What Are the Requirements for CNA Certification?
Would you like to help others and assist nurses in providing basic care for their patients? A certified nursing assistant (CNA) works in environments such as hospitals and nursing homes to help patients with day-to-day tasks. In addition to completing a specialized training program, aspiring CNAs must earn state certification. Schools offering Nursing degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Job Duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant
A certified nursing assistant may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes and clinics. As a CNA, you assist registered nurses (RNs) with compassionate, quality care giving; you may also directly help patients with bathing and eating, as well as make their bed or pick up their room.
Certification
Nursing assistants are required to be state certified. To earn certification, you must complete an approved training program and pass a state regulated written examination. Competency evaluations ensure that you have achieved a minimum basic skills set. In addition, a physical examination for such things as tuberculosis may be required. CNAs who work in nursing care facilities are regulated by the federal government and must have a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training. Specific requirements vary by state, so you should be sure to check with your state board for specific information.
Training Programs
CNA training programs are available from many community colleges and vocational schools and are geared to prepare you to sit for certification examinations. They consist of a blend of coursework, clinical experience and laboratory studies. Basic exposure to laboratory studies and clinical rotations, along with coursework, are essential in allowing you to put the skills you've learned into practice. CNA training is condensed into a program that typically lasts from 2-4 months and requires 200-230 coursework hours. Typical CNA certification courses cover:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nutrition
- Body mechanics
- Infection control
- Client rights
- Medical terminology
- Dementia
- Blood testing
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to a 2009 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for nursing assistants are projected to grow by 19% from 2008-2018 due primarily to the increasing number of senior citizens who are part of the baby boomer generation (www.bls.gov). As of 2009, the median annual salary for nursing assistants was $24,040.
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