What Do You Learn in a Nursing Assistant Program?
As more and more of the “baby boomer” generation reach retirement age, the need for nursing assistants continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth between 2021 and 2031 for nursing assistants and orderlies. That’s 64,000 job openings.1
The healthcare industry relies on nursing assistants to implement direct care instructions and provide emotional and physical support for patients. As a nursing assistant training graduate, you can pursue employment in this growing industry and help people with their healthcare needs.
A nursing assistant program can cover a variety of topics that prepare you to pursue entry-level positions in a healthcare setting. Quality nursing assistant training programs should be approved by a state nursing board and prepare students to sit for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, if eligible. Discover the types of skills you can learn through nursing assistant training below.
What to Look for in a Nursing Assistant Training Program
Quality training programs incorporate academics and hands-on practical experience, giving students real-world practice to develop skills. You can expect to learn the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and body mechanics. Practical applications of patient care techniques give you the skills needed to put your academic knowledge to work. Instruction in CPR, HIV/AIDS, and first aid prepares students to face emergency situations that have the potential for infection.
Some programs offer the additional benefit of an externship. During externships, students gain experience in a healthcare facility and put their classroom skills to work with actual patients.
Successful completion of a Nursing Assistant program can prepare students to take a certification exam if eligible. Some programs also offer extra test preparation courses to help graduates prepare for the exam. In Florida, and many other states, nursing assistants are required to be certified in order to work. Passing the certification exam gives students the title of Certified Nursing Assistant.
What Skills Will You Learn Through Nursing Assistant Training?
Once enrolled in a nursing assistant training education program, you can expect to take a variety of courses to learn important skills, including:
- Assisting with patient personal care such as bathing, feeding, walking, changing bed linens, and more
- Tracking vital signs including blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Communicating effectively with patients to encourage them through difficult periods
- Practical experience using related medical equipment
- Controlling infections
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Feeding and nutrition
- How to handle emergency situations
Once you complete training and certification, you could have a variety of employment opportunities in . nursing homes, hospitals, retirement communities, patient homes, and hospice facilities.
Get Your Nursing Assistant Training Education at Ultimate Medical Academy
Ready to pursue a career in the nursing assistant field? Study to become a nursing assistant at Ultimate Medical Academy, and you could begin pursuing employment in as little as two months.2 Learn more about our Nursing Assistant program now.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Nursing Assistant and Orderlies. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
2 Completion times may vary according to the individual student.
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About the Author
Christina DeBuskChristina DeBusk is a freelance writer who has been providing health and wellness content to healthcare organizations such as the American Chiropractic Association and International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) since 2011. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Central Michigan University, minoring in psychology. She has also earned several ISSA certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Specialist, achieving the status of Elite Trainer.
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