Who Hires CNAs? Understanding Your Career Options

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) opens the door to a range of meaningful job opportunities. Whether you're just certified or seeking a change, knowing who hires CNAs helps shape your next steps. From large hospitals to home care settings, CNAs are in demand across many healthcare environments. Each employer type offers different work styles, responsibilities, and growth paths. This guide walks you through the most common CNA employment settings so you can find the right fit. Whether you’re looking for structure, flexibility, or patient-focused care, there’s a place for your skills and dedication. Let’s explore the top options available to CNAs today.

Hospitals and Clinics

Hospitals are among the most recognized employers for CNAs. In these fast-paced environments, CNAs assist with basic patient care, monitor vital signs, and support nursing staff. Working in a hospital offers exposure to a wide variety of medical conditions and patient types. It’s a great place to develop skills and gain experience in different departments. CNAs in hospitals often work alongside nurses and doctors, which can be helpful for those considering further healthcare education. Clinics also employ CNAs, but usually at a slower pace. In outpatient clinics, you may prep rooms, check in patients, or assist with procedures. Both settings offer valuable training grounds and growth potential.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide short-term care for patients recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. CNAs here help residents regain strength through daily support and rehabilitation assistance. These roles are active and hands-on, with a focus on functional recovery. CNAs track progress and report changes to the nursing team. If you enjoy seeing patient progress over time, this setting can be very rewarding. SNFs also provide more structure and consistent routines than hospitals. Shifts often include personal care tasks, mobility support, and helping patients with meals and hygiene. Many new CNAs begin their careers in these facilities due to the high demand for staffing.

Long-Term Care Homes

Long-term care homes are also known as nursing homes or convalescent homes. These facilities house elderly residents who require ongoing support. CNAs become integral to daily life, helping with bathing, dressing, and emotional support. Relationships with residents often grow deeper here due to consistent, long-term care. Unlike in short-stay facilities, CNAs get to know residents’ habits and preferences. This personal connection makes the work meaningful but emotionally challenging at times. Long-term care homes also emphasize teamwork, as CNAs often coordinate with nurses, therapists, and social workers. If you value consistency and relationship-building, this is a strong career path to consider.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities offer another option for CNAs who enjoy working with older adults. These residents typically need less care than those in nursing homes. CNAs help with medication reminders, hygiene, and mobility support. The work is often less intense than in hospitals or long-term care facilities. However, CNAs still play a key role in maintaining residents' independence. Assisted living communities tend to be quieter and more residential in feel. Schedules may be more flexible, and workloads slightly lighter. CNAs here are often seen as trusted companions as much as caregivers. It’s a great setting if you prefer a calmer, home-like environment.

Hospice and Palliative Care

CNAs in hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and dignity at the end of life. These roles require deep empathy, patience, and emotional strength. CNAs help with personal care, repositioning, and providing a soothing presence for patients and families. Work can take place in private homes, hospice centers, or within hospitals. Unlike other CNA roles, the emphasis is on comfort rather than recovery. For many CNAs, this work feels like a calling. It can be emotionally intense, but also deeply fulfilling. Hospice CNAs form meaningful connections with patients and families during a vulnerable time. Specialized training in this field is often provided.

Rehabilitation Centers

Rehabilitation centers are ideal for CNAs interested in helping patients recover from injuries or surgeries. Patients often stay for weeks or months while regaining strength. CNAs assist with mobility exercises, bathing, feeding, and motivation. Rehab work can feel more upbeat, as many patients improve quickly. You'll often celebrate small victories—like someone walking again or regaining independence. This setting requires physical stamina and a positive attitude. CNAs also learn a lot from therapists and nurses, which adds to your skill set. If you enjoy teamwork and watching progress unfold, rehab centers offer a vibrant and hopeful work atmosphere.

Adult Day Health Programs

Adult day health programs support individuals who live at home but need daytime care. CNAs here work daytime hours, helping clients with medications, hygiene, and light exercise. The role is often social, with games, meals, and group activities filling the schedule. Many CNAs enjoy this setting for its regular hours and community feel. The pace is often more relaxed compared to hospitals. If you prefer not to work nights or weekends, adult day centers can offer a family-friendly schedule. You’ll still be doing essential caregiving but with a lighter physical demand. It’s an excellent option for CNAs seeking better work-life balance.

Home Healthcare Agencies

Working with a home healthcare agency means visiting clients in their homes. CNAs help with bathing, dressing, meal prep, and mobility support. Home care offers high levels of flexibility and autonomy. You typically work one-on-one, which builds strong bonds with clients. Schedules can often be adjusted to fit personal availability. However, you may travel between homes and work alone, which requires self-motivation and good time management. Many CNAs appreciate the independence and deeper patient relationships that come with home care. It’s a great choice for CNAs who value flexibility and want to make a direct impact in someone’s daily life.

Government and VA Facilities

Government-run healthcare facilities, including Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, also hire CNAs. These roles offer stability, good benefits, and structured hours. CNAs here serve veterans, often with complex medical histories. Working in a VA hospital or clinic provides specialized experience and the chance to support those who served. You may also find CNA jobs in correctional healthcare, public health programs, and state hospitals. These roles are less common but offer excellent long-term benefits and unique challenges. Government roles are ideal for CNAs looking for a secure position with room to grow. They often include retirement plans, training programs, and consistent scheduling.

CNA Roles in Specialty Practices

Specialty practices like dermatology, orthopedics, or pediatrics sometimes employ CNAs. These positions involve assisting doctors, preparing rooms, and supporting patients during visits. While less physically demanding, they require strong communication and organizational skills. CNAs in these roles often work regular weekday hours and get to know their patients well. It’s a good fit if you enjoy a more administrative or technical aspect of healthcare. These jobs are not always advertised widely, so networking and direct applications help. Specialty clinics offer a different kind of fulfillment, focusing on consistency and niche care. It’s another way CNAs can customize their careers.

 

Certified Nursing Assistants are the backbone of hands-on healthcare. From hospitals to home settings, the demand for skilled, compassionate CNAs continues to grow. Each job setting offers unique benefits and challenges. Whether you thrive in fast-paced environments or prefer personal connections in home care, there’s a role that fits your strengths. Knowing your career options helps you plan your path, grow your skills, and find the right employer. Explore different workplaces, stay open to learning, and you’ll build a rewarding career that makes a lasting difference. Your CNA journey starts with understanding where you belong—and there’s no shortage of places ready to welcome you.