subject: Cna Continuing Education: 6 Tips For You [print this page] After becoming a Certified Nurses' Assistant (CNA), you may want to further your career and go on to become a licensed or registered nurse. Continuing education after completing your CNA will not only allow you keep your CNA certification, but also help you broaden your career options. Besides, continuing education helps you hone and update the skills you already have, acquire some more and prepares you for further challenges.
*To get recertified, a CNA generally has to get 12 hours of continuing education annually; if this is done through an online program, you will need 24 hours. Different state boards have different requirements, so you will need to check these. In some states, continuing education is optional, but CNA's are encouraged to study as it benefits both them and the patients.
*Many medical facilities offer in-house continuing education. This is one of the things to look for in a potential employer. These programs are generally customized to meet the facilities' needs. You can also work while studying which allows you to complete the course at your convenience. Even if you are not a part of the facility, you can join the program if seats are available.
*Classes, which cover about 12 hours, are available at community colleges, local hospitals, nursing schools and international organizations. You could start by checking with the school at which you trained to become a CNA as to how you can go about it. They may offer continuing education classes or recommend a good school/program.
*Many continuing education classes, regular or online, are free or charge a nominal fee. Online classes are convenient, especially if you are working as they are flexible and allow you to study in your own time and pace.
*Courses offered include physiology and anatomy, which will help you if you decide to go to nursing school. You can do courses on various types of diseases; domestic violence which will help you recognize signs of domestic abuse; and courses on safety issues like nursing accidents and errors, and preventing the spread of infection among patients.
*If you are thinking of making a change in your nursing career - for example, you may want to move from a residential nursing home to a hospital - continuing education can help you with that.
Nursing is a very competitive profession, so if you are a CNA who wants to further your career, you must do a continuing education course. Updating your skills means that you will be able to give your patients the best care possible.
