How to Become A State Certified Nursing Assistant

State Certified Nursing Assistants provide as much as 80% of all one-on-one care in the medical and health field. These are people who play a vital role in health care facilities, and the demand for them is steadily rising, especially as there is a growing need to take care of the elderly and the sick.

The requirements to become a certified nursing assistant differs from one state to the other, and there are various strict guidelines and requirements that need to be met before one can add the words “Licensed” or “Certified” or “State Approved” to one’s Nursing Assistant title. If you want to become a State Certified Nursing Assistant, you will need to be approved or certified by your state first.

Of course, before getting applying for a license or certification, you will need to complete a state Certified Nursing Assistant program or training first and then take a licensure examination. The training or education period lasts for a couple of weeks to several months, depending on the institution providing the training. This span of time will include classroom instructions and on-the-job training in hospitals and other medical facilities.

After the training program, you will then be allowed to take the certification examination. This examination is given by the Department of Nursing Aide Programs of your respective state. Of course, before taking the examination you will have to go through several review sessions, or you can review by yourself, if you wish. The test usually consists of two parts – and these involve the theoretical and the practical application of all lessons and skills learned during the training.

If you pass the examination, you can now get your license and become a State Certified Nursing Assistant. Now, you can legally work in hospitals, hospices, homes for the elderly, assisted living institutions or as a freelance home care – giver.

It’s good to remember that your certification works only for your state, so if you plan to move to another state, you may need to submit a Request for Reciprocity in order to continue working as a State CNA. To be approved of this request, you may need to take additional training or education or you may even be required to take a state examination. Once the request is approved, you can now work as a State Certified Nursing Assistant in your new state of choice.