To become a certified nurse assistant, you must first complete a Registered Nurse’s training program or an assisted living facility. It is then necessary to register with the appropriate authority so that you may work as a certified nurse assistant.
how to become a certified nurse assistant in California
Becoming a nurse assistant in California is an exciting yet challenging career. To become certified, you need to complete an accredited course and pass the state examination. Earning your certification will not only be helpful for your earning potential but also to access better job opportunities and higher salaries. The first step is to choose the program that’s best suited for your needs and budget.
Education & Training
To become a Nursing Assistant, professionals must complete a state-approved education program in addition to passing a state-designated competency exam. After passing this exam, CNA’s are placed on a state registry, which is a requirement to work in a nursing home setting. Typically, Nursing Assistant programs can be pursued through community colleges, technical schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Thus, this career in healthcare is perfect for someone wanting to complete their education in two years or less! Learn about other healthcare careers achievable in two years or less!
“In Utah you are required to take a certification class that has both written assignments and skills labs, with over 30 skills you must have memorized and clinical hours. This is so you can see how the career actually is,” Maw explained. “I think the most challenging part for me was clinical hours because before the hours you feel like you know it all. Then they throw you in with real patients and the work can get overwhelming.”
Advancement
There are many ways for CNAs to advance in their career paths, including the pursuit of more schooling to become Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses or Registered Nurses. Alternatively, Nursing Assistants may choose to take additional courses to earn more advanced credits. By taking additional courses, professionals may become eligible to progress to more technical positions.
Other fields within the realm of healthcare that Nursing Assistants may choose to pursue involve administration and research/education. There are many different paths a Nursing Assistant can take, the right one is truly up to the individual and their interests!
“Some CNA careers will let you become a coordinator, or even an administrator for the building, but you must be willing to work hard so leadership knows you are serious about advancing,” Maw confirmed.
Experience & Skills
Strong written and verbal communication is imperative in a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. More-so pertaining to the care of patients and residents, Nursing Assistants should possess physical stamina, allowing them to lift, transition or move their patients. Additionally, this endurance can be critical as CNAs may spend much of their workdays on their feet, and moving from patient to patient.
“Physically, you need to be able to move people,” Maw stated. “This is not a sitting job, you need to be able to be on your feet 8 to 12 hours a day. A part of the role may be repositioning and moving patients. You will need to learn how to safely move patients so you do not become injured yourself”
Personality
“Mentally, to become a CNA you need compassion and empathy, Maw stressed. “This a field that is so vastly different than any other career field. You need to not only know what they train you to do, you need to know things that no one can ever train you to do.”
Furthermore, to be successful as a Nursing Assistant, professionals should possess a number of other characteristics including strong interpersonal skills. In this career in healthcare, effective communication skills are essential because Certified Nursing Assistants must determine and address a patient’s or resident’s needs and concerns.
