Top 11 Certified Nurse Aide Certifications

Certifications are important for a certified nurse aide in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a nursing assistant. Certified aides are able to provide quality care and services, as well as increase their own employability and earning potential. Employers highly value certifications as proof of an individual’s commitment to their profession and ability to successfully complete training programs. In addition, certification can often be used as a stepping stone for further advancement in the field of nursing.

This article reviews the top certifications for Certified Nurse Aides and explains how they can help to advance a certified nurse aide's career.

What are Certified Nurse Aide Certifications?

Certified nurse aide (CNA) certification is a credential that healthcare professionals can obtain in order to work as a nursing assistant or patient care technician in the United States. It is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and requires individuals to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of basic patient care. With CNA certification, nurses are able to better understand the needs of their patients and provide quality care. They also have access to additional job opportunities, as many healthcare employers prefer to hire CNAs who possess this certification.

CNA certification can help improve patient outcomes by ensuring that those providing direct care are knowledgeable about proper procedures and protocols. It also allows CNAs to remain up-to-date on best practices, regulations, and new technologies related to the profession. Additionally, having CNA certification may lead to higher wages or other job benefits. CNAs with this credential demonstrate their commitment to providing quality patient care and their dedication to the profession.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for certified nurse aide certification in your state before beginning the process. Each state has different regulations, so check with your local board of nursing to find out what is needed for certification in your area. Additionally, take time to review the exam content outline and practice exams available online to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the material.

Related: What does a Certified Nurse Aide do?

Top 11 Certified Nurse Aide Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Certified Nurse Aides today.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. CNAs are responsible for helping patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and exercising. They also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

To become a CNA, you must complete an approved training program that typically takes 4-12 weeks to complete. Training programs vary in cost but usually range from $500-$2,000 depending on the program and location. After completing the training program, you will need to pass a state-approved certification exam in order to become certified. The exam fee is typically around $100-$200.

Once certified, CNAs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years. The cost of these courses can range from $50-$150 depending on the course and provider.

Overall, becoming a CNA requires a commitment of time and money but can be very rewarding for those who are passionate about helping others in need.

2. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a professional who provides basic health care services in the home to individuals and families. This includes providing assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring and ambulating. CHHAs also provide personal care services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and medication reminders.

The process of becoming a Certified Home Health Aide typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the state you are in. To become certified, you will need to complete a training program approved by your state's Department of Health or Board of Nursing. The training program consists of classroom instruction, clinical practice and a competency exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Home Health Aide varies depending on the state you are in and the type of program you choose. Most programs range from $500-$1,500 for tuition and fees. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional expenses for textbooks or other materials required for the coursework.

Once certified, Home Health Aides must meet continuing education requirements every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

3. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a type of healthcare professional who has been trained to administer medications to patients in a variety of settings. CMAs are typically employed in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities.

The requirements for becoming a CMA vary by state, but generally include completion of an approved medication aide training program and passing a certification exam. Most programs require the completion of at least 75 hours of coursework and clinical experience, which can be completed in as little as two months.

In order to become certified, individuals must first complete an approved medication aide training program and pass the certification exam. The cost of these programs varies depending on the provider, but typically range from $500-$1000. After completing the training program and passing the exam, individuals will receive their CMA certificate from their state board of nursing or health department.

Once certified, CMAs are required to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. These courses may include topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, infection control, and medical ethics. The cost of these courses also varies depending on the provider but typically range from $50-$200 per course.

4. Certified Restorative Nurse Aide (CRNA)

Certified Restorative Nurse Aide (CRNA) is a specialized type of nursing aide who has received additional training in restorative care. This type of care focuses on helping patients maintain or regain their physical and mental abilities, such as walking, talking, eating, and dressing. CRNAs are also trained to provide emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.

It typically takes about two to three weeks to become a Certified Restorative Nurse Aide (CRNA). To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice. After completing the program, the individual must pass a national certification exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The cost of becoming a Certified Restorative Nurse Aide (CRNA) varies depending on the state in which you are located and the specific program you choose to enroll in. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for tuition and fees associated with the training program. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam.

5. Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CGNA)

A Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CGNA) is a certified nursing assistant who has completed additional training and certification to provide specialized care for elderly patients. The CGNA program is designed to prepare individuals for the unique challenges of caring for the elderly population.

The CGNA program typically takes about three months to complete. It consists of classroom instruction, clinical practice, and an examination. During the classroom instruction, topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, communication skills, patient safety, infection control, and geriatric care are covered. Clinical practice involves working with patients in a variety of settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. The examination tests knowledge of geriatric nursing practices and procedures.

In order to become a CGNA, individuals must first complete an approved nursing assistant program or have equivalent experience in providing direct patient care in a health care setting. Once this requirement is met, individuals can apply for certification through the National Association of Gerontological Nurses (NAGN). The application process includes submitting proof of completion of an approved nursing assistant program or equivalent experience along with payment of fees.

The cost for becoming a CGNA varies depending on the state you live in but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD plus any associated fees for taking the exam.

6. Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant (ACNA)

Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant (ACNA) is a professional certification for nursing assistants who have completed additional training beyond the basic certification requirements. This certification is offered by the National Board for Certification of Nursing Assistants (NBCRNA).

To become an ACNA, you must first complete a state-approved nursing assistant program and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. Once you have passed this exam, you can apply to take the Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant Exam. This exam consists of two parts: a written test and a clinical skills evaluation.

The written test covers topics such as medical terminology, patient care procedures, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, communication skills, and legal and ethical considerations. The clinical skills evaluation tests your ability to perform specific nursing tasks such as taking vital signs, performing range of motion exercises, administering medications, and providing personal care assistance.

It typically takes about four months to prepare for the ACNA exam. You can find study materials online or in bookstores that will help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, many employers offer courses or workshops that provide further preparation for the exam.

The cost of taking the ACNA exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $100-$200 to take the written test and $150-$250 to take the clinical skills evaluation.

7. Long-Term Care Certified Nurse Aide (LTC-CNA)

Long-Term Care Certified Nurse Aide (LTC-CNA) is a specialized certification for individuals who work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living centers. This certification is designed to ensure that CNAs have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care for residents with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and other special needs.

The LTC-CNA certification process typically takes between two and six weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s state of residence. To become certified, individuals must first complete an approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing the training program, individuals must pass a state-administered exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a LTC-CNA varies by state but generally ranges from $100-$500. The cost typically covers the cost of the training program and exam fees. In some states, financial assistance may be available for those who are unable to afford the cost of certification.

Once an individual has become certified as a LTC-CNA they will need to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years in order to remain eligible for employment in long term care settings.

8. National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is a comprehensive assessment program designed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of nurse aides in long-term care facilities. The NNAAP exam consists of two parts: a written or oral component and a skills demonstration component. The written/oral component assesses the nurse aide's knowledge of basic nursing principles, while the skills demonstration component evaluates the nurse aide's ability to perform specific nursing tasks.

The NNAAP exam typically takes about three hours to complete. To get started, prospective candidates must first complete an application for testing with their state board of nursing. Once approved, they will be provided with information on how to register for the exam and where to take it.

The cost of taking the NNAAP exam varies by state and may include a fee for both the written/oral and skills demonstration components. In some states, there may also be additional fees associated with obtaining certification after passing the exam.

9. American Red Cross Nurse Aide Certification

The American Red Cross Nurse Aide Certification is a certification program designed to provide basic training and skills to individuals interested in working as a nurse aide. The program prepares individuals to provide safe and effective care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

The program consists of two parts: the classroom portion and the clinical portion. The classroom portion includes lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities that cover topics such as patient safety, infection control, communication, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, personal care skills, and more. The clinical portion involves hands-on practice of nursing skills under the supervision of an instructor.

It typically takes about 6 months or longer to complete the American Red Cross Nurse Aide Certification program depending on your availability for classes and clinicals.

To get certified you must first enroll in an accredited American Red Cross Nurse Aide Certification program. Once enrolled, you will need to complete both the classroom and clinical portions of the program with passing grades before taking the final exam. Upon successful completion of all requirements you will receive your certification from the American Red Cross.

The cost of the American Red Cross Nurse Aide Certification Program varies by institution but typically ranges from $500 - $1,000 depending on location and other factors.

10. State Competency Evaluation Program

The State Competency Evaluation Program (SCEP) is a program that assesses an individual’s competency to practice in the healthcare field. The purpose of the SCEP is to ensure that individuals meet state-mandated requirements for licensure or certification in their chosen healthcare profession.

The SCEP includes a series of tests and assessments designed to evaluate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to their chosen profession. The assessment process typically takes several weeks to complete and may include written exams, clinical simulations, and/or oral interviews.

To get started with the SCEP, individuals must first contact their state licensing board or professional organization for information about the testing requirements and fees associated with the program. Once all of the necessary paperwork has been completed, applicants will be scheduled for their assessment at a designated testing center.

The cost of the SCEP varies depending on the state and profession but generally ranges from $100-$300. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with travel expenses if an applicant needs to travel outside of their home state for testing.

11. National Healthcareer Association CNA Certification

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) CNA Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals become certified nursing assistants. This certification is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment as a nursing assistant in a healthcare setting.

To be eligible for NHA CNA Certification, an individual must meet certain requirements, including being at least 18 years of age, having completed a state-approved nursing assistant training program, and passing the NHA Certified Nursing Assistant exam.

The NHA CNA exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a skills evaluation. The written portion consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as basic nursing care, infection control, patient rights and safety, communication and interpersonal skills, medical terminology, nutrition and hydration. The skills evaluation tests the individual’s ability to perform five specific tasks related to patient care.

In order to prepare for the NHA CNA Certification exam, individuals can take online courses or attend classes offered by local community colleges or other educational institutions. Additionally, many employers offer on-the-job training programs that can help individuals prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the NHA CNA Certification exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking preparation courses or attending classes prior to taking the exam.

Overall, obtaining your NHA CNA Certification is an important step towards becoming a certified nursing assistant and working in healthcare settings. It takes time and dedication to pass the exam but it is worth it in terms of job opportunities and career advancement.

Do You Really Need a Certified Nurse Aide Certificate?

Yes, a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate is essential if you want to work as a nurse aide in any healthcare setting. A CNA certificate proves that you have undergone the necessary training and are qualified to provide basic care for patients. It is important to note that not all states require that you obtain a CNA certificate before working as a nurse aide; however, most employers prefer to hire those who have completed the training and obtained their certification.

The training required for a CNA certificate includes classroom instruction, clinical experience, and passing a state-approved competency exam. The classroom instruction covers topics such as patient rights, infection control, medical terminology, communication skills, and emergency procedures. Clinical experience provides students with hands-on practice in caring for patients under the supervision of an experienced nurse or instructor. The competency exam tests your knowledge of the material covered in both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

A CNA certificate is also important for professional development. Having a CNA certificate shows potential employers that you are committed to providing quality care and have made the effort to become certified in your field. It also demonstrates your understanding of nursing practices and standards of care which makes you more desirable than someone without this certification when it comes time for hiring or promotion opportunities.

In conclusion, obtaining your Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certificate is an invaluable asset if you want to work as a nurse aide in any healthcare setting. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to providing quality patient care but it also gives you an edge over other job seekers when looking for employment or advancement opportunities in the field.

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FAQs About Certified Nurse Aide Certifications

1. What is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certification?

A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to provide basic care to patients in healthcare settings.

2. How do I become certified as a CNA?

In order to become certified as a CNA, you must complete an approved training program and pass the state certification exam. Training programs typically include both classroom instruction and clinical experience in a healthcare setting.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

The length of time it takes to become certified varies from state to state, but generally can be completed within 6-12 weeks depending on the program.

4. What are the requirements for maintaining CNA certification?

In order to maintain your CNA certification, you must complete continuing education units (CEUs), which vary by state, every two years in order to keep your certification active. Additionally, many states require CNAs to renew their license after two years or more.

5. Do CNAs need additional certifications?

No, CNAs do not need any additional certifications beyond their initial CNA certification in order to practice as a nurse aide in most states; however, some states may require additional certifications such as CPR or First Aid in order for individuals to work as a CNA.