Are you interested in entering the healthcare field? Would you prefer to work directly with patients instead of pursuing a career somewhere behind the scenes? If you are a compassionate person who prefers to work in a fast-paced environment, becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant could be a great first step in your career. With more and more baby boomers requiring medical care, the need for CNA’s continues to grow, and earning your certification will help fill in the gap that is currently widening in the field. If you are not sure where to start, here is your straightforward guide to becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Learn the State Specific Requirements Where You Want to Work
While there are general requirements that candidates must fulfill to be hired as a nursing assistant, to become a certified nursing aid you need to complete your training and fulfill all of the requirements in the state before you can take the certification exam. While a degree is not required to become a CNA, you will need to enroll in training to prepare you to take your state’s competency testing. In some states, prospects must have 75 hours of training under their belt to test, and in other states 150 hours may be required. Be sure to check the requirements for training in your state
before you proceed.
What Will CNA Training Teach You?
You can enroll in a vocational CNA training course, or a degree program that covers all of the skills and information you will need to know as a nursing assistant. When you are comparing different training program options, be sure you are choosing a program from a reputable institution that is accredited by a recognized agency like the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission. By choosing a training program that is assessed by the NLNAC, you have peace of mind in knowing that the training program you are taking will teach you the theory, lab practices, and clinical skills you need to pass your state test.
What is the Typical Requirement to Enroll in CNA Training?
All prospective students must meet program requirements before they can enroll in a training program. While the prerequisites can vary from school to school, most of the requirements are lenient compared to college degree program requirements. In most cases, students must:
* Be 16 years of age or older
* Possess a valid state ID
* Possess a social security number
* Be able to read at an elementary level
* Be able to pass drug screening to report to clinical lab
* Pass a fingerprinting and background check
* Pass a TB test and receive clearance from a physician before orientation
Are you ready to provide care to patients who need you? If becoming a nursing assistant is your goal, or you would like to use your certification to work your way up in the field of nursing, find a training program. Once you dedicate your time to learning the technical knowledge and the clinical skills you must possess to be a talented nursing assistant, you can pass your competency test and look for a position in one of the many environments that exist today. In just weeks or months, you could be on your way to starting a new career in a field that is expected to grow 20% by 2020.
