Top 10 Certified Nursing Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important factor in the job market for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because they provide assurance to employers that the individual is competent and knowledgeable about all aspects of nursing care. Certification provides evidence that a CNA has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their field and is committed to providing quality care. Furthermore, certifications can help increase a CNA's chances of being hired or promoted in the workplace, as well as enhance their earning potential. Certification also gives CNAs access to specialized training and continuing education courses that can help them stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and regulations in the health care industry. Finally, certifications can help CNAs maintain a high level of job satisfaction by demonstrating their commitment to providing quality patient care.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Certified Nursing Assistants and explain how they can contribute to a certified nursing assistant's career growth.

What are Certified Nursing Assistant Certifications?

Certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in providing basic care for patients in healthcare settings. A CNA certificate is typically obtained through a state-approved training program, which includes classroom instruction and clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, students must pass a certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The primary benefit of obtaining CNA certification is that it can help individuals obtain employment in the healthcare field. Many employers prefer to hire CNAs who have been certified by their respective states, as this indicates that they possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care for patients. Additionally, having CNA certification may qualify individuals for higher pay than those without certification.

In addition to helping individuals secure employment in the healthcare industry, CNA certification also provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. By becoming certified as a nursing assistant, individuals can gain valuable insight into patient care practices while also learning how to interact with patients in various settings. Furthermore, CNAs often receive additional training throughout their careers, enabling them to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in healthcare and patient care standards.

CNA certification can be invaluable for those interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Not only does it demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in providing basic patient care, but it also opens doors to many job opportunities and allows for continued learning and development throughout one’s career.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for your state's CNA certification and take advantage of any available training or continuing education opportunities. This will help ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest standards and regulations in your field.

Related: What does a Certified Nursing Assistant do?

Top 10 Certified Nursing Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Certified Nursing Assistants today.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care for patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. CNAs are responsible for providing basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, and feeding; taking vital signs; monitoring patient comfort; and assisting with mobility. They may also be responsible for assisting with medical treatments or procedures, documenting patient information, and answering call lights.

To become a CNA, you must complete an approved training program that typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to complete. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. After completing the training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam in order to become certified. This exam includes both written and skills components that test your knowledge of basic nursing skills and patient care practices.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the training program you choose. Most programs range from $500-$1500. In addition to the cost of the program itself, you will also need to pay for any required textbooks or materials as well as the cost of taking the NNAAP exam ($95).

2. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has been trained to administer medications and assist with medication management. CMAs are certified through their state's Board of Nursing and must have completed an approved training program. The training program typically takes about 8-12 weeks to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

In order to become a CMA, individuals must first meet the minimum requirements set by the state board of nursing. These requirements vary from state to state, but generally include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, passing a criminal background check, and completing an approved CMA training program.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the individual's location and the type of training program they choose. Generally speaking, tuition for CMA programs ranges from $500-$1000, plus additional fees for textbooks, supplies, and other materials. Additionally, students may be required to pay for certification exams or renewals as needed.

3. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a certification that is awarded to individuals who have completed a training program and passed an exam in order to become qualified to provide care for the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill. CHHA’s are responsible for providing basic personal care services such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meal preparation and feeding assistance, light housekeeping tasks, and other related duties.

In order to become certified as a CHHA, you must complete an approved training program which typically consists of 75 hours of instruction in topics such as infection control, safety procedures, nutrition and dietetics, mental health awareness and communication skills. Upon successful completion of the coursework and passing the state certification exam, you will be eligible to receive your CHHA certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Home Health Aide can vary depending on the provider offering the training program. Generally speaking though, it will cost between $400-$1,000 for tuition fees alone. Additional costs may include textbooks or other materials needed for the coursework.

The time it takes to obtain your CHHA certification depends on how quickly you complete your coursework and whether or not you need additional help with studying for the exam. On average though it should take about three months from start to finish if you are able to devote enough time each week towards completing your studies.

4. Certified Nursing Assistant-Advanced (CNAA)

A Certified Nursing Assistant-Advanced (CNAA) is a professional certification that recognizes the advanced knowledge and skills of a nursing assistant. The CNAA is designed to prepare individuals for more specialized roles within the healthcare industry, such as working in long-term care facilities, hospice care settings, or home health care.

The CNAA program typically takes approximately three months to complete and consists of classroom instruction and clinical experience. During this time, students learn about patient safety and basic nursing skills such as wound care, vital signs monitoring, infection control, and medication administration. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for certification from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

To become certified as a CNAA, individuals must meet certain educational requirements. These include completing an accredited nursing assistant training program and passing the NCSBN certification exam. Applicants must also have at least one year of paid experience as a nursing assistant in an approved setting.

The cost of becoming certified as a CNAA varies depending on the individual's state of residence and other factors such as whether they are taking classes online or in person. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to complete the necessary coursework and take the certification exam.

5. Certified Restorative Nurse Aide (CRNA)

A Certified Restorative Nurse Aide (CRNA) is a nursing professional who specializes in providing restorative care to patients. This type of care focuses on preserving, maintaining, or restoring an individual’s physical and mental functioning. CRNAs are responsible for helping patients regain their independence and quality of life through a variety of treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other activities designed to improve the patient’s overall health.

The process for becoming a CRNA typically takes between one to two years depending on the state requirements. Generally, applicants must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license. After obtaining licensure, individuals must then complete an approved restorative nurse aide training program that covers topics such as nutrition, anatomy and physiology, infection control, communication skills, therapeutic activities and more. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals can take the certification exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The cost associated with becoming a CRNA can vary depending on the state and institution you choose to attend. Generally speaking however, tuition costs range from $2,000-$3,000 for the entire program including textbooks and materials. Additionally there may be fees associated with taking the certification exam which range from $100-$200 depending on where you take it.

6. Basic Nursing Assistant Certification (BNAC)

Basic Nursing Assistant Certification (BNAC) is a certification program designed to prepare individuals for entry-level nursing assistant roles in healthcare facilities. The program typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete and covers topics such as patient care, infection control, communication, safety, nutrition, and basic medical terminology. Individuals who successfully complete the program will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

In order to obtain BNAC certification, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a criminal background check, and completing an approved training program. After meeting these requirements, individuals can then apply for the certification exam through their state's Board of Nursing.

The cost of obtaining BNAC certification varies depending on the state in which it is obtained. Generally speaking, however, it can range from $100-$500 depending on the state's licensing fees and other associated costs.

7. Geriatric Nursing Assistant Certification (GNAC)

Geriatric Nursing Assistant Certification (GNAC) is a certification program that is designed to prepare nursing assistants to work with elderly patients in long-term care facilities. The program consists of two parts: an online course and a clinical practicum. The online course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care for elderly patients, including understanding the physical and psychological needs of this population, as well as how to provide safe and effective care. The clinical practicum allows students to gain hands-on experience working with elderly patients in a long-term care facility.

The GNAC certification program typically takes about six months to complete. To get the certification, individuals must successfully complete the online course and pass the clinical practicum. In order to be eligible for the GNAC certification program, applicants must have at least one year of experience working as a nursing assistant or related field in a long-term care setting.

The cost of the GNAC certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $800-$1000 for both the online course and clinical practicum.

8. Pediatric Nursing Assistant Certification (PNAC)

Pediatric Nursing Assistant Certification (PNAC) is a certification program designed to provide nursing assistants with the knowledge and skills they need to work in pediatric settings. It is offered through the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed.

To get PNAC, you must complete an approved training program that includes at least 160 hours of instruction in areas such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, growth and development, communication, infection control, and safety. After completing the training program, you must pass a written exam administered by NAPNAP.

The cost of getting PNAC varies depending on the training program you choose. Most programs cost between $500-$1,000. You may also have to pay for additional materials such as textbooks or study guides.

Once you have completed your training program and passed the exam, you will receive your PNAC certificate from NAPNAP. This certificate will allow you to work as a certified pediatric nursing assistant in any state that recognizes this certification.

9. Mental Health Nursing Assistant Certification (MHNAC)

Mental Health Nursing Assistant Certification (MHNAC) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have completed a specialized program in mental health nursing. This certification demonstrates the individual’s knowledge and skills in providing care to individuals with mental health issues. MHNAC is offered through the American Association of Psychiatric Nurses (AAPN).

The program consists of an online course that takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete. The course covers topics such as mental health assessment, treatment planning, therapeutic communication, and crisis intervention. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate from AAPN.

To get certified as a Mental Health Nursing Assistant, you must first complete the online course offered by AAPN and then submit an application for certification with the required documentation. The cost for the online course is $125 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once your application is approved, you will be issued your MHNAC certificate.

10. Long Term Care Nurse Aide Certification (LTCNAC)

Long Term Care Nurse Aide Certification (LTCNAC) is a certification that is required for individuals who wish to work as a nurse aide in a long-term care setting. This certification is issued by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

The LTCNAC requires applicants to complete an approved training program, pass the NCSBN's competency evaluation exam, and meet all other requirements set by their state’s board of nursing. The training program typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the state and program chosen.

To get certified, applicants must first find an approved training program. These programs are offered through various educational institutions, such as community colleges or technical schools. Once they have completed the program, they must then register with the NCSBN and take their competency evaluation exam. After passing this exam, they will be eligible for certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with registration or taking the exam. Generally, it can range anywhere from $200-$1000 or more.

Do You Really Need a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate?

Yes, if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), it is essential to obtain a CNA certificate. The purpose of the certification is to ensure that CNAs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care for their patients. A CNA certificate is proof that you have completed an approved training program, passed a competency examination, and have been granted permission to work as a CNA in your state.

The process of obtaining a CNA certificate can vary from state to state but typically includes completing an approved educational program and passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. During your training program, you will learn about basic nursing duties such as taking vital signs, providing personal care, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing emotional support. You will also be trained on infection control procedures and how to safely move patients.

Having a CNA certificate demonstrates that you are knowledgeable about the job requirements of being a CNA and that you possess the necessary skills to do the job well. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to your profession and have taken the time to get certified. In addition, many states require CNAs to be certified before they can practice in their state.

Overall, having a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate is essential for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as a CNA. It not only demonstrates your knowledge and commitment but also ensures that you can legally practice in your state.

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FAQs About Certified Nursing Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification?

Answer: A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s ability to provide basic care to patients in a healthcare setting. It is typically earned through completion of an approved training program and successful passage of a competency exam.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a CNA?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a CNA varies by state and the type of training program chosen, but generally takes between four and twelve weeks depending on the requirements set forth by the state board of nursing.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a CNA?

Answer: Yes, most states require applicants for CNA certification to have either a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and be free from communicable diseases such as tuberculosis.

4. What types of duties are performed by CNAs?

Answer: Duties performed by CNAs vary based on their work environment, but typically include providing basic patient care such as bathing, grooming, feeding, taking vital signs, monitoring health status changes and reporting them to nurses, collecting samples for testing, and more.

5. What is the cost associated with becoming certified as a CNA?

Answer: The cost associated with becoming certified as a CNA varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other factors such as books and supplies needed for the coursework; however, most programs range from $500-$1000 in total costs.