How to Become CNA Certified?

Answer 1

Are you interested in assisting nurses in a hospital or nursing home environment? If so, a CNA may be a job that could interest you. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) will help nurses and patients with their day-to-day tasks. These tasks can include administering medicines, answering questions and helping nurses and patients with their daily routine. In order to become a CNA though, all states require certification.

The Job Duties

As a CNA, you will have a variety of job duties. Whether you work in a hospital or nursing home setting, you'll be considered the RN's assistant. It will be your duty to help them with any tasks that they need throughout the day. These tasks can include bathing, feeding and cleaning up a room.

Acquiring a Certification

All nursing assistants are required to be certified by the state before they can start the job. In order to receive this certification, a potential nursing assistant must complete a training program that is accredited by the state. These programs can be taken locally at a community college or through accredited online programs. To complete a full course, it shouldn't cost no more than $2,000.

Most courses are going to last at least 75 hours. Most, if not all states will require 75 hours as a bare minimum. Out of that 75 hours, 10 to 20 percent will be through a clinical, which is on the job training at local hospitals and nursing homes. Through these programs, the courses will cover topics such as anatomy, nutrition, client rights and blood testing.

Taking the Test

Upon completion of the approved course, a state test will have to be completed. This test will include a written and skills part. The written part will include questions that you have learned through the class, while the skills test will include CPR and feeding exercises. If the exam is passed, most states require an annual class to keep the student up to date.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CNA field is expected to grow at least 18 percent through the year 2018, due to the increasing number of senior citizens. Most of these jobs will be located in nursing homes. Fresh graduates out of the program can expect to make $20,000 to $25,000 a year.