Online CNA Certification Information

Nursing assistants, also known as nurse aides, generally work in hospitals, private care facilities and nursing homes. Preparing to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be done through online or hybrid certificates that allow students to take their nursing courses at their own pace.

Nursing Certification Overview

Nursing assistants are not required to earn a certification from a professional or nationally recognized organization to practice in most states. Upon completion of a state-approved certification program, nursing assistants are entered onto their state's nurse aide registry list.
In most states, nursing assistant training programs are assessed and accredited by the state board of nursing, which makes decisions regarding testing and education requirements. Often, these requirements include a written and practical test for prospective nursing assistants; however, registry recognition may or may not be valid from one state to another. Obtaining certification generally means the student has in-depth nursing training at the assistant or aide level.

Online Nursing Assistant Certificate Programs

Hybrid and online nursing assistant programs allow students to complete much of program over the Internet, while attending campus for the clinical portion of their training. These programs are preparation for becoming a CNA and award a certificate of completion as a nursing assistant or nurse aide.
Similar to on-campus programs, hybrid or online CNA programs are usually composed of three different parts. The first portion uses textbooks to cover the theories commonly used in the profession, which can include two or more online courses specifically designed for nursing assistants or aides.
Students will typically complete the video instruction and testing portion that covers the practical aspects of a CNA position. The final part of the program includes hands-on clinical training, which most programs require be taken at a clinic or at the college. Some programs combine the online coursework with the information covered in the on-site clinical training.

Requirements

Many online and hybrid CNA programs require students to meet the online and on-campus components in order to stay registered in the program. Prior to entering the certificate program, students will need a high school diploma or GED equivalent, as well as minimum scores on the school's placement test and ACT or SAT scores.