subject: 5 Steps To Help You Start A Career As A Certified Nursing Assistant [print this page] Getting a job in the medical field offers job security. The job opportunities in this field continue to grow, unlike in other areas where in people are losing their jobs. CNA is a great option if you want to be working in the health care industry. It only requires minimal education and money to help you get started. If you want to pursue a career in this field, there are steps you might want to consider to get a CNA certificate.
Steps to help you get started
- Attend CNA training classes. Before you can take these classes, you need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. There are various institutions that offer these classes. They are offered by community colleges, hospitals, nursing homes and Red Cross branches. They can last from months to a year, depending on the program you have chosen. You can attend these classes full-time or part-time, depending on the kind of schedule that works best for you.
- Take the classes seriously. Before you can obtain a certificate of completion, you will need to pass the written and practical examination. Therefore, you should take your classes seriously. You need to study and work hard to pass it. The training classes will tackle patient care, safety regulations, infection control and CPR instruction. You will also receive hands-on training in taking vital signs, assisting patients with their personal hygiene and teaching them basic nutrition.
- Study for the certification examination. In order for you to become a certified nursing assistant, you need to pass the certification examination. To help you pass it, you need to get some practice by taking a practice exam. An internship will help you apply what you have learned in the class allowing you to prepare for the practical part of the exam.
- Take the examination in your state. The CNA examination has two parts: written and practical exam. The former involves testing your knowledge about what you have learned during the lectures. The latter, on the other hand, tests your skills that you have acquired while doing clinical. You should pass these two parts in order to obtain a CNA certificate. Because every state has its own requirements, you should find out the requirements in the state you want to be employed.
- Wait for the result. The result will come out days or weeks after the examination.
After passing the CNA examination, you are now ready to carry out job search. This profession offers a fulfilling and rewarding career that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. However, you can also move up the ladder by obtaining a continuing education allowing you to be offered a supervisory position in a facility you will be working in. In terms of salary, you will make more than those who are not certified.
