CNA2: CNA1 vs. CNA2 Certifications: What’s the Difference?

Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for providing basic care to patients, including bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with daily activities. In the United States, CNAs are required to complete a certification program before they can work in healthcare facilities. The two most common types of CNA certifications are CNA1 and CNA2. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two certifications.

CNA1 Certification

CNA1 certification is the first level of certification for CNAs. It is designed to teach the fundamental skills required to work as a nursing assistant. The CNA1 certification program typically consists of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical training. During the program, students learn about basic patient care, infection control, anatomy, nutrition, and communication skills.

Once students complete the CNA1 certification program, they must pass a state-approved competency exam. The exam typically consists of a written test and a skills demonstration. The written test covers the knowledge learned during classroom instruction, while the skills demonstration assesses the student’s ability to perform basic patient care tasks.

CNA2 Certification

CNA2 certification is the second level of certification for CNAs. It is designed to teach advanced skills required to work in specialized healthcare settings, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, and hospice care. The CNA2 certification program typically consists of 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of clinical training.

During the program, students learn about advanced patient care techniques, such as catheterization, tracheostomy care, and feeding tube management. They also learn about complex medical conditions, such as diabetes, dementia, and stroke. Additionally, students receive training in specialized care techniques, such as wound care, oxygen therapy, and medication administration.

As with the CNA1 certification, after the program is complete they must pass the state competency exam consisting of a written and skills test.

Differences Between CNA1 and CNA2 Certification

There are a few key differences to note between a CNA 1 and CNA 2 certification. Among them:

Curriculum

The most significant difference between CNA1 and CNA2 certification is the curriculum. CNA1 certification teaches fundamental skills required to work as a nursing assistant, while CNA2 certification teaches advanced skills required to work in specialized healthcare settings.

Training Hours

The number of training hours required for CNA1 and CNA2 certification also differs. CNA1 certification requires 75 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical training, while CNA2 certification requires 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of clinical training.

Job Opportunities

CNA2 certification opens up more job opportunities for CNAs. With advanced skills, CNAs with CNA2 certification can work in specialized healthcare settings, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, and hospice care.

Job Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with CNA1 certification differ from those with CNA2 certification. While both CNAs perform critical duties in healthcare settings, CNAs with CNA2 certification have more advanced responsibilities.

CNA1 Responsibilities

CNAs with CNA1 certification are responsible for providing basic care to patients, which includes:

• Assisting patients with personal hygiene, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Feeding patients and assisting with their nutrition needs.
• Turning and repositioning patients to prevent bedsores.
• Helping patients with mobility by transferring them from bed to wheelchair or vice versa.
• Assisting with patient ambulation, such as walking or using a walker.
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature.
• Assisting with patient comfort, such as changing bedding or providing pillows.

CNAs with CNA1 certification also have responsibilities related to communication and documentation, such as:

• Communicating with patients to understand their needs and preferences.
• Documenting patient care activities and observations in medical records.
• Reporting changes in patient’s conditions to nursing staff.

CNA2 Responsibilities

CNAs with CNA2 certification have more advanced responsibilities than those with CNA1 certification. They are qualified to work in specialized healthcare settings, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, and hospice care. The advanced skills and knowledge they possess allow them to perform tasks such as:

• Catheterization: CNAs with CNA2 certification can insert and remove urinary catheters, monitor urine output, and report any signs of infection.
• Tracheostomy care: CNAs with CNA2 certification can provide basic care for patients with tracheostomy tubes, such as suctioning secretions and changing dressings.
• Feeding tube management: CNAs with CNA2 certification can insert, remove, and care for feeding tubes, as well as administer tube feedings and medications.
• Wound care: CNAs with CNA2 certification can perform basic wound care, such as cleaning and dressing wounds, and report any signs of infection or deterioration.
• Medication administration: CNAs with CNA2 certification can assist with medication administration, including oral, topical, and injectable medications, under the supervision of licensed nursing staff.

CNAs with CNA2 certification also have more advanced responsibilities related to patient assessment and communication, such as:

• Conducting patient assessments: CNAs with CNA2 certification can assess and document patients’ vital signs, respiratory status, and neurological status.
• Communicating with the healthcare team: CNAs with CNA2 certification can communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and therapists.

CNAs with CNA1 certification have basic responsibilities related to patient care, communication, and documentation, while CNAs with CNA2 certification have more advanced responsibilities related to specialized patient care, medication administration, wound care, and communication with the healthcare team.

Salary

CNAs with CNA2 certification typically earn a higher salary than those with CNA1 certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants in May 2021 was $33,250, but CNAs with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries. Depending on your location, this could mean salary increases as much as $10,000 or $15,000.

The Bottom Line

CNA1 and CNA2 certifications are both crucial for individuals interested in working as nursing assistants. CNA1 certification teaches fundamental skills required to work in healthcare facilities, while CNA2 certification teaches advanced skills required to work in specialized healthcare settings. CNAs with CNA2 certification can work in a wider range of healthcare settings and earn higher salaries than those with CNA1 certification.