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Are you considering entering the healthcare field but not sure where to start? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to enter the medical field. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are on the front lines of patient care and provide basic care and support to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse. As a crucial member of the healthcare team, CNAs generally help with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring comfort and safety. Best of all, New Jersey currently has a high demand for CNAs which means there are many job opportunities and areas for growth. In this blog, we are going to break down our step-by-step guide on how to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in NJ.
How to Become a CNA in NJ: a step-by-step guide
- Meet the Requirements
In order to enroll into a CNA training program and become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you must meet these basic requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to pass a background check
- Be a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status
- Complete a health screening (physical exam and vaccination records)
- Enroll in a State Approved Training Program
In order to be eligible to take the CNA certification exam, the training program you enroll in must be state approved. There are numerous CNA programs across New Jersey that are state approved. You can find a list of NJ CNA programs here. Here’s what you need to know:
- Program length: Typically 90 hours total with 50 hours being in the classroom and 40 hours in a clinical setting
- What you’ll learn:
- Vital signs monitoring
- Basic Nursing Care
- Infection Control
- Personal Care
- Restorative Services
- Workplace Safety
- Patient Transport
- Pass the NJ CNA Exam
After completing the CNA program, you will now be eligible to take the competency exam for certification. The exam includes both a written test and a skills demonstration test. Administered by PSI, this exam assesses knowledge and practical abilities in areas such as personal care and patient safety.
- Background Check & Health Clearance
Before you start working as a CNA, you’ll need to:
- Pass a background check
- Provide proof of a recent TB test and physical
- Provide up-to date vaccination records
- Apply for a CNA Job in NJ
Now that you are officially a certified Certified Nursing Assistant in New Jersey, it’s time to land your first job as a CNA! Certified Nursing Assistants can find work in:
- Long Term Care Facilities
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Clinics
- Schools
- Hospice care
According to ZipRecruiter, CNAs in New Jersey see an average salary of $20 per hour. There are opportunities to make more than the state average with overtime shifts and shift differentials.
Why Become a CNA in New Jersey?
As I mentioned earlier, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in New Jersey are in high demand, particularly within long-term care facilities and nursing homes. As the population of New Jersey gets older, the demand for CNAs will continue to grow. These healthcare professionals provide direct care and emotional support which affect patients’ quality of life. As a CNA, you’ll be making a positive impact on your patients’ lives daily. Not only will your work be impactful on their health, but you’ll also have many job opportunities and room for growth. Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in NJ usually leads towards higher-paying roles such as becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Many employers may even pay for your education to pursue a professional nursing license. These opportunities will make it easier to advance as a healthcare professional without incurring a substantial amount of debt.
Final Thoughts
Starting your career in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant is an excellent way to get your foot in the door. The process of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in NJ is straightforward, fast, and a lower cost for schooling amongst other healthcare professions. This profession is perfect for those who want to work in healthcare but are unsure of which profession they really want. Not only are there endless job opportunities for CNAs in NJ, but there is also plenty of room for growth.
Are you ready to apply for your first CNA job in NJ?
We have immediate openings for CNAs across New Jersey and are always looking to add CNAs to our team. Easily apply online and one of our dedicated recruiters will reach out to you to discuss what you’re looking for. Horizon Healthcare Staffing is here to match you with your perfect CNA job opportunity in New Jersey.
