About Certified Nursing Assistance Programs

There are many certified nursing assistance programs for those wishing to provide quality health care to patients. These individuals are called nurse aides, nursing assistants or CNA’s. The professionals help patients with services such as feeding, clothing, bathing and help with basic daily living activities.

Training

Students are trained to work with patients with various types of medical issues. Some patients have nursing assistance that work with them if they have chronic diseases, rehabilitating after surgery, at the end stages of life or just need help with daily activities.

Course Work

Those interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant can take courses at their local community colleges or through private organizations in the community. Students are expected to complete a certain number of classroom hours as well as clinical hours. These hours may vary from state to state. The course work usually last for 10 weeks and include Fundamental of Nursing Assistant, Tools for Success and some take classes dealing with geriatric patients.

State Competency Exam

After successfully completely the course work for the certified nursing assistant program, students should be prepared to take their states competency exam. Individuals will be expected to pass the exam as well as five clinical skills.

Employment

After a student passes the state’s competency test they are then considered certified nursing assistants and eligible to work with that title. Individuals can work in a nursing facility, hospital or as a home health aide. Certified nursing assistants must work under the supervision of a RN.