Intro to Medical Assisting: How to Get Your Nursing Assistant Certificate

If you want to enter the healthcare field as a certified nursing assistant (often known as a CNA), one of the first steps you need to take is proper training. Enroll in a Certified Nurse’s Assistant program at a local community college, through an organization such as the Red Cross, take a course online or enroll at a local healthcare facility.

Many programs will demand time in a healthcare facility to obtain hands-on training before the nursing assistant is deemed qualified to take the certification examination. Even online study programs for the Certified Nursing Assistant’s certification will require hands-on study at a healthcare facility near you. Usually the school will act as a liaison between students and the facility so that the work-study program is accomplished smoothly.

The important thing to remember when you decide to pursue a career as a nursing assistant is that every state maintains its own qualifications and requirements for certification. Before you begin your studies, learn what you need to accomplish first so you don’t waste your time or money on courses that aren’t required. On the other hand, this early research will help you define your education so you do receive the courses you need to succeed. You can find videos about CNA training that are sponsored by various healthcare and educational institutions, such as this video introduction to the Certified Nursing Assistant program at San Diego Continuing Education.

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to complete a six- to twelve-week CNA training program. Once you have met the instruction hours training requirements and have graduated from your nursing assistant program, you usually will have a period of 120 days to take the final exam. This exam will include sections for both clinical and written examples of problem-handling skills. Use web sites such as the CNA Exam Study Guide to learn more about the exam so you’re prepared. Once you pass this final exam, you will receive your Nursing Assistant Certification.

Top Online Nursing Assistant Colleges

Looking for the best online nursing nursing assistant college? Request information from any of the schools below by clicking on the button or logo and then filling out the form that follows.

AA Degree in Health Care AA Degree in Medical Records	University of Phoenix — AA Degree in Health Care. This program prepares a student for becoming a certified nursing assistant, who would then be qualified to become an integral part of a healthcare administration team in any number of healthcare settings. Related Phoenix programs: AA in Medical Records.
AAS Degree in Medical Assisting AAS Degree in Health IT AAS Degree in Medical Office Mgmt AAS Degree in Medical Transcription	Kaplan University — AAS Degree in Medical Assisting. The Kaplan University School of Nursing offers courses in a wide range of topics, including informatics, management, and community nursing care. Related Kaplan programs: AAS in health information technology, AAS in medical office management, AAS in medical office management.
AS in Medical Office Admin BS in Health Services Management	Virginia College — BS in Health Services Management. This bachelor's program provides an advanced degree for the medical assistant who is looking for a management role in his/her career. Related Virginia College programs: AS in medical office administration.
AAS in Medical Administration AAS in Health IT AAS in Human Services	Rasmussen College — AAS in Medical Administration. Students of Rasmussen's online medical administration associate's degree program will learn how to successfully manage a medical office by learning medical terminology, medical ethics, coding, and billing administration. Related Rasmussen programs: AAS in health information technology, AAS in human services.
AS Degree in Medical Assisting AS Degree in Health Services	Keiser University — AS Degree in Medical Assisting. Those who want to care medically for others, but are not drawn to being nurses or doctors should consider the medical assisting program at Keiser University. Related Keiser programs: AS in health services
AS in Medical Assisting AS in Health Information Mgmt AS in Medical Billing & Coding AS in Medical Office Admin	Herzing University — AS in Medical Assisting. Students of this program are trained in how to assist nurses and doctors in examination rooms and to perform routine lab tests, handle medical records, and file insurance forms. Related Herzing programs: AS in health information management, AS in medical coding and billing, AS in medical office administration.
AABA - Healthcare Administration AABA - Medical Billing & Coding	American InterContinental University — AA in Business Administration (Healthcare Administration). AICU's business administration degree with a concentration in healthcare administration prepares students for day-to-day operations of a medical or allied health office. Related AICU programs: AS in medical coding and billing.
AS in Healthcare Administration	Brookline College — AS in Healthcare Administration. This two-year program from Brookline College combines real-world business skills with intimate knowledge of today's fast-pace and high-growth healthcare industry. Students will learn ethical, legal, and business issues related to running a healthcare organization..
BA in Healthcare Administration	Ashford University — BA in Healthcare Administration. Ashford's healthcare administration degree is for the medical assistant or CNA who wants to advance his/her career and obtain a more managerial role.
AAS in Health Info Technology	Western Career College — AAS in Health Information Technology. Health information technology is one of the fastest growing career field for aspiring medical and nursing assistants. Students of this program will learn how to work with cutting edge equipment and record keeping found in hospitals, medical offices, and other healthcare environments.
AS in Clinical Medical Assisting	San Joaquin Valley College Online — AS in Clinical Medical Assisting. This program offers back office training to provide support to physicians as well as training to assist in direct patient care. Injection administration, CPR, first aid, and assisting in minor surgery are also learned here.
BA in Health Services Administration	Baker College Online — BA in Health Services Administration. Combining core course work with independent research, this program is designed for the working profession who wants to further his/her career in the general healthcare industry.
AAS in Medical Coding & Billing	Lincoln College — AAS in Medical Coding & Billing. The medical coding and billing associate's degree program from Lincoln College Online prepares students for jobs as entry-level coding and billing specialists. Skills learned include computer technology, state/local billing regulations, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
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