Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in healthcare teams. If you’re a CNA or a nursing student doing your first clinical rotations, there are various certifications you can obtain to expand your skills.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of them, but we’re talking beyond CPR. The certifications we introduce you to today will give you valuable knowledge in specific fields. 

With these certifications, you can cater better to your patients and boost your CV to stand out in the job market. Keep reading to learn more about the top certifications for CNAs. 

The Importance of Certifications for CNAs

The evolving role of CNAs in modern healthcare is undeniable. That is why many students are turning to this field of study. Certifications can help you stand out. However, they also have various other benefits.

Certifications can:

• Enhance your skills and confidence

• Demonstrate your dedication to patient care

• Give you practical experience during your first clinical rotations

• Improve your career opportunities in specialty areas and lead to higher-paying jobs

Which certifications should you get? Let’s see.

Top Certifications for CNAs

Here are some top certifications beyond CPR for CNAs and nursing students who want to expand their skill set.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

PALS is a certification for nurses who want to provide medical care for critically ill kids and infants. It covers topics such as recognizing respiratory distress, administering medications, and safely performing life-saving resuscitation techniques. 

As a CNA, you can get your PALS certification online. Since over 40% of school-aged children suffer from at least one chronic health condition, this certification will prove to be very useful.

Certified Restorative Aide (CRA)

CRA certifications equip nurse assistants with the skills to help patients restore and maintain their functional abilities.This certification covers topics like physical therapy, anatomy, range of motion exercises, use of assistive devices, and more. 

By obtaining a CRA certification, CNAs can improve a patient's quality of life and help them reach the highest level of independence possible. 

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

ACLS certification is helpful for CNAs working in acute or critical care segments. It focuses on responding to cardiovascular emergencies in adults, such as stroke or cardiac arrest.

It covers advanced cardiac life support topics, including assessment, airway management, administering medications, and using defibrillators. 

ACLS is a valuable certification for new nurse assistants. Every year, over 400,000 Americans die from cardiac events. So, this certification can boost your CV and demonstrate your ability to contribute in high-stress situations. 


Certified Patient Care Assistant (CPCA)

The CPCA program is for CNAs who want to provide direct patient care in non-clinical settings. Senior living facilities and group homes fall into this category. The topics covered in this certification include dementia care, vital signs monitoring, infection control, and end-of-life support.

It’s a valuable certification for nurse assistants who want to work with patients with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Currently, over 55 million people in the world have dementia. So, having this certification on your resume is a plus. 

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

CMA is a certification designed for nursing assistants who want to administer medications in long-term care or assisted living facilities. 

The coursework includes a look at medication administration, emergency procedures, and proper use of equipment. 

If you want to work in a place where medication handling is a crucial part of the job, this certification will become handy.

Certified Patient Care Assistant (CPCA)

The CPCA program is for CNAs who want to provide direct patient care in non-clinical settings. Senior living facilities and group homes fall into this category. The topics covered in this certification include dementia care, vital signs monitoring, infection control, and end-of-life support.

It’s a valuable certification for nurse assistants who want to work with patients with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Currently, over 55 million people in the world have dementia. So, having this certification on your resume is a plus. 

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

CPT is a valuable certification for CNAs who want to draw and collect blood. This certification will be handy in various healthcare settings, such as laboratories, clinics, and hospitals. The coursework covers various topics, including phlebotomy procedures, blood drawing techniques, and correct equipment use.

If you’re a student in your first clinical rotation and would like to work in a place where blood collection is a critical task, consider this program.

Certified EKG Technician (CET)

Lastly, CNAs can benefit from participating in a CET program. This certification enables nurse assistants to perform and evaluate electrocardiogram (EKG) tests for diagnosing heart conditions. The coursework will cover the basics of EKG and explain advanced EKG analysis.

EKG technicians are currently in demand. So go for this certification if this is a field that interests you.

Get Certified and Expand Your Skill Set

As you start your career as a CNA, pursuing additional certifications beyond CPR can broaden your capabilities and open new doors.

These additional certifications will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and enable you to provide more comprehensive care. Just as you can excel in online CNA classes, you can complete most of these certifications from home.

Choose a reputable program and start expanding your skill set today!