Nurse assistant training can give you the tools that you need to begin a new career. There are several options available to obtain your certification as a nurse assistant, or certified nurse assistant, including local and online courses. Training can take several weeks to several months to complete, depending on your training facility and which courses you take to obtain the certification.Your Basic TrainingWhen choosing nurse assistant training, you will learn the basics of patient care. You may have duties that include taking patient information, assisting patients with grooming, and working to control the spread of bacteria in the medical facility you work in. You will also learn the basics of nutrition and how to work with patients of different ages, backgrounds, and with different medical conditions during your training.Nurse assistant training is largely based on practical knowledge and skills that will be used in the workplace. Online training is an excellent option if you need a flexible schedule, or if you prefer the convenience of learning at home. You will need to be well-organized and dedicated to complete your training, whether you are attending local courses or working to obtain your certification online. If you do opt for an online school, you will want to begin studying for your state based exam, which must be completed before becoming certified, well in advance of the testing date in your region.New Career OpportunitiesWhen opting for nurse assistant training, you open the doors of opportunity for working in doctors offices, nursing facilities, and hospitals. Nurse assistants, or CNAs, are often focused on patient care rather than treatments. For instance, you may provide assistance with showering or other grooming in long-term care facilities for the elderly, or you may begin working as a traveling home health assistant in your local area after obtaining your certificate.Your nurse assistant training is also one of the quickest ways to obtain employment in the medical field, and is often used as a stepping stone to other careers by those who want to obtain advanced degrees in nursing.