Finished your CNA or CMA training but still need to take your state-approved test? You’re not alone.

Many students complete their CNA or CMA training through one school, employer, or training program and then need to find a separate location to complete their certification testing.

That’s where Quality Career Pathways can help.

We offer stand-alone, state-approved CNA testing and CMA testing for individuals who have completed their required training elsewhere or need to renew an expired license. And because we believe students deserve to know exactly what they are paying for, we make our testing costs clear from the beginning.

Need CNA Testing or CMA Testing After Completing Your Training?

Completing your CNA or CMA training is a major accomplishment. But training is only part of the journey.

Depending on your certification, you may also need to successfully complete the required state-approved examination before you can become certified and begin working in your new career.

If your school or training provider does not offer testing, or you completed your training somewhere that does not provide testing, you may need to find a separate testing location.

Quality Career Pathways provides stand-alone testing for students who completed their CNA or CMA training elsewhere.

You don’t have to enroll in another training program just to take your test.

Looking for CNA testing in Omaha?

If you have completed your CNA training and are ready to take your certification exam, Quality Career Pathways can help you take the next step. Or if you need to take your exam to renew your license, you have that too.

Looking for CMA testing in Omaha?

If you have completed your CMA training and need to complete your required testing, we offer stand-alone CMA testing as well.

Our goal is simple: help you get from completed training to certified and ready to work.

Watch Out for Unexpected Testing Fees

One of the things we hear from students is frustration over the cost of certification.

Some training programs advertise a lower tuition price because certain testing or certification fees are not included in the advertised cost. The initial price may look less expensive, but students can discover additional fees later when they are ready to complete their certification.

We don’t believe that is the right way to treat students.

If a student needs to pay an additional fee to complete the certification process, they deserve to know that upfront.

At Quality Career Pathways, we believe in transparent pricing. We want you to understand the full cost of your education and certification before you make a commitment.

No surprises.

No last-minute “you still need to pay for this” moments.

Just straightforward information so you can make an informed decision about your education and career.

Your Success Matters More Than Just Passing a Test

Testing can be stressful.

Even when you know the material, walking into a testing environment and knowing that your career is on the line can create anxiety.

That’s why our approach at Quality Career Pathways is different.

We don’t believe students should feel like a number.

We want to know our students.

We want to understand where you are in your career journey, answer your questions and help you understand what comes next.

Whether you’re taking a CNA test or CMA test after completing your training elsewhere, we’re here to help make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.

Our job isn’t simply to administer a test.

Our goal is to help you succeed.

Already Completed Your CNA or CMA Training? Here’s Your Next Step.

If you’ve already completed your training, you may be closer to your healthcare career than you think.

Your next steps may include:

1. Confirm that you have completed the required training.
2. Determine which certification exam you need to take.
3. Find an approved testing location.
4. Understand the complete cost of testing and certification.
5. Schedule your exam.
6. Prepare and walk into testing day with confidence.

If you’re looking for a testing location in the Omaha area, Quality Career Pathways can help you understand your options and get started.

CNA Testing and CMA Testing Shouldn’t Be Complicated

You’ve already put in the work.

You’ve completed your training. You’ve studied. You’ve learned the skills. You’ve made the decision to pursue a career in healthcare.

Now you need to finish the process.

At Quality Career Pathways, we believe that final step should be as straightforward as possible.

That’s why we provide stand-alone CNA testing and CMA testing for qualified students who completed their training elsewhere. And that’s why we’re upfront about costs and what students can expect.

Because education should be about helping people move forward — not surprising them with unexpected fees along the way.

Ready to Take Your CNA or CMA Test?

If you’ve completed your CNA or CMA training and are ready to take the next step toward certification, Quality Career Pathways is here to help.

You don’t need to start your training over. You just need a place to complete your testing.

Explore our testing options, review the requirements and contact our team with any questions.

Your training is complete. Your next chapter is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions About CNA and CMA Testing

Quality Career Pathways
Healthcare education with a personal approach.

We don’t just want you to complete a course. We want to see you succeed.

If you’ve started researching a career in healthcare, you’ve probably come across a long list of acronyms and job titles—CNA, CMA, LPN, RN, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, BLS, ACLS, and many more. Understanding what each role does and which career path is right for you can quickly become overwhelming.

At Quality Career Pathways, we believe choosing your first healthcare career option is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While we specialize in training Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs), Certified Medication Aides (CMAs), Pharmacy Technicians, and Basic Life Support (BLS) providers, we also want to help you understand the many career options available in healthcare—even those we don’t currently offer.

Whether you’re just graduating from high school, changing careers, or looking to advance in healthcare, this guide will help you compare common healthcare careers, understand the education required, and discover which path best fits your goals.

Healthcare Careers That Start with a Certification

Many people assume becoming a nurse is the only way to begin a healthcare career. In reality, there are several entry-level certifications that allow you to start working in the field much sooner while gaining valuable experience and income.

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) provides hands-on care that helps patients maintain their comfort, dignity, and independence. CNAs are often the healthcare professionals who spend the most time with patients, making them an essential part of every care team.

Common responsibilities include:

• Assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Helping patients walk and transfer safely
• Monitoring vital signs
• Assisting with meals
• Documenting patient observations
• Providing companionship and emotional support

Certified Nurse Aides work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, memory care facilities, home health agencies, and hospice organizations.

For many students, becoming a CNA is the fastest way to enter a healthcare career while building the experience needed for future advancement. Many Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and other healthcare professionals began their careers as CNAs.

Quality Career Pathways proudly offers Certified Nurse Aide training designed to prepare students for certification and long-term career success.

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Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) builds upon CNA skills by safely administering medications under the supervision of licensed nurses in accordance with Nebraska regulations.

Certified Medication Aides commonly work in:

• Assisted living communities
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Memory care communities
• Long-term care centers

Because CMAs have additional responsibilities, many employers actively seek candidates who hold both CNA and CMA certifications.

At Quality Career Pathways, many graduates choose to become dual certified because it makes them more competitive during the hiring process while expanding the types of positions they qualify for.

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Pharmacy Technician

If you’re interested in healthcare but prefer medication management over direct bedside care, becoming a Pharmacy Technician may be an excellent option.

Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists by:

• Preparing prescriptions
• Managing inventory
• Assisting customers
• Processing insurance information
• Maintaining medication records

They work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, specialty pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, and long-term care pharmacies.

Quality Career Pathways offers Pharmacy Technician training that prepares students for this growing healthcare profession.

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Healthcare Careers We Don’t Offer—But You Should Know About

Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about your future. While Quality Career Pathways does not currently offer the following programs, understanding these careers can help you determine whether another healthcare certification may better fit your goals.

Medical Assistant (MA)

Medical Assistants work primarily in physician offices and outpatient clinics. Their responsibilities often include scheduling appointments, taking vital signs, preparing examination rooms, assisting physicians during procedures, and performing administrative tasks.

Medical Assistant vs. Certified Nurse Aide

Although both careers involve patient care, they focus on different environments.

Certified Nurse Aides typically provide hands-on, daily care for patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home healthcare, and long-term care settings. Medical Assistants usually work in clinics and physician offices where patient visits are shorter and administrative responsibilities are greater.

If your goal is to begin working directly with patients as quickly as possible, becoming a Certified Nurse Aide can be an excellent starting point. Many healthcare professionals gain valuable experience as CNAs before deciding whether to pursue Medical Assistant training later in their careers.

QUESTION	CNA	MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Works in hospitals?	Yes	Sometimes
Works in clinics?	Rarely	Yes
Direct patient care?	Extensive	Moderate
Typical training?	Shorter	Longer
Offered at QCP?	Yes	No

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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses provide nursing care under the supervision of Registered Nurses and physicians.

LPN responsibilities often include:

• Administering medications
• Monitoring patient conditions
• Performing wound care
• Collecting laboratory specimens
• Supervising Certified Nurse Aides

Many students choose to become Certified Nurse Aides before applying to LPN programs because the patient care experience helps prepare them for nursing school while strengthening their applications.

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Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses coordinate patient care, develop treatment plans, educate patients, administer medications, and supervise other healthcare professionals.

Becoming an RN requires significantly more education than becoming a CNA or CMA, but many nurses will tell you that working as a Certified Nurse Aide first helped them develop confidence, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of patient care.

Starting with a CNA certification allows many future nurses to earn an income while gaining valuable clinical experience before enrolling in nursing school.

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Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologists prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist surgeons during procedures, and help maintain a sterile environment.

If you enjoy fast-paced environments and are fascinated by surgery, this career may appeal to you. However, many students discover their passion for patient care while working as a CNA before pursuing specialized healthcare careers like surgical technology.

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Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory Therapists specialize in treating patients with breathing disorders such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions.

Like many specialized healthcare careers, becoming a Respiratory Therapist requires additional education. Beginning your healthcare journey as a Certified Nurse Aide provides valuable patient care experience that can help prepare you for advanced clinical programs.

Which Healthcare Certification Is Right for You?

Choosing a career isn’t just about salary or education requirements. It’s also about finding work that matches your interests and strengths.

You may enjoy becoming a Certified Nurse Aide if you:

• Enjoy helping others with hands-on care.
• Want meaningful daily interactions with patients.
• Hope to begin working in healthcare quickly.
• Are considering nursing or another advanced healthcare profession in the future.

You may enjoy becoming a Certified Medication Aide if you:

• Want additional responsibilities beyond CNA duties.
• Enjoy learning about medications.
• Hope to increase your employment opportunities.
• Want to become a stronger candidate for long-term care employers.

You may enjoy becoming a Pharmacy Technician if you:

• Prefer medication management over bedside care.
• Enjoy organization and attention to detail.
• Like working in retail or hospital pharmacy settings.

No matter which path you choose, every healthcare career plays an important role in improving patients’ lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Students Choose Quality Career Pathways

At Quality Career Pathways, earning your certification is only the beginning.

We don’t simply prepare students to pass an exam—we prepare them to build lasting healthcare careers. Through experienced instructors, hands-on training, flexible scheduling, and relationships with healthcare employers throughout the Omaha area, we help students confidently take the next step toward meaningful employment.

Many graduates return to earn additional certifications, allowing them to continue growing professionally while becoming stronger candidates in today’s competitive healthcare job market.

Whether your long-term goal is becoming a Registered Nurse, working in a hospital, joining a home healthcare agency, or serving residents in long-term care, every journey starts with a first step.

If you’re ready to begin a rewarding healthcare career, Quality Career Pathways is here to help you find the certification—and the career path—that’s right for you.

Healthcare professionals spend their days caring for others — comforting patients, supporting families, responding to emergencies, and carrying emotional weight that many people never see.

Whether you’re a nurse, CNA, medication aide, caregiver, or healthcare student, the work can be incredibly meaningful. But it can also be mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Long shifts, emotionally difficult situations, staff shortages, compassion fatigue, and the pressure to always “hold it together” can take a serious toll over time.

The truth is: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Taking care of your mental health is not selfish — it’s an essential part of being able to continue caring for others safely, compassionately, and sustainably.

Why Mental Health Matters in Healthcare

Healthcare workers are constantly exposed to stress.

You may experience:

• Emotional exhaustion
• Anxiety or overwhelm
• Compassion fatigue
• Burnout
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Guilt about taking time for yourself
• Stress from balancing work and personal responsibilities

Many caregivers are so focused on helping others that they ignore their own needs until they reach a breaking point.

Prioritizing your mental wellness helps protect both you and the people who rely on your care.

1. Recognize the Signs of Burnout Early

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly.

Some common warning signs include:

• Constant fatigue, even after resting
• Irritability or emotional detachment
• Dreading work
• Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased anxiety
• Loss of motivation or compassion

Recognizing these signs early allows you to make changes before stress becomes overwhelming.

2. Set Boundaries When Possible

Healthcare workers are natural helpers, which can make it difficult to say no.

But constantly overextending yourself can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.

Healthy boundaries may include:

• Taking your scheduled breaks
• Limiting extra shifts when possible
• Protecting your days off
• Avoiding work-related communication during personal time
• Allowing yourself time to rest without guilt

Rest is productive. Recovery matters.

3. Prioritize Sleep and Physical Health

Mental and physical health are deeply connected.

Healthcare schedules can make healthy routines difficult, but even small improvements can make a major difference.

Try to:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule when possible
• Stay hydrated during shifts
• Eat balanced meals instead of relying only on caffeine
• Move your body regularly, even with short walks or stretching
• Reduce screen time before bed

When your body is depleted, emotional stress becomes harder to manage.

4. Talk to Someone You Trust

Healthcare workers often feel pressure to stay strong for everyone else. But carrying stress alone can become isolating.

Talking with:

• A trusted coworker
• A mentor
• A friend or family member
• A therapist or counselor
• A support group

can help you process difficult experiences in a healthy way.

You do not have to carry every emotional burden by yourself.

5. Learn to Separate Work from Home

This can be one of the hardest challenges in healthcare.

Many nurses and caregivers replay difficult situations long after their shift ends. Over time, this emotional carryover can affect relationships, sleep, and overall well-being.

Some helpful habits include:

• Creating a post-shift routine to mentally decompress
• Listening to music or podcasts during your commute
• Journaling your thoughts
• Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing
• Changing clothes immediately after work as a mental reset

Small rituals can help signal to your brain that the workday is over.

6. Remember That Compassion Includes Yourself

Healthcare workers are often incredibly compassionate toward patients — but very hard on themselves.

You may feel guilty for:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Making mistakes
• Needing rest
• Taking mental health days
• Asking for help

But self-compassion is not weakness.

You are human, too.

Taking care of your mental health allows you to show up more fully for your patients, coworkers, and loved ones.

7. Make Time for Things That Refill You

When work becomes emotionally draining, it’s important to reconnect with things that bring joy and balance.

That could include:

• Spending time with family or friends
• Exercise or outdoor activities
• Creative hobbies
• Reading
• Faith or spirituality
• Music
• Quiet time alone

You deserve a life outside of work.

Healthcare may be your profession, but it should not consume your entire identity.

Mental Health Makes Better Healthcare Possible

Strong healthcare professionals are not the ones who never struggle.

They are the ones who recognize when they need support, take care of themselves, and continue showing up with compassion and resilience.

The work you do matters deeply. Caring for patients, residents, and families is important work — but your health matters too.

Because the best caregivers understand one important truth:

You take better care of others when you also take care of yourself.

Six Simple Self Care Tips

In addition, one of our Premier Partners, Comfort Keepers, has provided these simple acts of self-care that can reduce stress and boost your overall physical and mental health. Try incorporating these simple but effective self-care hacks into your daily routine to reap the benefits and fill up your cup. 

Whatever Tips Or Techniques You Try, We Hope You Take Time For Yourself When You Need It

The 5-Step De-Escalation Process Every Nursing Student Should Know

As a healthcare professional, you may find yourself in a situation where a patient is starting to get irritated. Try these steps to properly deescalate the situation and keep everyone safe.

1. Understand the Signs

Signs of anxiety:

Pacing.

Fidgeting and twitching.

Repeating questions.

Yelling.

Increase in self talk.

No eye contact or covering face.

Signs of frustration:

Talking louder and faster.

Yelling and swearing.

Threatening posture.

Isolation from the group.

2. Think Before You React

Know your own hot buttons.

Imagine a successful intervention where you all “win.”

Ask yourself, “What is the function of the behavior?

Have a coworker try a different approach.

3. Redirect Attention

Bring up a new conversation topic.

Initiate a new or familiar activity.

Redirect to a different room or area.

4. Suggest Activities 

Going for a walk.

Eating.

Talking to family.

Reading a book or listening to music.

5. Focus on Safety

Back off. Give the person space.

Minimize talking. Keep it short and sweet.

Remove vulnerable people.

Identify and remove potential weapons.

Physical restraints should be the last resort and only used when the person is in danger of harming themselves or others.

By using alternative intervention and de-escalation tactics you can prevent a crisis situation and a client or staff injury.

~Information provided by SFM