About Geriatric Nursing Assistant Certification

Geriatric nursing assistants primarily work in nursing homes with geriatric patients. In order to become a geriatric nursing assistant, you must first receive geriatric nursing assistant certification. To get certified, you must take a geriatric nursing assistant program approved by your state and then take a licensing exam.

Geriatric Nursing Assistant Training Program

In order to become eligible for geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) certification, you must first attend a geriatric nursing assistant training program. The Red Cross, local community colleges and some hospitals offer GNA training programs. Most GNA programs do not require students to take any prerequisite courses. However, GNA programs do require students to posses a high school diploma or the equivalent. When you sign up for a GNA training course, make sure you take a course that is accredited by your states board of nursing. You must attend every lecture and lab, as well as clinical hours at a nursing home or hospital. GNA training programs generally take from four to six weeks if you attend full-time.

Geriatric Nursing Assistant Certification Exam

After completing GNA training, you must take a certification exam in order to start work. Most GNA programs tell their students how to sign up for the certification test in their area. However, if none of your instructors gave you this information, check you states board of nursing website. Nursing is regulated by each state, so you can find out the relevant information about your area on the board of nursing website. You can find information about signing up for the certification exam as well as information about what the exam covers.