Students working full-time or residing far from a vocational college or trade school can still complete certified nursing assistant courses by enrolling in an online program. Online CNA courses allow students to complete classroom instruction for a degree or certification program, and provide the knowledge needed to pass the national CNA exam. After completing practicals and achieving certification, students can seek employment as certified nursing assistants.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are responsible for assisting registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in a healthcare facility or other medical setting. CNAs typically perform basic tasks such as feeding and moving patients, making beds, and setting up patient rooms. CNA courses provide training in the overall operations of a healthcare facility, understanding medical equipment used for patient evaluations and intakes, and communicating with patients.
Online CNA courses are typically offered through trade schools, vocational schools and technical colleges. Community colleges may also offer programs for students-in-training. Courses give students a chance to learn about job duties and how to handle various situations in a hospital or healthcare facility setting. Courses may include: Basic Nursing Skills; CPR; Infection Control; Human Physiology; Human Anatomy; and Introduction to Healthcare. Most programs require a minimum of 75 hours of coursework in order to earn a certificate of completion or diploma.
Online CNA courses allow students to set their own schedules, interact with professors and students from around the country, and participate in discussion groups, live chat sessions and other web-based activities. Online CNA programs may also require students to complete quizzes and tests via the Internet. Students completing CNA training and certification programs entirely online may also be required to complete a certain number of hours in a clinical setting; externships, internships or work-study programs may be educational requirements.
While much of the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified nursing assistant can be learned through books and lectures, prospective CNAs may still need to complete a work-study program or internship for on-the-job experience. Traditional CNA programs typically require students to complete several hours of training in supervised clinical activities before earning a certificate or degree; students enrolled in an online program should find a healthcare facility that offers hands-on training.