Why are some CNAs considered licensed and some are considered Certified?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Someone told me that some states the CNAs are actually "licensed" (such as WA) and in some states they are only considered "Certified"...is this true? If so, why are some states different?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We're talking different names for the same thing. Whether a person is certified or licensed, the designation has to be earned, and it can be lost if state-specified standards are violated.

So why the variation in title? It's strictly a preference of each state's legislature and board of nursing. Some states refer to the thing you put on your car (to show that it's registered) as a license plate. Others call them car tags. Same items--different terms.

It's no more complicated than that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes -- it's purely semantics. Same as how some states use LPN (licensed practical nurse) and some use LVN (licensed vocational nurse) -- same role/scope, different language.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment