Nursing Assistant Central

While becoming a nursing assistant requires much less training than some other health care professions, individuals should still expect to complete a multi-step training and certification process in order to be able to work in the field. There are a number of ways to go about doing this but most students will enroll in courses offered through a community college, vocational school, local health care facility or the Red Cross.

Initial training for nursing assistants begins in the classroom. Students will take courses and instruction offered by a RN that will cover some of the basics they’ll need to know when working with patients. This can include instruction in how to do simple things like bathe, groom and move a patient as well as issues of patient privacy, nutrition, anatomy, infection prevention, body mechanics, and communication skills. Most courses will provide handouts or textbooks that can provide additional information and ensure that students have a firm foundation to build upon.

The second portion of nursing assistant training will focus on clinical practice. What this usually entails is working directly in a hospital or health care setting along with the supervision of an RN or other more experienced health care professional. Students may begin by observing and work their way up to performing the tasks themselves. This is where the bulk of the skills that nursing assistants use on a daily basis will be learned, so it is an essential part of preparatory training. Programs can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete, but the great majority will take around two weeks to go through.

Once these courses and training are complete, in order to become a certified nursing assistant, students must pass a state-administered exam. The exam will consist of two parts, written and clinical, that reflect the dual training the student has previously received. In most states, certification will be granted if students pass the exam and they can begin working as nursing assistants. Throughout their careers, however, assistants may need to complete additional training through lectures and workshops to ensure they stay up to date and professionally engaged.

Top Online Nursing Programs

	South University - CNA Degree. South University provides you the ability to obtain your medical assisting degree entirely online. Students interested in becoming a nursing assistant will be able to use this degree to start a new nursing career.
	University of Phoenix - A.A. in Health Care Administration.. Offering affordable and convenient degree plans, University of Phoenix is an accredited university with a successful track record of preparing students for new careers in nursing. Phoenix offers campus and online options.
	Rasmussen College - A.S. in Medical Administration. For those who are pursuing a career in medical assisting, Rasmussen College's Associate's degree in Medical Administration will provide students with the education needed to help run a healthcare office. Students will be prepared to face the various situations they will encounter in the workforce.
	Herzing University - A.S. in Medical Assisting. For those interested in a career that is dedicated in helping others, Herzing University offers an Associate's degree in Medical Assisting that can be taken completely from home. Their programs will prepare students to work alongside physicians and nurses to perform administrative and clinical work.
	American InterContinental University Online - The A.A.B.A. in Healthcare Administration. American InterContinental University has great course programs for students seeking their first college degree in the field of healthcare. With affordable degree plans, going back to school at an accredited online college has never been easier.
	San Joaquin Valley College - AS in Clinical Medical Assisting. San Joaquin Valley College provides specialized training to prepare students for work in medical offices and clinics. With their convenient online programs, students have the opportunity to obtain a great education without having to quit their jobs.
	Kaplan University - A.A.S. in Health Information Technology. Students interested in becoming a nursing assistant will be very pleased with the Associate's Degree in Health Information Technology that Kaplan University offers. Kaplan is a respected online institution with a history of providing high quality classes at affordable prices.
	DeVry University - Associate in Health Information Technology. DeVry University gives students the opportunity to work in the healthcare field alongside nurses, physicians, and other health care providers in a variety of settings. Their Associate in Health Information Technology program prepares students to work with information systems, applications systems, and databases that hold important health and patient information.
	Virginia College - The BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College Online is the perfect online university for students on the go. With classes online, students can take them when they have the free time to do so and from any location with internet access.
	California Coast University - A.S. in Health Care Administration. Individuals seeking to learn more about the health care industry and are interested in working with health care providers will find that California Coast University offers a wide array of programs to meet their specific goals. The A.S. in Health Care Administration degree will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for a career in the health care field.
	Keiser University - The Associate of Science in Medical Assisting. Keiser University offers an affordable and flexible online degree program that prepares students looking to pursue a degree in medical assistance. They prepare students to perform under the supervision of a physician or practitioner by providing the skills and knowledge needed to enter the fast-growing healthcare industry.