARCThis institute is committed to serve elderly, disabled and people with developmental disabilities by offering vocational program and advancement opportunities. Their main motive is to enhance their lives and promote independence.Contact Details:-St. Martin Parish ARC
  Address:  500 Lelia Street, St. Martinville, LA 70582
  Contact No:  (337) 394-4928
  Fax: (337) 394-5974
  Official Website: http://www.arcofstmartin.com/

• Options – Premier Services For People With DisabilitiesThis is a nonprofit organization that offers premier services and resources for people with disabilities. It also provides vocational program, coaching, job placement and employment programs.Contact Details:-Address:  19362 West Shelton Road, Hammond, LA 70401
  Contact No: (985) 345-6269
  Fax No: (985) 345-0297
  Official Website: http://options4u.org

• L. E. Fletcher Technical Community CollegeThis community college is dedicated to offer CNA Program to the skilled candidates. The CNA Program program covers classroom instructions and clinical practice in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. During clinical session, every applicant is supervised by experienced RN. The estimated fees and tuition are $540 excluding uniform, textbooks, and other related materials.Contact Details:-L. E. Fletcher Technical Community College
  Address:  310 St. Charles Street, Houma, LA 70360
  Get Admissions Information

• Central Louisiana Technical Community College  The Central Louisiana Technical College provides low-cost CNA Program programs to the qualified applicants. The program includes 5 credits that include 80hrs of theoretical classes and 76 hrs of practical experience. It costs $305 that covers textbooks, uniform and other course material.Note: Students, who get selected for scholarship programs need not pay anything except certification fee.Contact Details:-Central Louisiana Technical College
  Address:  304 South Jones Street, Winnfield, LA 71483
  Get Admissions Information

The below mentioned Job Corps Centers in LA provide top-notch program at no cost. All are supervised by the Dallas Regional Office of Job Corps

• Carville Job Corps Center
  Address:  5465 Point Clair Road Carville, LA 70721
  Contact No:  (225) 642-0699
  Fax No:  (225) 642-9564
  Official Website:  http://carville.jobcorps.gov

• New Orleans Job Corps Center
  Address:  8825 Airline Highway, New Orleans, LA 70118
  Contact No: (504) 484-3501
  Fax No: (504) 483-3598
  Official Website:  http://neworleans.jobcorps.gov

• Shreveport Job Corps Center
  Address:  2815 Lillian Street, Shreveport, LA 71109
  Contact No:  (318) 227-9331
  Fax No: (318) 222-0768
  Official Website:  http://shreveport.jobcorps.gov

The American Red Cross has provided several qualified CNAs to the healthcare fraternity. Red Cross centres in LA are as follows:

• Acadiana Area Chapter
  Address:  101 North Pat, Scott, LA 70583
  Contact No:  (337) 234-7371
  Official Website:  http://www.redcross.org/la/lafayette

• American Red Cross of Southwest Louisiana
  Address:  3512 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA 70607
  Contact No:  (337) 478-5122
  Official Website:  http://www.redcross.org/la/lake-charles

• Central Louisiana Chapter
  Address:  425 Bolton Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71301
  Contact No:  (318) 442-6621
  Official Website:  http://www.redcross.org/la/alexandria

• Service to Military Families: Fort Polk
  Address:  1778 3rd Street Fort Polk, LA  71459
  Contact No:  (312) 863-2041
  Official Website:  http://www.redcross.org/wa/fort-polk

• Louisiana Capital Area Chapter
  Address:  4655 Sherwood Common Boulevsrd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816
  Contact No:  (225) 291-4533
  Official Website:  http://www.redcross.org/la/baton-rouge

• Northeast Louisiana Chapter
  Address:  414 Breard Street, Monroe, LA 71201
  Get Admissions Information

• Northwest Louisiana Chapter
  Address:  805 Brook Hollow Drive, Shreveport, LA 71105
  Get Admissions Information

• Southeast Louisiana Chapter
  Address:  2640 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70128
  Contact No:  (504) 620-3105
  Official Website:  http://www.redcross.org/la/new-orleans

Question: In which disabilities does OPTIONS specialize?

Answer: Individuals with hearing impairment, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, blindness, mental retardation, autism, physical limitations, down syndrome and other disabilities can avail the services of this institute.

Question: At the time of program in Carville Job Corps Center, will I receive any stipend?

Answer: Yes, every student will receive a basic living allowance that will increase as the program progresses.