How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Online Courses

Certified nursing assistants (CNA) are essential in healthcare. CNAs offer hands-on care to patients in various healthcare settings.

They work closely with licensed practical (vocational) nurses (LPN or LVN) and/or registered nurses (RN) and are responsible for bathing, dressing, and other basic daily living skills.

Below, we'll tell you how to become a CNA.

What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Certified nursing assistants aid in the smooth running of a unit. They are often the unit's frontline, acting as the nurse's hands and feet. Some responsibilities include:

• taking patient vitals
• answering patient's calls
• bathing, dressing, and feeding patients
• monitoring patient's food/liquid in and outtake
• preparing the rooms for admission
• dressing wounds
• aiding patients in the restroom
• assisting with limited medical procedures
• repositioning or turning patients
• gathering materials for supervisors

The requirements for becoming a certified nursing assistant vary by state. Some requirements are universal.

If you're interested in becoming a CNA, follow these steps below.

Step One: Earn a High School Degree.

The only required education that you need to enroll in a CNA program is a high school diploma. Be sure to do your best in all your classes and work hard on the courses that will best prepare you for being a nurse.

Step 2: Get a Background Check

All states and CNA programs require a background check. Before beginning a CNA program, candidates must be felony free for five or more years, and any crimes involving assault or theft will lead to immediate disqualification.

Some states also require employers to run an employee misconduct registry check before hiring a candidate.

Some states will also require fingerprinting as part of the background check process.

The Red Cross does offer a background check for those wanting to become a CNA and enroll in their program.

Step 3: Have All Required Documents

Before starting a certified nursing assistant program, a candidate needs:

• a high school diploma or equivalent
• immunization records and a TB test
• state identification and possibly your birth certificate
• proof of eligibility to work in the United States

Make sure to check your state requirements for additional documentation that may be required.

Step 3: Complete a Certified Nursing Assistant Program

These programs are often offered through high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, medical facilities, and the Red Cross.

Before enrolling in a program, verify that your state and the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission have accredited it.

Below, we will list some online CNA programs that you can enroll in

Step 4: Pass Your Exam

States have different standards for the CNA exam, but they are all 90-minute proctored exams with a 35- to 45-minute clinical skills assessment.

The test was updated as of September 2023, assessing a contender's knowledge of basic nursing skills needed for your new position.

These topics include the metric system, preventing personal injuries, restraints, emergencies, positioning, and patient safety.

Several websites offer free practice exams.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Career and Follow the Regulations

Once the above steps are complete, enjoy your nursing career. You may choose to further your career or stay as a CNA.

If you decide to further your career, there are programs to help you advance from a CNA to a DPN. Nursing is a vast field with endless opportunities and options to change paths.

It is crucial to note that your CNA license is valid for two years and must be renewed. There are continuing education courses and supervisory forms that need to be completed.

Certified Nursing Assistant Programs and Courses Online

Below, you will find courses or programs to help you become a CNA. Bear in mind most programs are hybrid programs due to the clinical conditions of the training.

1. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross offers a hybrid certified nursing assistant program that can be completed in four to eight weeks.

Students will take the theory and basic nursing skills online via video. The clinical experience will be gained at a skilled nursing facility under a nurse's supervision.

They have a 90% graduation rate, with students passing their CNA exam at a rate of 80%.

The Red Cross has proudly been called the gold standard in CNA training since 1990.

2. CNAonline.com

Intending to try to solve the medical workforce shortage, CNAonline.com, in partnership with the American Health Care Association, offers an online hybrid CNA training program.

This nationally acclaimed program provides online RN instruction, working with students by answering questions and offering support. The hands-on clinical training is coordinated through the instructor and local sites.

Once complete, they offer a test preparation course. The course is about 30 hours and allows students 24/7 access to their extensive library of quizzes and more.

3. Local Community Colleges

Look at your local community colleges for a program. They have programs providing their students with the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide the essential care needed to work in healthcare facilities.

Also, they provide students with the tools to pass the CNA and any other state CNA examination requirements.

Not all schools offer an online pathway because of the clinical aspect.

Become a CNA Today

Learning how to become a CNA is as simple as completing high school and enrolling in an accredited program before applying for job.

If you want to enroll in an online program, be sure to check out the programs listed above.