subject: Find State Approved Programs for CNA Certification [print this page] Find State Approved Programs for CNA Certification
Students who completed State-approved nursing assistant training programs are the only ones allowed to take CNA certification examinations.
Nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs are approved by the Nurse Aide Registry which is maintained in many States. If you are looking for a proper CNA certification program, this article provides the essential information you need.
Although State-approved certified nursing assistant programs follow different educational models and offer different courses, they all have the following in common:
- Clinical supervision for 40 to 80 hrs
- Academic training for 75 to 150 hrs
- Training covers infection control, safety procedures, emergency procedures, interpersonal skills and resident rights
- A Registered Nurse with at least a year of experience in long term care supervises training
Almost every state-run nursing aide training are held on-site however there are some that offer distance learning.
Searching for State-offered CNA Certification Program
Usually, local high schools, community colleges or centers, nursing homes or long term care facilities hold CNA programs. The official government agency in every state is tasked to approve and regulate these programs.
The following are some of the different departments that the State use to regulate nurse training programs: The Department of Professional Licensing, The Department of Public Health, The Department of Health Services, The Department of Education and the State's Board of Nursing.
CNA certification programs take three months to complete however this still depends on the requirements of your State of residence. Better check on your State's regulatory board for further details.
Applying for a Certified Nursing Assistant License
Preparing for a State-accredited competency test is your next step after completing a CNA certification program. In most States, one must take the competency exam within 2 years from completing a CNA training program.
Stay Clear of Claims for Online CNA Certification
If you stumble upon schools or organizations that claim to provide CNA classes online as preparation for licensure, be wary. Why?
Federal Law requires that every State maintain and regulate an official list of all accredited programs allowed to train in physical locations within that same State. Only a small number of States are allowed to offer distance learning and online classes are very rarely offered.
The Advantages of State-approved CNA Certification Training programs
After successfully completing an approved CNA program and passing the licensure test, the individual gets her name included in the State registry. This qualifies the new CNA for jobs in various health care centers. Every community offering long-term health care provide certified nursing assistants employment opportunities.
Tena Polansky has been a CNA training coordinator for over 12 years and has a wide range of experience in training candidates for CNA, LPN, LVN and RN. She was able to help many nursing students to get CNA certification.
