A CNA certificate program requires students to complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training to meet the requirements for becoming a certified CNA. The course curriculum of a CNA certificate program covers anatomy and physiology, as well as patient care procedures. Continue reading to learn more about the curriculum of CNA certificate programs.
CNA Certificate Program Curriculum
A Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate program can prepare you to work in the health care industry assisting with patient care procedures, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Certain settings such as nursing homes require spiring CNA students to complete a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved training with an accredited program. Aspiring CNAs must also pass a competency evaluation.
<h3 id="section---CNACertificateCandidatesMayReceiveTrainingInTheFollowingAreas">CNA certificate candidates may receive training in the following areas:</h3><ul><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Excretory procedures
</li><li>Practical skills
</li></ul><h2 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h2><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td><b>Certificate Level</b> </td><td> Undergraduate</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or equivalent; CPR certification required for some programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Partially online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Continuing Education</b></td><td>_ Required to renew certification, which typically lasts two years</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary</b> (2021) </td><td> $30,290 (<i>for all nursing assistants</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook</b> (2021-2031)</td><td> 5% growth (<i>for all nursing assistants</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AnatomyAndPhysiology">Anatomy and Physiology</h3><p>Classroom study in a CNA certificate program typically includes anatomy and physiology courses. These courses focus on respiratory systems, musculoskeletal systems, digestive systems, urinary systems, cardiovascular systems and other body systems.
</p><h3 id="section---ExcretoryProcedures">Excretory Procedures</h3><p>Due to the nature of CNA duties, certificate programs cover the procedures for handling patient excretory functions. Students are required to define and explain terminology associated with elimination procedures, as well as identify urinary and digestive systems. Students also learn the proper way to handle specimens and describe the collection of the specimen.
</p><h3 id="section---PracticalSkills">Practical Skills</h3><p>As a CNA student, you will learn many practical skills for patient care in addition to classroom studies.
</p><p>Instructors will teach important health care terminology and demonstrate the following tasks:
</p><ul><li>Bed making
</li><li>Dressing and undressing the patient
</li><li>Skin care</li></ul>
