subject: Requirements for CNA Certification [print this page] This article would be useful for those of you who like to have a career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). The CNA of late is becoming one of the most sought after courses in America due to the rise in demand for a nursing assistant. The main advantage of the healthcare industry is that it always has work unlike other sectors. As far the CNA profession goes, it is becoming quite popular in many hospitals and nursing homes.
Why not? When doctors and nurses can't afford to spend lot of time with their patients and look after their needs, a nursing assistant would come in handy in such cases. You need to know the requirements for CNA certification to become a certified nursing assistant. Like the profession goes, you need to get as much experience to sharpen your skills in handling patients at any given point of time.
Just by merely completing the courses required to become a CNA, doesn't make you a qualified CNA. You will have to fulfill certain requirements of CNA certification by passing the CNA exams. The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is the primary exam for CNA certification in America.
This exam has several segments that include written, oral, and skill testing. The written part involves a series of multiple choice questions that are based on the basic medical knowledge. The oral part, given in both English and Spanish, consists of 10 basic comprehension questions and several multiple choice problems. Candidates have to demonstrate their learned skills in a simulated hospital setting during this part of the test.
Other than the NNAAP, there are around 250 CNA certification programs for those who have successfully completed a year of certified nursing training that is a prerequisite to most testing. These CNA certification exams have been approved by the American Nurse Association Commission of Nurse Accreditation. This enables successful candidates to receive placement on their state's nurse aide registry.
You will need to remember that state CNA certification will be maintained from year to year and renewals required prior to the last day of December. Individuals who have lot of patience and are caring enough can consider themselves suitable for this post.
