CNA Schools

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CNA Classes in Alaska

Unlock Your Potential: Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alaska

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey in healthcare? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alaska might just be your ticket to a fulfilling career! Let’s dive into the world of CNAs and explore how you can make your mark in the Last Frontier’s healthcare scene.

Why Alaska? The CNA’s Paradise

Picture this: you’re providing compassionate care to patients while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. That’s the Alaskan CNA life! The healthcare sector in the 49th state is booming, with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development reporting a skyrocketing demand for CNAs.

But wait, there’s more! The average CNA in Alaska pockets around $37,000 annually. Not too shabby, right? And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for nursing assistants is projected to remain strong. It’s like striking gold in the modern-day Klondike!

Getting Your Foot in the Door: CNA Program Prerequisites

Before you can don that scrub top, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED (your ticket to the show)
  • 18 years or older (sorry, youngsters!)
  • Clean criminal background (no skeletons in the closet, please)
  • Up-to-date shots and a TB test (because health comes first)
  • Basic skills assessment (don’t worry, it’s not rocket science)

What’s on the Menu? CNA Program Curriculum

Buckle up for a whirlwind of learning! Your CNA program will be a mix of classroom wisdom and hands-on experience. Here’s a taste of what you’ll be sinking your teeth into:

  • Basic Nursing Skills: Vital signs, patient hygiene, and feeding (the bread and butter of CNA work)
  • Infection Control: Keeping those nasty germs at bay
  • Patient Rights: Because respect is the name of the game
  • Emergency Procedures: Be the hero when seconds count
  • Clinical Training: Get your hands dirty (figuratively, of course) in real healthcare settings

Most programs in Alaska can be wrapped up in 6-12 weeks. It’s like a healthcare boot camp, but way more fun!

Where to Learn the Ropes: Top CNA Programs in Alaska

  1. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
    • Where: 3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
    • The Scoop: UAA CNA Program
    • Why It’s Cool: UAA offers a comprehensive program that’ll prep you for the Alaska CNA certification exam. Plus, Anchorage is the place to be for job opportunities!
  2. Alaska Career College
    • Where: 1415 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
    • The Scoop: Alaska Career College CNA Program
    • Why It’s Cool: Want to hit the ground running? This intensive 6-week program is your express ticket to CNA-ville.
  3. Charter College
    • Where: 2221 E Northern Lights Blvd Suite 120, Anchorage, AK 99508
    • The Scoop: Charter College CNA Program
    • Why It’s Cool: Flexibility is the name of the game here. Perfect for juggling work, life, and your CNA dreams!

Where the Jobs Are: CNA Hotspots in Alaska

  1. Providence Alaska Medical Center
    • Where: Anchorage, AK
    • Job Hunt: Providence Careers
    • The Lowdown: The biggest hospital in Alaska, offering a smorgasbord of specialties. It’s like the Disneyland of healthcare!
  2. Alaska Native Medical Center
    • Where: Anchorage, AK
    • Job Hunt: ANMC Careers
    • The Lowdown: Serve Alaska’s Native and American Indian populations in a state-of-the-art facility. It’s healthcare with heart and culture!
  3. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
    • Where: Fairbanks, AK
    • Job Hunt: FMH Careers
    • The Lowdown: Right in the heart of Alaska, offering comprehensive care and competitive benefits. It’s the whole package!

Crossing the Finish Line: Getting Certified

Ready to make it official? Here’s your roadmap to CNA certification in Alaska:

  1. Graduate from a state-approved CNA program (you’ve got this!)
  2. Ace the Alaska CNA competency exam (show ’em what you’ve got!)
  3. Pass a criminal background check (piece of cake, right?)
  4. Apply for certification through the Alaska Board of Nursing (the final hurdle!)

Show Me the Money: Costs and Financial Aid

CNA programs in Alaska typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000. But don’t let that scare you off! There are plenty of ways to make it work:

  • Federal Student Aid: Fill out that FAFSA at FAFSA (it’s like a treasure hunt for free money!)
  • Scholarships: Keep your eyes peeled for healthcare-specific scholarships
  • Employer Sponsorships: Some healthcare employers will foot the bill. It’s like getting paid to learn!

Already a CNA? Welcome to Alaska!

If you’re a certified CNA from another state, Alaska might roll out the welcome mat for you. Here’s the deal:

  • Prove you’re certified in another state (show off that hard-earned credential!)
  • Apply for reciprocity with the Alaska Board of Nursing (they’ll make sure you’re the real deal)

Your CNA Adventure Awaits!

Becoming a CNA in Alaska isn’t just a job – it’s an adventure! With the healthcare industry booming and the great outdoors calling, there’s never been a better time to jump in. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to a local school, start your application, and get ready to make a difference in the Last Frontier. Your future patients (and that stunning Alaskan scenery) are waiting for you!

CNA Schools Near You & Online in Alaska

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Alaska Vocational Technical Center

  • 1251 Muldoon Rd. #113 Anchorage, AK 99504
    Programs: CNA, LPN
    (907) 334-2230

Anchorage School District

  • 5530 E Northern Lights Blvd. Anchorage, AK 99504
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 742-4000

Caregiver Training Academy

  • 203 W 15th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 258-0535

Providence Alaska Medical Center

  • 3200 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 562-2211

Providence Extended Care Center

  • 4900 Eagle Street Anchorage, AK 99503
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 562-2281

University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • 201 Akiak Drive Bethel, AK 99559
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 543-4500

Prince William Sound Community College

  • P.O. Box 1248 Cordova, AK 99574
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 424-7598

Fairbanks School District

  • 520 5th Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99701
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 452-2000

University of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College

  • 604 Barnette Street Fairbanks, AK 99701
    Programs: CNA, EMT Paramedic, Medical Assistant
    (907) 455-2800

Kenai Peninsula College

  • 533 E. Pioneer Ave. Homer, AK 99603
    Programs: CNA
    1(907)235-7743

University of Alaska Southeast

  • 11120 Glacier Highway Juneau, AK 99801
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 796-6000

University of Alaska Southeast

  • 2600 Seventh Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 225-6177

Kodiak College

  • 117 Benny Benson Drive Kodiak, AK 99615
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 486-4161

Alaska Technical Center

  • 843 4th Street Kotzebue, AK 99752
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 442-3733

Alaska Job Corps

  • 800 E. Lynn Martin Drive Palmer, AK 99645
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 861-8800

Petersburg Medical Center

  • 103 Fram Street Petersburg, AK 99833
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 772-4299

University of Alaska Southeast

  • 1332 Seward Avenue Sitka, AK 99835
    Programs: CNA, Health Information Management-Associate
    (907) 747-7700

Kenai Peninsula College

  • 156 College Rd. Soldotna, AK 99669
    Programs: CNA
    1(907)262-0330

Heritage Place

  • 232 Rockwell Avenue Soldotna, AK 99669
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 262-2545

Prince William Sound Community College

  • 303 Lowe Street Valdez, AK 99686
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 834-1600

Mat-Su Career & Tech High School

  • 2472 N Seward Meridian Pkwy Wasilla, AK 99654
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 352-0480

Wrangell Medical Center

  • 310 Bennett Street Wrangell, AK 99929
    Programs: CNA
    (907) 874-7000