Are you a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the U.S.? Planning to get specialty certifications as a CNA? Are you wondering what specialty certifications for CNAs are available in the U.S.? You are at the right place.
In this article, you will learn about some of the specialty certifications for CNAs, their benefits, and some ways to list your certifications.
The Benefits of Specialty Certifications for CNAs
It is essential for a CNA to earn extra certifications in the nursing industry. Extra certifications are helpful in advancing in your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Earning one or more specialty certifications relevant to your industry benefits you and adds more value to your career as well.
Some of the benefits of earning specialty certifications are as follows:
- It helps you gain recognition among your team members.
- It can help you reach higher positions with the required qualifications, skills, and experience.
- It broadens your professional opportunities as a CNA in the healthcare industry.
- Helps boost your level of confidence.
Now that you are aware of how specialty certifications can benefit you, let’s discuss some of the specialty certification options available for CNAs in the U.S.
5 Specialty Certifications for CNAs
Specialty certifications add more value to your career. It also helps you gain more knowledge and understanding of many things in the nursing industry. Here are some specialty certifications for CNAs:
- Certified Alzheimer’s Caregiver.
- Certified Wound Care Associate.
- CNA II.
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant.
- Medication Aide Certification.
Let’s dive into these specialty certifications in more detail.
CERTIFIED ALZHEIMER CAREGIVER
Certified Alzheimer’s Caregiver is a certification program undertaken by people who care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. This course can be undertaken by a candidate as a family member, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or an individual working in adult daycare centers or nursing homes.
A Certified Alzheimer’s Caregiver has an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the special requirements and circumstances of patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and their families. They are well-equipped to work on a practical level and can apply the right strategies to offer the best care possible for such patients.
CERTIFIED WOUND CARE ASSOCIATE
A Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) is a certification program offered for CNAs who are interested in wound care. The CNAs who are Certified Wound Care Associates have in-depth knowledge of wound management. This certification program helps to promote the quality of care offered to patients with wounds. By providing high-quality patient care, the professional is skilled in handling wounds.
CNA II
The CNA II program is a training program that broadens and enhances the scope of practice for CNAs in the U.S. This program helps students equip themselves in several skills apart from basic CNA skills. CNAs are trained to take care of patients with chronic and stable conditions in the CNA II training program. CNAs who have completed the CNA II training program must still work under the supervision of a registered nurse.
CERTIFIED HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE NURSING ASSISTANT
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant is a certification program offered to CNAs who wish to become Hospice CNAs. These CNAs offer a variety of services to hospice patients and their families. Hospice CNAs generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician.
MEDICATION AIDE CERTIFICATION
A Medication Aide Certification is a type of training program offered for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The CNAs are trained to dispense medications to patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) can also perform CNA duties on patients. CMA is an entry-level role in the nursing industry. You can also build a long-term career in the healthcare industry by starting your career as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA).
Now that you have an idea of some of the specialty certifications for CNAs, are you wondering how to list your certifications on your resume? Worry not!
Let’s discuss ways to list the certifications in your resume that can help you land a good job in the healthcare industry.
How to List Your Certifications?
If you have been looking for some tips that can help you list your certifications on your resume, you are at the right place.
After the completion of your certification, it is essential for CNAs to include all their certifications as a part of their professional title. If you have been wondering if there is an order to list them in your resume, the answer is yes. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has set an order to list any designations you have earned as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the U.S. The order preferred by the ANA is as follows:
- Highest degree earned.
- Licensure.
- State designations or requirements.
- National certification.
- Other recognitions.
Wrapping Up
As a practicing CNA, it is essential to keep learning to equip your knowledge and skills to stand out among your coworkers. Gaining extra certifications in the industry benefits you and adds more value to your resume. Apart from gaining the certification, it is equally as important to list them in the right order to help you quickly land a good job in the healthcare industry.
If you have been considering taking the CNA exam or know someone who is planning to take it, make sure to refer to our free CNA practice test to help you with the preparation process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Become a Travel CNA?
If you have been dreaming about becoming a traveling CNA but are wondering how to become one, here are some of the steps you should take to become a traveling CNA:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program from a state-recognized academy.
- Earn a CNA license or certification.
- Hold a CPR certification.
- Gain some experience in hospice care for at least 6 months.
- Hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
If you are interested to learn more, make sure to read our blog about how to become a traveling CNA.
What Does a CNA Do in a Hospital?
Some of the duties performed by CNAs in a hospital are as follows:
- Monitor and record the patient’s vital signs.
- Check their heart and respiration rates.
- Monitor their blood pressure levels.
- Assist patients with their daily activities.
- Take patients for checkups.
Where Can CNAs Work?
Some of the places CNAs can work are as follows:
- Nursing homes.
- Hospitals.
- Long-term residential facilities.
- Adult daycare centers.
- Rehabilitation centers.
