CNA Certification Programs

Each stage in the career of a nursing student is recognized by the respective certificate that is approved by the state or is nationally approved as far as Registered Nurses (RNs) are concerned. The certification for CNA is one such certification and happens to be one of the first certifications. The certificate is an important credential that proves that the nursing assistants meet the criteria for nursing practice. The CNA certificate needs to be renewed at regular intervals as mentioned by the state. The renewal of the CNA certificate indicates that the respective CNA has been actively involved in the nursing practice for a given period of time and has shown the necessary competencies required in the nursing profession. Once the nursing assistants obtain the CNA certificate, they become eligible for applying for CNA licensure.

CNA Certification Programs

In order to obtain the CNA certificate, one needs to successfully attend and complete the nursing aide classes or programs which are also referred to as CNA certification programs. The CNA certification programs provide technical as well as practical training and knowledge to the CNA candidates. The technical part of these certificate programs focus on the theoretical aspects of nursing, while the practical part focuses on the clinical aspects of the nursing profession.

The students who enroll for the CNA certification programs need to attend the theory as well as practical sessions conducted in the facility. After gaining sufficient knowledge and hands on experience, the students can apply for the CNA exam. The CNA certification exam is conducted by the state and once the students clear this exam, they can obtain the CNA certificate.

The CNA certification programs cover a wide range of topics such as anatomy and physiology, scientific aspects, patient care and safety precautions, diet and nutrition, medical terminologies, health related education, population education and so on.

In the practical or clinical sessions, the students get a chance to get trained on all the clinical duties that are supposed to be performed by a CNA. The senior Registered Nurses are present during the training sessions to guide the candidates.

While studying the certified CNA certification program, the candidates acquire all the nursing skills which are evaluated in the examination. The exam also has 2 sections – one is technical while the other is the practical section. In the technical section, the students need to answer a set of multiple choice questions that are taught in the theory classes. The practical section of the exam tests the clinical abilities and requires the candidates to perform any 5 clinical procedures. The result of the CNA certification exam is usually out in a period of one month.

Eligibility Criteria for CNA Certification Programs

• The candidate needs to be minimum 18 years of age 
• The candidate should hold a high school diploma or an equivalent test certificate for GED (general educational development) 
• The candidate needs to undergo a medical/fitness and background check and present a proof of the same 
• The candidate also needs to submit a proof for latest vaccination

There are 2 options available to attend the CNA certification programs – either online or off-line. Even online programs are a good option to go in for when you have less time to attend regular classes. Online CNA programs offer online study material, lectures, videos as well as interactive sessions as well as some practical tests.

The fee structure of the CNA certification programs vary according to the state. The costs are usually affordable. For anyone who cannot afford to pay for the CNA certification program fees, there are financial aids available by way of sponsorship or at times a scholarship. However, there are certain prerequisites and procedures to apply for the financial aid and you need to fulfill the same in order to get the required financial assistance.

Job responsibilities after completing the CNA Certification Program

Once you obtain the CNA certificate, you can start your practice as a CNA under the supervision and guidance of doctors and Registered Nurses. It is the duty of the CNA to help and assist the doctors and senior nurses in the medical procedures.

CNAs perform various tasks while helping the patients in the hospitals or health care facilities. The CNAs have to take care of the patients on a daily basis and help the patients do their daily tasks like bathing, combing hair, dressing and feeding. They also have to move and position the patients as per the need. They have to change linens and keep the patient's room neat and tidy.

The CNAs are also trained in the CNA certification program to take the vitals of the patients. So, CNAs should be able to measure and record the blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels and body temperature of the patients. They need to monitor the health condition of the patients and report the same to the doctors.

All these responsibilities are well taken care of in the CNA certification programs. The CNA certification program is the first step to begin your career in the medical or nursing field; which later opens a world of opportunities to you. Once you become a CNA, you can advance your career to become a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) or a RN (Registered Nurse). You can also opt for higher education in the same nursing field. Higher education along with relevant experience adds great value to your career in the field of medicine. The number of job opportunities for a CNA are endless and hence it is becoming an increasingly popular career choice among youngsters.

Advantages of the CNA Certification Programs

• The CNA certification signifies that you are well qualified and have all the required competencies for the nursing practice. 
• Holding the CNA certificate is an indication of being active in practicing as a nursing assistant. 
• The CNA certificate proves that the candidate has specialized knowledge as well as skills. 
• The CNA certificate is a key to better and bigger career opportunities. 
• The CNA certification helps candidates advance their career and earn great salaries. 
• The CNA certificate helps the candidate get a formal recognition at their workplace.