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A certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the United States "typically works in a nursing home or hospital and performs everyday living tasks for the elderly, chronically sick, or rehabilitation patients who cannot care for themselves."

Many community colleges offer CNA training in one semester. Other educational programs offer accelerated programs. In some cases, Skilled Nursing Facilities will pay for a CNA course for their employees.

CNA certification requirements vary by state. The requirements generally include completing an accredited CNA course, passing the CNA exam (varies by state), consisting of written and practical portions, registering as a CNA within the state, acquiring a minimum number of hours of supervised on-duty experience.

CNA as a career
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is a way to create a career in healthcare. Many schools require a student to have their CNA certificate to go on to other programs. Students who wish to become Licensed practical nurses (LPN) or a Registered nurse (RN) may be required to complete a CNA course first. CNAs have a impact in nursing, providing care and comfort, and can also be a bridge to a client's family and other healthcare providers. CNAs will mostly work in long-term care, home care, or assisted living but they can also be employed in hospitals, doctor's offices, and clinics. Nurses, doctors, family members and most of all the patients cared for rely on the CNAs that care for them.

Nursing school is difficult, it takes a lot of prioritized time, student life can be a trial for the student and the family of the student. The decision to go into nursing should not be taken lightly. The CNA course is a great way for a student to understand the basics of nursing and will help make the decision of whether or not to move onto more advanced nursing practice.

As a nursing student, having tools that provide knowledge, improve skills and enhance patient communication, may give an upper hand in a competitive nursing school. CNA certification on a college application shows commitment to the nursing profession. Working as a CNA will help prepare the future nursing student in making decisions of where to work, which school to attend, provide some financial stability while going to school, and give opportunities for the student to shine in their profession.

Once these requirements are completed, the person will be certified in their state. Moving to a different state requires recertification in the new state unless both states use the NNAAP standard. In that case, the new state accepts previous NNAAP test scores and allows registration. These certification exams are distributed by the state. Classes to study for these exams are provided by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, as well as other providers. The Red Cross courses encompass everything in the state exams, from communication to health terms to sensitivity.

In the United States, CNAs must work a minimum number of hours every two years as specified by the state and have no records of abuse or neglect to keep their certification. Each state also has its own mandatory continuing education hours that CNAs must fulfill.