Hit your career out of the park. Learn all about Massachusetts CNA training.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be a long, challenging process. This is especially true if you do not know where to get your certification and what courses to take. If you wish to earn your CNA certification, Massachusetts CNA training can help you earn it and become a successful nursing assistant.
Earning your nursing assistant certification can be very rewarding, but how do you know what prerequisites and CNA training are required to become a successful CNA?
Nursing assistants are crucial to the health care field, as they provide necessary care and compassion to struggling patients. As a CNA, you need to properly observe and monitor a patient's health, relay the necessary information to your supervisor, and maintain patients' records with precision.
When earning your CNA certificate in Massachusetts, you need to understand:
- What the state requirements are for qualification, including various prerequisites that are pertinent to security and public health concerns.
- General requirements for classroom and clinical training hours.
Prerequisites for becoming a nursing assistant include:
- A GED or high school diploma. Many high schools in Massachusetts even offer CNA classes.
- Submit a background check and fingerprint card.
- Provide proof of immunization and proof of a negative tuberculosis test taken within six months of your Massachusetts' CNA certification exam.
Massachusetts requires you to have a minimum of 100 hours of clinical or on-the-job experience at hospitals or rehabilitation centers, as well as 75 hours of accredited course work. Course work may include nutrition, medical terminology, basic anatomy and interpersonal skills.
You can take online CNA courses or classes at one of the many nursing schools in Massachusetts. So only the 75 hours of coursework may be completed online. Your program or school should be able to point you in the direction for gaining the 100 clinical hours. Or it may be that the 100 clinical hours are part of the online course and you're auto enrolled for clincal hours at a medical center in your area.
Find local and online Massachusetts CNA training now!
Earning your CNA certification can take anywhere from eight to 13 weeks and up to six months, depending on where you take your courses and how much time you can invest. Institutions that offer CNA training include high schools, community colleges, technical or vocational centers, the American Red Cross and long-term care facilities.
Once you have completed your CNA training program, you need to pass a standard certification exam to receive your CNA license. Without this license, you cannot legally work in Massachusetts.
The license is valid for two years. After which time, you need to provide proof of a minimum of eight hours of CNA employment during the two-year period of time, allowing you to be approved for certification renewal.
Once you have passed the CNA exam, you will qualify for placement in Massachusetts' nurse aide registry.
Whether you are changing careers or deciding what your major will be for college, understanding the steps you need to take in order to become a certified nursing assistant does not have to be confusing.
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