Advanced Certifications for CNAs: Stand Out in the Job Market

16 Jun Advanced Certifications for CNAs: Stand Out in the Job Market

Advanced Certifications for CNAs: Stand Out in the Job Market

As a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), gaining additional certifications can significantly boost your resume, open up higher-paying roles, and differentiate you in a competitive job market. Beyond passing your initial state exam and completing basic training, pursuing specialized credentials shows commitment, enhances your skill set, and positions you as a healthcare leader.

Here’s a look at the top advanced CNA certifications you might consider—and how they align with Cleveland Academy’s core training focus.

---

🩺 1. Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

What it is:
Allows CNAs to safely administer medications under nursing supervision—an in-demand skill in long-term and assisted care facilities .
Why it matters:

• Expands scope of practice and career options

• Increases earning potential

• Employers highly value CNAs who can administer meds

How it complements CareBridge training:
Pursuing CMA certification builds on your Nutrition & Hydration and Activities of Daily Living skills—click to learn more about our curriculum .

---

💉 2. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

What it is:
Trains you in drawing blood samples, a skill often needed in hospitals and labs .
Why it matters:

• Access to acute care and lab settings

• Adds precision and patient care responsibilities to your role

• Offers pathways to lab or testing-centric careers

This complements CareBridge’s focus on clinical training—apply your foundational hands-on learning in a practical lab context.

---

💓 3. Certified EKG Technician (CET)

What it is:
Prepares CNAs to operate ECG/EKG machines—a critical role for heart monitoring in hospitals .
Why it matters:

• Enables work in cardiac units

• Bolsters credentials for acute care environments

• Shows technical competence and clinical growth

Paired with CareBridge’s Exercise & Movement and Vital Signs modules, CET certification enhances your core training with heart-focused clinical skills.

---

🧠 4. Certified Restorative Nursing Assistant (CRNA or CRA)

What it is:
Focuses on restorative care—helping patients regain independence with range-of-motion exercises, mobility support, and ADLs .
Why it matters:

• Strong demand in rehab, skilled nursing, and rejuvenation care

• Enhances depth in patient mobility and progress-based care

• A natural extension of the skills taught in Exercise & Movement courses

---

🚑 5. ACLS, PALS & BLS Certifications

What they are:

• BLS (Basic Life Support): CPR, AED usage, emergency response

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support): Cardiac arrest and stabilization for adults .

• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support): Emergency care for infants and children

Why they matter:

• Essential in hospitals, urgent care, and specialized units

• Demonstrates readiness to respond to life-threatening situations

• Reflects top-tier emergency care skills

These certifications build on CareBridge’s emphasis on Patient Safety & Infection Control and complement clinical readiness.

---

🌟 6. Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A)

What it is:
A well-rounded credential covering care skills, basic lab procedures, phlebotomy, and EKG functions .
Why it matters:

• Offers a broad, hospital-ready skill set

• Ideal for CNAs seeking versatility in acute care

• Enhances your qualifications for hospital hiring standards

---

🎯 Benefits of Pursuing Advanced CNA Certifications

Pennsylvania projects over 15% CNA job growth by 2028, with rising specialization roles .

---

✅ How to Choose the Right Certification

1. Reflect on Your Goals

   • Prefer hospitals? Choose ACLS, EKG, or CPCT/A

   • Interested in rehab? CRNA/CRA shines

   • Passionate about precision care? CPT is valuable

2. Understand Requirements

   • Check prerequisites like work experience and hours

   • Consider costs and time (e.g., ACLS takes two days; CPT may be weeks)

3. Verify PA Regulations

   • Ensure your certificate is valid in Pennsylvania

   • Some require supervision or facility credentialing

---

🔗 Extend Your Education at CareBridge Academy

After earning your Certified Nurse Aide training at CareBridge, consider advancing your career through these credentials:

• Revisit our Activities of Daily Living & Personal Care, Exercise & Movement, and Nutrition & Hydration pages to see how they prepare you for certification success.

• Use the solid clinical foundation from our 100-hour CNA course to meet clinical prerequisites for advanced programs.

---

Ready to Elevate Your CNA Career?

We support your journey from certification to professional growth:

• Apply Now for CNA Training: Apply Here

• Explore our full program: Certified Nurse Aide Program

• Contact us with your certification goals: Contact Us

---

At CareBridge Academy, we’re passionate about equipping CNAs not only with foundational skills, but also with advanced certifications that open doors across healthcare settings.