Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Provide hands-on patient care, assist with daily living activities, and monitor vital signs under nurse supervision.
| Median Salary | $39,430 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +4%Good |
| Education | Postsecondary Certificate |
| Time to Start | 4-12 weeks |
Work Settings
- •Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities
- •Hospitals
- •Assisted living facilities
- •Home health agencies
- •Rehabilitation centers
- •Residential care facilities
Primary Duties
- •Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting
- •Monitor and record vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates
- •Help patients with mobility tasks including repositioning in bed, walking, and transferring between bed and wheelchair
- •Observe and report changes in patients' physical or mental condition to supervising nurses
- •Provide emotional support and companionship to patients and residents
- •Follow infection control protocols and maintain a clean, safe patient environment
- •Document patient care activities and observations in medical records
- •Assist with patient admission, transfer, and discharge procedures
How to Become Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Complete prerequisites and health clearances
Research programs, gather documents, complete background check, drug screening, physical exam, immunizations, and TB test
Duration: 24 months
Complete state-approved CNA training program
Includes classroom instruction and minimum 16 hours of supervised clinical practice; duration varies by program type (accelerated, full-time, or part-time)
Duration: 24 months
Schedule and prepare for competency exam
Schedule state exam, study for written test, and practice clinical skills
Duration: 24 months
Take state certification exam
Two-part exam: written/oral knowledge test and hands-on clinical skills demonstration
Duration: 24 months
Receive results and registry posting
Wait for exam results and official posting to state Nurse Aide Registry
Duration: 24 months
Job search and employment onboarding
Apply for positions, interview, and complete new hire orientation (can begin during training)
Duration: 24 months
Continuing Education
To maintain active CNA certification, you must renew your status periodically, typically every two years. Renewal requirements vary by state but generally involve completing a specific number of continuing education (CE) hours and verifying paid work experience as a CNA during the renewal period. Many CNAs pursue additional certifications in specialized areas such as medication administration or restorative care to increase their earning potential and expand their skill set.
Certifications & Licenses
- •State CNA Certification (required - obtained by passing state competency exam)
- •CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (typically required by employers)
- •Medication Aide certification (optional specialization)
- •Restorative Aide certification (optional specialization)
Citations
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