The questions the interviewer will ask you are normally split into two general categories: standard questions, and industry specific questions. These are some of the more prevalent and important questions you might have to answer before being offered the job:

Standard Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself?

Every interviewer asks some variation of this question, whether you’re hoping to get a job as a sales manager or certified nursing assistant. The purpose of such questions aren’t so the hiring manager can get to know every aspect of your life, but rather to learn more about you in terms of why you want the job. What this question wants, though, is not a simple regurgitation of your resume. Talk about yourself in a way that ties in your training, your people skills and any other information that is relevant. A good response to this question might be: “I have always loved taking care of people. When I was a teenager, I would volunteer at the local hospital to care for sick patients.” Your response to this deceptively simple question should emphasize how you would be an indispensable member of their team.

How do you deal with difficult coworkers?

The interviewer wants to know how you deal with interpersonal conflict on the job. Behavioral questions like these don’t necessarily have a right or wrong answer. Rather, they gauge how you react in stressful situations. This is extremely important, especially in the medical field, because a decision based on your feelings for your coworkers rather than what is necessary for the patient can have irreversible effects. Be prepared to recall the most difficult situations you encountered, how you resolved those conflicts, and how those resolutions benefited everyone. Never bad mouth or use derogatory descriptions of former bosses or coworkers, as they reflect poorly on you, and not the other person.

What is your greatest strength?

Most people feels a little uncomfortable telling an interviewer how great they are, but this question gauges your sense of self-worth while giving you an opportunity to talk about your skills. Do you hate being late? That’s a definite plus. Do you have mad organizing skills? In the medical field, a propensity for messiness or disorganization can lead to tragic results. Don’t be bashful, but again, choose your strengths wisely and make sure they mesh well with your chosen profession.

What is your biggest weakness?

No one wants to be confronted with this squirm-inducing question. Who wants to admit they have faults? There’s always a fear that if you admit that you’re not perfect in a job interview that it means you’ll never get the job. We’re all human. We all make mistakes. The important thing to do here is to identify one of your biggest weaknesses and how you have worked to improve it. If you once got queasy at the sight of blood, tell the interviewer the steps you took to get over it. If you have a tendency to be impatient, tell the interviewer how you dealt with it, and how working with those who can’t help themselves helped you develop patience and a greater sense of empathy. The worst thing you can do with a question like this is to tell the interviewer what your weakness is without presenting them a story about how you overcame it.

Why did you leave your last job?

A cardinal rule you never, ever break is to say something to the effect of, “My boss was a big fat meanie, and I hated him.” You might have to dig really deep for this one, but if you can’t think of anything other than you hated your boss or coworkers, simply say it wasn’t a good fit for you and you decided to look elsewhere. If the interviewer asks for more details, make it about the job and not the people involved. For example, if your former employer enacted policies you disagreed with, simply say that you felt you could better serve the needs of others by looking for job where you could dedicate yourself to the job more effectively.

Industry Specific Questions

Why do you want to work as a CNA?

This is where you get to the meat of your interview. This is the question where you talk about your passion for helping others, and how you have always wanted to work in the medical field. CNAs do a little bit of everything, so talk about that time when you did your ailing grandmother’s hair and how she felt about it. How did it make you feel, seeing her happy? The work of a CNA is both hard and immensely rewarding. The interviewer wants to see how serious, devoted, and caring you are, and if they suspect you’re not 100 percent dedicated to caring for patients, they’ll pass you over for someone they feel is a better fit.

Tell me about a difficult patient/client you had to work with. Have you worked with clients or patients who were hard to deal with?

Questions like this determine how well you handle difficult situations. Even though this question deals with a patient, if you have a strong background in a customer service capacity, you can certainly draw on that. Were you successful in placating an angry customer who felt cheated by a store you worked for? Were you able to calm a patient who was making life difficult for everyone? Be prepared to highlight one or two stories that show how you successfully turned a bad situation into a good one. If you truthfully cannot think of a time when you successfully turned a bad situation around, be honest. Talk about how you dealt with it, and how you would have done things differently, had you known better. The important thing here is to show the interviewer that you have the capacity to grow in your job.

You notice that a nurse/doctor/fellow CNA is not doing their job properly. What do you do?

In the medical field, it’s an unfortunate fact that you’ll find there are people who either abuse clients or fail to perform their jobs properly. The interviewer wants to know that you have the patient/client’s best interests at heart, and are willing to do what is best them. They also want to know that you are knowledgeable about following the proper procedures for reporting unethical conduct or poor performance. For example, if you saw a nurse or CNA doing something wrong, you might first determine if they were harming the patient. If no harm was being done, you might wait and ask that person about it, instead of immediately reporting it to your superiors.

In a 24/7 operation, how do you ensure a seamless shift transition?

This is a questions designed to determine how well you can communicate with your coworkers. It also informs the interviewer about your knowledge for appropriate shift change procedures. Do you meet with the person taking over your patients for you? Do you leave notes in the client files? Do you meet face to face with your coworker? Does the patient know before you leave that another CNA will be covering for you?

What were your grades/GPA?

If you’re a recent graduate, you might be hit with this question. The interviewer wants to know how serious you were about your studies because this indicates to them that you take your future as a CNA seriously. If you thought about quitting but decided to stick with it, give the reasons why. Make your grades a reflection of the reasons why you’re sitting across from them.

The biggest thing to remember when you’re interviewing for a CNA position is that your passion and desire for helping others must be clear. Present yourself as a dedicated, caring, and knowledgeable individual. If you prepare for the interview and present yourself in a confident, friendly manner, you greatly increase your chances of being hired or called back for a second interview.

Also check out these helpful Posts:

More nursing related questions and how to tackle them

How to make sure your CNA Cover Letter Stands out from the rest

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Also read: Transition from CNA to LPN

What is WIA?

The Workplace Investment Act was initially designed for those people who have been laid off from their job and needed to be retrained for a new career. The program has since evolved to include displaced homemakers. The latest development in the WIA is that they will also help youth who need assistance. Youth aged 14-21 may qualify for this program if they meet the strict requirements. Those who are pregnant or already have children, those who are runaways or considered a ward of the state and those who have committed certain crimes are all eligible for WIA assistance. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that most states require a CNA to be at least 18 years of age and never convicted of a felony.

What is CNA Training?

CNA training will last anywhere between one and three months depending on the length of the class. Some WIA-approved colleges offer full day long classes while others will offer classes for a few hours in the evenings. The first portion of the course will take place in a classroom. During this time, students will learn about the different types of diseases that need special treatment, like AIDS and MRSA, as well as patient confidentiality and what needs to be charted. They will also learn about how to interact with patients and how to help them with their activities of daily living.

The second part of the program will be the clinical training portion. Throughout this time, students will work under the direct supervision of an experienced CNA. This CNA will teach and then supervise students as they complete each skill required for their state’s certification examination. After this portion of the CNA training, students will be qualified to participate in their state’s written and clinical examination.

What is Next?

After students have completed their WIA-approved CNA training, they can begin working right away. Most of the approved colleges will even offer to help find the right job for those who complete the training. As they begin working, graduates will watch and learn from the nurses they work with, which can give them the desire to go on with further training. The CNA portion of the training can be the last stop in their training, in which case, they can remain a CNA as long as they want, or it can be the beginning of a career in nursing. After individuals have experience as a CNA, they will find that they are eligible for various opportunities to have their nursing school paid for. CNAs are also get preferential treatment in most accredited nursing programs.

The WIA has been giving people a new chance at a career. This is much more than just free training; it is a fresh start to begin a career and make a better life, not just the new CNA but also for their family. There are WIA-approved colleges throughout the country where interested individuals can begin their career training and start to live the life they’ve have always wanted.

Additional Reading:

Difference between Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse

Almost all nursing homes, hospitals and private care providers require any CNAs they hire to have a certain level of training. While the training needed to become a CNA can be considered a worthwhile investment in the future of the individual who is interested in the medical field, there are a number of ways to get such training for free. You can check out what free training options are available in your state to become a CNA.

Free CNA training through nursing homes is an attractive option for people who are interested in getting started in this industry. Some of the advantages of obtaining this type of training through a nursing home can be found below:

Combination of class work and on-the-job training:

Many nursing homes provide a well-rounded education for their CNA courses. In addition to coursework that is structured like a college class, these long-term facilities often provide a certain number of hours of hands-on training. This allows individuals to apply their book knowledge to situations they will face each day on the job.

Paid while learning:

Many nursing homes pay their students for the hours they work, even when the students are still attending the training necessary to become a state-registered CNA.

Job security:

In most cases, part of the agreement between the student and the nursing home involves the student working for the nursing home for a certain length of time after the successful completion of the training and passing the state registry tests for nursing assistants. After completion you can expect to have increased hours of work and also increased pay per hour. In addition, a job is almost guaranteed to the graduate as long as the stipulations of the nursing home are met.

In addition, for nursing homes who face a population that is aging, and thus will need their services, as well as a shortage of well-trained CNA staff, providing this type of training has a number of advantages. It is truly a situation that offers winning benefits for both parties. Some of the advantages a nursing home might encounter include:

Better Care:

Nursing homes are able to give their residents better care when they have better training individuals providing that care.

Better CNA’s:

Because the nursing home controls the curriculum offered by their training, they are able to mold their students into the CNAs that fit well in their established protocol. This is especially true when it comes to the on-the-job portion of the training. It is through this aspect that students begin to understand how the different aspects of the training all fit together to give residents excellent care.

Utilizing the free CNA training through a nursing home is the ideal way to get started in the medical field. The student will not even need to be concerned about student debt with this method.

1. Why do you want to be a nurse?

Most people are going to answer something along the lines of “Because I like nursing.” This is fine but a bit boring. You should use anecdotes and stories about your personal experience to liven up your response so that you seem more like a person than a nursing automaton regurgitating memorized information.

2. What makes you prepared to be a nurse?

You could launch into a spiel about your education and your nursing experience, but that can seem unfocused. Instead, you should use your experiences to highlight personal strong points that will make you better suited to handling the duties and responsibilities expected of the nursing position in question. For example, if the position requires extensive patient-centered care, you might want to discuss how your experiences taught you to easily communicate medical information to people unfamiliar with the jargon.

3. Why are you leaving your current position?

Never mention the bad points that may have caused you to seek out something better. Instead, mention the things that you have learned and maintain a positive, forward-looking perspective. Point out that you are searching for new challenges and experiences that will help you grow as an individual.

4. Where do you see yourself in the future?

Flippant and humorous answers should be avoided. Since the intention is to seem like a motivated individual capable of making serious commitments, you should discuss your goals for your career in the nursing profession. Depending on the time frame mentioned in the question, you might want to adjust your response for more realistic outcomes.

5. What are your weaknesses?

You should never attempt to make a virtue a vice. For example, claiming that your biggest weakness is working too hard is both clichéd and too self-aggrandizing. Answer the question honestly but also bring up anecdotes of how you are working to correct the issue. This demonstrates that you are capable of honest self-assessment but also not content to let problems lie.

6. Why are you a good hire?

Take the time to mention the qualifications and experience that have gotten you the chance to impress. However, also take the time to mention qualities that make you stand out because your competitors probably have similar qualifications and experience.

7. What is your single biggest failure?

This is one of those occasions when it might be better to avoid the absolute truth. Take one of your bad experiences, mention how you have learned from the experience, and how those lessons help make you a better nurse. Unless you are prepared to discuss how your biggest failure has made you a better person, don’t bring it up.

8. What motivates you?

You should not pass up this chance to play up your positive attributes in preference for a standard response. Illustrate the things that motivate you by bringing up an example from your actual experience. Use the example to highlight your positive attributes without deviating from answering the actual question.

Also check out these helpful Posts:

Dress code and Other Helpful Tips

1. In general, nursing interviewees are expected to dress in a formal manner rather than donning either scrubs or casual clothing. For men, this means dressing up in a suit, a shirt, a tie, dress pants, and dress shoes. Similarly, women should also dress up in a suit, a blouse, plus either a pair of pants matching the suit or a skirt of the appropriate length. As a general guideline, interviewees should sit down in front of a mirror to make sure that their dress radiates cool, calm professionalism.

Clothing should be clean, uncreased, and fitted to the individual. Similarly, hair should be neat, makeup should be conservative, and accessories should be subdued. Although there is some room in the dress code for personal tastes and preferences, the overall intent is to create the impression of a serious, responsible professional. Avoid elements that detract from this impression.

2. Before the interview, take time to read up on the institution. Find out about its practices and policies, follow its activities in the news, and build some sense of its general disposition. Going in ignorant and uninformed is one of the most devastating mistakes that nursing interviewees can make because it demonstrates both carelessness and disregard for the institution conducting the interview.

3. Researching the location in person is important in building a good impression. Once you know the time and location of the nursing interview travel there to find the exact location and gauge the time needed for travel. You need to reach the interview location about 15 minutes before the interview starts, which you are not going to be able to do if you get lost on the way.

While on the premises of the institution, you should also take the time to gauge the attire of the people around you to see if you can pick up some general impressions about both the institution’s rules and internal culture. Use those impressions to guide you in making your choice of clothing leading up the interview, though you should still default to more conservative colors and styles.

4. Practice is indispensable to a good performance. Interviewees should use their research to anticipate the questions that are going to be asked and spend time devising answers to those same questions. Once their preparation is complete, interviewees should participate in scenarios where a partner takes on the role of the interviewer. Their partners should feel encouraged to throw in unexpected questions to simulate unexpected elements in real interviews.

5. Confidence is one of the most important elements in making a good impression on the interviewers. You should stride in smiling, maintain eye contact, and introduce yourself to the interviewers with a firm but not crushing handshake.

Remember that remaining positive and upbeat throughout the interview is better than lapsing into sullen pessimism. At the end of the interview, shake the hands of the interviewers a second time and then thank them properly for their consideration. Make sure to follow up on the interview afterwards using either a note or an email.

Of course, it is also important to remember that there is such a thing as going too far. Excessive confidence is arrogance, which can often serve to irritate interviewers. Similarly, too much false optimism can also create a disturbing and almost plastic impression, which also turns away interviewers. Bear in mind that both of these qualities must be natural to have the best effect.

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The Nurse Aide Assessment Exam consists of 2 parts, the written portion and the skills portion. In order for a student to successfully pass and start working as a CNA, they will have to pass both parts of the exam. In this article we will try and help you ace the written portion through tips and techniques that might help you before and during the exam session.

The final exam will consist of 60 – 70 multiple choice questions which will test you on everything that you have studied. The number of questions and the time allotted will depend on which state you are offering your exam. Always make sure that you are at least 30 minutes early to the exam center and don’t forget to take a valid/current ID card (this can be a state issues ID card, passport or a driver’s license).

Before the Exam:

Here are a few handy pointers to help you plan and better prepare yourself for the final test.

1. Skim through your notes before you start studying to give you an idea of the time allocation you will require for each chapter.
2. Plan your study time appropriately to allow time for work and commitments.
3. Create short notes where appropriate.
4. The best exam preparation is by doing past papers. Always do this in exam conditions where by you sit in a quiet room and time yourself while doing the questions to familiarize yourself with the format and how you handle exam pressure.

During the Exam:

It is important to maintain a cool head throughout the exam.

1. Make sure you have all your required stationary; it is recommended to take an extra pen and pencil just in case.
2. Read each question thoroughly before you attempt it.
3. Never rush into the answer without reading the full question, sometimes the question maybe asking something different from what you would otherwise think.
4. Don’t leave any questions unanswered. If you do not know the answer move ahead and comeback to the question later on and make sure you answer it. Since its multiple choice questions 1 out of 4 is the right answer and you would be better off taking a chance with an answer rather than leaving it blank.
5. Sleep well the night before and have a proper breakfast in the morning before going for your exam.

CNA Practice Test Links:

Practice Test #1

Practice Test #2

Finally remember this: “Practice makes man perfect” – So study hard, practice with enough questions and hopefully you will be well on your way to becoming a CNA.

We wish you the very best for your exam, hope you pass with flying colors

Who should take a LPN refresher course?

The LPN refresher course is recommended for nurses who are out of practice.  This can be due to many reasons such as an inactive license or due to the fact you have been out of work for an extended period of time to stay home with children or to meet other family obligations.  You may just simply choose to take a breather.  Not working for prolonged periods of time can be a welcome break but can also put a damper on your confidence and effectiveness as a nurse.  Sometimes an inactive status can affect your hiring ability as it is easier for an employer to hire someone that they don’t have to worry about or spend a lot of time with to bring him / her up to speed regarding new policies, meds and treatments.

What are the requirements and where can I take the course?

You are required to have been licensed within the U.S. and must provide documented proof of this for registration purposes.  You must also provide a copy of your diploma and transcript and provide proof of graduation, a copy of your current CPR certification, and must submit an application of registration.  There is also a fee associated with the course.  This fee may vary from state to state.  The LPN/ LVN refresher course can be taken online and you have one year to complete it at your own pace.  The length of time it takes to complete the course is dependent upon how fast you are able to complete it.

What to look for and other Requirements?

First of all you should look for a course that is approved by NAPNES.  NAPNES stands for the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service.  NAPNES is an association which helps to regulate and advocate education, practice and regulation of the LPN / LVN.  You have to meet certain requirements to take a NAPNES approved refresher course.  You must be licensed as an LPN / LVN and you must fall into one of the following categories.  You must be a LPN / LVN previously licensed in the U.S. seeking to activate an inactive license with the period of inactivity to be determined by the state in which you are currently licensed, you are required to complete a refresher course as ordered per the  State Board of Nursing , you have had a lapse in licensure due to a disciplinary action and must  complete a refresher course as ordered per the State Board of Nursing and have met all other criteria to have your license reinstated, or you can simply be looking to expand upon your initial training.

Taking a LPN / LVN is worth the extra effort.  You worked hard to obtain your Nursing License and should feel confident while you are working.  If you feel that your skills or confidence level may be lacking then a refresher course may be just what you need to bring you up to speed.

The Patient requires Patience

There is nothing more rewarding than caring for someone and watching them recover right before your eyes.  Most patients are very gracious and cooperative but when they aren’t this can cause tension.  When people are sick, they often are required to give up a good portion of their independence.  Try to put yourself in the patient’s place.  How do you behave when you are really sick?  Sick people are often grouchy people because they feel bad and are in a seemingly helpless state.  If you have a patient that is very hard to deal with you can talk to the staff about rotating frequently to give everyone a sanity break. The worst thing to do is to belittle a patient or to react in anger.  Remove yourself from the inflammatory situation if possible and take a few deep breaths.  Ask for support from another nurse or staff member to help you to better deal with the person.

Staff Break

The nursing staff should work as a team in order to keep things running smoothly.  When others shirk their responsibilities or cause problems among staff members this can cause added strain to the LPN.  There are days when you will have staffing shortages and when you will not always agree with other members of the nursing team but you should try to remain in a positive frame of mind in order to function as a unit.  Try not to take everything personally.  We all have bad days.  Try to forgive and forget often. Talk about issues in a calm manner.   However, if there is a situation that you may feel is unsafe or you feel threatened by another staff member than you should follow the chain of command and voice your concerns immediately.

Under Pressure

As a LPN you will have good days and bad.  When you have bad days they can be very bad.  You have a constant liability to be mindful of medication doses, follow Dr.’s orders and maintain a safe standard of patient care.  You will make mistakes.  Do not try to cover a mistake.  If you make an error you should report it immediately to avoid potentially life threatening consequences.  Even if you do not make a mistake you will lose a patient from time to time and this can cause feelings of guilt.  You may question your abilities as a nurse and as decent human being.  Try to accept that death is a part of life.  Talk about your feeling to others. Don’t be afraid to cry or show emotion.  This is a normal reaction.  However, try to maintain your composure in front of the family.

There are several ways to keep stress at a minimum.  Go for a walk outside on your break.  Go to the gym after work.  Physical exercise has been proven to be a great stress reliever and is great for your health as well.  Go for a drive and turn up the music really loud, take a bubble bath, curl up with your dog on the sofa and watch your favorite movie.  Just try to do whatever it is that brings you solace.  You will find if you keep your stress level at a minimum that you will be better prepared to effectively deal with stress when it comes your way and that is better for everyone involved.

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Average Salary Working as an LPN

Night Shift Challenges for nurses 

The Workforce Investment Assistance Act was created in 1998 by the federal government, specifically for the Dept. of Labor.  This Act was passed in hopes of creating a stronger workforce by providing Incentive Grants to displaced workers and for people who are receiving assistance from the state.  The sole purpose of these Incentive Grants is to provide the opportunity of an education for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford one and can help people to enter a position to provide for themselves.  The more workers you have equals less dependants, equals stimulation of the economy.  It’s quite a simple concept, really, and is good news for those who need a little help to get back on their feet.

The Application & Approval Process:

Not just anyone can submit an application for an Incentive Grant.  There are a few requirements that must be met before you apply.  You must provide proof regarding your current financial situation.  You may be asked to provide pay stubs if applicable, and all of your bills will be taken into consideration.  Basically, you will need to show that your living expenses exceed your income and that working as an L.P.N. will improve your financial situation.  If you are currently receiving social assistance then you will already have an idea how this works.   You should go to your local Dept. of Labor or employment assistance facility to submit an application.  You will be assigned a case worker to help you along the way.  He / She will tell you everything that you need to bring. You may be placed on a waiting list as well.  When you do get an appointment be sure to be on time and bring everything that your case worker tells you to have. If you are a male between the ages of 18 – 26 you will be required to sign up for selective service when submitting an application for an Incentive Grant.

Once you have submitted an application for a grant then you must wait for its approval.  If you are approved then you can choose which school you would like to attend.  A list of approved schools may be provided from the employment office that you received your grant through.  You will still be required to submit an application to the Nursing Program at your school of choice like everyone else.

There are grants and monies set aside specifically for those in need of financial assistance.  If you don’t take advantage of them then someone else surely will.  There is a way to stand on your own two feet and become self-sufficient.  An Grant from the WIA can help you to achieve your goals and can assist you to make your own way.  Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance in order to better your situation.  This money is set aside specifically for people just like you.  You can go to your local employment office to find out more information about Incentive Grants available in your state. Good Luck!

Certified Nursing Assistant:

A Certified Nurse’s Assistant or CNA certification can be obtained over a relatively short period of time.  The C.N.A. is exactly what the job title describes.  The CNA assists the nursing staff and is a valuable member of the medical time.  They will spend the most time with a patient and is responsible for obtaining vitals and assisting patients with activities of daily living or ADL’s. ADL’s may include feeding, bathing, and grooming, and assisting with a patient’s mobility.  The average C.N.A. salary is $17,000 – 33,000 a year.  You can earn a C.N.A. certification in as little as 4 weeks but usually this takes about 6-8 weeks. You must pass a test to obtain certification.

Related: From CNA to LPN - Moving forward

Licensed practical Nurse:

The next step up in the nursing staff is the L.P.N. or Licensed Practical Nurse.  In some states the L.P.N. is synonymous with a L.V.N or Licensed Vocational Nurse.  The L.P.N. or L.V.N. oversees the C.N.A. and provides basic and advanced medical care, such as passing medication, starting I.V.s, performing wound care, and providing therapies and treatments as ordered per the Physician and monitors a patient’s response to these treatments. The LPN works directly under the R.N. and assists in carrying out nursing tasks. A L.P.N. student can expect to take some premed courses and then will complete the L.P.N. program in about a year.  You must pass the State Board NCLEX-PN before receiving a license to practice. The average L.P.N. salary is $20,000 – 50,000 a year.

Related: Guide to LPN Training Online

Registered Nurse:

The R.N. is at the top of the Nursing staff just under the Physician.  The R.N. or Registered Nurse is responsible to triage each patient and then must implement a plan of care for each patient based upon that person’s unique individual needs and is responsible to ensure that each plan of care is carried out by the nursing staff.  The R.N. must perform routine assessments, make note of changes, and communicate with the Physician on a regular basis. The R.N. can also provide treatments, pass medication including I.V. push meds, and is responsible for assisting the Physician directly.  The average R.N. salary is $48,000 – 90,000 a year. You must complete your college pre-med classes and then complete a 2 year nursing program.  You will end up with a minimum of an Associated Degree in Nursing.  A BSN or Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing will require more school time and thus will earn a much higher salary.  You must pass the state exam NCLEX-RN in order to obtain your R.N. license.

Related: here’s a quick rundown on the differences between LVN and RN

Phlebotomist:

A Phlebotomist is also an essential member of the medical team.  A Phlebotomist specializes in obtaining blood samples as ordered per the Physician but can also be of value in obtaining blood for blood drives and plasma centers.  The average Phlebotomist yearly salary is $20,000 – 40,000 in an entry level position. A Phlebotomist Training Course can require 150-230 hours on average. You will be required to pass an exam as well.

Dental Assistant:

A Dental Assistant plays an important role in the dental office.  A Dental Assistant works alongside the Dentist and provides assistance to make the Dentist’s job easier.  The Dental Assistant provides patient interaction, assists with equipment and patient positioning, and provides an extra set of hands during dental procedures. You can expect to complete some premed college classes and then must complete a Dental Assistant Training Program which will take about a year. You are then required to take an exam, the CDA or Certified Dental Assistant’s Exam, in order to receive your certification. The average Dental Assistant yearly salary is between $28,000 – 40,000.

Please keep in mind that these salaries are based upon averages and will vary from state to state. The amounts will be higher with more years of experience as well. However, if you are looking forward to an exciting and well paying career then a medical profession could be just what the Dr. ordered

Many people would like to attend college or continue their education but feel that this just isn’t possible due to surmounting costs, a poor economy and working in a dead end job just to get by.  If you fall into any one of these categories then a grant or scholarship may be just what you need to help you to achieve your education goals.  The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education have money set aside in the form of grants and scholarships. These forms of assistance are intended to assist people to achieve success. This money is used to provide assistance in higher learning and education.  You must meet the requirements to determine eligibility. These may vary from state to state but most are very similar in nature.

In order to qualify, you must be able to prove that your expenses exceed your means.  This does not mean that you go on shopping sprees and buy a new sports car but find yourself unable to afford buy food or pay for an education.  This type of assistance is for people who are working or who are unable to work and who require assistance to become more self-sufficient.  You will need to be a legal resident of the United States and will need to possess a valid Social Security number.  You will also need to provide proof of your current income vs. your current living expenses to show financial deficit.  You will probably be asked to provide your last 3 paystubs, if applicable, and will be required to bring in copies of your bills as proof of discrepancy.  You should have a High School Diploma or a G.E.D. but may be able to take a test to determine competency.  There is Financial Aid available for those who wish to obtain a G.E.D. as well.  Male citizens between the ages of 18-26 will be asked to register with the selective service as well.

See Scholarship opportunities in your state: Click here

The nice thing about grants and scholarships is that they needn’t be paid back like a student loan. You can even receive assistance in paying for your textbooks, which can be quite expensive.   Grants and scholarships require that you attend and complete so many course hours each semester and you will need to check in with the school counselor or case worker in order to provide proof that you are keeping up you Grade Point Average.   If you are failing your classes or have too many absences you stand to lose your assistance altogether.

If you are interested in pursuing an education as an L.P.N. and think that you may qualify for financial assistance in the form of a scholarship or a grant you should go to the Financial Aid Office at your local vocational school, college, or university to obtain more information. The Financial Aid Office will help you to get started and will tell you everything that you need to know. The information you receive there will be specific to the school that you are planning to attend. So, what are you waiting for? There is no reason to put it off any longer.  You can have the career you always wanted and now have a means to improve your situation with the help of a grant or a scholarship. You just have to take the first step and go check it out.  Good Luck!

Have you ever applied for a Scholarship or Grant before? Let us know your experience in the comments section.

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