Jobs for a Nursing Assistant With Only a Training Certificate

Nurse assistants become certified after completing a training program and passing a state certification exam. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can work as a nurse assistant for a limited time. For example, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services requires nursing assistants to complete certification requirements and be placed on the CNA state registry within four months of hire.

Without certification, you may still apply for entry-level non-certified nursing assistant jobs in the healthcare field based on your training, but many of these jobs do not involve the basic medical care that is part of a CNA's job. It is illegal, however, to use the title of a certified nurse assistant, or CNA, without fulfilling all state requirements.

Working Without Certification

According to the Florida Board of Nursing, employers may hire non-certified nursing assistants and allow them to perform the duties of a CNA for a short period of time if permitted by the laws of that state. This exception may be granted if nursing assistants have completed a training program and are waiting to take the state's certifying exam, for example.

You must pass the CNA certification exam within a specified time to keep your job. In some states, you can work up to sixteen weeks without certification. Some employers also hire individuals while they are still in a CNA training program if they have completed at least 16 hours of the program and intend to sit for and pass the certification exam.

Personal Care Aides

Your CNA training may be valuable in a position as a personal care aide. In many states, training isn't required for personal care aides, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Personal care aides typically receive training on the job for your patient's specific needs from a registered nurse or their employer. In states where training is required, your CNA training might suffice.

Personal care aides, also called caregivers or companions, provide non-medical care to elderly people in private homes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Caretakers provide services such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, feeding, conversation and companionship. For private home employment, you often must have a vehicle for other duties, such as grocery shopping and driving your charges to appointments.

Patient Sitter

Non-certified CNA jobs include assisting patients who require constant monitoring, such as individuals at risk for falls, self-harm and injury to others. Unlike personal care aides, patient sitters work solely with high-risk patients and their primary responsibilities are to observe the patient, maintain a safe environment and immediately notify the staff of any injurious behavior. They do not provide medical care.

Depending on the employer and the patient, sitters might have additional responsibilities, such as assisting with daily living activities and providing diversionary activities, like conversation and games. There are no training or certification requirements except for on-the-job training. Candidates must be fit, able to react quickly and able to relate to people easily.

Orderly Positions

Orderlies perform some of the duties of a CNA, but not those that relate to direct healthcare. They typically transport patients around the facility, such as to X-ray labs, the operating room or their hospital rooms. They clean patient rooms, facilities and equipment. There is no certification requirement for orderlies, but your CNA training may give you an edge over other candidates. CPR training is also helpful, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.