In the United States, we are facing a growing population that needs, or will soon need, aging care services on some level. At the same time, facilities do not have an adequate pool of certified professionals to meet those needs. Over the next few years and continuing for decades to come, we need to close that gap and achieve a manageable ratio of CNAs to people in need of care.

One of the biggest contributing factors to the decrease in CNAs at facilities across the country is high turnover. Facilities have tried to mitigate turnover by offering sign-on bonuses, additional benefits, greater autonomy in scheduling, and more. However, if the needs are high and the workforce remains small, one or two new hires are still going to feel overwhelmed, and turnover will still be an issue. Facilities need a much larger selection of CNAs to fill various roles to decrease turnover and provide care to alleviate the strain created by the current workload.

Hybrid Learning is the Key

There exists a large number of people who want to provide care and services for our aging population, and who want to become CNAs. Unfortunately, due to the location of the nearest training facilities, their existing work schedules, and other responsibilities, they are unable to complete or start taking the courses they want. The key to resolving this is through hybrid learning. Hybrid learning gives CNA students the ability to learn online, at a pace that fits their schedules. The materials and coursework are available 24/7. Books and manuals are even available in audio formats. The philosophy behind hybrid learning is to make CNA training more accessible without compromising any of the quality and to create a larger CNA workforce.

Improving Quality Care at Facilities

Facilities that support hybrid learning have seen an increase in highly qualified CNA applicants and a decrease in turnover. CNAonline offers the most comprehensive hybrid learning program with support from the American Health Care Association (AHCA). CNAonline even matches facilities with CNAs to benefit employers, graduates, and people in need of quality care and assistance. This creates a win-win situation for everyone involved. To learn more about our program, affiliates, and matching system, reach out to CNAonline today.