Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, provide crucial support to nursing staff and patients in healthcare settings, but the position can also be a springboard into a number of other, more advanced medical careers. What you learn as a CNA, both in training and on the job, will lay a solid foundation for future career opportunities. Here are a few to consider.

Possible Careers for Certified Nursing Assistants

1. Advanced CNA

In many areas, there are three different levels of CNA licensure. A person who completes CNA 1 training receives an education in the basics of nursing support and learns how to provide personal care to patients, take vital signs, and communicate patient needs to nurses and doctors, among other tasks; they work primarily in long-term care and assisted living facilities. CNA 2 training involves a more advanced level of study that prepares the student to work in the more intensive environment of a hospital. CNA 3 is the most specialized tier of training, focusing on the study of medical terminology, testing procedures, and testing equipment. Responsibilities and pay grade increase with each new level of licensure attained.

2. LPN

A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, is a career situated between that of a CNA and a registered nurse. LPN education is more in-depth than CNA training but not as rigorous or lengthy as the education a registered nurse must pursue. While an LPN is not given the same responsibilities as an RN, they still play a critical role in patient care, handling tasks like monitoring conditions and vital signs, assisting with tests, and maintaining documentation.

3. RN

As a CNA, you will work closely with registered nurses and gain insight into the scope of their work and the many duties they are assigned. RNs must complete a minimum of an associate's degree and subsequently pass the state boards. They are charged with overseeing and monitoring all aspects of daily patient care, from administering medications and performing diagnostic tests to assisting doctors and educating patients and families on aftercare.

These are just a few of the doors that a career as a CNA can open. Big Apple Training provides a comprehensive education for those looking to enter the certified nurse assistant field. For over 20 years, they have offered a variety of programs designed for rewarding careers in healthcare, including CNA, certified home health aide, and EKG technician training. To learn more, call (914) 437-7373 to reach their White Plains location or (718) 231-3600 for the Bronx. You can also visit their website or message them on Facebook or Twitter.