How to Begin Certification as a Nursing Assistant
A nursing assistant helps in the care of patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and other health care centers. Also called orderlies and nurses’ aides, these essential staff members assist patients with their basic physical needs.
Step 1: High School
Most states require a nursing assistant to have obtained a high school diploma, although some states will allow high school students 16 years of age or older to perform the required duties. It is recommended that the student take courses in biology, chemistry, English, as well as medical subjects if possible, before beginning the training to become a nursing assistant. In addition, this job requires the ability to fluently speak and write in English, calculate basic math equations, and have good reading proficiency.
Step 2: Choosing a Nursing Assistant Training Program
Laws differ for each state, but most do not require a nursing assistant to be certified. However, it is a major benefit to obtain the certification as it will result in better job prospects with higher pay. When choosing a training program, look for one that is approved by the State Board of Nursing. Training programs are offered online, at community colleges, vocational schools, high schools, and some larger employers will even offer the training to new staff members. The average cost for the training program is about $800.
Step 3: The Training Program
The training program typically lasts about six to ten weeks and consists of classroom time, laboratory time and a clinical internship. Potential nursing assistants should be physically fit as the job requires standing, bending and partially lifting patients, so students should take care to be healthy and fit prior to beginning the training program. The classroom portion of the certification training will include anatomy, nutrition, infectious disease, and patient care. Students will also practice techniques with mannequins during the laboratory portion of the program.
Step 4: The Internship
The final portion of the nursing assistant certification training includes an internship where the students will be working directly with actual patients. This part of the training is typically one to two weeks in duration. Students practice the skills and knowledge they have gained during the previous weeks to prepare for their next jobs. Typical duties include bathing patients, feeding patients, dressing patients as well as checking vital signs, setting up beds and other equipment, and performing basic hygiene tasks. The interns will also gain an understanding of patient relations and emotional care, as the nursing aide is the staff member with the most frequent contact with patients.
Step 5: The Certification Exam
After completion of the classroom, laboratory and internship portions of the certification program, the student will take an exam. This test consists of a written section and a practical portion, where students will be required to show their knowledge and skills. After a passing grade is obtained, the exam scores and grades for courses are submitted to the licensing department of the State Board of Nursing. The Board issues a certificate that qualifies the holder as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). To maintain the certification, the CNA must complete approximately 12-16 hours of continuing education courses each year depending on the state.
A nursing assistant is a valuable member of a medical team, whether at a hospital, doctor’s office or long term care facility. Nursing assistants perform the basic duties that ensure a patient’s needs are met and that they are well-cared for.