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Registered nursing assistants (RNAs) care for patients while under the supervision of a nurse. They also help nurses perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties. If you’re interested in becoming an RNA, the education and career path to becoming one may be much easier than you think.
To earn your degree and certification to become an RNA, you can take classes in person at a nursing school or earn your degree conveniently online through an accredited online nursing program. Here’s a closer look at the steps involved in becoming an RNA.
Meet the Education Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, is required to enroll in a nursing school program to become an RNA. With that, you can start to work toward earning your associate degree in nursing or enroll in a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program to earn your certification.
You may want to consider an associate degree if you plan on advancing in your career or if you plan on pursuing a different nursing position later on. Earning your associate degree can take up to two years, depending on the amount of time you dedicate to your education. On the other hand, if you want to start working as an RNA as soon as possible, you can earn your CNA certification in a few months.
Nursing assistant training programs are available at many community colleges, trade schools, and medical facilities. You can also choose from numerous accredited online nursing schools. If you choose the online route to becoming an RNA, you’ll still need to spend time training in a clinical environment to get hands-on experience and earn your certification.
Gain the Relevant Experience
RNAs have a variety of both medical and administrative job duties and responsibilities. To gain relevant experience, look for positions that expose you to many of the same roles and duties.
Look for positions with the following duties to gain relevant experience:
- Taking patients’ vitals
- Documenting symptoms and conditions
- Taking care of wounds
- Keeping medical supply rooms stocked
- Filing medical paperwork
- Turning and repositioning patients in bed
- Helping patients with bathing, getting dressed, and brushing their teeth
- Preparing admission rooms
- Feeding patients
- Collecting supplies for nurses and doctors
Take the RNA or CNA Exam
Before you can begin practicing as an RNA, you must take the registered medical assistant (RMA) exam or CNA exam to earn your certification.
The RMA certification exam requires you to answer 210 questions in two hours or less. You’ll be tested on subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, bookkeeping, medical records, symptoms, and lab procedures. You can take the RMA up to three times to earn your initial certification.
The CNA certification exam requires you to answer 60 multiple-choice questions within 90 minutes. You’ll be tested on many of the same subjects included on the RMA exam, such as how to physically care for patients and perform various administrative duties. You’ll also be required to take a 30-minute skills test, which is performed in front of a proctor.
After you pass the RMA or CNA exam, you can officially begin working as an RNA.
Apply for RNA Jobs
RNAs work in a variety of medical settings. When applying for RNA jobs, look for open positions in the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Assisted-living facilities
- In-home care and hospice facilities
- Nursing care facilities
- Urgent care centers
- Private physicians’ offices
- Community health clinics
Browse online job boards, especially those that are specific to nursing and medical careers. Or, ask your course instructors or fellow nursing students if they can refer you to a practice or facility that’s currently hiring. You can also go through staffing agencies and recruiters to find open RNA positions.
Further Your Career
Working as an RNA will expose you to many other intriguing nursing and medical career paths. In addition to maintaining your RMA or CNA certification, consider earning additional certifications that can advance your career.
For instance, you could become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, which performs all the same duties as an RNA, along with extra duties such as administering injections. If you enjoy all the medical aspects of being an RNA, you could consider becoming a National Certified Medical Assistant, which emphasizes your existing clinical duties.
Many nursing positions remain in high demand in the United States, including RNAs. If you want to become an RNA, start working toward earning your degree or certification so you can help patients in need.
Resource Links
- “What Is a CNA?” via RegisteredNursing.org
- “Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Online” via Lehman College
- “Become a Nursing Assistant by Taking CNA Classes Online” via Accredited Schools Online
- “How to Pass the RMA Certification Exam” via Provo College