Training for an new CNA consists of 75 to 150 hours of education that can be taken at a vocational school, community college, care facilities, and private training facilities. Your education will include lectures as well as hands-on practical training.

You can also study online at your own pace in six to eight weeks, though depending on the state, you will need some hands-on nurse aide training.

CAN training programs include education on the signs and symptoms of common diseases as well as:

• Communication skills
• Patient/resident rights
• Legal and ethical issues
• The role of a nursing assistant
• Infection control
• Bathing and dressing patients
• Helping patients in and out of bed
• Range of motion exercises
• Taking vital signs including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration
• Feeding patients
• Measuring fluid intake and urinary output
• Setup and storage of medical equipment

The Omnibus Budget and Reform Act (OBRA) of 1987 launched the implementation of standards for nursing homes that receive federal funds such as Medicare or Medicaid.

The Act emphasizes the rights of residents, registered nurse (RN) presence, and improved food and medical services for patients, along with better maintenance and housekeeping. The new standards have resulted in the training and testing of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs).

In August 2008, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) became the exclusive owner of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) and the Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE).

The role of the CNA is mandated by the Federal government for nursing homes only. Other hospitals, doctor’s offices, and assisted living facilities are not required by law to hire Certified Nurse Assistants but they do hire CNAs because of the preparation and training received.

Each state specifies the amount of training, and what certification and practical skills exams the CNA must pass. You should check with your state or local agency to find out about the specific requirements for your state.

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is the largest nurse aide certification examination program in the United States and there are now 23 States that fall under the NNAAP organization.

They are Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, GA, LA, MD, MN, MS, NH, NJ, JC, ND, PA, RI, SC, TX, Virgin Islands, VA, WA, WI, and WY.

This organization has administered to one million+ candidates and is the leading nursing aide evaluation implement in the United States.

Parts of the Certified Nurse Assistant Exam

The nurse aide exam consists of two components; a written portion and a skills-demonstration portion.

Once the student completes and passes the exams, the state can add their name to the state nurse aide registry. The state registry is used to guarantee employers that the prospective hire has met the state and federal requirements for employment.