Getting a Nurses Aide Certificate Online

Passed by Congress in 1987, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act requires each state to maintain Nurse's Aide Evaluation, Training Programs and registries. As defined in this act, a nurse aide is any individual providing nursing or nursing-related services to residents in a long-term care facility who is not a licensed health professional. General duties include feeding, grooming, dressing, walking, and vital signs of patients. Certification is obtained by state but is transferable. Online training and testing, makes this an obtainable career goal.

Requirements

• The federally mandated minimal training course is 75 hours, which includes at least 16 hours of clinical work. This varies per state. Some states may require as much as 175 hours. After completing the required education, you will then take the certification test. Certified Nurses Aides (CNAs) must complete 12 hours of continuing education a year to retain their certification. While not mandated, most training facilities require a high school diploma or GED before admission.

Online Universities

• Class courses are available online and offered by various organizations. One source for this training is through online colleges. Among the most recognized is Phoenix University and Kaplan. An advantage to obtaining your certification through a major online school is the availability of financial aide resources and counselors. The schools function countrywide.

Local Vocational Colleges and Nursing Schools

• Another source for online certification is through local vocational colleges. Many local schools now offer online training. Examples of this are Community College of Rhode Island and Macomb Community College. It's worth visiting your local community college to see if they offer this type of program.

  Nursing schools are an excellent source for online training. Many LPNs and RNs start with the CNA certification and then work as they continue towards a more advanced degree. Nursing schools frequently offer the online training as a step towards a nursing degree. Because of the varying guidelines per state, a phone call or visit to a local nursing school can help you decide if this is your best option.