Discover what Certified Nursing Assistants do every day through an engaging, story-driven learning experience. This course introduces you to essential CNA responsibilities using cinematic storytelling and real-world scenarios that bring caregiving to life.



Introduction to Becoming a CNA
This course is part of Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization

Instructor: Melissa Mills
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(11 reviews)
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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
Details to know

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4 assignments
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- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course
Welcome to CNA Foundations! In this opening module, you'll discover the critical role Certified Nursing Assistants play within healthcare teams and explore what CNA training programs look like—helping you think about which path might fit your learning style and career goals. We'll also cover everything you need to know to get the most out of this course and set yourself up for success.
What's included
13 videos6 readings1 assignment
In this module, you'll explore rehabilitative and restorative care—the approach that helps people regain independence after injury or illness. You'll meet Lily, a young woman who is involved in a car accident and follow her inspiring journey through rehabilitation, witnessing firsthand how CNAs support recovery every step of the way.
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you'll explore some of the most essential tasks CNAs perform every day—from monitoring vital signs to providing personal care assistance. You'll also discover how care plans work and why they're critical tools that guide everything nursing assistants do to ensure consistent, quality patient care.
What's included
25 videos4 readings1 assignment
Ready to master one of the most physical aspects of CNA work? This module teaches you proper body mechanics for safe patient transfers and positioning. You'll also discover how range of motion exercises support rehabilitation and help people preserve their strength and mobility.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Ready to turn exploration into action? In this module, you'll research and compare actual CNA training programs available in your state or region. This project helps you evaluate which programs might be the best fit for your needs and goals, creating a clear pathway forward if you choose to become a certified nursing assistant.
What's included
1 ungraded lab
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
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Reviewed on Aug 30, 2025
this course helps me to learn things that I forget things it's a refreshing class.

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Frequently asked questions
No. This is a career exploration course, not a state-approved CNA certification program. While you'll learn about nursing assistant responsibilities, patient care skills, and healthcare settings, this course does not replace the hands-on clinical training and classroom hours required for CNA certification. To become a certified nursing assistant, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program that includes supervised clinical practice and pass your state's certification exam. This course helps you understand the CNA role and guides you in researching local training programs as part of your personalized career plan.
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
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. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
More questions
Financial aid available,

