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

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

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

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: Basic Patient Care

Category: Mobility Assistance

Category: Rehabilitation

Category: Vital Signs

Category: Patient Transfer Equipment

Category: Patient Positioning

Category: Basic Nursing Skills

Category: Caregiving

Category: Nursing Process

Category: Care Management

Category: Personal Care

Category: Patient Safety

Category: Nursing Basics

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: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Category: Vital Signs

Category: Caregiving

Category: Patient-centered Care

Category: Hospice

Category: Basic Patient Care

Category: Hand Hygiene

Category: Nursing Care

Category: Behavior Management

Category: Health Care

Category: Patient Education and Support

Category: Direct Patient Care

Category: Family Support

Category: Long Term Care

Category: Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases

Category: Nursing Homes

Category: Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing

Category: Basic Nursing Skills

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: Caregiving

Category: Communication Strategies

Category: Empathy

Category: Mental Health

Category: Developmental Disabilities

Category: Active Listening

Category: Patient Communication

Category: Communication

Category: Dignity in Care

Category: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders

Category: Compassion

Category: Professionalism

Category: Patient-centered Care

Category: Nursing Care

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 Courses1,778 learners

Offered by

Cinematic Health

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

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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.