How to Start Your Own CNA Business – Important Things to Know

In the US, striking out on an entrepreneurship journey has always been popular. Time is ripe in the healthcare sector, with many opportunities. There is a section of persons who wish to know how to start your own CNA Business.

As a CNA or Certified Nursing Aide, one can offer services to a wide range of clientele such as helping the elderly or the sick with daily activities, offering consultancy services for performing self-care, and helping patients to recover after surgery.

A CNA works is supervised by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). One can find employment through placement agencies, work as a sole proprietorship, or even expand one’s business to employ other nurse aides under one’s wing.

Placement Agencies

Such agencies for nursing assistants help them find per diem work, which are temporary, short-term assignments in various health care facilities. As an aide, one has the opportunity to work when and where one wants. In this capacity, one has the opportunity to network with other professionals, which can prove helpful when trying to open one’s own CNA business.

Before approaching a placement agency, you must first create a professional resume. You can get inspiration from models on the internet that will help you with content and formatting. You need to have copies of your high school diploma and CNA certificate ready. You should also have the contact information of 3 to 4 professional references ready.

Sole Proprietorship

After one has worked in healthcare settings for others and have developed a great network of professionals, one may want to strike out on one’s own as a sole proprietor. This implies a form of business that is typically owned and run by a single individual. There is no distinction between the business and the owner. The latter can enjoy all the business profits but is also responsible for all liabilities, losses, and debts.

To form a sole proprietorship, there is no requirement for any formal action. One can use one’s social security number for filing local, state, and federal taxes. In case one is doing business under a name that is not one’s own, one needs to file a fictitious name with the state. Based on where you do business, this might be referred to as ‘assumed name’.

Expanding Business

There may dawn a day when one wishes to expand one’s business by including several other CNA’s who work for one. When this happens, one must change from a sole proprietorship to a Limited Liability Company. Next, one has the responsibility to vet potential CNA’s who represent one’s company and ensure they have the right certification and training to work in the state.

CNA Training

It is required that a CNA should have at least a High School Diploma or GED and also proof of CNA training. This training is offered via vocational and trade schools, medical facilities, and community colleges. The Nursing board of the state must approve the program and a National League for Nursing.

Nursing Aide training usually includes a combination of classroom instruction and practical training, supervised by an LPN or RN. Some institutions offer the theory portion by online means. Based on the program, training can take place within 4 to 12 weeks. Costs of training differ widely but typically include textbooks, lab fees, tuition, exam fees, uniform, and the cost of a check for criminal background.

State Needs and Exams

Stipulations for working as CNA vary widely from state to state. So, one must check what is mandated by the state that one wishes to work in.

After completing training, aspirants must sit for a 2-part exam. The written part is an MCQ test. The second is a test of clinical skills, which is conducted individually by a proctor. The candidate must perform 4 random skills within 30 minutes.

These are all some facts about how to start your own CNA Business.