About Us
About CNA Education
The Council for Nurse Assistant Education (CNAE) was established in January 2025 by Vicky Castillo, MSN, RN, CNE, who brings over 37 years of nursing experience with a specialization in nurse assistant education and certification.
CNAE aims to create a unified, national community of nurse assistant educators, students, and stakeholders. As the only professional association exclusively dedicated to nurse assistant education and certification, CNAE addresses the unique challenges and needs of this essential healthcare profession.
Our mission is to amplify the voice of nurse assistant educators and, by extension, their students, advocating for meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels. We are committed to advancing policies and standards that will elevate the nurse assistant profession, streamline the certification processes, and foster career growth opportunities.
By harnessing our collective expertise, we offer valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network to ensure that nurse assistants receive the education and guidance needed to excel in their roles. Whether you're an educator, a student, or a healthcare professional seeking to advance your career, the Council for Nurse Assistant Education (CNAE) is here to support your journey.
Vicky Castillo, MSN, RN, CNE, is also the founder and CEO of FACETS Healthcare Training facetshealthcare.com a premier platform for national and state-specific nurse aide test preparation. With over 37 years of experience as a nurse and a recognized authority in nurse assistant education and certification, Vicky has dedicated her career to advancing the field.
Establishing the Council for Nurse Assistant Education (CNAE) marks a significant milestone in her mission to elevate the role of nurse assistants and the entire community that supports them. This professional association is dedicated to improving every aspect of their journey—from training and certification to addressing workplace challenges, securing meaningful employment, and exploring career advancement opportunities.
Empowering Educators, Shaping the Future of Healthcare
We are committed to advancing the recognition of nurse assistant educators as a nursing specialty through professional development and nationwide advocacy. We promote excellence in training and certification by providing resources, fostering collaboration, and upholding high standards in education and practice. Additionally, we serve as a platform for legislative reform.
Expertise
We are a trusted hub for nurse assistant education and certification resources, with a strong commitment to high standards and ethical practices.
Resources
As an association dedicated to the specialized needs of nurse assistant education and certification, we provide educators with targeted resources, up-to-date information, and tools.
Network
We are an association dedicated to nurse assistant education and certification, offering a unique network for collaboration, recognition of a specialty field, and support from fellow professionals.
JOIN US GET INVOLVED
Benefits
Membership
By joining our community, you'll benefit from three core pillars of support. Membership and all its benefits are coming soon!
Revitalize
Stay current with the latest educational tools and industry insights to ensure you're always delivering top-quality training.
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Empower
Access resources that enhance your nurse assistant training courses, certification preparation, and keep you up to date on the latest nurse assistant education trends.
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Master
Discover opportunities to lead, mentor, and advance in your field as a nurse assistant educator through leadership training and educator certification programs.
Advocacy and Representation
At the Council for Nurse Assistant Education, (CNAE) we are committed to advocating for policies that directly impact nurse assistants and educators across the country. One of our key advocacy initiatives is the separation of OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987) from nurse assistant training and certification.
Below are two key regulatory resources for nurse assistants:
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42
Congress.gov H.R.3545 - Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987
The OBRA law, which has remained largely unchanged for nearly 38 years since its enactment in 1987, imposes unnecessary barriers that hinder the growth and modernization of nurse assistant education and certification. By advocating for its separation from nurse assistant training and certification, we aim to update and streamline the process, while also addressing the critical shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in the workforce. This will ensure that nurse assistants receive training that is better aligned with current healthcare practices and the evolving needs of patient care.
We believe a united and informed community is the most powerful tool for creating lasting change. That’s why we invite you to join our movement and become an active part of shaping the future of nurse assistant education. Together, we can influence policies at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for nurse assistants and the educators who support them.
Benefits
Get Involved!
By working together, we can achieve our mission!
Sign the Petition Here to show your support for our cause.
Join our Online Courses
Join us to learn more about policy changes and advocacy efforts affecting nurse assistant certification.
Join Our Team of Advocates
We’re always looking for passionate individuals to help us drive our mission forward. If you’re interested in becoming an advocate or contributing to our efforts, contact Vicky Castillo MSN, RN/CEO, at info@cnaeducation.org
Spread the Word
Share our petition and advocacy initiatives with your network to help us gain more support.
Events & News
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3. Shifting Roles: Preparing for the Nurse Assistant Educator Journey
This course is designed for nurses transitioning from bedside practice or other nursing roles into teaching in Nurse Assistant Training Programs (NATPs). It equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively in their new role.
Price: TBD
Arriving Soon
2. ADA Accommodations in Nurse Assistant Education
This course provides an overview of legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and their application in nurse assistant training and certification exams. The course equips educators with strategies to recognize, implement, and support accommodations throughout the continuum of instruction, the state certification exam, and the role of the test vendor (credentialing entity).
Pricing: TBD
Arriving Soon
1. Nurse Assistant Educator Foundations
This course prepares educators to teach in Nurse Assistant Training Programs (NATP). The course equips educators with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate curricula that are engaging, compliant with regulatory standards, and learner-centered across classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
Price: $299
Arriving Soon
By: Christine Thompson, MSN Ed., RN & Vicky Castillo, MSN, RN, CNE
Course 6 Coming Soon!
Subscribe to our Newsletter for more information!
Course 5 Coming Soon!
Subscribe to our Newsletter for more information!
4. Teaching Strategies for Nurse Assistant Educators: Theory, Lab, and Clinical
This course explores effective instructional methods for classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings, equipping educators with practical approaches to engage learners, foster skill development, and promote course success.
Price: TBD
Arriving Soon
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