CNA refers to Certified Nursing Assistants. As the name suggests, they are assistants to senior nurses and help in routine care of patients. They are involved in activities like feeding, dressing, bathing and monitoring vital signs of patients like pulse and blood pressure.
CNA’s are employed by medical clinics, hospitals and nursing homes to help regular nursing staff. They may also be employed for private home care of patients.
As per statistics, a huge percentage of CNA’s proceed to take up advanced training programs to become registered nurses (RN’s). Therefore, there is much demand for CNA’s in the market. As such, the business of training CNA’s because of this gap is highly lucrative. One may be wondering how to start your own CNA business.
Striking out on the own
CNA training institutes are typically started by CNA’s with some experience in the field who have some contacts in this industry and wish to strike out on their own as sole proprietors. The category of sole proprietorship stands for a business that is typically operated and owned by a single individual. There is not much difference between the owner and the business. As the owner, one is entitled to all the profits, but one is also responsible for all liabilities, losses and debts.
Forming the sole proprietorship has not many formal actions on one’s part. One can use one’s Social Security Number to file local, state and federal taxes. In case one is doing the business in a name other than one’s own (Example- Star School of CNA’s), one is required to file a fictitious name with the state. Based on where one lives, this may be referred to as ‘DBA’ (Doing Business As) or an ‘assumed name’.
Before venturing out on one’s own, one must have made contacts with adequate and relevant persons. One must prepare a marketing package which displays one’s experience and qualifications. Include copies of certification, resume, testimonials, and references.
Expanding
In due course, the time may come when one wishes to expand the business to include many other CNA’s to work for the business. When this happens, one may expand from a sole proprietorship to Limited Liability Company. In this case, one is responsible for vetting the potential professionals that will represent the company and ensure they have the right certification and training to work in a specific state.
Needs for CNA training
It is mandatory that a CNA must possess high school diploma apart from success in completing CNA training program. CNA training is currently offered through vocational & trade schools, medical facilities and community colleges. The program must gain the approval of the nursing board of the state and National League for Nursing Accredited Commission (NLNAC).
Typically, programs of CNA training include a mix of hands-on practice and classroom instruction under the supervision of an RN (Registered Nurse). Some colleges offer the theory part online. Based on the program, training CNA takes from 4 to 12 weeks. Fees charged may be different but will typically include fees for certification exams, tuition, uniforms, lab fees, textbooks as well as costs of medical and criminal background checks.
State-wise needs
Needs of working as CNA differ from state to state. So, one must check the stipulations of the state where one is starting one’s CNA business. Log into the website of RegisteredNursing.org, visit the map of the US and click on one’ state. There, one can get information about average salaries, costs, and board-approved programs.
The exam
After under-going training, CNA students have to sit for a 2-part exam. The part that is written is conducted in a group setting and consists of multiple-choice questions which must be answered within a time limit of 90 minutes. As for the second part, which is a clinical skills test is scheduled individually with a single observer or test proctor. The candidate must perform correctly four randomly selected skills inside the time frame of half an hour.
Tips for starting school:
- Study the competition: Research what competing businesses are doing. It is vital to study their weaknesses and strengths and consider how one will measure up.
- Explore funding options: Start-ups are costlier than business acquisitions, but both are exhausting. Franchising is a good option to consider.
- Curriculum: Most states are finicky about curriculum, so design one with care.
- Business plan: This is absolutely crucial before beginning the business.
These are all aspects of how to start your own CNA business.
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