In the ever-growing realm of healthcare, staying up to date with the latest knowledge and skills is not just a choice but a necessity. For Certified Nursing Assistants, Continued Education Units serve as a mandatory practice for maintaining their license and ensuring the best care possible. Without staying up to date with the required amount of CEUs, a CNA certification may expire and become void.
As a CNA, you have two years to achieve the number of units you need. In order to remain in good standing as a California CNA, you must complete a minimum of 12 CEUs in each year of the 2-year certification period. Even if you completed the required 48 hours within your certification period, if you did not do at least 12 hours of CEUs per year, you’re considered ineligible to work and you lose your certification.
Why Are CEUs Required For CNAs?
CNAs are the unsung heroes of healthcare. They are skilled professionals working in high-pressure healthcare settings. From managing heavy workloads to using effective communication with their colleagues, they are the backbone of seamless teamwork. Their dedication and expertise are remarkable, making them highly valued caregivers in the healthcare system.
Because of their responsibilities and their efforts, CNAs need to keep up with the changes in healthcare. This also includes understanding how to apply the changes in their jobs every day.
These changes include:
Changes in patient care parameters
Changes in documentation
Advancements in general wellness
Safety Protocols
Elderly Care
Infection Control and Disease
CEU Requirements for California CNAs / HHA
CNAs must obtain 48 hours of in-service training/CEUs within the 2-year certification period
A minimum of 12 of the 48 hours must be completed in each year of the certification period
A maximum of twenty-four (24) of the forty-eight (48) hours may be obtained only through a CDPH-approved online computer training program listed on our website
Home Health Aide (HHA) must obtain 24 hours of in-service training or CEU within the certification period. 12 of the 24 hours are required in each year of the two-year certification period. HHAs may not use online CEUs to meet the required hours.
LA Skills Academy provides in-person CEUs required by the California Department of Public Health. Take advantage of this now while it last. Click here to purchase the in-person CEUs.
Now that you know the CEU requirements for California CNAs, here is how to understand the certification period. This part can become confusing because the CNA certification period is issued for two birthdays, not two calendar years.
For example:
● Effective date: 3/20/18
● Expiration date: 5/15/20
● Birthday: 5/15/XXXX
This means:
● The first year of the certification period is 3/20/18 to 5/15/19
● The second year of the certification period is 5/15/19 to 5/15/20
If you live in California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will send a notification of your upcoming certification renewal. This is a courtesy service that CDPH provides; however, it is still the responsibility of each CNA to know when to renew their license and what steps to take in order to renew. Click here to search for your license and expiration date.
See the link below for more information on the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements for CNA certification.
What to do if you don't meet the requirements?
If unable to meet the CEU requirements to maintain a CNA certification, the licensed carrier will need to contact the state's accrediting body for CNAs. California CNAs should contact the CDPH and follow the steps to reinstate your certification.
However, if the certificate has been expired for more than 2 years, the certificate will need to be reactivated. The steps to take towards this are to retake the competency evaluation and pass the background checks again. This process to reinstate a CNA license can be tedious, it will take time. During this time, the licensed carrier will also not be allowed to practice as a CNA while the certification is being processed. Ultimately, not completing your CEUs as required costs you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!
Did you know that Los Angeles Skills Academy now offers in-person classes for CEUs? This means you’re able to complete your CEU requirements and renew your certificate in one easy place.
LA Skills Academy changes CEU course offerings regularly so you have options when it comes to choosing what you’d like to learn for your continuing education requirement. Whether you work in a nursing home, hospital, or clinic, you have affordable options when it comes to completing your CEUs.
Current offerings include:
Are you ready to start taking your CEUs? LA Skills Academy has you covered for all of your CEU needs.
Click here to check out our available CEUs and sign up today!
Need a BLS certification or start taking CEUs - join Los Angeles Skills Academy! Find an LA Skills Academy class near you. Our instructors with valuable experience and knowledge from the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association will make your education process enjoyable.
Easy enrollment process and unlimited support during and after your classes.
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