To become a CNA, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, plus nursing assistant training. You can find these programs at community colleges, trade schools and medical facilities. Before enrolling, be sure the program is approved by your state’s nursing board.
Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll need to take a state exam. You’ll be tested on your basic nursing knowledge and skills. Aspiring CNAs will be expected to correctly answer questions about daily living activities, patient/client rights, communication, legal and ethical behavior and working as a health care team member, among other topics.
If you’re concerned about the content of a CNA exam, you can find study preparation materials online. Here are a few sample questions:
- How should a nursing assistant obtain the most accurate weight of a patient?
- Who can you share a patient’s personal information with?
- What are the best ways to show a patient you are listening?
Education & Certification
You can complete your certified nursing assistant program in a very short period of time. In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to complete a 6-to-12 week CNA certificate program at a community college or medical facility.
Classroom instruction in a certified nursing assistant program generally includes the following:
- Basic nursing skills
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nutrition
- Infection control
Students also gain plenty of hands-on-experience during clinical activities.
Regulations on nursing assistant certification vary from state-to-state. However, most CNA programs offer a certification exam. The National Association for Home Care offers national certification for home health aides.
It’s not uncommon for CNAs to advance their career by going back to school. If you want to become a registered nurse, you can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The former takes about two years to complete, but there are CNA-to-RN bridge programs available. This allows nursing students to complete their schooling in less than two years. Just keep in mind that an RN, BSN tends to open more doors for an advancement and opportunity in a nursing career.
CNA Licensure
To earn CNA licensure, you’ll need to pass a state-issued competency exam. You’ll complete a multiple choice portion of the test and in most cases, you’ll need to demonstrate certain skills in a clinical setting.
In order to keep your CNA licensure active, most states require that CNAs complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years. Your state board can provide you with the most up-to-date information on licensing requirements.
When your license is up for renewal, check with your employer about continuing education subsidization. Many places will cover the cost of classes for their employees.
How much do Assistant nurses earn in South Africa?
An early career Nurse Assistant with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R117,434 based on 27 salaries. A mid-career Nurse Assistant with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R120,829 based on 17 salaries.
What kind of education is required to be a nursing assistant?
To become a CNA, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, plus nursing assistant training. You can find these programs at community colleges, trade schools and medical facilities. Before enrolling, be sure the program is approved by your state’s nursing board.