If you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in or researching how to obtain your CNA certification. Obtaining that license can be as quick as 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the program you join. The rigorous training and education process will surely be worth it once you already get your hands on that certification.

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The Process of Obtaining a CNA license:

‍Most healthcare facilities require a CNA to have a state-issued license to work with them. Joining a program requires no college prerequisites, and you will receive a non-degree certificate. The process can be completed in three steps, which we will outline for you!

Step one: complete the training

The first step in receiving a CNA Certificate is completing state-recognized training. Training involves classroom and in-person clinical training with patients. To complete the program, you must fulfill the mandated hours, have the required documents, and pass the training provider’s background check.

During the classroom portion, you will learn about medical terminology, communication with patients and other healthcare professionals, legal issues related to patient care, vital signs measurement and recording, proper body mechanics when transferring patients, infection control procedures, and more. 

The hands-on portion involves direct patient care under an instructor or registered nurse supervision. This gives students a chance to gain practical experience while learning how to become effective caregivers.

You can find CNA courses throughout the United States through private institutions or community colleges. Each state requires a certain amount of clinical hours to complete to sit for the state exam. Some states require a minimum of 16 hours, and some over 100 hours.  After finishing the training, you can take your state examination. 

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Step two: pass the CNA state examination

The CNA exam has two segments: the written and practical/skill parts. The written portion is a multiple-choice test given in a testing environment. The written/oral exams generally consist of multiple-choice questions related to patient care and safety protocols and topics such as patient rights, ethical issues, anatomy, medical terminology, and more. 

The skills assessment portion requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform several tasks commonly utilized by nursing assistants in everyday life. This part of the test involves practice time to perfect each skill before taking the examination. A proctor provides skills and procedures you will need to demonstrate. 

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Step three: receive your certification

Once you complete and pass the exam, you can expect your certificate once your name appears on the Official Nurse Aide Registry of your state’s website. The amount of time depends on your state and the exam provider that you took. It might take up to six weeks for you to receive your certification from your examination date.

If Prometric manages your state: CT, HI, ID, MA, MI, NM, NY, and VT. These certifications are mailed five business days from the test date. The other states' certificates depend on the test handler’s availability.

Most CNAs concur that one of the most rewarding aspects of their job is the sense of fulfillment and purpose they have when providing care for others. Beyond the satisfaction of personally aiding people, working as a CNA offers many benefits and advantages career-wise. Working to obtain that certification will surely take you to many places, and Dreambound is here to guide you.

Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

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