Increasing enrollment at CNA and HHA programs- how to attract students to your training program
Author: Maureen Bonatch MSN, RN
Getting students to come to your certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) training program might take more than building it. A long list appears if you search online for HHA or CNA training programs. How does a new student know which one to choose? And how do you get them to enroll in your program?
This post will discuss practical and innovative strategies for attracting students to your HHA or CNA training program and increasing enrollment.
How to attract students
If you think the list of HHA and CNA training program options looks overwhelming, imagine how it might feel to a potential student. Here are a few ways to help your program stand out:
Practical tips:
Build out your website. Personalize your site to showcase your program. You can offer a virtual tour, a taste of your content, online CNA simulations, or free downloadable information. This way, potential students can explore your HHA or CNA training program without leaving home.
Share your program structure. Do you have a traditional, blended, or online CNA program? If it’s online, remind them that they can cut the commute! But don’t forget to review which parts of the course they would need to attend in person.
Use testimonials. Let your potential students hear from your happy graduates. Getting praise from students who have completed your program may help stop the scroll. Use these testimonials on your website and for other advertising.
Get the word out. Consider investing in targeted advertising based on student demographics, interests, and behaviors. Some options, such as regular posts on your program’s social media pages, may only cost you your time. These can help you build genuine student relationships.
Email marketing. Personalize your emails with information about your online CNA or HHA program. Highlight any innovative tools you use, such as whether your program offers online CNA games or simulations.
Get Innovative:
Stop feeling overwhelmed by trying to do everything and instead do one thing—offer more hands-on learning experiences. Initiatives like the Caring4Cal program can help. They offer support to expand, enhance, and strengthen the healthcare workforce. One way they’re doing this is with CNA Simulations.
“CNA Simulations is a great tool to help in and outside the classroom. It is a great tool to use for evaluation and assessment. The incentives motivate the students to complete them. Students can reinforce learning at their own pace.”
Appeal to prospective students with virtual simulations. Many programs don’t get to hands-on learning until lab or clinical. Using interactive tools like CNA Simulations can help differentiate your program.
Stand out from the crowd
Initiatives like Caring4Cal can support your CNA enrollment efforts. They promote innovative teaching methods and enhance the overall quality of healthcare education.
With all the training program choices, let your new students know how your program differs. Does your HHA or CNA training program:
Offer CNA games, CNA mock skills, CNA simulations online, or other ways to help them pass the CNA or HHA skills test
Assist with tuition
Help students find employment after graduation
Have a high CNA state testing pass rate and accreditations by the state Board of Nursing or other regulatory organizations
Suppose you offer one-of-a-kind CNA simulations, online CNA clinical skills practice, and CNA games in realistic environments. In that case, you have something different to offer than most other HHA and CNA training programs.
Know your students
The median age of a nursing assistant is 36, so many of your students may be adult learners.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of adult learners can help you appeal to what motivates them.
Understand the challenges of adult learners. They may need more time and support, have self-doubt or financial barriers, or need help learning new concepts. Let them know if your course offers CNA simulations online or CNA games to help them gain confidence while bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Appeal to adult learners' strengths. Emphasize if you have a self-directed online CNA course. Many adult learners like to learn by doing and may enjoy problem-solving. Tell them if you have CNA training videos or other ways to gain experience independently.
Adult learners often prefer lots of hands-on learning. Rather than having them wait until clinical, experiential learning methods, such as those offered by CNA Simulations, can effectively engage this demographic early in training.
Help them to succeed
Passing the state test is critical for a successful career as a CNA or HHA. How will your program help students master competencies to help them succeed?
Share the resources your training program offers, such as if your offer:
CNA games to help prepare students for clinical and the state CNA skills test while sharpening skills in communication and critical thinking
Scenarios and hands-on learning to practice skills and gain confidence
Use of technology as part of the learning experience
Experienced instructors
CNA simulations online provide a safe and controlled environment and contribute to better student outcomes
CNA charting software or a CNA exam simulator
Alum success stories
No matter what brought them to your training program, remind them why they’re considering a career as a CNA or HHA. A brief overview of the professional and personal benefits of these in-demand jobs may help solidify their decision.
How is your program different?
Suppose you offer one-of-a-kind CNA simulations, online CNA clinical skills practice, and CNA games in realistic environments. In that case, you have something different to offer than most other HHA and CNA training programs. Don’t be afraid to brag about this and other things that differentiate your program—it may stop the scroll and help you attract more students.
As a CNA instructor, leverage the resources of CNA Simulations to enrich your curriculum and maximize student learning, supported by initiatives like the Caring4Cal program.
Free training, personal coaching, and incentives of up to $2,750 are provided as a part of the Caring4Cal Health Workforce Development Grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information.
Ready to enhance your training program? Let's chat!