If you are looking for an entry-level career in the nursing field, you might want to consider starting out as a certified nursing assistant. You will provide basic are services for patients and assist patients with activities of daily living. There are steps you will need to take before you can become certified as a nursing assistant.
Required Hours and Training
If you want to be able to work as a certified nursing assistant rather than a non-certified aide, you will need to attend a training program that has been approved by the state. These training courses will include at least 80 hours of study. You will need to sit for and pass the certification exam after finishing a CNA training course. The course will provide you with both classroom and clinical instruction. You will have the opportunity to work directly with patients in order to learn how to properly and safely perform the most common duties of a certified nursing assistant. The course provides you with an opportunity to learn a great deal about a career as a certified nursing assistant and your role as part of a healthcare team.
Certification Through Reciprocity in South Carolina
You might already hold a certification as a nursing assistant in another state. If this is the case, you can apply for certification through reciprocity if you want to work in South Carolina. The state of South Carolina will review your certification history to determine if you meet all requirements to work as a certified nursing assistant in South Carolina. The application will be carefully reviewed along with any requested documentation. If your application is approved, you can begin working as a certified nursing assistant without the need to enroll in training in South Carolina.
Certification Renewal in Florida
You must renew your certification as a certified nursing assistant every twenty-four months. This can be done by following the instructions provided to you on the renewal forms. These forms should be sent to you about two months or so before your certification will expire. There is a fee for certification renewal. However, if you work for a Medicare or Medicaid certified facility, they should cover the cost of your certification renewal. It is necessary to have completed any required continuing education credits over the course of twenty-four months in order to renew your certification. You must also work at some point either providing nursing related duties or as a certified nursing assistant if you want to renew your certification with ease.
CNA Certification Information by State:
