The first step in becoming a CNA is to undergo a state-approved CNA training program. After training, all aspiring CNAs have to take a state CNA exam to get CNA certification. The CNA exam assesses the student’s nursing medical knowledge achieved during the training period. It also checks the student’s practical skills. The exam ascertains that the student has it in her to carefully and efficiently serve patients’ needs.
All students who want to take the CNA exam have to pay an exam fee, which varies per state. The certification exam is divided into 2 parts – the first part tests the knowledge, while the second part assesses the practical skills. Almost all US states require CNA aspirants to take the CNA exam.
The student must successfully complete both parts of the exam in order to get a passing grade. After successful completion of the CNA exam, the student’s name is entered into the state registry and the new CNA can be employed in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, surgeries, and other healthcare facilities.
The written part of the exam is typically made up of multiple choice questions, which test the student’s nursing assistant skills. Students are allotted a specified time to finish the exam. Once this part is complete, students are required to take the practical part of the exam. In the practical portion of the exam, students must demonstrate their abilities by performing nursing duties in a simulated healthcare setting. The test assesses whether the student can deliver efficient healthcare in a confident manner. All students must practice very hard for this test because writing answers (the first part) is very different than being judged on the basis of practical work. The student must dress appropriately (like in a hospital setting) while taking the practical exam.
After completing both portions of the exam, the student has to wait for the results. The results are notified by the Board of Nursing or by the certification center where the exam was held. Successful candidates’ names are placed on the state registry, and in some cases, successful students are given a Certified Nursing Assistant card.
Some US states offer different additional certifications for CNAs. These courses help CNAs take on additional nursing responsibilities. Examples of such courses include the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) course and the Certified Medicine Aide (CMA) course. GNA certification allows CNAs to find employment in long term care facilities, while CMA certification allows CNAs to administer medicine in healthcare facilities. To take the CMA course, a CNA must have 1 year of experience. Another course, Home health Aide (HHA), enables CNAs to work with home health agencies.
The healthcare industry is booming and there is a great demand for CNAs. A CNA career looks rosy because it seems that the healthcare industry will continue to do well. You can judge this for yourself – we are in a severe recession now, yet healthcare continues to boom. So, a CNA certification ensures a steady job along with immense job satisfaction. CNA is a noble profession because a nursing assistant helps sick people recover and thereby helps the community stand on its feet.