Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization

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Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization

Certified Nursing Assistant Career Explorer. Explore Certified Nursing Assistant duties, patient care skills, and CNA career opportunities.

Instructor: Melissa Mills

Included with

Learn more

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.8

(18 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.8

(18 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 weeks to complete

at 4 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Discover the CNA role: daily responsibilities, patient care tasks, and how nursing assistants support people across diverse healthcare settings
Explore caring for people with dementia, diabetes, mental illness, and developmental disabilities using professional communication skills.
Evaluate your fit for CNA work and create an action plan for researching training programs and pursuing nursing assistant certification.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Cinematic Health

Specialization - 3 course series

Discover whether a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) career is right for you by exploring what nursing assistants do in healthcare settings daily. This CNA career exploration specialization covers patient care responsibilities, from vital signs and personal care to working with people with dementia, chronic conditions, and developmental disabilities. You'll evaluate your fit for nursing assistant work, understand CNA job demands and rewards, and create a personalized plan for pursuing CNA certification training programs.

Applied Learning Project

Complete three hands-on projects that guide your CNA career exploration. You'll discover which patient care specialties interest you most, research and compare local Certified Nursing Assistant training programs to find the best fit, and identify CNA job opportunities in your community. These projects help you create a personalized action plan to pursue nursing assistant certification and launch your healthcare career with confidence.

Introduction to Becoming a CNA

Course 16 hours

What you'll learn

Explore essential CNA responsibilities, including vital signs monitoring, personal care assistance, infection control, and body mechanics.
Discover rehabilitative and restorative care principles that help people maintain independence through Activities of Daily Living.
Evaluate your qualities for CNA work and begin creating a personalized plan for pursuing nursing assistant training in your community.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Patient Positioning

Category: Basic Patient Care

Category: Patient Observation

Category: Patient Transfer Equipment

Category: Rehabilitation

Category: Vital Signs

Category: Care Management

Category: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Category: Nursing Basics

Category: Patient-centered Care

Category: Personal Care

Category: Infection Control

Category: Nursing Homes

Category: Patient Communication

Category: Patient Safety

Category: Caregiving

Job Demand, Essential Technical Skills, & Dementia Care

Course 26 hours

What you'll learn

Explore specialized care techniques for people with respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, and dementia conditions through patient stories.
Understand end-of-life care, including hospice support, the five stages of grief, and how to provide compassionate care for patients and families.
Learn communication techniques for people with cognitive impairment, including redirection, validation, and managing behavioral changes.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Dignity in Care

Category: Cultural Sensitivity

Category: Hospice

Category: Communication Strategies

Category: Caregiving

Category: Basic Patient Care

Category: Vital Signs

Category: Patient-centered Care

Category: Long Term Care

Category: Patient Safety

Category: Patient Education And Counseling

Category: Family Support

Category: Infection Control

Category: Healthcare Ethics

Category: Nutrition and Diet

Category: Nursing Care

Category: Respiratory Care

Category: Chronic Diseases

Category: Geriatrics

Category: Behavior Management

Essential Soft Skills & Special Patient Populations

Course 35 hours

What you'll learn

Master therapeutic communication techniques, active listening, and cultural competency for providing compassionate care to diverse populations.
Learn trauma-informed care approaches, de-escalation strategies, and how to support people with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Recognize abuse recognition and reporting requirements, teamwork principles, and time management strategies while finalizing your career plan.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cultural Sensitivity

Category: Mental Health

Category: Communication Strategies

Category: Developmental Disabilities

Category: Active Listening

Category: Empathy

Category: Nursing Care

Category: De-escalation Techniques

Category: Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing

Category: Patient Advocacy

Category: Cultural Diversity

Category: Behavior Management

Category: Social Skills

Category: Patient-centered Care

Category: Substance Abuse

Category: Disabilities

Category: Rapport Building

Category: Mental and Behavioral Health

Category: Trauma Care

Category: Professionalism

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Melissa Mills

Cinematic Health

3 Courses1,874 learners

Offered by

Cinematic Health

Why people choose Coursera for their career

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Frequently asked questions

No. This specialization is designed as a career exploration tool to help you discover if the Certified Nursing Assistant path is right for you. It introduces you to CNA responsibilities, patient care skills, and the healthcare environment, but it does not replace state-required CNA training programs or prepare you for certification exams. To become a certified nursing assistant, you'll need to complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes clinical hours and prepares you for your state's certification exam. This specialization will help you research and compare local training programs as part of your personalized career action plan.

No, this Specialization does not allow you to earn university credit.

Once you complete this Specialization, you'll have a thorough understanding of the role of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). You'll also know if this is a good career path for you to pursue by enrolling in a training program in your community.