A CNA course includes studies in healthcare systems, patient care, CNA ethics and professionalism, and emergency care. Students learn medical terminology, including medical abbreviations and codes, and terms related to human development across a life span. Because many CNAs are employed in nursing homes, this course teaches students about the unique physical and emotional needs of elderly patients, including issues like dementia, bereavement, rehabilitation and activity planning. CNA students also learn to assist in the daily care of patients, including helping with hygiene and maintaining a clean, safe living space.
Acute care CNA students take an acute care course that teaches students to provide quality healthcare to medical patients. Topics in this course include the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, and the Acute Care Nursing Assistant's role in patient care. Students learn to effectively care for the emotional and physical needs of patients and to apply critical thinking techniques to problems typically faced by Acute Care Nursing Assistants and nurses. The acute care course also teaches emergency care and end-of-life care for elderly patients. Students who are not seeking the CNA 2 certification are not required to take the acute care course.
Both CNA and Acute Care Nursing Assistants complete clinical requirements at the end of the program by working in an area physician's office or hospital. During the clinical phase, students receive hands-on training by working directly with patients, performing the duties of a CNA while under the close supervision of nurses and doctors. CNA students in the clinical phase take vital signs, learn to assist in the daily living activities and comfort of patients and consistently maintain accurate patient records. The clinical phase of the program prepares students to sit for the CNA licensing examination.