Congratulations if you have decided to start a career as a cna. Before you can work as a cna, you will need to go through the process of obtaining a cna license. This will be accomplished by enrolling in a fully accredited cna training program and taking the state certification exam for certified nursing assistants.
To start the process of obtaining a cna license, you will need to attend and complete a state certified nursing assistant training course. These courses are designed to teach you the theories and the skills that you need to work as a nursing assistant. The course will contain two primary types of instruction: classroom instruction and clinical training.
After attending all the necessary class and clinical sessions for your cna training course, it will be necessary to schedule the nursing assistant certification exam. You will need to send paperwork in order to apply to sit for this exam. After a couple weeks, you should receive a notice with the date, time and location of your certification exam.
Certification exams include a theoretical section where you will answer multiple choice questions about materials covered during your training course. You will need to complete this section first. After the theoretical portion of the exam is finished, you will need to take the skills portion. This is where you will demonstrate a few nursing assistant skills.
The cna license exam is overseen by a state approved test administrator. He or she will evaluate you when you complete the skills portion of the test. It is important to take your time and remain calm when you are working on this part of the test.
If you pass both portions of the certification test, you will soon be certified. You must wait to receive all your certification materials. You will need to be registered in the nursing aide registry for your state once you receive your cna license.
A cna license usually needs to be renewed every couple years. The specific requirements for renewal will depend on the state where you live. In most states, it is also necessary to finish some continuing education credits and in-service training each year to retain a valid cna license. Most states require you to work for at least 8 hours or so of pay every year or two in order to retain your license as well.
If your license expires for any reason, you will need to contact the Nursing Aide Registry in your area. They can help you determine how to renew your license. In some cases, you will be able to do so without much trouble. There are times when you might be required to repeat a certification examination to renew your certification.
Remain current with any regulations in your state for certified nursing assistants. You can do so by taking all necessary courses and reading up on topics related to your career. If you ever have any doubts about what you need to do, contact the nursing aide registry in your area or contact the State Board of Nursing for your state.
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