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
Introduction to Becoming a CNA
This course is part of Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization
Instructor: Melissa Mills
1,675 already enrolled
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(11 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
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
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- 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.
Instructor
Offered by
Explore more from Personal Development
Status: Free TrialCinematic Health
Status: Free TrialCinematic Health
Status: Free TrialCinematic Health
Status: Free TrialMedCerts
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."
Learner reviews
4.7
11 reviews
- 5 stars
90.90%
- 4 stars
0%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
9.09%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 11
KD
5
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025
this course helps me to learn things that I forget things it's a refreshing class.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
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,