Top 10 Nursing Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for a nursing assistant in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has obtained the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care. Certifications show employers that an individual is capable of performing the duties associated with the role and that they have been trained to do so. They also demonstrate a commitment to continuing education, which can set an individual apart from other candidates in a competitive job market. Furthermore, certifications can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Nursing Assistants and explain how they can help advance a nursing assistant’s career.

What are Nursing Assistant Certifications?

Nursing assistant certification is a process in which an individual has completed a nursing program and passed the necessary examinations to become certified. Certification demonstrates that the individual has achieved the required educational and clinical proficiency, as well as knowledge in patient care. It also ensures that the individual has met all of the requirements for safe practice in their chosen field.

Having a nursing assistant certification can be beneficial to both employers and job seekers alike. For employers, having certified staff can provide assurance that they are hiring individuals who have received adequate training and meet all legal requirements for providing patient care. For job seekers, having certification demonstrates to potential employers that they have taken the time to invest in their education and have achieved the necessary qualifications for working in this field. Additionally, it may open up opportunities for advancement or higher pay within certain organizations.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the regulations and requirements for nursing assistant certification in your state before beginning your training. Each state has different requirements, so it is important to be aware of these before you start the process.

Related: What does a Nursing Assistant do?

Top 10 Nursing Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. The CNA typically works under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse to provide direct patient care.

The length of time it takes to become a CNA depends on the state you are in and the type of program you choose. Generally, it takes between 6-12 weeks to complete a CNA program. Most programs include classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience.

To become a CNA, you must complete an approved training program and pass the certification exam. You can find approved programs through your state’s Board of Nursing or through local community colleges or vocational schools.

The cost of becoming a CNA varies depending on the type of program you choose and where you live. Generally, tuition for a CNA program ranges from $500-$2,000, plus additional fees for books, uniforms, and supplies.

2. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a type of healthcare professional who is trained to administer medications and provide basic patient care. CMAs are responsible for administering oral, topical, and injectable medications to patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. They must also monitor the effects of the medication on the patient and report any adverse reactions or side effects.

In order to become a CMA, individuals must complete an approved training program. This program typically consists of classroom instruction as well as supervised clinical experience. Depending on the state, this program can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to complete. Upon successful completion of the program, students will then need to pass a certification exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a CMA varies depending on the state and training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 for tuition and fees associated with the program. In addition to this cost there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees or exam prep materials.

3. Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who provide personal care services to patients in their own homes. CHHAs are responsible for providing basic medical care, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, providing assistance with activities of daily living, and helping with household tasks.

To become a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), an individual must complete a training program approved by the state in which they live. The length of the program varies from state to state but typically takes between 75 and 120 hours to complete. Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass a certification exam administered by their state’s health department or other authorized agency.

The cost of becoming a CHHA varies depending on the location and type of training program chosen. Most programs range from $500 to $1,500 for tuition and materials. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees associated with taking the certification exam or applying for certification.

Once certified, CHHAs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on changes in home health care regulations and best practices.

4. Basic Nursing Assistant Certification (BNAC)

Basic Nursing Assistant Certification (BNAC) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide basic nursing care in a variety of settings. The BNAC program is offered by the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA). It is designed to help individuals become certified as a nursing assistant, home health aide, or personal care aide.

The BNAC program consists of two parts: classroom instruction and clinical experience. The classroom portion includes topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection control, nutrition, patient safety, communication skills, and legal/ethical considerations. Clinical experience involves hands-on practice in providing basic nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN).

The BNAC certification process typically takes about three months to complete. To get started, individuals must first enroll in an approved NAHCA-accredited training program. After completing the classroom portion of the program, students must then pass both a written and practical exam administered by NAHCA to receive their certification.

The cost for taking the BNAC certification exam varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, however, most programs will cost between $100-$200 for the entire course. Additionally, some institutions may require additional fees for materials or other services provided during the course of study.

5. Advanced Nursing Assistant Certification (ANAC)

Advanced Nursing Assistant Certification (ANAC) is a voluntary certification that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of nursing assistants working in long-term care facilities. It is an advanced credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence and dedication to providing quality care for residents.

The ANAC certification process typically takes about six months to complete, depending on individual study habits and the number of practice tests taken. The first step is to become certified as a nursing assistant by passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. After becoming certified, individuals can then apply for the ANAC exam.

To be eligible for the ANAC exam, individuals must have at least one year of experience as a nursing assistant in a long-term care facility within the last five years. They must also complete an approved training program or attend an approved educational program related to long-term care and submit proof of completion with their application.

The cost of taking the ANAC exam varies depending on where it is taken and whether or not any additional materials are purchased. The cost typically ranges from $125-$200, which covers both the registration fee and the cost of any additional materials needed for preparation.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, individuals will receive their official Advanced Nursing Assistant Certification (ANAC). This certificate will serve as evidence of their specialized knowledge and skills in providing quality care for residents in long-term care facilities.

6. Geriatric Nursing Assistant Certification (GNAC)

Geriatric Nursing Assistant Certification (GNAC) is a certification program for nursing assistants who specialize in providing care for elderly patients. The certification is offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is designed to demonstrate the knowledge, skill, and ability of nursing assistants who work with geriatric patients.

The GNAC program consists of three components: an online course, a skills evaluation, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as patient safety, communication techniques, infection control, nutrition and hydration needs, and end-of-life care. Upon completion of the online course, participants must pass a skills evaluation administered by an approved evaluator. Finally, participants must pass a comprehensive final exam to receive their certification.

The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s availability and study habits. To get started on the GNAC certification track, individuals should contact their state board of nursing or visit the NCSBN website for more information about registration requirements and fees.

The cost of obtaining GNAC certification varies depending on which state board of nursing you register with but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials and registration for both the skills evaluation and final exam.

7. Pediatric Nursing Assistant Certification (PNAC)

Pediatric Nursing Assistant Certification (PNAC) is a specialized certification program designed to provide nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in pediatric settings. The PNAC certification is offered through the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).

To become certified, nurses must have a current RN license, at least one year of experience working with children in a clinical setting, and complete an approved PNAC course. The course includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. It typically takes six months to one year to complete the program.

The cost of the PNAC certification varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally, it will cost between $500 and $1,000 for tuition and materials. In addition, there may be additional fees for registration and examination fees.

Once certified, nurses are eligible to work in pediatric settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, or schools. They will also be able to provide care for children from birth through adolescence.

8. Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant Certification (LTCNAC)

Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant Certification (LTCNAC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). The LTCNAC certification is designed to provide nursing assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care to residents in long-term care facilities.

The LTCNAC certification is a two-part program that consists of an online course and a clinical practicum. The online course covers topics such as infection control, communication, health promotion, nutrition, and resident rights. The clinical practicum provides hands-on experience in a long-term care setting. During the practicum, nursing assistants learn how to perform basic nursing tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing emotional support for residents.

It typically takes about six months to complete the LTCNAC certification program. To get certified, you must first complete the online course and then pass the NAB’s written exam. After passing the exam, you will need to complete the clinical practicum at an approved facility. Once you have completed all requirements, you will receive your official LTCNAC certificate from NAB.

The cost of obtaining an LTCNAC certification varies depending on where you take your courses and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts or scholarships. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for the entire program including both the online course and clinical practicum fees.

9. Emergency Medical Technician – Basic Certification (EMT-B)

Emergency Medical Technician – Basic Certification (EMT-B) is a certification that allows an individual to practice as an entry-level emergency medical technician. This certification is required by most states in order to work as an EMT.

The EMT-B certification process typically takes about six months to complete. The process includes completing a state-approved EMT training program, passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam, and obtaining a state license.

In order to become certified as an EMT-B, you must first complete an approved EMT training program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges or technical schools and may take anywhere from three to six months to complete. During this time, you will learn the basics of emergency medical care including patient assessment, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other life saving techniques.

Once you have completed your training program, you must pass the NREMT exam in order to receive your certification. The NREMT exam consists of two parts: a cognitive exam and a psychomotor exam. The cognitive exam tests your knowledge of emergency medical care while the psychomotor exam tests your ability to perform skills such as CPR and patient assessment.

After passing the NREMT exams, you must then apply for licensure in your state in order to practice as an EMT-B. Each state has its own requirements for licensure so it is important that you check with your local licensing board for specific requirements before applying for licensure.

The cost of becoming certified as an EMT-B varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose to attend. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $500-$2,000 depending on the length of the course and any additional fees associated with taking the NREMT exams or applying for licensure.

10. National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is a national program that evaluates the knowledge and skills of nurse aides in long-term care facilities. It is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The NNAAP is designed to assess the competency of nurse aides who have completed a state-approved training program and are seeking certification.

The NNAAP consists of two parts: a written examination and a skills evaluation. The written exam consists of 70 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as infection control, safety, communication, mental health, nutrition, and personal care. The skills evaluation requires the candidate to demonstrate five randomly selected nursing aide skills.

The NNAAP can be taken at any approved testing center throughout the United States. Testing centers are located in most states and may require an appointment or additional fees for scheduling. Test takers should check with their local testing center for specific requirements.

The cost to take the NNAAP varies from state to state but typically ranges between $50-$100 USD.

Do You Really Need a Nursing Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you are already a certified nursing assistant, then you likely do not need to obtain another certification. However, if you are looking to become a nursing assistant or if you want to advance in the field, then a nursing assistant certificate can be very beneficial.

Nursing assistants provide vital care for patients in healthcare facilities. They assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and transferring patients from one location to another. Nursing assistants also help with medical documentation and other administrative duties. In order to work as a nursing assistant, most states require applicants to obtain a nursing assistant certificate from an accredited program.

Having a nursing assistant certificate shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required for the job. It also demonstrates your commitment to providing quality patient care. Additionally, having a certificate may make you eligible for higher pay or more responsibilities within the organization.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a nursing assistant certificate depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are already certified or don’t plan on pursuing this career path, then it is likely unnecessary; however, if you are looking to become or advance as a nursing assistant then obtaining one could be beneficial in terms of job opportunities and salary advancement.

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FAQs About Nursing Assistant Certifications

Q1: What is a Nursing Assistant Certification?

A1: A Nursing Assistant Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has completed the necessary training and passed the required examinations to become a certified nursing assistant.

Q2: How do I become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A2: To become a CNA, you must complete an approved CNA training program and pass both the state-administered written and skills tests.

Q3: How long does it take to get a Nursing Assistant Certification?

A3: The time frame for obtaining your certification can vary depending on the state you live in and how quickly you complete your coursework. Generally, it takes about two months for most people to complete their CNA coursework and certification exam.

Q4: What are the benefits of getting my Nursing Assistant Certification?

A4: With your certification, you will be eligible for more job opportunities as well as higher salary potential. Additionally, having your certification can give you professional credibility in the healthcare field.

Q5: Is there any continuing education requirement for keeping my Nursing Assistant Certification up-to-date?

A5: Yes, most states require CNAs to complete continuing education hours each year in order to maintain their certification.