A CCRN or certified nursing assistant is required to have certain qualifications before working in a health care facility. Before becoming certified, CNAs must successfully pass the state Board of Nursing exam. This involves a written test as well as a practice test administered by the state health department. Once certified, CNAs are required to work under the guidance of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Certified assistants are typically employed by long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals, home health agencies, or rehabilitation centers.
When it comes to CCRN certification costs, there are a number of ways you can save money. For example, if you choose to take the CCRN exam online, you may be eligible for a discount. Most websites that offer CCRN course discounts will require that you purchase your CCRN course from them instead of from a third-party provider.
Online courses are often offered at discounted prices through websites that work in conjunction with local educational institutions. If you are going to take the CCRN examination online, you will also need to purchase a study guide. The study guide should contain all of the tests that are covered in the CCRN exam, which should cover the core clinical topics, patient care processes, and basic principles of nursing. Purchasing the study guide online will likely result in a savings of a few dollars.
If you do not want to purchase the study guide online, you may be able to find a good deal on a used CCRN course from an online retailer. In fact, some online retailers have been known to carry discontinued or past exam books. It is possible to find a used CCRN course at a significant discount from its retail value. In some cases, the discount will be far greater than the cost of taking the course online.
Keep in mind, too, that passing the CCRN exam may not be enough to get you a job. Even if your employer offers CCRN training and certification, it may not be worth the investment. In order to be properly trained in nursing as well as meet State requirements, you will need to complete and pass a CCRN certification exam. If you can not afford the cost of taking a CCRN certification course, it may still be possible to find an employer who is willing to pay for your training.
There are a number of other factors involved in determining CCRN certification cost. One of these is whether or not you already have your state credential. Some states require no further training beyond the minimum requirement. Others may require you to attend classes at a nursing facility before obtaining your certificate. If you already have your state credential, you can choose to take more courses or shorten your training course.
Regardless of what your CCRN certification cost, you will be saving thousands of dollars over the cost of traditional CCRN courses. Although there may still be a difference in initial costs between online and offline courses, in the long run, you will be saving money and making yourself a much better candidate for advancement within the health care profession. You may even be eligible for a pay raise once you have completed your CCRN training and are ready to apply for state certification.