Like all healthcare professionals, certified nursing assistants must stay up to date on current medical knowledge and practices. Federal law mandates a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education every year for CNAs.

However, states have the authority to require more and specify the topics.

Common topics for CNA continuing education courses include:

• Brain and spinal cord injuries
• Infection control
• Domestic violence
• Elder abuse
• HIPPA rules and regulations
• HIV and AIDS
• Safely transporting patients