Certified nurse assistant training programs prepare you to provide patients with basic care. Classroom instruction and clinical experience enable you to obtain the necessary nursing skills and knowledge to provide personal care such as bathing, nutrition, elimination, safety and comfort to patients (typically at long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, mental health facilities, assisted living complexes and hospitals). Offered by high schools, vocation schools, health care facilities and community colleges, CNA programs typically take 6 to 12 weeks to complete. Federal law mandates certified nurse assistants complete at least 75 hours of training and pass a certification test.
Instructions
1. Ensure you meet the prerequisites. CNA programs require a high school diploma and completion of health care forms to ensure you have up-to-date immunizations. You may be required to read and write in English as well. Some jobs require you to be able to lift 40 pounds or more.
2. Research programs in your area to locate a program offered when and where you need it. Call the State Nurse Aide Registry (or State Licensing Board) for your state. For example, the Nurse Aide Registry on the Mass.gov website provides access to information and contacts for individuals residing in the state of Massachusetts.
3. Verify the program you've selected meets requirements. For example, if you live in Massachusetts, contact the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Testing Office to verify the program you'll be attending prepares you to take the test.
Tags: Nurse Aide, Aide Registry, care facilities, health care, Nurse Aide Registry
