Certified Nursing Assistant

Education Needed

As a reminder, not every state uses the title Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Some simply use the terms Nursing Assistant or Nursing Aide.

• To become a Certified Nursing Assistant requires completing a state-approved CNA training program through an accredited school

1. Note, applicants will need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some high schools feature CNA programs for juniors and seniors
2. CNA training programs are widely available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and even in some hospitals and nursing homes
3. “A typical CNA program lasts for about 120 hours or six weeks and includes four weeks in a classroom and two weeks in a clinical setting,” writes Indeed. “Many online CNA programs can accommodate a variety of student schedules and may offer classes during the day and on evenings and weekends.” 

• Course topics include: 

1. Human anatomy
2. Infection control
3. Medical terminology
4. Nutrition
5. Patient rights
6. Safety and emergencies
7. Vital signs

• Practical training includes instruction on basic nursing principles along with RN-supervised caregiving experiences in clinical settings—usually “at least 75 hours of practical experience in an accredited CNA training facility, which also includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical and 16 hours of laboratory training.” However, some states may require up to 175 hours of training
• Additional state-specific and employer-specific training requirements vary

1. Note, upon completion of a state-approved program, students are required to pass a competency exam to obtain a certification or qualify for a state-issued license
2. Many states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam for this. Others have their own exams
3. Exams usually consist of a written or oral test proctored through a third party, featuring multiple-choice questions. There is also a clinical skills portion where test-takers demonstrate proficiency in various tasks

• Certification is usually good for two years, and renewable based on state or employer-specific requirements (such as completing continuing education or maintaining employment) 
• In addition to the above, CNA hopefuls may need to verify or update their immunizations (such as seasonal Influenza vaccination, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal)
• They may also have to pass criminal background and drug screenings
• CNAs may complete optional credentials, such as:

1. American Board of Wound Management’s Certified Wound Care Associate    
2. American Council on Exercise’s Functional Training Specialty Certification    
3. American Medical Certification Association’s Patient Care Technician Certification    
4. American Phlebotomy Association’s Patient Care Technician    
5. American Red Cross Basic Life Support Certification    
6. Certified Medication Assistant (CMA)
7. Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association’s Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant
8. National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service’s Intravenous Therapy Certification    
9. National Center for Competency Testing’s Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician
10. National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care’s Certified Alzheimer Caregiver
11. National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s National Nurse Aide Assessment Program    
12. National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant   
13.  Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America’s Seating and Mobility Specialist

CNA training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, some hospitals and nursing homes, and even through some high school programs. 

• Review the exact training and certification/licensure requirements for the state you plan to work in.
• Consider tuition costs (in-state/out-of-state rates), discounts, scholarships, and course delivery options (on-campus, online, or hybrid program).
• Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for state certification exams.
• Review the available options for hands-on training in local healthcare settings.
• Consider the duration of the program and the flexibility of class schedules, especially if balancing other commitments.
• Review faculty bios and awards. Learn about graduation rates and job placement stats. Peek at the accomplishments of the alumni network!

• Volunteer in healthcare settings to gain exposure and pick up practical skills
• Take classes in high school related to anatomy, physiology, biology, health sciences, and first aid
• Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable CNA training program
• Participate in school activities where you can hone your soft skills and gain leadership experience 
• Think about the format you want to take CNA classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others need to be learned in person 
• Research the CNA certification requirements for your state. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
• Request to do an informational interview with a working CNA to learn about their daily duties
• Check out online articles and videos about the career field, the various settings you could work in, and extra certifications you may want to pursue!
• Maintain a list of contacts (with phone numbers or emails) who might serve as future job references 
• Keep a working draft of your resume and update it as you gain experience
• Develop a workout schedule so you can stay in shape and manage stress