CNAs provide healthcare services to sick and disabled patients, assisting with personal care and monitoring vital signs. To become certified, individuals must complete a nursing assistant program and pass an exam. CNAs work in various healthcare settings and must recertify every few years. High school courses in health, science, and math can help prepare for this career.
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is a certified medical professional who provides healthcare services to sick and disabled patients. Nursing assistants perform a variety of tasks to help patients with their personal needs, such as assisting with bathing, feeding, dressing, and doing hair. Most assistants also take and monitor patients’ vital signs. While licensed practical nurses are generally in constant demand, job opportunities for a certified nursing assistant can be more plentiful. To earn a CNA certification, an individual will need to complete a licensed practical nurse program and take the certification exam.
When pursuing a CNA certification, a person must begin with a high school degree. This is usually the minimum requirement to proceed in this field of work. While in high school, a student may have a special interest in health, science, and math courses. These courses can better help a student prepare for work as a nursing assistant. Some students may volunteer at a hospital or nursing home to gain hands-on experience working with people with medical needs.
An individual interested in earning a CNA certification will need to choose an accredited school that offers a nursing assistant program. These programs are usually offered by community colleges and vocational or trade schools. While enrolled in a licensed practical nurse program, a student can expect to learn about general health care techniques, nutrition, medical ethics, anatomy and physiology. The student will also learn first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most programs will consist of oral lectures, tests and clinical classes.
After graduating from the nursing assistant program, the individual will need to take the CNA certification exam. Most regions charge a fee to take the exam. To prepare for this type of nursing certification test, an individual must study intensively and take practice tests if available. Generally, the certification exam consists of a written part and a clinical part. During the clinical portion, a student may be required to demonstrate certain skills taught while enrolled in the nursing assistant program.
Once the CNA certification exam is passed, the person can apply for a job as a certified nursing assistant. Certified nursing assistants often work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors’ offices and hospitals. Different regions will have a different set of requirements for earning a CNA certification. In most cases, a person will need to complete a CNA recertification exam every few years to keep their certification active. For this reason, knowing the regional requirements is very important.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
