What does CNT mean in NURSING

A Certified Nursing Technician (CNT) is a healthcare professional who works as part of a medical team in hospitals or long-term care settings to provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses or doctors.

CNTs help provide for the basic needs of their patients and assist nurses in providing specialized care. This includes taking vital signs, providing personal hygiene assistance, checking dressings, ambulating residents and assisting with mobility, documenting activities and observations and many other related functions.

To become certified as a CNT, one must pass an exam and complete approved training courses that focus on general nursing concepts such as infection control, nutrition, anatomy and physiology. In some states, applicants may also be required to complete clinical experience hours before becoming certified.

Generally speaking, certification requirements vary by state but all require completion of high school or equivalent education plus the appropriate postsecondary coursework needed to meet eligibility requirements. In addition, most states require certification from an accredited training program and may have specific guidelines regarding age or criminal background history that must be met prior to obtaining certification.

Depending on individual state requirements for licensure renewal or recertification, continuing education units may be required at various intervals throughout one's career as a CNT. This will typically include completing refresher courses on topics such as safety protocols, medication administration or communication techniques that help maintain competency levels within the field.