Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are an important part of a team of health care professionals in addition to physicians, nurses, technicians and therapists. Often they have the most patient contact, caring for a patient’s basic physical and emotional needs. They work in hospitals, long term care facilities, home health agencies, community settings, and in home. Those who are sensitive, self-confident, mature, have a positive attitude, have patience, and are dependable make the best CNAs.

To become a CNA, one must enroll in a training program specifically for obtaining a CNA certification. Each state has its own requirements. Usually one has to have a high school diploma or GED, although some programs will accept those as young as 16 who are still enrolled in high school.

There are usually no educational prerequisites to obtain your certificate. Some require applicants to pass basic reading and math tests prior to enrollment. Any applicant must pass a criminal background check, to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Risky behaviors that will be looked for include driving under the influence of alcohol, domestic violence, harassment, and felony convictions.

Other considerations before enrolling in a training program are physical ones. Applicants must be able to stand for long periods of time, be in good physical condition, and be able to lift and bend properly. Programs are held at vocational colleges, community colleges, and in medical facilities. The training program may run from four to 12 weeks and lasts a minimum of 75 credit hours.

Training involves both classroom and practical training, plus clinical experience. Classroom time is spent learning textbook material, such as medical terminology and proper procedures for doing things in medical facilities. Practical training involves working on mannequins in class practicing the things you’ve learned in textbooks.

Finally, clinical training is held at a local medical facility and may be the most important part of your CNA certification training. You will practice what you have learned on real, live patients while being supervised by nursing staff.

Upon completion of the training program, you will take the CNA certification exam. You usually have a limited time window between completing your training and taking the exam. Check with your state for its regulations. Held at various times in each state, the exam consists of two parts.

The first part is written, and tests the classroom knowledge you have gleaned. The clinical portion of the exam is the second part. In this portion a state nurse examiner will test you on three to five skills and techniques that you have learned in your CNA training classes.

CNA certification will be issued from the state in which you took the test upon passing the exam. It is usually valid for a period of one to two years, and you must complete continuing education requirements in order to maintain your status.

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1. Nursing Assistant Training Programs
2. CNA Exam
3. CNA Classes