Senior caregivers who are interested in pursuing a career in caregiving may want to consider becoming a certified nursing assistant or C.N.A. Certification allows for more job opportunities as nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living communities must staff a minimum number of C.N.A.’s to meet the state department of health licensing requirements.
What qualifications are needed to become a C.N.A.?
- Caring Personality
- High School Diploma or Equivalency Test
- 18 years old
- Pass Drug Test
What skills are taught in a C.N.A. training program?
- Personal Care Skills
- Safe Transfer Skills
- Bathing
- Toileting (Catheter Care)
- Feeding
- Managing Emotions/Personalities
All certified aides must complete a state certification exam before they are officially given their certificate. Their training school will provide them with training in the field and a practice test. You may take a free sample nursing aide test or practice test to learn more about the skills taught to C.N.A.’s.
You may also work as a companion caregiver while you are taking your training courses, in order to develop more skills until you pass the certification exam – you may apply for a job in your area on Caregiverlist. Many companies will provide a tuition reimbursement and many communities also provide a stipend or scholarship or grant programs to help pay for the cost of a training course – – this is because there is an ongoing need for C.N.A.’s as the baby boomer population ages.
Research Certified Nursing Aide/Assistant training schools in your area and find out the admission requirements. It is also a good idea to speak to their admissions department ahead of time to learn about financial aide opportunities.
