How To: Become a CNA

Step 1 Call Your State's Nurse Aide Registries for School Inquiries

It is necessary that you need to call your state's Nurse Registry so that you can be informed of the possible approved schools for CNA. This is so you avoid such problems when filing for your state exam application. As mandated by the federal government, all CNA schools must qualify for the standard requirements implemented by the registry. Otherwise, your application will be denied due to your chosen CNA training program. So it is best to first consult your registry before enrolling to any CNA training program.

Step 2 Enroll To Your Preferred CNA Training Program

Once you are done verifying the approved school that you have chosen, then you will be ready for studying the course. Usually the CNA training program runs less than five months.

Step 3 Be Prepared With The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training

CNA training programs take 20 hours to complete for skills and practice and 40 hours for theory, for a total of 80 hours. The duration of CNA training can range from 60 hours to 125 hours, depending on the CNA school. The cost depends on your chosen approved CNA school. The cost will range from five hundred dollars to seven hundred dollars. The cost covers your tuition fee, textbooks, CPR training, and the fee for the State Exam. Additional costs to the student will include required immunizations, scrubs, a watch, and shoes.

Step 4 Always Study and Don't Miss the Classes

Other students may see the program as a very easy course because it only requires a short period of time when studying. However, what they do not know is that the course is very stressful and concepts are not easy to absorb. It needs constant studying and practicing to make it perfect. Being on CNA classes provide a whole lot of information about the program.

Step 5 Taking the CNA State Exam

When you are done with your CNA training program -- usually it ends after 2 or 4 months of training -- you are now ready to take the next challenge and that is taking the CNA certification exam. The exam is divided into two parts -- written and clinical exam. The test is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities of every applicant. So always be sure to be well-prepared when taking the CNA certification state exam.

Step 6 Get Certified

Passing the test is the only way you can get your license or certification. CNA certification or license is your gateway to work employment. Get a good CNA review and study very well. Stay focused and know your priorities.