If you’re considering becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) also known as Certified Nurse Aide, or Long-Term Care Nurse Aide, you’re not alone. CNA careers are among the fastest-growing healthcare jobs in Oklahoma and across the U.S. But before you jump in, it’s important to know the good, the bad, and the ugly of this essential role in the healthcare system.
At MedNoc Training College, we believe in preparing our students for success—not just in the classroom, but in real life. Let’s explore what it’s really like to work as a CNA.
✅ The Good: Why Being a CNA is Rewarding
- High Demand & Job Security
CNA jobs are everywhere. Hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and home health agencies across Oklahoma are constantly hiring. Whether you’re in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Yukon, Bethany, Guthrie, Ponca City, Lawton, Norman, Moore, Edmond, or beyond, the demand is high—and growing.
- Quick Entry Into the Healthcare Field
With MedNoc’s 2-week CNA certification programs, you can start working in healthcare fast. You’ll complete your CNA classes, pass the state CNA test, and begin earning income—sometimes within a month.
- Flexible Work Settings
CNAs work in a wide range of environments:
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- Hospitals (ICU, ER, Med-Surg)
- Nursing homes / assisted living
- Home health care
- Hospice
- Schools, VA facilities, and mental health centers
- Making a Difference
You will directly impact patients’ lives every day—helping them bathe, eat, move, and feel cared for. CNAs are the heart of healthcare.
- Affordable, Accessible Training
MedNoc offers financial assistance, including payment plan at no additional cost for CNA classes, such as weekday, weekend evening options, and even CNA Online hybrid flex (Self-paced) courses for working adults and caregivers.
⚠️ The Bad: What You Should Know Before You Start
- Physically Demanding Work
CNA jobs require frequent lifting, repositioning patients, and standing for long shifts. This can lead to back strain and fatigue without proper body mechanics.
- Emotionally Draining at Times
Caring for the elderly or terminally ill can take an emotional toll. You’ll need compassion, resilience, and a strong support system.
- Understaffing and Heavy Workloads
Many facilities experience CNA shortages. This can mean high patient loads and the pressure to perform multiple tasks quickly, sometimes with limited help.
- Modest Starting Pay
CNA pay varies by location and facility. In Oklahoma:
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- Home health CNAs earn $12–$15/hr
- Hospital CNAs earn $16–$17/hr
- Travel CNAs and government roles can exceed $20/hr
It’s a solid start, but many CNAs pursue further training (like CMA or LPN) to increase their income.
😬 The Ugly: The Real Challenges CNAs Face
- Exposure to Bodily Fluids and Infections
You’ll be cleaning up after patients, changing linens, dealing with bedsores, and helping with toileting. PPE and infection control training are essential, and MedNoc makes sure you’re prepared.
- Dealing with Abuse or Aggression
Some patients (especially with dementia or mental illness) may lash out. CNAs must learn to remain calm, protect themselves, and report issues through proper channels.
- Lack of Recognition
Despite being the backbone of patient care, CNAs sometimes feel overlooked or underappreciated in the workplace. That’s why training, professionalism, and communication skills are emphasized at MedNoc.
🎓 Why MedNoc Training College is the Best CNA School in Oklahoma
At MedNoc, we don’t sugarcoat the challenges—but we do equip you to handle them confidently.
- 🕘 Weekday, evening, weekend CNA classes
- 💻 Online Hybrid Self-paced CNA training class available
- 💸 Financial assistance, tribal sponsorships, and workforce partnerships
- 🎯 Focused CNA exam preparation
- 🧑⚕️ Hands-on clinical training with real-life scenarios
- 🧭 Job placement assistance after graduation
📍 Ready to Become a CNA?
Whether you live in a major metro area or a small town or rural area, MedNoc proudly serves students from across the state, including: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond, Lawton, Moore, Midwest City, Stillwater, Enid, Owasso, Bartlesville, Muskogee, Shawnee, Bixby, Jenks, Yukon, Mustang, Ardmore, Ponca City, Sapulpa, Duncan, Durant, Del City, Claremore, El Reno, Sand Springs, Bethany, Altus, McAlester, Tahlequah, Chickasha, Ada, Glenpool, Newcastle, Miami, Guymon, Choctaw, Weatherford, Guthrie, Woodward, Coweta, Okmulgee, Elk City, Warr Acres, Blanchard, Pryor Creek, The Village, Collinsville, Poteau, Piedmont, Skiatook, Sallisaw, Cushing, Clinton, Wagoner, Tuttle, Noble, Catoosa, Grove, Seminole, Idabel, Purcell, Harrah, Tecumseh, Blackwell, Pauls Valley, Holdenville, Verdigris, Henryetta, Anadarko, Vinita, Hugo, Lone Grove, Kingfisher, Sulphur, Sayre, Pocola, Marlow, McLoud, Perry, Bristow, Broken Bow, Madill, Spencer, Fort Gibson, Nichols Hills, Roland, Stilwell, Elgin, Nowata, and the rest of Oklahoma’s 500+ towns and communities.
No matter where you’re located, MedNoc offers flexible CNA training options to fit your lifestyle—including weekday, evening, weekend, online, hybrid, and self-paced CNA programs.
MedNoc makes CNA certification accessible and affordable.
📍 Location: 1501 SW 59th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73119
📞 Phone: (405) 225-7876
📧 Email: info@mednoc.com
🌐 Website: www.mednoc.com
🏁 Final Word:
Being a Certified Nurse Assistant isn’t for everyone—but for the right person, it’s a deeply fulfilling career with incredible growth potential. Let MedNoc Training College help you step into your future with purpose, preparation, and pride.