Additional Information
Certification and registration requirements vary from state to state. In
the U.S., federal law mandates that nursing aides who work in nursing homes
that receive Medicaid or Medicare funding must be certified.
Federal law sets standards for educational requirements and the demonstration
of competency in specific areas. States can and do add to the certification
requirements and extend them to other settings.
In the U.S., educational programs vary. Educational and training programs
can be found at specialized trade schools, community colleges, hospitals or
within approved health-care agencies. Many agencies and facilities will supply
the training for free. The cost of state certification or registration exams
is modest.
In some states, there are hundreds of state-approved nursing aide training
programs. To find one in your area, contact any local community college, trade
school, hospital, allied health organization or your state nursing aide certification
or registration department (usually the board of public health and the state
board of nursing) for a referral. Unless you really want to relocate, you
shouldn't have to call an out-of-district school.
Also, check with local health-care providers, who often provide free or
low-cost training. If you plan to seek certification, make sure your training
program is state-approved.