I did my research for the CNA classes, and decided on NATS. I registered online, an easy process. I paid 50.00 for registration and 550.00 for the class. I called the phone number provided to confirm that the instructor received my fee, and to confirm the date of the first day of class. While I did receive a receipt immediately after paying, there wasn't a confirmation email in regards to class schedule. My payment included CPR, HIV training and a text book. We were loaned the workbook that accompanies the text book, which you can purchase for 13.00 I think, if you don't want to give it back when class finalizes. Note that this payment does not cover the cost of the state licensure exam nor the cost for filing for your state license.
Other supplies you will need are two sets of CEIL blue nurse scrubs (required), a gait belt(required), and I suggest your own stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to practice with. Found mine on amazon easily.
I strongly recommend obtaining your TB test BEFORE attending class. The TB test is a process that takes a few days, once to get poked, and then a return trip to make sure you do not show signs of TB. It cost me 30.00 at my GP's clinic. Get a copy of your TB test! It's easy but it can be a time-management hassle. Otherwise you have two weeks to do it after first day of class. The first day of class is primarily filling out paperwork, and being informed on clinicals, class rules, and other generalities.
While there may be substitute teachers from time to time, my instructor was primarily Hadra. She was an outstanding instructor in the following ways: she spoke in detail about what was important, and did not linger on things that were less important. She was firm but patient, and she instilled in her teachings a respect and dignity for patients and clients. She gave plenty of pointers for the whole duration of class on what the state exam proctors will be looking for during state exam. The workbook provided was pretty educational and fairly easy to understand. The weekly exams were easy to medium in difficulty. Do reread the book and your notes before the state exam. The classes included a mix of direct instruction, reading, note taking, homework checks, films, and hands-on skills. I can't express enough how important it is to maximize your time and practice during the skills trainings, to get very comfortable with the skills and performing them in front of strangers. I saw well-qualified students fail the skills part during the state exam due to being nervous and uncomfortable and forgetting. Hadra provides ample opportunity for skills practice. Take it, use it wisely--she doesn't hover, so it's up to you. Expect to be touching other humans in your class, and to be touched during skills practice.
There was one week of clinicals at a real-live assisted living facility. The experience was a good one, and there is plenty of work to do, and a lot of people to spend time with. It is real work. You get proper breaks. And definitely bring your gait/transfer belt or you will get sh*t for it all week from some of the people in charge at the facility. Bring your own pens and stethoscope or you will be borrowing one of the random ones floating around. Ew.
There is a final exam and a final skills exam given by Hadra that closely resembles the state licensure exam. If you fail Hadra's exam, you can retake it a few times for free. If you fail the state exam, you must pay again. Once you pass the CNA class, Hadra will send your info to the state. Then you get an email from the company that proctors the state exam, and you register online, and you pay. The website has a list of places you can take the exam. Most places have a waitlist. Don't expect it to necessarily be able to take the state exam at NATS, as there tends to be a big waiting list there.
My only complaint, which has nothing to do with Hadra or the school, was another classmate. She made jokes during class, had a bad attitude, and was constantly disrespectful, argumentative, and immature. She was also highly disrespectful at the assisted living facility, laughing and rolling her eyes and pinching her nose at residents. Don't be that idiot, don't be that joking prankster who makes it crappy and awkward for other serious students, all of whom are adults, not junior high kids.
I took my state exam and passed on the first try. I would say my experience at NATS was successful, and worth every dollar. read more
