About Nursing Assistant Certification

A nursing assistant is a trained individual who works beside a registered nurse and provides patients with medical care. They are typically employed in a hospital setting, but may work in a nursing home or private office. A nursing assistant is required to have certification that displays their skills in the field.

Education

A nursing assistant must attend nursing school before they can take the certification test. The school provides students with training and knowledge that is used to successfully treat their patients. The training for a nursing assistant is a certificate program and is held over the course of six months to a year. The student will work with other student in a medical like setting while a registered nurse typically teaches the students.

Hands on Training

A nursing assistant receives hands on training during their education. This type of training is required for certification to be received. Hands on training teaches to student how to take vital signs, how to administer medication and other tasks they will complete while working as a nursing assistant. This type of training is provided towards the end of the certification courses.

Certification

Once a nursing assistant has completed their education, they can take the certification test. The nursing assistant certification test is based on the knowledge and training a student should have when they complete the certificate program. The test must be passed in order to gain certification; however, if a student fails the test they can retake it every six months until they pass.