How to Become a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant)

Although it varies from state to state, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant requires a course that is a minimum of 75 hours long and usually lasts 6-12 weeks, with 16 hours of supervised clinical training. Then, an additional 8 hours of employment and, in some cases, continuing education, are required to stay certified. If you choose to become a cna, follow these steps to successful career that can lead to many opportunities above and beyond in the field of nursing. Becoming a cna is one of the easier and basic forms of nursing leaving for salary opportunities to be lower than positions such as RN, RN to BSN, LPN, LPN to BSN, LPN to RN, etc.

Once certification is achieved, it is possible to transfer your certification to the majority of states, and states that do not accept transfers usually have the option to challenge the exam. Therefore, becoming a CNA offers great flexibility in employment location.

Many choose to work as a CNA as a stepping stone before entering a full-time nursing education program or career to become another type of nurse, regardless of reasoning to become a nursing assistant, becoming a CNA is rewarding because you are positioned to help those in need. It is not a glorified job, but it does help others and allows the individual to learn what the field of nursing is all about.