CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (2023)

Hello and welcome to this comprehensive guide on CNA Continuing Education!

At the end of this piece, you’ll have the current information on the CNA credit hours for your State, payments, CNA renewal classes, and other CNA Continuing Education requirements.

Specifically, we will split the subject matter into the following:

  • Introduction
  • What is the difference between CNE and CEU?
  • CNA Continuing Education requirements by State
  • Places and organizations that offer CE courses
  • Paying for Continuous Education

Let’s get started right away!

Table of Contents

Introduction

CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (1)

CE must be created and delivered by qualified organizations to qualify as continuing education for Nurses.

Professional societies, nursing schools, course directories, and peer-reviewed publications are good places to look for CE opportunities.

Your work emphasis and career objectives determine the best CE for you.

Register and attend once you’ve found a course or conference that interests you.

If you’re reading a peer-reviewed article, you should expect to take a test at the end.

Other service providers may keep track of your attendance, and thus you must keep track of your hours so you can submit a report of your CNA CEU credits.

CE ensures that you are equipped and afloat with the newest innovations in nursing care, changing trends in long-term care, and keeps you abreast of new developments in HIPAA and OSHA.

It can also shield healthcare organizations from legal repercussions reducing the possibility of medical error and negligence as you hone your skills in preparation for your next job move.

Nursing continuing education courses address the same areas as nursing school, including medicine, health promotion, communication, leadership, and legal and ethical issues.

CE can assist you with developing your knowledge, regardless of your job.

What is the difference between CNE and CEU?

CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (2)

Continuing Nursing Education is a term that refers to courses designed exclusively for nurses.

CEUS, or Continuing Education Units, are often referred to as CE Credits.

They show the amount of time spent in educational courses or activities that have been approved.

Ten hours of training equals one CEU.

Contact hours refer to the total number of hours spent in class.

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The declared length of time an individual is present during a course is called contact hours.

Depending on the State, a single contact hour can equal 50-60 minutes of class time.

CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (3)

Some states require you to complete a percentage of your continuing education on a specified subject.

You have a lot of control over the remaining hours.

Another thing to bear in mind, you must acquire CEUs within your State’s designated renewal term.

You can’t double up and apply extra hours to the next two years if you need to earn several CEUs every two years.

They aren’t carried over from one year to the next.

Continuing education requirements set by a professional group to maintain certification status are frequently distinct from those set by the state board.

Most certifying organizations demand that a percentage of a licensed nurse’s CE program requirements be accredited through a specific peer review to maintain their certification status.

For more information, contact the organization that issued your certification.

For some of the States, the requirements have been detailed below:

Florida

The Florida Board of Nursing’s CNA Registry only requires 24 hours of CEUS for CNA license renewal.

The licensing cycle begins over whenever you renew for the first time.

You’ll need another 24 hours.

California

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) must complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years.

CNAs must follow state and federal regulations, including in-service and ongoing CNA schooling requirements.

The state department’s Licensing and Certification Division has approved an online computer training program for twenty-four of the 48 hours of in-service training.

CNAs must state the total CNA in-service hours online or continuing education completed on the renewal form.

North Carolina

Although CE is not required, some conditions must be met. Every two years, complete qualified job experience (at least 8 hours).

Nurse aides and home health aides must fill out a scannable renewal form to report their employment.

The registry sends the applications to eligible nurse aides three months before their listing expires.

Other reporting methods, including W-2 forms, are not acceptable. To record the job experience, the assistant and supervisor must fill out the form.

(Video) What is the difference between CEU's and Contact Hours?

Texas

Nurse aides may complete 12 of the 24 hours of in-service education required by the Texas Board of Nursing, Texas Department of State Health Services, or in a healthcare entity other than one licensed or certified by HHS, the Texas Department of State Health Services, or the Texas Board of Nursing.

The required courses include:

  • Age-Specific Practice
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and Related mental health Disorders
  • Care of the Patient with Alzheimer’s
  • Elder Abuse
  • Talking to Dementia Residents

Most states need CEU for CNA renewal; however, the hours required vary.

Some states additionally mandate continuing education in specified areas. Find out your State’s CE requirements by contacting your State’s board of nursing.

You can also check with your State’s nursing licensure board to see what continuing education you’ll need to meet renewal requirements.

Places and organizations that offer CE courses

CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (4)

Many hospitals provide their continuing education through their in-service departments, which is an advantage to look for while looking for a job.

Many of the courses are targeted to the hospital’s needs to be helpful in your work, and you will be able to put what you have learned in the classroom into practice.

Nursing assistants may receive self-learning courses in their pay envelopes, allowing them to study at their own pace.

Non-employees can register for a charge at some hospitals if space is available.

Check with your local community colleges and nursing schools to see whether they offer continuing education units (CEUs).

The school where you received your nurses’ assistance training could be an excellent place to start, and the teachers there can probably offer suitable continuing education options.

Another organization that offers continuous education is the Red Cross.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency preparedness are emphasized in the organization’s courses.

To make continuing education more convenient, online courses are also offered.

Many online courses are affordable, with unlimited hours for a year costing between $20.00 and $30.00.

Getting accredited for your completing your hours

Continuing education for healthcare workers ensures that public health workers access the most up-to-date information and procedures for caring for patients.

Each year, at least 12 hours must be completed, with the option of taking up to 24 hours online.

You want to know that your time and effort will be correctly recorded after completing CE hours.

The provider will usually issue you a certificate of attendance.

If you complete the course online, you will most likely receive an electronic notification, but you can also request a paper copy.

The acronym BRN should appear on the completion certificate in most circumstances, indicating that it is a Board of Registered Nursing authorized continuing education provider.

If your credentials are ever audited, make sure to maintain paper or digital copies of your CE completion records for a few years.

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Keeping your CNA and specialty nursing certifications up to date is a must for all nurses who wish to continue working in the field.

However, don’t underestimate the numerous advantages that CEUs can give, like staying on top of new industry advancements so you can succeed professionally.

To put it another way, pick your CE hours carefully to get the most out of the experience, whether it’s networking with colleagues or learning new skills.

Paying for Continuous Education

Large hospitals and unions understand that keeping their nurses up to date on the latest cures and technologies is in their best interests.

As a result, your employer may cover the costs of sending you to conferences and training events that will help you meet your CEU obligations.

Please inquire with your employer to determine if these perks are available.

Even if your hospital does not reimburse you for your CEUs, you may usually finish them without spending money.

Some hours can be completed as free CNA CEUs or for a small fee (less than $50).

Some suppliers allow you to pay a one-time cost and take as many courses as possible.

But keep in mind that you typically get what you pay for, and many of the best learning opportunities can be costly. CEUs can usually be written off as tax-deductible, regardless of how much you spend, when you file your tax returns.

Finally, if you’re having problems paying for a continuing education course, look into applying for scholarships for continuing education or professional development.

Conclusion

CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (5)

You’ll need a lot of knowledge to be a successful certified nursing assistant.

This is not attainable in a single sitting; instead, it is a life-long effort.

CNAs must stay updated on medical breakthroughs, wellness, and patient care to effectively deal with patients and coworkers.

This is why it is a legal necessity for employees to continue their education.

Continuing education helps nursing assistants stay current on important, ever-changing topics like personal and patient safety, infectious disease, data gathering, reporting, etc.

Certified nurse’s aides are required by federal law to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education online each year to maintain their certification.

To renew their credential in California, a certified nurse’s assistant must complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years.

On the other hand, Florida mandates the federally minimum of 24 hours of training every two years and the courses that nurses’ aides must learn.

Working in healthcare requires you to be a lifelong learner to serve your patients better and have a long and satisfying career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CNA Continuing Education: Why Do You Need it in 2023? (6)

How many continuing education hours for CNAs?

The majority of CNA CE renewal classes for the programs last between four to twelve weeks. They are bifurcated into teaching hours and clinical practice. Depending on the host state’s rules for CNA CEU renewal, you can spread a typical 120-hour CNA program from four to six weeks.

Do CNAs need continuing education?

To keep up with new advancements in their fields, many healthcare employees must complete continuing education classes. CNAs are no exception. In most jurisdictions, federal law requires CNAs to take 12 hours of continuing education each year. This is the minimum required to renew their certificate.

Does the CNA certificate expire?

Yes. To stay active, a person must work at least eight (8) hours per week, for pay, in nursing services without taking a two-year hiatus. Your credential will expire after a five-year interruption in employment, and once it expires, you might need renewal classes and incur costs.

Who can offer CEUs for CNA?

CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) each year. CEUs on a wide range of issues impacting patients and their treatment are approved by the Health Occupations Center, most hospitals, the Red Cross, and even accredited online platforms.

How can I get free continuing CNA education?

Many hospitals and nursing homes offer free continuing education classes to their personnel through their education departments. Some workplaces contribute to education funds, providing free CNA continuing education classes. US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers free continuing education to medical community members as part of its mission.

How many CEUs does a CNA need in Florida?

Every two years, Florida CNAs must complete 24 hours of in-service training. Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control are two Florida CNA courses that are required.

What counts as continuing education units, CEUs for nursing assistants?

Common CNA education topics include:
– Infection control and HIV/AIDS
– Domestic violence
– End of life care
– Legal aspects of record documentation
– Resident rights
– Understanding Alzheimer’s
– CPR skills
– Communicating with cognitively impaired patients
– Dealing with complex patients
– Managing the CNA/nurse relationship, etc.

What is the average CNA salary in California?

The average certified nursing assistant can earn $20 an hour in California. But this figure does not cut across all cities in the State. There might be variances depending on the experience, the skills, and the location of the job.

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References

CDC

CNA training help

Nurse.org

All nursing schools

Nurse journal

FAQs

What is the purpose of mandatory continuing education for nursing? ›

designed to promote and enrich knowledge, improve skills and develop attitudes for the enhancement of nursing practice, thus improving health care to the public.” Registered nurses (RN) in the State of Texas are required to acquire 20 contact hours (not CEUs) every two years for re-licensure.

Is there a need for continuing education to hold this position in nursing? ›

To become a nurse, a candidate must complete a degree program from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX licensing exam. However, in order to maintain the nursing license, the nurse must complete continuing education.

Why is continuing education important in healthcare? ›

In the healthcare field, continuing education is essential for several reasons. For one, it helps ensure that medical professionals are up to date on the latest treatments and procedures. In addition, continuing education can help healthcare providers maintain their licenses and sharpen their skills.

What are some advantages that nurses gain by continuing their education? ›

You can learn better strategies to manage your staff as well as gain skills needed to rise up the hierarchy in healthcare. In addition to gaining this useful information, you can also lead by example and perhaps inspire other nurses to enhance their leadership abilities through nursing CE credits.

What is the main objective of continuing education? ›

Increases your ability to make a career transition.

Many professions require continuing education because they have specific training that is crucial to your success. Without this education, there's no way for you to qualify for or succeed in a position.

What is the goal of continuing education? ›

Benefits of Continuing Education
  • Learn New Skills for Your Current Role. Do you ever feel like your job takes more time than it needs to? ...
  • Start on the Path to a New Career. ...
  • Build More Advancement Opportunities. ...
  • Get the Credentials. ...
  • Learn Important Life Skills. ...
  • Network with Others.
Sep 15, 2021

What are the disadvantages of continuing education for nurses? ›

Limited career opportunities and positions. Poor patient outcome. Lack of confidence. Limited Knowledge, competency and skills.

What does the future hold for the nursing associate role? ›

In 2020, there is hope the NA role will be streamlined and given clear boundaries and a remit. Ultimately, patient-centred care is what is at the heart of the NHS. To function correctly, every team member must understand and agree what the role involves, so the patient experience is a positive and successful one.

What is the purpose of mandatory continuing education for nursing quizlet? ›

The purpose of continuing education is to ensure competence of the workforce after graduation, but each state determines if CEs are required. a. must retake the NCLEX-RN for that state.

What are the benefits of continuing education? ›

Here are some of the benefits of continuous learning for career advancement:
  • Maintain your relevance. Don't let yourself or your business down. ...
  • Increase your visibility. ...
  • Stay agile. ...
  • Shift your viewpoint. ...
  • Gain more confidence. ...
  • Grow to inspire. ...
  • Encourage career advancement. ...
  • New or updated credentials and certificates.

Which are the two most important reasons for continuing education in the healthcare fields? ›

Here are some of the key reasons continuing education is important:
  • Better Care for Patients. ...
  • Professional and Personal Growth. ...
  • Staying Licensed and Certified. ...
  • How Do I Earn CE Credits?

What is continuing professional education and why is it necessary? ›

CPE credits are based on hours of study and count toward certification programs that enable professionals to maintain or update their credentials. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that professionals continue learning and remain current with developments in their industries.

Why is learning growth and development important in nursing? ›

Nurses care for people who are in different stages of development. A basic understanding of growth and development enables the nurse to recognise the needs of each individual and, thus, to provide appropriate care. Human growth and development are orderly processes that begin at conception and continue until death.

Why is ongoing professional development important? ›

Professional development can help to bolster employees' confidence in their work. Greater confidence can, in turn, translate into higher overall job satisfaction, employee performance, productivity, and overall morale.

What are the five 5 common types of continuing education? ›

Common Types of Continuing Education:
  • Earning a GED.
  • Postsecondary Degrees (associate, bachelor's or graduate)
  • Professional Certification.
  • On-the-job Training.
  • Military Training.
  • Corporate Training and Universities.
  • Extension Schools.
  • English as a Second Language.

What are four ways to take advantage of continuing education? ›

This could involve a combination of approaches:
  • Cover the cost of courses (up to a certain amount each year, for example).
  • Give employees time off to take classes or to attend seminars/conferences.
  • Bring training into your salon. ...
  • Offer "lunch and learn" series.

What are the benefits of education and training? ›

10 Benefits Showing Why Education Is Important to Our Society
  • Creating More Employment Opportunities. ...
  • Securing a Higher Income. ...
  • Developing Problem-solving Skills. ...
  • Improving the Economy. ...
  • Providing a Prosperous and Happy Life. ...
  • Giving Back to the Community. ...
  • Creating Modern Society. ...
  • Bridging the Borders.

How does continuing education life long learning impact safe nursing care? ›

Use of strategies of lifelong learning will led to increased quality of education, development of nursing competency and finally, increased quality of patient care.

What is a major drawback of some continuing care facilities? ›

The disadvantages include living only with a senior resident population (fostering feelings of isolation), and physical and mental adjustment to a new lifestyle and schedule at the facility. Perhaps the largest drawback for an elderly person considering a move to a continuing care facility is cost.

What is the future outlook for nursing assistant? ›

Job Outlook

Overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 220,200 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

What makes a good nursing associate? ›

The ability to communicate effectively, with sensitivity and compassion, and to manage relationships with people is central to the provision of high quality person-centred care. These competencies must be demonstrated in practice settings and adapted to meet the needs of people across their lifespan.

How will nursing roles change in the future? ›

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners — positions known as advanced practice nurses — is expected to increase by 31 percent between 2014 and 2024, adding about 53,400 jobs to the market.

Which is the priority reason continuing education is required in many states? ›

What is the priority reason continuing education IS required in many states? Continuing education provides a way of updating one's knowledge prior to relicensure. What is the main purpose of accreditation in higher education? identifies a quality educational program.

What is the importance of continuing education for nurses NCBI? ›

The knowledge obtained by school education alone is far from meeting the needs of nursing work, and continuing education as an important way to obtain new knowledge and skills for nurses in service plays a vital role in comprehensively improving the level of nurses' knowledge and skills.

What is the purpose of continuing education quizlet? ›

Continuing education is a necessity especially in healthcare. This is because employees are promoted and need continual training as well as transfers, replacements and technology changes. In order to assess what needs to be addresses it is helpful to do an assessment of the skills and capabilities of your employees.

What does continuing education work mean? ›

The term “continuing education” describes one type of professional development in which an employee – typically someone who already has completed an academic degree – pursues additional learning from a higher education institution.

How is continuing education acquired? ›

Professionals usually receive their continuing education credits or units from colleges or universities, worksite classes, conferences, extension courses, or seminars. There are many different continuing education programs in the United States.

What is the value of continuing education for healthcare professionals? ›

Some health professionals see CE as a means to attain credits for the licensure and credentialing they need to practice their occupations. Employers often view CE as a way to keep staff up to date and to improve quality. Many regulators believe the purpose of CE is to maintain competence and improve quality.

What is the most important reason for professionals to engage in continuing education? ›

Continuing education is key to your personal growth, but it can also help you succeed in your career by: Giving you access to better job opportunities. Keeping you at the forefront of your field.

What is the definition of continuing education in healthcare? ›

Continuing medical education consists of educational activities which serve to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance and relationships that a physician uses to provide services for patients, the public, or the profession.

What are your plans for continuing to grow as a professional? ›

Pursuing a role to gain skills, knowledge or experience. Volunteering time or resources to help a charity through your organization. Gaining new skill sets and qualifications by attending professional training courses. Managing a large project, more people or a bigger budget.

Why is professional development important in nursing? ›

Professional development to maintain or build on that training is a critical responsibility for any nurse. But staying up to date on your skills has another benefit that's often overlooked: it enhances a nurse's own mental and emotional health by increasing confidence, resiliency, and well-being.

What is the importance of learning in nursing profession? ›

Why Is Lifelong Learning Necessary for Nurses? Nursing is about quality care. Meeting that expectation means keeping up with the necessary skills and knowledge to protect patient safety. This is the driving force behind continuing education requirements for nurses.

Why is learning and growing important? ›

Learning and growing knowledge can recharge your brain.

Whenever you'll learn something new, the neurons in your brain actually make new connections. This is called neuroplasticity. Once this happens, your brain will easily adjust to new situations or any change in your environment.

What are the 5 importance of the nursing process? ›

The nursing process functions as a systematic guide to client-centered care with 5 sequential steps. These are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Assessment is the first step and involves critical thinking skills and data collection; subjective and objective.

What is the most important in nursing process? ›

The assessment phase is a critical component of the nursing process. Information gathered in this phase is used to establish a foundation upon which all patient care moving forward is established.

What are the three purposes of the nursing process? ›

The nursing process is a systematic problem-solving approach used to identify, prevent and treat actual or potential health problems and promote wellness.

What are professional development goals? ›

Professional development goals are objectives you can set for yourself to help further your career. These might include taking steps to learn relevant skills, expand your professional network, or find more satisfaction at work.

What makes a good professional development? ›

They typically prefer open-ended learning opportunities and a voice in the direction and pace of their learning. They approach learning with clear goals in mind, and they use their life experiences to make sense of new information.

What is a continuous development plan? ›

CPD plans are methods that you can use to both identify and record the learning and the development that you plan to undertake, to contribute to your career and your role. Having a CPD plan can help you identify the essential skills you need for your career development.

What is continuing education and why is it important? ›

Continuing education is required for workers to stay current with the latest developments, skills, and new technologies required for their fields. Certain professions also require continuing education to comply with laws, remain licensed or certified, or maintain membership in an association or licensing body.

What is the purpose of continuing education as a requirement for license renewal quizlet nursing? ›

What is the purpose of mandatory continuing education for license renewal? D. ensure consistency between states regarding continuing education requirements. Which of the following is an example of FORMAL socialization into the profession of nursing?

What are the benefits of continuing education quizlet? ›

The benefits of continuing education are knowing how to fulfill client's needs, giving you knowledge and confidence, opportunities to advance your career, and it keeps you current with new trends, latest innovations, and newest techniques.

What is the benefit of continuing education? ›

Continuing Your Education Will Make You More Confident

Knowing you've acquired the necessary skills to advance in your field, you'll feel more prepared to take on new tasks and opportunities and utilize your transferable study skills such as organization, time-keeping, and problem-solving to manage them successfully.

Why is continuing education important in the workplace? ›

Continuous learning helps employees and employers gain know-how and new abilities while they work by retraining and upskilling. It's a way to ensure that teams and individuals develop new skills to increase productivity, performance and also job satisfaction.

How many CEUS are required every two years to maintain at licensure in the state of Florida? ›

At least 24 contact hours every two-year renewal period. One (1) contact hour is required for each calendar month of the licensure cycle, including: Two (2) hours of Prevention of Medical Errors.

What is the importance of continuing education for a medical assistant quizlet? ›

Continuing education in MA career - necessary to keep up with medical advances and to ensure correct pt education.

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References

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