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Certified Nursing Assistance

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Certified Nurse Aide


The main role of a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is to provide basic care to patients and assist them in daily activities that include bathing, dressing, feeding and taking vital signs. The role of a CNA is not glamorous but is extremely essential in long term care. Compassionate individuals with a deep desire to care for others are needed to fill these positions.

Education & Experience:
A CNA must complete a state approved nurse aide training program, pass the nurse aide competency evaluation consisting of both a written and a skills test, and be listed in good standing as a CNA on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. A nurse aide training program consists of a minimum of 75 hours course. The training program must be approved by the North Dakota State Health.

Salary Average
$35,464

Certifications

Next Steps
Medication Assistant I
Medication Assistant II
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse

Medication Assistant I

A Medication Assistant I (MA I) is a nurse aide or certified nurse aid who has completed additional training and demonstrated competency while dispensing medications. A Medication Assistant I works in a setting where a licensed nurse is not regularly scheduled such as a basic care, assisted living or adult residential case setting.

Education & Experience:
A Medication Assistant I must complete a state-approved Medication Assistant I training and competency program (study and clinical). A passing score of 85% is required on the theory test with an opportunity to retake the test one time. They must attain a 90% performance standard on the clinical skills checklist.

Salary Average
$36,961

Certifications

Next Steps
Medication Assistant II
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse

Medication Assistant II

A Medication Assistant II (MA II) is a certified nurse aide (CNA) who has completed additional training and demonstrated competency while dispensing medications and applying or administering treatments under the direct supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. The MA II assists the professional nursing staff in assuring that standards of resident care, comfort, and safety are maintained by administering medications and treatments.

Education & Experience:
A Medication Assistant II must hold a current registration on the ND Dept. of Health Nurse Aide Registry as a CNA prior to entry into the Medication Assistant II training and competency program. The MA II training program consists of at least 80 hours of training to include 40 hours of classroom instructions and 32 hours clinical learning experience and 8 hours of laboratory. The training program must be approved by the North Dakota State Health. A MA II must also pass a competency evaluation program consisting of a written test and be listed in good standing as a MA II on the North Dakota Aide Registry.

Salary Average
$37,149

Certifications

Next Steps
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse

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