So you’ve decided to become a certified nursing assistant, but what do you do next? How do you get started in the process of becoming certified? That’s where this beginner’s guide comes in. You’ll learn what to expect and are given crucial information to better prepare you for the ultimate goal of getting your certification for being a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Find out more about Certified nursing assistant job description, certified nursing assistant jobs, cna classes online, certified nursing assistants, CNA classes online, nursing jobs, How to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), how to become a cna, cna program requirements on careerkeg.com.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of the healthcare industry. They provide much-needed care and support to patients while they’re in hospital, and they play an enormous role in ensuring that patients have the best possible outcomes. In order to become a CNA, you’ll need to meet a few requirements and pass a certification test. Here’s what you need to know:
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
- Meet the Education Requirements
The first step is meeting the education requirements for becoming a CNA. The most common way to do this is by completing an accredited program at a vocational or technical school. You can find these programs on your state’s Board of Nursing website. Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to pass both an English language proficiency exam and a written exam that evaluates your knowledge of health care topics like anatomy and physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, nutrition, basic medical terminology, patient rights and ethics, infection control procedures, CPR techniques (including infant resuscitation), legal issues related to patient care (including HIPAA regulations), mental health issues like depression or substance abuse problems caused by stressors like poverty or homelessness). After all this training comes time spent
How to become a certified cna
Before becoming a certified nurse aid or assistant (CNA), you will need to complete a training program.
Before becoming a certified nurse aid or assistant (CNA), you will need to complete a training program. The length and cost of these programs vary, as do their contents. Some programs can be completed in less than one year while others might last up to four years.
Programs are also available online or at hospitals and community colleges, so it’s important to do your research before choosing your program. For example:
- You’ll want to know how much time you have before you need the certification for a job opportunity. If there’s no rush, then an online course may be preferable because it allows people with busy schedules access to classwork from home without having to physically attend classes at all times during the week (or day). However, if there is a deadline for getting certified by an employer or licensing organization before they hire someone else who was trained locally, then attending face-to-face courses may be preferable so that students aren’t missing out on valuable learning experiences when they aren’t present in class each day during normal business hours.*
Complete the CNA training program.
In order to become a certified CNA, you’ll need to complete an accredited training program. The USCG understands that there are multiple types of programs available and they have provided the following guidelines:
- The program should be at least 75 hours long.
- It should include both classroom and hands-on training that covers patient care, infection control, CPR/first aid and other subjects related to your job as a CNA.
- It must have been approved by either a state or federal governmental agency as meeting all requirements for certification as a CNA in your state (or region).
Then, register for the CNA state exam.
The CNA state exam is a computer-based test that covers topics such as safety and infection control, basic medical terminology, CPR, equipment care and maintenance. You’ll need to check with your program’s director to see if it meets the state requirements for training programs. Or you can visit the National Council on Patient Information & Education website, which contains links to state websites where you can find information about the registration process.
Once you’ve registered with your state board of nursing (BON), you’ll receive an authorization card in the mail with instructions on how to schedule an appointment for your test date at one of more than 1,000 Pearson VUE sites nationwide.
The final step is the actual state exam itself.
As the final step, you will take the state exam. The exam process is typically one full day long and includes both a written section and a clinical skills section. Both sections can be retaken if necessary, but you must pass both to pass the exam.
The written portion of your CNA state certification test will cover topics such as:
Basic anatomy and physiology of the human body
Medical terminology
Safety procedures for working in health care settings
Depending on the state in which you live, you might also need to take a background check.
You might also be required to take and pass a background check. The specific requirements for this vary from state to state, and some states require live-scan fingerprinting, which involves getting your fingerprint scanned by an electronic scanner. Some states may also require you to have a criminal history record check and/or provide proof of citizenship or legal residency in the United States.
To find out if you need a background check, contact the licensing agency in your state that oversees certified nursing assistants (CNAs). For example, in California it’s called the Department of Public Health (DPH).
Learning how to become a certified CNA is fairly simple and straightforward.
When you take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, you will need to study the materials provided by your state certification board. You can also use free online resources such as YouTube videos and online practice tests. Once you have completed your training and passed the test, you will be able to work as a CNA.
In addition to completing a basic training course, some states also require additional steps before being qualified as a CNA. Some states require background checks or drug tests before allowing someone to take their state certification exam. Additionally, some states require continuing education courses for CNAs who wish to maintain their credentials
