Every license expires eventually. Find out about CNA certification renewal.
CNA refers to a certified nurse aide or certified nursing assistant. These are equivalent terms that different states use to refer to trained personnel who assist nurses by providing basic patient care in hospitals and other facilities. CNAs are state certified. CNA certification renewal is required once a certain period has elapsed after the initial certification.
Each state may have slightly different requirements, but the basic principles for renewing a CNA license are the same throughout the United States. You may need to complete additional CNA training.
CNAs who have not worked within a certain state-determined period of time, usually 24 months, must complete a refresher course and retake the state exam before they renew their licenses.
Online CNA courses are available to fulfill this requirement. These courses are the most flexible and convenient way to learn everything you need to get an up-to-date CNA certificate. Nevertheless, your online course may include at least one or two hands-on or on-site training sessions, both to meet state requirements and to give you the confidence and skills you need for success as a CNA.
Whether you choose an online course or a traditional course to fulfill your state requirements, make sure the course:
- Follows the curriculum that your state requires for CNA training.
- Is operated by an experienced provider or institution.
- Check for exam pass rates and career assistance records.
- Check the Better Business Bureau and your local consumer affairs sites.
- Make sure no complaints or legal actions are recorded against the school.
Your best choice is usually a community college course or a course offered by a professional trade school that has a clear track record of successful CNA training.
If you are presently working and it is time to renew your license, you do not need to take any additional courses so long as your employer certifies that you have completed on-the-job training that the state licensing board requires for you to maintain your license. This training typically includes fire safety training, instruction regarding infection control, and training in dealing with patients who suffer from dementia or cognitive impairment.
Make sure you fully understand what is necessary for license renewal in your state and that you have fulfilled all requirements before you send in your renewal forms.
Even if you do not need to complete additional training for renewal of your CNA license, you may want to consider online courses or other refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. The training can help you if you want to change employers or if you want to be considered for a promotion. The courses you take to improve your knowledge may or may not be the same ones you need for CNA certification renewal, and rules for renewal may change from year to year.
Whenever you are considering a CNA training course, make sure you understand how it will benefit you and whether it is mandatory for you to take it in order to renew your certification.
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